Amazing C4 II's

[hkval]

XRT1K’s – Incredible dynamics with almost unlimited power handling capacity
Sonus Faber Futuras – Beautiful music presentation, impeccable cabinetry, huge sound coming out of a relatively small cabinet and, in a room other than mine, would have been a long-term choice.

Dynaudio C4 II’s. These are the latest models of the previous C4’s. The crossover has been totally upgraded in both materials and design. The Esotar tweeters receive a new coating for added smoothness with greater detail.

Dynaudio employs a unique design DDC (Dynaudio Directivity Control) which minimizes reflections off the ceiling and floor, enabling one to more accurately place the location of instruments on the soundstage. It has to be experienced to be believed but it is as if the group were in front of you and you can identify and focus on any single performer or instrument. I feel as if I could walk to the soundstage and touch the tenor sax or feel the brushes gently caressing the snare drum and, most importantly, reaching out and holding Shakira’s ..... as she sings “Hips Don’t Lie”.

There are 2 bass, 2 midrange and 2 tweeters in each cabinet. The bass is musically detailed reaching down to 28hz without a trace of “boominess”. The size of the bass presentation is perfectly balanced with the overall speaker presentation but “Gotham Lovers” might want to add a subwoofer. I was impressed by the pair of F113’s with the XRT1K’s but did not think there were needed on the Futura’s or the C4’s. Each of the 4 bass speakers is individually ported and there is a glass reinforcement panel on each side of the cabinet. The front baffle material and design is unique to Dynaudio and a major factor in the dispersion of sound. Dynaudio virtually makes everything used in the final product including the speaker cone, voice coils, crossover, cabinetry etc. The craftsmanship is second to none and the quality and reputation of Denmark furniture is honored with this entire product.

Val and I feel as if someone in the design department knew us and our contemporary taste in décor. I never thought I would have speakers that look even more stunning with the grills off. These are almost the same height (69 inches) as the Macs but make an eye-catching modern statement in our room.
What I really love about them is how enjoyable it is to listen to music at low volume levels and still be amazed at the huge soundstage. I could do an entire demo for someone, at very moderate listening levels, and they would still walk away quite impressed. Don’t get me wrong, they play loud – really loud - but with complete ease and never a moment of fatigue. Placement of the C4's is very flexible but rewards special efforts.

I really enjoy many speakers but, IMHO, these stand out in the crowd. In our room, with our tastes in décor and music, they are outstanding. Speaker preference is very subjective. My experiences with the Dynaudio F140’s, C2’s and C4’s makes it easy to recommend to all of my AA friends to give them an audition.

[bakerman]

Congrats on the speakers! They look terrific in your room. I always wondered if the glass panels on the sides were used for something other than decoration. When most people think of SF speakers the word "warm" comes to mind. How would you describe the Dynaudio sound in a word, or two?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by bakerman

Congrats on the speakers! They look terrific in your room. I always wondered if the glass panels on the sides were used for something other than decoration. When most people think of SF speakers the word "warm" comes to mind. How would you describe the Dynaudio sound in a word, or two?

In a word, neutral.

Not as warm as SF.

As you move up the line from Excite to Focus to Contour, Confidence, and Evidence, the sound becomes more detailed, transparent, and neutral. The Excite and Focus lines are somewhat warmer sounding and less resolving than the higher lines, but still with all goodness that comes with Dyns. The Contour lines and up are more neutral and detailed, but also very musical, not sterile. The models with the Esotar tweeter are incredibly detailed yet sweet and smooth, that Esotar tweeter is really incredible. They reflect exactly the qualities of the music is in front of them. If the source is bright, they will be, if the source is dark and soft, they will be too, but if the source is natural, sweet and musical, the Dyns will be natural, sweet and musical. With well-recorded, mastered and produced source material, they are sublime.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by hkval

XRT1K’s – Incredible dynamics with almost unlimited power handling capacity
Sonus Faber Futuras – Beautiful music presentation, impeccable cabinetry, huge sound coming out of a relatively small cabinet and, in a room other than mine, would have been a long-term choice.

Dynaudio C4 II’s. These are the latest models of the previous C4’s. The crossover has been totally upgraded in both materials and design. The Esotar tweeters receive a new coating for added smoothness with greater detail.

Dynaudio employs a unique design DDC (Dynaudio Directivity Control) which minimizes reflections off the ceiling and floor, enabling one to more accurately place the location of instruments on the soundstage. It has to be experienced to be believed but it is as if the group were in front of you and you can identify and focus on any single performer or instrument. I feel as if I could walk to the soundstage and touch the tenor sax or feel the brushes gently caressing the snare drum and, most importantly, reaching out and holding Shakira’s ..... as she sings “Hips Don’t Lie”.

There are 2 bass, 2 midrange and 2 tweeters in each cabinet. The bass is musically detailed reaching down to 28hz without a trace of “boominess”. The size of the bass presentation is perfectly balanced with the overall speaker presentation but “Gotham Lovers” might want to add a subwoofer. I was impressed by the pair of F113’s with the XRT1K’s but did not think there were needed on the Futura’s or the C4’s. Each of the 4 bass speakers is individually ported and there is a glass reinforcement panel on each side of the cabinet. The front baffle material and design is unique to Dynaudio and a major factor in the dispersion of sound. Dynaudio virtually makes everything used in the final product including the speaker cone, voice coils, crossover, cabinetry etc. The craftsmanship is second to none and the quality and reputation of Denmark furniture is honored with this entire product.

Val and I feel as if someone in the design department knew us and our contemporary taste in décor. I never thought I would have speakers that look even more stunning with the grills off. These are almost the same height (69 inches) as the Macs but make an eye-catching modern statement in our room.
What I really love about them is how enjoyable it is to listen to music at low volume levels and still be amazed at the huge soundstage. I could do an entire demo for someone, at very moderate listening levels, and they would still walk away quite impressed. Don’t get me wrong, they play loud – really loud - but with complete ease and never a moment of fatigue. Placement of the C4's is very flexible but rewards special efforts.

I really enjoy many speakers but, IMHO, these stand out in the crowd. In our room, with our tastes in décor and music, they are outstanding. Speaker preference is very subjective. My experiences with the Dynaudio F140’s, C2’s and C4’s makes it easy to recommend to all of my AA friends to give them an audition.

Outstanding review, Howard, and your C4s and the room are gorgeous. You must be VERY happy!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by hkval

[Don’t get me wrong, they play loud – really loud - but with complete ease and never a moment of fatigue.

They not only play really loud, but they will go from soft to really loud incredibly quickly while maintaining the grip of iron-fist level of control on the music.

What I've noticed about all Dyns, but with the floorstanders in particular is their incredible ability to scale extremely quickly from soft and gentle to loud and dynamic without a hint of strain, breakup and, as you say, with complete ease. My Contours are the first speakers I've ever owned (or heard up to that time) that could handle the dynamic swings of a full orchestra from pianissimo to fortissimo and never break up, sound rough, or anything, really. They just maintain an incredible level of grip and control on the musical reproduction as they do it. They never even break a sweat at this stuff. They are also extremely fast for dynamic drivers and rival the best panels I've heard for speed.

[Masterlu]

Howard... They do look terrific in your home, I'm so glad you're enjoying them!

[Haurock]

.. no doubt about it these speakers fit really well with the decor in your home and in that room.. very very nice indeed... It's a good thing they sound right.. too..

[bakerman]

Thanks PC, I appreciate the feedback.

[cmalak]

Congrats Howard Wonderful speakers

[Audio 1]

I can tell you first hand that HK's C4's sound awesome and look way better in person than pictures can capture.
Very cool to have two dynaudio owners living 5 minutes away. We can listen to C4's, C2's or Focus 140's just about any time we desire.