I have had these for a few years now and I can't remember exactly when I bought them. They are ok but I've never been completely happy with them. I recently built some diy speakers from a design on the net and they are way better in the mid range than the DynAudios. True, the Contours go lower in the bass but that is to be expected because they are bass reflex and the ones I built are a sealed design. I'm building a sub to go with the new ones.

Neutrality

New generation Esotar2 tweeters on current models are even better. It's an ageing design.

I always liked my friend's 1.1s. They always sounded much bigger than they actually are, not concedeing much in terms of low end punch. It is in the midrange however that it really shines. The 1.1s are part of a select classification of speakers I call "Pallettes". These are speakers so subjectively neutral that they really don't have a sound of their own. These "pallettes" are simply the base on which you can mix and match your desired color(ation)s to suit your taste. I was looking for a pair of mini-monitors for use in the living room, where my wife likes to entertain. I knew she wanted a system that didn't have to play loud, would sound somewhat sweet and lush to set a warm and comfortable vibe, and would not be obtrusive. I know what you're thinking, innately contours are not sweet and most definitely not lush. However, matched carefully they definitely can be. I partnered the contours with the Italian Audio Analog Paganini (sweet), an ARC LS16 tube pre (lush), and the coup de grace a pair of Pass Labs Aleph single ended monoblocks. (all cables Transparent MusicLink plus) Sure the dynamics and frequency response couldn't compare to my big rig but they made up for it in terms of microdynamics and loads and loads of subtle texture and shading. I swear I was trying to read the latest issue of Maxim but could not even finish a pictorial spread because the music simply demanded all my attention. In conclusion, the 1.1 will do what you ask of it and do it well. Wanna have a rock concert in your home? Slap on a high current amp and a velodyne. Want home theater? Add 2 more pairs. Want to enjoy? Sit down, shut your eyes and listen.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 302,601, cdm 1,cdm 2, Revel M20

Smooth, almost real sound at a fair price

need better CDP and Amp to make it sing

I'd tried B&W 601 for 2 years and never got satisfying sound, then I turned to PMC TB-2, which failed me again. Then I sold all them and went to listen to many speakers in many stores and finally I stopped at one store with only 5-minute listening. The reason for me to decide so soon is that I'd found the perfect sound for a violin at the range of price. The perfectness of any instrument produced by C1.1 is beyond description. Each time I upgraded my system, I only found my C1.1 sound better and better. The C1.1 seemed not to have an end. You can make it shine more with more hi-end equipments several times more expensive than C1.1. If you're a violin-sound loved just like me, you should really go listen to it or the Dynaudio series.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 601 series, PMC TB-2

Good upper range, fine finished veneers.

nothing considering the price and size.

I have used this model for 2.5 years and I still haven't found anything better in this size and pricerange. This product produces a wide range though it's woofer diaphram is 15cm long. It's really amazing when you hear the clear upper range and the tight bass range. The Stereophonic effect is totally amazing!

Similar Products Used:

JBL A520

ALL

I don't understand what this site's question.

DAMN!!DAMN!!DAMN!!!.....DAMN!!. this speaker absolutely perfect for me.so smooth,so sweet treble, so soft.and too pure.I can't belive finally found this speaker in my town. I have no comment. cause I can't talk when I listen to this speaker.just let your mouth open "O".

Similar Products Used:

Sonus faber concertino ( detail < Midrange ). too big midrange.

For what they sound, the price; timbre, airiness, no real lack of bass (at least in classical music)

not great detail

If you want a payable loudspeaker primarily for natural beauty of tone and space, look no further. The 1.1 is definitely the one to go for. The timbre is extremely natural, but still very pleasing and musical (in contrast to other "neutral" sounding speakers that sound simply cold and uninvolved). The soundstage is very good, light and a little backward (I consider this an advantage). You can listen for hours and pretty loud without fatigue. Does not really sound though when played very softly. There is not a lot of detail in very dense music (like thickly orchestrated stuff), but solo instruments are almost like standing in the room. Be prepared that they absolutely recreate the sound of the source; a bright recording sounds it, a dull one does it too. Buy expensive parts and enough amplifying power for them (I have 50W Class A and a tuned Sony CD), they pay back every cent. Probably not suited for large rooms (I have 18m²/45m³ = 21.5 square/59 cubic yards). Keep them away from the wall and place them spiked (speaker on stand too!)on stands (with nothing around) ! I have best results with 58 cm (1 ft 11) wall distance. Grills must not be removed, sound gets 2-dimensional and bright otherwise.

Clarity, looks, natural sound, doesn't distort when the volume is loud!

None that I have discovered so far.

Purchase it base on recommendation by audio review. I went to this private owner's apartment and he was setting this pair of Contour 1.1 speakers in his living room, which is sightly smaller than my. I tested with a few of my favorite CD tracks and the Contour 1.1 sounded fantastic! The natural timbre of the singers were fully exemplified by the speakers, and I couldn't resist getting the speaker after 30 mins of testings. I went back home and test them with my system, played "Hotel California" and this baby sure shook my neighbor up! The strings sounded much clearer than my bose AM 5 I am a very contented customers with the speakers. I am driving it with a Tube Integrated Amp and a Rotel HDCD deck.

Similar Products Used:

Bosew AM5, Pioneer Speakers

Everything

Need the right components and cables. Not really a weakness just have to be prepared to upgrade if needed, YEAY..

I bought these from Oleg who actually is a very nice guy. I can''t argue about who is right but for me these are absolutely the best speakers that I have heard in this price and size range. I believe if you read his review thoroughly he states the same. One comment with these speakers, in addition to a powerful amp and top notch components one of the other key things is cables. When I got these I spent the first 8 hours letting them warm up and then started swapping speaker cables. I went thru 6 different cables, Nordost, Audioquest, Transparent, Tara, MIT and even some, egads Monster Reference that used to drive my subs in the house. I finally remembered the OCOS that I had bought several years ago and was packed away. Lo and Behold that was the ticket. The transparency opened up wide and music came forth that I had forgot was there. The majority of the other cables, for me, did not come close to the sound of the OCOS even though they cost a lot more money. I have B&W 805 Nautilus''s in the house for home theater and music. I have the Dynaudios in the guest house and I am now inclined to spend more time out there again.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 805 Nautilus, Sonus Faber, JM Labs, Cabasse, Totem, Martin Logan, Thiel, Cello

Neutrality
Amazing Depth of Bass from such a small box
Beautifullyconstructed

Can sound somewhat unexciting compared to some less honest speakers

System :
Meridian 206 delta sigma CD player
Cogan Hall interconnect
Cyrus 3 + PSX
Mission solid core cables

These are the most honest neutral speakers I've ever heard. When I first borrowed a set from the shop, I thought they were almost a bit dull. After a while, their strengths become apparent though. They give an incredible stereo field and with good recordings, the depth of bass they can produce is stunning. Their real strong point, however, is the way they don't "sweeten" the sound in any way. The treble is so smooth but still so detailed. It's never harsh or intrusive. Compared to the Rogers speakers I used before, they have the same inobtrusive treble but have so much more detail than the Rogers speakers. The midrange is still a Rogers forte but the Dynaudio's are probably more honest in this area which can make them sound a bit clinical compared to the soothing midrange of the LS4's. The clarity and ability to separate the different instruments of both classical and pop is also an area where the Dynaudio's are stronger than anything else I've tried.

I went through about 6 sets of speakers in as many years - but I haven't even felt the tiniest urge to change these. They are fantastic little speakers but stay away if you're the sort of person who thrives on exciting speakers with masses of bass and treble. These are subtle speakers able to deliver nuances in recordings you may never have heard before. Most importantly, they are musical. I know this sounds pretentious but some speakers are technically fantastic but just are not good at making music enjoyable. (The Linn syndrome) The contour 1.1's are simply good at delivering music in an exceedingly enjoyable and unobtrusive way.

JMHO!

Similar Products Used:

Rogers LS4, LS3
Mission (can't remember the model - the big multi coned thing!)
Magnaplaner Tympani IV (ok - not similar but an interesting comparison)

Natural sound, very wide frequency range.

It really need a powerful amplifier to drive it. I really can't believe that contour 1.1 (such a small speaker) can produce such a "huge" natural sound. The bass is even much more better than a lot of hi-end floor standing speakers.
I've never regret of buying it.