Dynaudio Audience 52SE vs. Contour S1.4

05-17-11: Dwette
Well, my S1.4s showed up this afternoon and I haven't stopped listening. They are ex-demos from Dynaudio US so they have been run in at least somewhat.

Initial impressions are that they are a different league entirely than my 52SEs. Bigger sound, more open and forward, much better detail & soundstage image. After an hour I put my 52SEs back downstairs in the HT system. Now I have to work on getting them burned in fully and acquiring that NAP200 to really deliver on their potential.

I have an Arcam Alpha 10P sitting around (until I get around to posting it for sale). I may try using that to see what kind of sound I get, although I'm afraid it will be a step down down from the Naim UnitiQute in SQ, even though it has a lot more power.

Congratulations on the S1.4s. I used to own the Arcam Alpha 10 integrated amp more than 10 years ago. I don't want to pass too many bad remarks on it since you will be putting it in the classifieds soon. All I can say is the Arcam will not match the sound quality of the Naim even though the 10P looks more powerful on paper. I believe the Uniti at 50W is even more powerful than the 10P which is 100W into 8 ohms. Of course you can bi-amp with the 10P but I suspect it will be a downgrade.

The S1.4s will benefit with more current. If you like the S1.4/Uniti combination, it might be worthwhile to consider a NAP200 or NAP250.2 and run biamp configuration.

I already have plans to get a NAP200. The Naim UnitiQute is 30 WPC (and 45 @ 4 Ohms), not 50 WPC. Since we are talking about 4 ohm speakers, the Alpha 10P is closer to 150 WPC @ 4ohm..

The Alpha 10P sounds surprisingly good, although not quite as good as NAIM (as I would expect).

Austinbob, the contour S1.4s do need a long break-in time, roughly the time time your sales rep mentioned. I won't do what your sales rep suggested as it does not expedite the process (the same amount of time is still required to break-in those speakers). Rather I would suggest you to just listen to them and hear the speakers change over time. You will find eventually, the highs becoming more relax.

I've been playing them a lot and the sound is definitely improving! I find them pretty neutral and the overall response is better and highs much better now.