Thread: NEW Contour LE

Dynaudio Blog - All there is.

Answering customer demand, Dynaudio presented two updated models of the world renowned Contour series which are now available in new noble real wood surfaces: the Contour S 3.4 LE and Contour S 1.4 LE. The Limited Edition Contour LE models will be available in high gloss Bubinga, Mocca, or Oiled Natural Walnut finishes. The LE Contour models will be available for a limited time, and feature updated tweeters, crossovers and upgraded internal wiring.

"Answering customer demand"; I think they mean me!

I went up, the whole stand-mount chain; Focus 140s, Contour S1.4s, Special 25s, and Confidence C1 Sigs. It's the Contour, that has me wondering if a re-visit is in order.

Don't get me wrong; the C1 was significantly "better". But the Contour...at like a third the price, was a tremendous value.

And while I liked, it's slightly warm and "dark" presentation; I think a re-fresh...like Dyn gave the Focus line (the reports are, they were slightly tipped-up...versus your traditional Dyn house sound)...would be just what the doctor ordered.

And I've been saying so...for a few years now!! What I can't figure...is how Dyn can update the in-its-infancy Xeo; before the decade-old Contour? Is it because sales are down...and/or, it's crowding its place in the line-up; or sales are just fine...so they don't want to fix, what ain't broke??

So..who's heard 'em; and/or, has a pre-order already!?

Are the changes purely cosmetic; or are these a zippier version, of the venerable model??

I love Dynaudio speakers and have been a fan since the first pairs I heard. My first real speakers were my Audience 82s. I also have the 42s and 122c for HT.
What I can't figure out is why they wont make them easier to drive. The plain 1.4s are 85db @4ohms, not the easiest to get full potential out of unless you have a higher quality/power amp. I am always amazed how the 42s can sound for such a small speaker in a 2ch setup.

What would be the minimum suggested Power Amp to drive the 1.4s properly?

Originally Posted by Shadowfax

I love Dynaudio speakers and have been a fan since the first pairs I heard. My first real speakers were my Audience 82s. I also have the 42s and 122c for HT.
What I can't figure out is why they wont make them easier to drive. The plain 1.4s are 85db @4ohms, not the easiest to get full potential out of unless you have a higher quality/power amp. I am always amazed how the 42s can sound for such a small speaker in a 2ch setup.

What would be the minimum suggested Power Amp to drive the 1.4s properly?

Brian...theory among the Dyn fans; is the big bass they achieve for their size, and the need for big power...go hand in hand. That the drivers, are very stiff (which also contributes to significant break-in)...and the excursion very long/deep.

But...the contention is also, that it's not necessarily the most power, that throws them around nicely; but it's current. Now...they are often one in the same; more power, nets you more driver-moving current. But not always.

Many owners, report good/great results...with modest-watt tube units (it has been my experience, anyway...that glass, always sounds like more power, than it's rated to produce); and kit like Naim (who's 5i for example...is rated at a mere 50wpc; but supposedly has 500wpc in headroom).

Very nice Chris. I loved my C1 Sigs but they needed a little juice to wake up. Late night, low level listening was a little flat but once you got past a certain volume, WOW! They were stunning.

Welcome to the forum amatuerholic! Thank you for joining.

Originally Posted by amatuerholic

Just joined thanks to CD. Where does it say that the 5i has been rated up to 500wpc peak?

Those new Countours are pretty, but I'd still be tempted to go after some used C1 sigs before I picked up a pair of these.

A big welcome AH!

The Naim claim...no pun intended; used to be part of their stock lit, on the 5i. Looks like they've removed it, for the recently updated 5si; but the specs are still the same...and I've seen it repeated, in reviews and lit from Naim dealers (just Google).

Now...keep in mind, what it is: that's 500w, in short bursts...at 1ohm. It's a bit of marketing hype, IMO; but it does speak to the Naim's supposed headroom.

For the record...I was always curious, about Naim; as the fans, are fanatics alright. I was going to wade-in, with a 5i...but the Naim guys, urged me that the XS-2 was a BIG step up.

Well...IDK if it was the hype, or expectations; but it left me pretty underwhelmed. I never put down anyone else's kit; and to be fair...this was back, when I was most definitely, more into the BIG BALLS sound...lol. So...I might appreciate it more these days. I also tried a Rega Elicit, around the same time; and preferred it...though it was a little too laid-back for my tastes (again, at the time) as well.

Based on that...I would love, to hear the updated Elicit-R! Rumor is...it has definitely been tipped-up a bit; so that would give it perfect balance, if memory serves.

As for S1.4LEs v. C1 Sigs; all things being equal, that's a no-brainer (though, in my experience...the Contour would actually work better, in a small space. I think C1s, need some room...to really get out and run). But...I doubt, all things are equal...lol. "Stock" S1.4s, are $3500; C1 Sigs, are $9k (if memory serves).

I'm sure LEs are going to be pricier; but more than double? I don't think so.

Of course, that remians...one of the un-answered questions, about the LE line; what exactly was done...and what does it cost??

Just got a reply from a dealer. They're saying October (happens to be, when me birthday is! )

Trying to ascertain a price now. Will update if I get something.

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Just got a reply from a dealer. They're saying October (happens to be, when me birthday is! )

Trying to ascertain a price now. Will update if I get something.

You heard it here first; I have some juicy details (finally)...on the LE release:

I'm being told MSRP will be $4,250. I don't think $750, over stock...for updated tweeter, updated cross-over, upgraded wiring; and special, upgraded finishes...is bad at all.

Here are some detailed particulars, of the changes-

• The tweeters are crafted with the Precision Coating for a finer, more uniform fabric dome and dome coating
  
• Upgraded internal wiring with high-grade OFC copper cable
• Crossover upgraded with special Thin Film Ceramic Resistor in the high frequency section, as first utilized in the Consequence Ultimate and Confidence Signature models
  

OK; but what does all of that really mean, as far as the sound?

"The combination of the Precision Coating of the Contour tweeter, the upgraded internal wiring and the Thin Film Ceramic Resistor in the crossover provide the Contour S 1.4 LE and Contour S 3.4 LE with a more refined, clearer and even more finely detailed sonic performance, especially in the upper midrange and at higher frequencies, as compared to the standard models".

BINGO!

Now...some bad news; at least AFAIC. In this picture...



I was under the impression, that speaker was an ALL BLACK...stealthy-looking, beauty. It's a p-optical illusion.

That's actually just a dark shadow; on the Gloss Mocha. There will be no, Black on Black.

Oh...there's a Gloss Black alright; it's just it comes, with a Stainless Steel baffle.

Don't get me wrong; that sounds cool as sh*t too! I'm just a fan, of Black/Black/Black (the mount is also Black )

Here are some pix...



One last thing; the S3.4LE, is projected to be $7,850.

Very exciting. I LOVE the s1.4s. I'm very interested. I bet they have these playing at RMAF!

Im confused about the finish though. The press release said nothing about a black version with stainless baffle but that does look like a pair in the pic.

Originally Posted by jaxwired

Very exciting. I LOVE the s1.4s. I'm very interested. I bet they have these playing at RMAF!

Im confused about the finish though. The press release said nothing about a black version with stainless baffle but that does look like a pair in the pic.

You questioning, the veracity of my reconnaissance?

Another blurb...

Dynaudio previewed a Limited Edition version of the Contour S 1.4 and Contour S 3.4 models at the 2014 HIGH END Show in Munich. The Limited Edition Contour Contour S1.4 and S3.4 loudspeakers will be available in four optional finishes:

High Gloss Bubinga

High Gloss Mocca

Walnut Special

High Gloss Piano Lacquer*
* with Stainless Steel Baffle

My feeling is, the Gloss Black/Stainless combo...will be limited, and highly sought after (for example...the dealer who gave me this info; said he was getting Bubinga and Mocca...but no Black/Stainless). If you think you might want a pair; I'd start putting deposits down NOW!

Originally Posted by catmonv

CD, any new gear you have/had tested? I miss your posts on the other forum. It is dry over there since you got clamped down

Thanks CMV; but let's be clear, lest the Sharks misunderstand their new Mod

I left willingly, to teach the over-zealous OT police...a lesson. No audiophile, lives by one brand alone!

Newest/latest: Oppo HA-1 DAC (in the Main rig)...and a sweet, little Carver VTA-20S (aka Black Magic) with single-driver, 96db Omega A8s.

The Contour LE upgrade looks to be the same as the C1 MKII/Sig upgrade. Maybe they waited to release the LE after the C1 Platinum to justify the cost and keep the cost difference proportional. Although with all the rapid upgrades I hope it doesn't hurt the overall value of Dynaudio speakers in general.

I heard an investment group is part minority owner now and that may be why all the upgrades????? Hope that's wrong because Dynaudio is a great value. Too many minor changes, too fast especially cosmetic could really hurt the value IMO

Welcome to the forum audionirvana!

What's you first name?

As long as we are nice to each other (treat everyone with respect), don't discuss politics and religion, it's all good. We learn by sharing information and talking about it all. Chris has a better handle on Dynaudio. I had C1 Sigs and loved them at medium to high volume. They were amazing. At low volume, they were a little flat.

Welcome AudioNirvana! I didn't realize it was "you"...because you changed your handle, from that other board.

As is to be expected...the rumors are flying, on this LE release. My info is from a reliable source; but...a) is by no means "definitive", and b) can be subject to "interpretation" (mostly, I'm talking about price quoted. My "source" told me, what I posted. If your "guy", tells you more or less; he might be building in a discount...or premium...for you personally, lol)

But I'm with Bill on this one; I can almost guarantee, the Esotar2...won't be in the 1.4LE, based on that price. I've heard a rumor, the 3.4LE will have it; but I think that's probably speculation...based on the fact, that the 5.4 has it (and the 3.4, is kind of the top of the LE chain).

But I think Dyn would have shouted about it, if true; and the talk, has always only been...about a new coating.

Hmm...just heard a second person; claim an Esotar2, will be in the 3.4LE. That changes EVERYTHING; and would be a pretty intriguing, mid-sized floor-stander.

I'm going to go back to my source...and maybe hit another one; to try and confirm, one way or another.

Originally Posted by octadyndude

The Contour LE upgrade looks to be the same as the C1 MKII/Sig upgrade. Maybe they waited to release the LE after the C1 Platinum to justify the cost and keep the cost difference proportional. Although with all the rapid upgrades I hope it doesn't hurt the overall value of Dynaudio speakers in general.

I heard an investment group is part minority owner now and that may be why all the upgrades????? Hope that's wrong because Dynaudio is a great value. Too many minor changes, too fast especially cosmetic could really hurt the value IMO

And I read on another site Dynaudio may be for sale, what the CR@P! This like this makes me nervous, remember Thiel?

On the LE product, like I stated on another forum, this S3.4LE is a product Dyn should have had a long time ago. The S3.4LE is in essence a floor standing C1. I think Dynaudio is going to be shocked at how well it sells.

Welcome to the forum wgerman! Thank you for joining.

Thanks Garnet!

Originally Posted by audionirvana

joe:

Garnet

CD Hopefully the price will not go up that much as the Esotar2 are about 600 bucks each minus the price of the Esotec, at the price you listed I would rather buy the S5.4 or Confidence C1s.....

Originally Posted by wgerman

And I read on another site Dynaudio may be for sale, what the CR@P! This like this makes me nervous, remember Thiel?

I heard that an investment group now owns 49% of Dynaudio BUT Wilfred has 51% so he makes all the final decisions. That was around the time Dyn was hinting at the new Excite or Xeo series. I don't remember where I heard/read that by I personally came to the conclusion that since Wilfred has the final word that's good enough for me up to point. What I mean is they keep making minor cosmetic changes every year or so it will IMO kill the Value that Dyn's are known for.

Where did you read they might be for sale and what date was it put out?

I have never read anything official regarding the investors. But it would make sense with all the rapid product changes. As long as the sound only gets better and the quality remains or gets better it isn't a problem. Unless the price goes up too much.

Garnet...you're saying you were told, the 3.4 will have an Esotar2? My source, re-iterated...he didn't think so; and I'm waiting to hear, from a second.

I'd be tempted, to try a 3.4LE with an Esotar2; but I think you're right...at ~$7500-8k...lots of other good choices, even within the Dyn line-up. Plus...with limited availability, and likely high demand; there will be no (aggressive) discounts to be had.

I still think, they need to make this

That's a 1.5, or 2.5 my man; 3-way!!

Originally Posted by audionirvana

My source is the Marketing manager and he hasn't specifically addressed what has been done to them yet internally. I just sent him a question about the tweeters. He did state they would have a limited allocation, it will be interesting to see if the Esotar makes it into the S3.4s or S1.4s. The S5.4s already has the the Esotar2 along with the SCX Center Channel which I currently have.

Yeah; I have to admit...I'm not a fan of their marketing. At least of late.

It seems most of it, has been shrouded in a bit of mystery. They do the BIG countdowns; and they reveal little pieces of the puzzle. But what was the Platinum "upgrade"; cosmetic or internal? Then...they promise something "revolutionary"; and Xeo upgrade? Puh-lese

Now...we can't get a straight answer, on the LE. I understand building anticipation...and I understand playing your cards, close to the vest before a launch. But I'm starting to wonder, what they're asking you to pay for? Is it...some new finishes? different wiring? updated caps and resistors on the XO? new tweeter...or just a coat-over?

Even dealers, are contradicting one another. Is it just too early...are we being too impatient; or do they need to be more transparent here?

Originally Posted by audionirvana

CD: I am with you on that, the Platinum was cosmetic the Original C2-C2 MK II and C1-C1 MKII was a minimal upgrade at best, I have come to the conclusion when you have some thing good don't change it. I am currently listening to my C2s with a upgraded Chiro Amp and the Emotiva DC-1 and I am very pleased on what I am hearing and the equipment I am using is my back up system. I will most likely keep my C2s as a upgrade to this will be expensive with minimal gains, maybe nicer finish but with very little audible gain from what I have heard. I will keep my Maggies and KEFs and most likely buy another Dynaudio Monitor if they every come up one at a reasonable cost, the last one that I loved for the money was the Contour 1.3SE. They make a great products, no doubt, but not much has changed verses the new Focus coming into play and the XEO line. If they slapped the Esotar2 into the S1.4 I would be all over them if the price was right.

Here is a question: What is the XEO, is it a Focus speaker with power and the ability to do wireless or is it a Excite speaker with power etc... Curious on this one....

I would call the upgrade from the original to the MKII/Sig a significant upgrade. Re-designed crossover and upgrade to the internal wiring is significant and the new coating on the tweeter minor IMO. With the originals you really had to crank them to very high levels to get the clarity out of them. It is the only speaker I have heard to date that sounded better and clearer as you turned them up. With the MKII/Sig they sounded OK at low levels but once you got them up to a mid level and beyond they sounded great and didn't get better like the originals. I mean the clarity was only there when you turned the originals up to max. Maybe because I don't listen loud very often I could hear that easier than others.

The Xeo is wireless Excite speaker

Couple of thoughts G.

Again...I'm not crazy about Dyn's transparency; or lack thereof. I know back when we had contact, with someone from inside the organization (name withheld, to protect the innocent...lol); we used to ask, like "is the driver in this speaker...any different from that speaker". Because to look at them...often times, they would look one in the same.

The story we always got was "each driver, is crafted to that particular model". OK...I'm certainly not calling them "liars"; but...there's marketing, and there's mar-ket-ing, lol. Now...all the issues, we've covered; it just makes me question where the value lies. That's not to say Dyns are over-priced; just...is the Platinum, really "worth" more. Is the MkII, over the MkI; and...is the LE? If we don't know, what the real changes are...how are we suppose to surmise?

Also...that is a good point, about the Xeo. The "MkI"...looked like Excite X-12s, and X-32s. In fact...speculation was; when they started producing the new Excites...that's what they did with the NOS. I'm not trying to make unfounded accusations; it just goes to my point, they could do a better job of sharing info.

But...they have a pretty loyal/blind following; which is starting to show. IMO, you won't see a S1.4 with an Esotar2; wouldn't be very far removed, from a C1 if it were. OK...better cabinet maybe; but what would you have to price the S1.4 at...that people wouldn't think twice about buying it, instead of the C1. That's a little confusing

What I'm trying to say is..."stock" 1.4s, are $3500 currently. If you stuck an Esotar2 in it, and raised the price by $1,000; wouldn't you buy it...at $4500...instead of an $8500-9k C1? So...they'd either have to price it, so high; that it's not a no-brainer. Or...not do it at all, which is my contention.

BTW...you mentioned you had 1.3SEs? Always wanted to try a pair...as it seems to be, a "baby" Special 25 to me. But...and please, don't spill the beans just yet; I just jumped back into the Dyn club...by picking-up a pair of 1.3 MkIIs.

I know SEs are the ones to own; but I haven't seen them, in quite some time. These popped-up, and the time and price was right. Ever heard them; have any thoughts, as compared to the (highly-regarded) SEs?

Here's my take, IF the LE version of the s1.4 is truly a notch more transparent it may well be THE dynaudio to buy. I owned the s1.4 and loved it, but it was darker and a bit less transparent than the C1 or even the new focus 160 which sells for less. But the s1.4 has superior bass performance than either the c1 or the 160 IMO. So if you increased transparency a smidge I think you're potentially looking at the star of the dyn lineup.

Originally Posted by audionirvana

Nice to see you have a pair again.... I would like to try another monitor by Dynaudio and I am sure I will pick up a pair soon, it could be the DM series as they are less expensive cabinets but they get rave reviews from everyone but are looked over by almost everyone because every dealer wants you to go up the food chain when it comes to speakers which is ironic! What did you do with your KEFs? I saw you sold the LS50s on AudioMart but I thought you still had a pair?


G

Don't know why but I love your username....



BIENVENIDO !!!

WELCOME !!!

N.

Originally Posted by audionirvana

Nice to see you have a pair again.... I would like to try another monitor by Dynaudio and I am sure I will pick up a pair soon, it could be the DM series as they are less expensive cabinets but they get rave reviews from everyone but are looked over by almost everyone because every dealer wants you to go up the food chain when it comes to speakers which is ironic! What did you do with your KEFs? I saw you sold the LS50s on AudioMart but I thought you still had a pair?


G

G...get a pair of the "old" Excites; 12s or 16s. Yes, I sold the LS-50s; and good thing. Right now...I have 4 pairs of "real" speakers; and 2 "lesser" pair

Of course, if you added them all up; they still don't cost, what Joe's 40.1s did...much less, his Strads

Originally Posted by jaxwired

Here's my take, IF the LE version of the s1.4 is truly a notch more transparent it may well be THE dynaudio to buy. I owned the s1.4 and loved it, but it was darker and a bit less transparent than the C1 or even the new focus 160 which sells for less. But the s1.4 has superior bass performance than either the c1 or the 160 IMO. So if you increased transparency a smidge I think you're potentially looking at the star of the dyn lineup.

That's kinda what I said too JW. If you stuck an Esotar2, in the S1.4; and especially, gave it a fancy new cabinet. Why would you buy a C1?

Maybe that's why Dyn is going this way? I've been saying for 5 years...Contours were going to get squeezed out of the line-up. They haven't, of course; and I can only think of one of two reasons. One...they actually sell the best; even though though don't get all the love. Two...they don't; but Dyn knows, to upgrade them...pushes them too close to the Confidence line.

Why stop selling them, if you still have them; but then at the same time...you've got customers, bitching for a re-fresh ("answering customer demand...Dynaudio presented two updated models of the world renowned Contour series). So you do a one-off...and kill two birds with one stone?

Originally Posted by audionirvana

CD: I had a pair of the Excite X12, the Dali Ikon MKII I like better for about $400 bucks less.... If I am interested in the Contour S1.4LE but I could aways pop out the tweeters and put in a pair of Esotars2 much like RaceTripper did with his S3.4s. If I go for another pair of Monitors it's going to be all in for a really good pair, or a decent but less expensive pair, like the D/M line, which is like an Excite but not as nice of a box. I have 3 floor standers right now 2 bookshelves and 1 cheapo bookshelf that sound decent for testing purposes. KEF REF would' t be bad either except the price! Just curious on the exodus from the KEF, I was skeptical on all the hype but once I heard them on a really good Amp it was a done deal for me. My backup system sounds good with them along with my KW-500 Int. Amp.

highEndGuy: I have used this before on other user groups.

I was just been naughty because thats my Business name in Dominican Republic

Welcome Steve aka callas2218!