Dunlavy SC4 Speakers

For $1500, delivered, if you have a room big enough for them and can take their size they're a good deal. The original SC IV actually listed for $4,000 a pair, as I recall (my dealer was among the first to carry them, and I remember being surprised at the price given the price for the similar Duntech Princesses I owned at the time), and 40% of list for something of that age and quality is about right, IMHO. I wouldn't worry too much about the bass extension on them, either, given your subs. Assuming your room acoustics don't create problems, I think you'll find the quality of the bass will overshadow the lack of ultimate extension.

I think Unsound described it well. Both designs use first order crossovers, which I believe is a big reason for an overall similarity. I also think the Dunlavys' bass will be slightly more extended and better defined, but I too was surprised to see you describing the Vandys as lacking bass--unless you're talking about the last octave below 32 Hz, I've never thought they were particularly lacking in that department. However, if you have a smaller room, a lot of what the Dunlavys do well may not work as well as a Vandersteen, which can do well in a smaller room. What are your room dimensions?

I seem to recall there was an audio dealer in Des Moines, Iowa (Audio Video Logic?) who may still stock some parts for Dunlavy speakers. Might be worth giving them a try.

I think you'll love them. Yes, they can be improved on, but they do everything well and that's what makes them so good.

I'd suggest you get the speakers in your room and start listening and experimenting. Then you'll see if they need a sub or not.

I agree, you need to be at least 8 to 10 feet away for the best driver integration (when you're listening from your listening seat, as opposed to elsewhere). Best not to movbe everything around, in my view.