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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Dali Euphonia MS4 Speakers by J-PMatt@Comcast.Net

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REVIEW: Dali Euphonia MS4 Speakers

24.0.115.113


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Model: Euphonia MS4
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $7385
Description: 2 1/2 way floorstanding, with super tweeter, soft dome tweeter, (2) 6.5 mid/bass drivers
Manufacturer URL: Dali

Review by j-pmatt@comcast.net on February 16, 2008 at 20:39:28
IP Address: 24.0.115.113
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for the Euphonia MS4


Prologue

For the sake of transparency, let me state now that I work as a systems designer in the custom audio/video business. My company does not carry the Dali line, and frankly, I doubt my employers would consider carrying them. Why? Because the nature of our business is to limit product lines to what works most succesfully and maintain solid and consistent sales with those manufacturers. This prevents other competitors from being able to carry those lines as well, so obviously this is an advantage in the market place.

Glad we got that out of the way.

The Story

One of the perks in my business is the occasional phone call inquiring if my company buys used audio equipment. Our business model is not based on the buying and selling of used gear, but as a two channel enthusiast, I'm always on the look out for interesting pieces at great prices. I've acquired a few very nice components this way. So when a call came in about the Dali's, I made an offer I fully expected to be scoffed at. To my surprise, it was accepted.

When I travelled to the gentleman's home to inspect the merchandise, I was dismayed. Someone had spilt candle wax on both speaker cabinets. Fortunately, the baffle and connected drivers were pristine, albeit dusty. But the cabinets.....what disapointment. I looked to see if the wax would come off with some rubbing, and it did. But removal of the wax was going to be a major pain in the ass and I had no idea what damage to the rouge alpi veneer I could expect. I dropped my price after pointing out the damage, and the seller accepted. I listened to them briefly, and confirmed that all drivers worked correctly. A Diana Krall track with prominent stand up bass played at a healthy level confirmed no damage to the woofers. The money changed hands, and I hauled them home.

The next day, I went to work on the cabinets. I don't know how, but Murphy's Wood soap spray, elbow grease and fresh cotton towels did the trick on that candle wax. The cabinets were pristine. Next up came a good application of Italian Craftsman polish and finally a healthy massage of Scott's Liquid Gold. I did all the work outside and I'll tell you, with the sun shining on the Dali's, that rouge alpi finish is amazingly three dimensional.

The Sound

I disconnected and set aside my Talon Audio Peregrines, and placed the MS4's in their spots. I connected my Kenwood L-02A. For those who may be wondering why the hell I would connect a Kenwood of all things to these fine speakers, see this link:

http://www.thevintageknob.org/KENWOOD/L02A/L02A.html

I decided for analog, I would use my Basis 1400/ Benz Micro combo with the Kenwood's built in phono stage. You can see the description of my Digital Rig for reference.

As is my practice, I allowed the system to warm up for a few hours and then decided to sit down for evaluation. First slab of vinyl was the ultra quiet 200 gram recording of Dave Brubeck's "Time Out" and the cut was "Take Five". Right off, I learned the hard way that toe in is a mistake with these speakers, so I repositioned them with minimal toe-in and sat down for a second listen. This time, I was locked in immediately. The sense of space and air is mesmerizing with the MS4's. The sax faded in and out from center stage with a depth that my Peregrine's just don't have. The sparkle from Dave's piano was significantly greater than the Peregines, and the cymbal work was intense. The drum cracks were impressive, and while no means as impactful as the Peregrine's, the stand up bass was actually quicker and more tuneful. I suspect a subwoofer will help, but in a room smaller than mine, it's probably not necessary.

Track after track revealed basically the same results, but this time with vocals, like the Beatles "Because" from the MFSL issue of "Abbey Road", I felt engulfed in a choir, with each singer clearly ID'd. Likewise, Paul's bass playing on "Here Comes The Sun" was easier than usual to lock into, and because of the space between instruments, I was better able to appreciate Ringo's playing and just how well he and Paul worked together.

I've been listening to Big Star lately. The first album was exceptionally well recorded and on my digital rig, Alex Chilton's "Thirteen" was very, very special. The steel strings of the guitars rang true and with just the right amount of body. Again, the Peregines are great, but they don't have the air and space of the Dali's. I was missing the low bass less and less. The Dali's reproduced Brian Setzer's "Drink That Bottle Down" electric guitar lead as best as I've ever heard, and in my business, I hear great systems all the time.

For fun, I threw in Metallica's "Enter Sandman". I wanted to see if the Dali's tweeters would have me running back to the Peregrines. They didn't. In fact, there was no hint of harshness or stridency whatsoever. The drums never sounded weak, and in fact, I was able to understand just how punishing Lar's performance really was.


Epilogue

I have three pairs of speakers, and two of those pairs have to go. I figured I'd flip the Dali's and make a nice profit considering what I paid, but things ain't working out that way. Especially since I connected up the Electrocompaniet gear to the speakers and went through the whole thing again. Needless to say, it's a much better marriage than the Kenwood, as great as the Kenwood is. And, as much as I love my Talon Peregrines and my Avalon Monitors, this one is a no brainer. I'm selling them and sticking the $1,800.00 I spent on the Dali's back in the bank along with the balance from the proceeds. The Dali's are incredibly beautiful to listen to and to gaze upon. My music in my home has never sounded better.


Product Weakness: See Review
Product Strengths: See Review


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Kenwood L-02A/ Electrocompaniet AW-250DMB
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Electrocompaniet EC-4.7
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Basis 1400-Benz Micro ACE LO MC/ Wadia Model 8 Transport-Perpetual Technologies P-1A & P-3A
Speakers: Talon Audio Peregrines/ Avalon Acoustics Monitors
Cables/Interconnects: Stealth Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections): See Review
Room Size (LxWxH): 40 x 30 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 Days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): MIT Z-Center
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Dali Euphonia MS4 Speakers - J-PMatt@Comcast.Net 20:39:28 02/16/08 ( 5)