Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker


Category: Speakers

This review covers the orignal DCM Time Windows. Not the subsequent versions.

I remember the first time I heard these. Their unique shape and sound where unlike anything I had heard before. Here was a speaker that really delivered the promise. It was driven by a PS Audio Amp and PS Audio LCC PreAmp. At the time I had the Large Advents,and while those speakers were very good indeed, the Time Windows were clearly superior. The music just seemed to come alive in a way that's hard to describe. There was just a seamless transparency to them. Not overly bright or accentuated on the bass. The balance was right on. It didn't really matter what the program material was, the Time Windows clearly and with authority brought the music to life. If they had any real weakness is for some peoples taste the bass may have been on the light side. But for my taste it was as it should be. The orginals used Philips drivers using a transmission line and the cabinet construction contributed to the overall sound. In the late 70s these were not cheap at about $800.00 but were indeed worth the price of admission. I was finally able to acquire a pair of these and have them to this day. Few things one purchases in life have enduring value and the Time Windows truly are in that category. Of all the reviews I have read on these speakers not one reviewer has clearly defined the sonics of this fabulous speaker. Use all of the adjectives you want and one will still come up short in the description. Best way to describe them, if you love music and have better than average components connected to them, the Time Windows will deliver the music with a verve that will astound you.

Now these speakers are some 20 years or more in age and continue to deliver the music. And that's what this hobby is all about. DCM no longer produces the Time Windows,having opted for the HT route. This is a true shame as these speakers deserve continued production. Timeless design is just that.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions:36"H x 14 3/4"W x 11 3/4"D
  • Weight:32 Pounds
  • Power Requirements:10 Watts Minimum per channel 89 dB/watt at one meter;200 Watts Maximum
  • Impedance:5 Ohms minimum/6-8 Ohms nominal
  • Frequency Range:25Hz to 18 kHz
  • Dispersion:180 degrees horizontal/60 degrees vertical.

    Specifications do not tell the whole story,listening does. The Time Windows due to their configuration can be literally tuned to any room. That is due to their shape. This was a brilliantly executed design that has remained faithful all these years.

    Associated gear
    Click to view my Virtual System

    Similar products
    Polk SDA 2,Large Advent,Infinity,Boston Acoustic.

  • ferrari
    Has anyone tried to tighten the drivers on these speakers? They are fairly old now. Anyhow, I am a little wary, because of the yellow chalkmark on the tweeter plate. There are also two possible tighteners on the tweeters. What type of screw holds down the base drivers?
    Thanks to anthropy for the updated info on DCM in its current state. I have checked the DCM website and the new speake line looks impressive. Those two floorstanding models appear to be very solidly thought out and constructed. I hope the current DCM can establish its own niche in the very fickle and competitive marketplace. The designs look all the business to me.
    I have now been listening again to the Time Window for a five day period, after switching from the Dynaudio Audience 42. One thing for sure, the Time Window is capable of some very nice bass output, which sets it apart immediately from the Audience 42. The Dynaudio is better oin the extreme top end, which creates a different spatial perspective than the Time Window. Both speakers seem valid to me. Hard to say one or the other is definitely better. But the Time Window does create a staggeringly good soundstage, with very definite placement of performers. This is without doubt a great speaker design, one easy to live with. One can do far worse.
    Cwheh,
    The TimeWindows do very well in a 5.1 set up. The apex of the speaker should point straight forward for the mains. If used for surrounds you need to point them at each other from the side walls behind the listening area. Try to find a DCM CX-17 for center channel.

    Apanthropy,
    It was also said that DCM stood for "Drug Capital of Michigan" because they were made in Ann Arbor. Actualy DCM stands for "Dreps Crone Maze". I got that directly from Steve Eberbach.

    There's a set of TimeWidow Three's (much more refined then the original or 1a) on Ebay right now, those are the ones to get, Unless you can find Steve's signature series the TimeWindow Sevens.

    Good listening!
    i have one pair of these boxes in germany...from my father. i want to sell this two thing.