Dynaudio - audition needed!

[AmK]

I am considering Dynaudios for my two-channel system (Focus 360, Contour S3.4 or Confidence C1).

All have great reviews - but given the relatively expensive pricing, I need to listen to them before making my decision.

The dealer in India is quite unresponsive.

If any owners are reading this, would really appreciate if I could come over and listen to these speakers.

I live in Mumbai, and currently have the PSB Synchrony One/NAD Pre-Power/Oppo combination.

 

[aashish351]

Have you contacted this person:

Rahul Singh
Vice President Sales
Imagine Technologies LLC
Building 4, Suite 202
EMAAR Business Park
PO Box 75821
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 (4) 3689568
Fax: +971(4) 3689569
Cell:+91 99581 33222, +971 559962422
E-mail: [email protected]
www: Bespoke/Custom Automation and Entertainment Solutions for Residential, Hospitality and Commercial Environments
skype: rahul.imagine

 

[Ash]

You may call him on 09958133222.
I spoke with him in Jan.
Sent me a quote for the Excite X32 and said a demo was possible in Mumbai. When I asked for a demo, I didn't get a response thereafter.
Try again, you may be luckier than I was.

 

[Ash]

BTW if you can arrange for a demo in Mumbai pls let me know. Would like to come along it its not a bother.

 

[AmK]

Hi guys,

thanks for your inputs.

I did get in touch with Imagine Technologies. Their response time and service level is very low - almost disinterested in doing business. Furthermore, their pricing was almost double of prices I have seen on the net. While I understanding the importing speakers into India demands a premium, but 200% premium is quite absurd.

Therefore, I've decided that I will have to source these speakers on my own.

Would be great if we could audition Dynaudios in India - it is such a respected brand worldwide. Almost a pity that the Indian dealer is so passive about the business.

I heard the Focus 360s and Contour 3.4 at a dealer in Bangkok - they sounded good, but I could not do an extensive demo.

The Confidence C1s are the ones I am looking at very keenly

 

[sidvee]

The Confidence C1s are the ones I am looking at very keenly

I have done a bit of research on the C1's. Used on A'gon - average price $4000 - $4500 a pair. Unfortunately very few will ship overseas. Another option find a pair in SE Asia, usually Non US sellers will ship international, but if you do find a seller willing to ship from the US then here are some further numbers.
DHL, UPS, Fedex shipping for these - approx $1000 - $1200.
Customs - not sure, but figure 30% of declared price on the higher side - approx $1500. Make sure that No reference is made to the speakers as Used in any paperwork.
So for about $7200 you can have them delivered to your home.
Another option, IMO the better one, travel to US and buy a used pair off of A'gon, and bring them back as checked in luggage.
Of-course, one can just buy new as well - I think they are retailing at $7000. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[AmK]

Thanks Sidvee!

Those are some very helpful comments.

Is there a reason you mentioned that no reference of "USED" should be mentioned on the paperwork?

Have you had experience with checking-in speakers as luggage? What is the approximate cost that the airlines will charge? Do the speakers hold up well in airline transit? On what basis will the customs at mumbai airport charge duty?

Lastly, have you listened to the C1s? Would love to get your impression of how they sound?

I am thinking of pairing them with VTL 5.5 preamp + Rogue Audio M150 monoblocks. Took this from the review of the C1s on "positive feedback".

 

[sidvee]

Is there a reason you mentioned that no reference of "USED" should be mentioned on the paperwork?

From what I gather customs frown upon importing used stuff to India. Not sure if it is banned or not. Whatever stuff I have imported I always made sure that the invoice stated new.

Have you had experience with checking-in speakers as luggage? What is the approximate cost that the airlines will charge? Do the speakers hold up well in airline transit? On what basis will the customs at mumbai airport charge duty?

Last time I bought in speakers it was as unaccompanied baggage as the speakers were too big for check in, which I collected after arrival. For check in bags most airlines have restrictions on size, but I think C1's should fit. I used a clearing agent at the hyderabad airport. Speakers arrived fine. I paid approx. 15% duty (probably because I used a clearing agent). The air freight charges from Malaysia to Hyderabad were $375. I would assume it would be higher from NA or Europe, but not too sure. Regardless if the speakers fit in check in, then you dont have to worry about it. Maybe excess weight charges will be what you will end up paying at most.

Lastly, have you listened to the C1s? Would love to get your impression of how they sound?

I have not done any critical listening to the C1's, though I have had casual listening sessions at audio shows etc and I found them to be very good. One thing I noted, they have to be placed well into the room otherwise they can exaggerate the low frequencies. Also most Dyn's thrive on high current amplification.

Cheers,
Sid

 

[square_wave]

The psb / nad combination is a well thought out one.

Keep in mind that once you buy the C1, you will need to rethink the entire chain again.

 

[Adi30]

Hi Sidvee,

I have Dynaudio Focus 220 and am still looking for a proper amp to get the best out of them. Any suggestions.

Regards

Arvind

From what I gather customs frown upon importing used stuff to India. Not sure if it is banned or not. Whatever stuff I have imported I always made sure that the invoice stated new.

Last time I bought in speakers it was as unaccompanied baggage as the speakers were too big for check in, which I collected after arrival. For check in bags most airlines have restrictions on size, but I think C1's should fit. I used a clearing agent at the hyderabad airport. Speakers arrived fine. I paid approx. 15% duty (probably because I used a clearing agent). The air freight charges from Malaysia to Hyderabad were $375. I would assume it would be higher from NA or Europe, but not too sure. Regardless if the speakers fit in check in, then you dont have to worry about it. Maybe excess weight charges will be what you will end up paying at most.


I have not done any critical listening to the C1's, though I have had casual listening sessions at audio shows etc and I found them to be very good. One thing I noted, they have to be placed well into the room otherwise they can exaggerate the low frequencies. Also most Dyn's thrive on high current amplification.

Cheers,
Sid

 

[sidvee]

Hi Sidvee,

I have Dynaudio Focus 220 and am still looking for a proper amp to get the best out of them. Any suggestions.

Regards

Arvind

Arvind - It would depend on your budget. In the past I have preferred amps. that sound a touch warm to pair with Dynaudio, specifically the Focus 110 that I have (which may have the same tweeter as your 220). Odyssey amps. paired very well. Also used Classe, Parasound, Bel canto & Musical fidelity, but odyssey IMo seemed to have the best synergy.
If budget is not a concern/or you are looking at higher budget then amps. like pass labs xa series, symphonic line and even the plinius class A would work very well.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[AmK]

Thanks Sidvee...your comments are very insightful

I agree..the Dyn's would work well with warmer sounding components.

Therefore, I've decided to go the tube route.

Have you had any experience with Rogue Audio and VTL? Their monoblocks and preamps seem to have enough energy to drive the Dynaudios.

 

[mclaren1885]

Have you tried www.globaleasybuy.com that redirects you to ebay.in?

Search for Dynaudio and it will show you a listing of all the products.

If you like something, then pay for it and get it shipped.

The listing price includes shipping + customs and is what you will have to pay for the stuff landed at your door step.

If the package comes damaged, you could always ask ebay to stop the payment and have it returned back to you.

I've recently ordered a few stuff from GEB thru Ebay and awaiting my package. Also, a few friends are regularly order from GEB and all have nothing but great reviews to share

 

[sidvee]

Thanks Sidvee...your comments are very insightful

I agree..the Dyn's would work well with warmer sounding components.

Therefore, I've decided to go the tube route.

Have you had any experience with Rogue Audio and VTL? Their monoblocks and preamps seem to have enough energy to drive the Dynaudios.

I have not owned Rogue or VTL, have heard them in shows only. They sounded nice. I, however used Quicksilver extensively for the past 10 years, went through 3 models and currently have the mid monos. Using these with KT90 driver tubes for about 60 watts output power a-piece, my focus 110's sounded good but not great, even in a smallish room. So IMO, I am pretty sure that the dyn's need more power. So plan accordingly if you are planning to go the tube route.
Cheers,
Sid