Denon DM38 - Dali Lektor vs B&W

[admin_exported]

Recently got my GF a Denon DM38 for her birthday and want to get some nice speakers that will match the system.

I really like the look of the B&W 685 but am fairly sure many will say they are over kill for such a basic unit, so was interested to see if people still thought the 685's would be a good match or should I just get some Dali Lektor 1?

 

[Anonymous]

Recently got my GF a Denon DM38 for her birthday and want to get some nice speakers that will match the system.

I really like the look of the B&W 685 but am fairly sure many will say they are over kill for such a basic unit, so was interested to see if people still thought the 685's would be a good match or should I just get some Dali Lektor 1?

Personally I think the B&W are overkill for a mini system. They will be nowhere near performing as they could. They are also pretty big! Why not go to a retailer with your girlfriend and let her choose?

 

[Anonymous]

No way as she would just chose the cheapest or the ones that look shiny!

We live together and I'm not in a positon to purchase the Naim Uniti that I want to it's a joint system but want speaker that will be good now and in the future.

So I thought the 685's would be ok now and then be ok for the Naim or Marantz PM6004 range in the future. My concern is that they will just sound poor with the Denon so I'd be better to go with the Lektor 1 or something else?

 

[Anonymous]

So basically what I'm asking is will the B&W work ok with the Denon DM38 or would the Dali zensor 1 sound better? Also if I go for small speakers like the sensor 1 what would a good stand be that also looks ok?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

No way as she would just chose the cheapest or the ones that look shiny!

We live together and I'm not in a positon to purchase the Naim Uniti that I want to it's a joint system but want speaker that will be good now and in the future.

So I thought the 685's would be ok now and then be ok for the Naim or Marantz PM6004 range in the future. My concern is that they will just sound poor with the Denon so I'd be better to go with the Lektor 1 or something else?

Hi JamesSelby

Also look at Monitor Audio's BX2 speakers as the DM38 works well with BX2's 🙂 The BX2's performance potential will also happily accomodate higher quality of amplification/source such as the Uniti system.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

No way as she would just chose the cheapest or the ones that look shiny!

We live together and I'm not in a positon to purchase the Naim Uniti that I want to it's a joint system but want speaker that will be good now and in the future.

So I thought the 685's would be ok now and then be ok for the Naim or Marantz PM6004 range in the future. My concern is that they will just sound poor with the Denon so I'd be better to go with the Lektor 1 or something else?

To be honest, I would get some cheaper speakers now, starting with maybe the Zensor range (if you're looking at Dali), and start from new in the future when funds permit. After all, you did say it was a birthday present?

Why not compromise on my suggestion. Take her to a dealer, ask the dealer to demo a range of speakers suggested by you, and perhaps trust her a bit, but where you hear sonic advantages, let her know. I'm sure she's be delighted to be included in the process.

This way, when you decide to spash the cash, you can either sell the Denon+speakers as a complete sytem on ebay, or move it to another room.

*edit of course, either way you should go and listen. You may not like either of the speakers you mention anyway.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Heard both the Zensor 1 the Lektor 1 and the Ikon 2 the other day, when helping a friend who is looking for small, wall mounted speakers.

You really have to like the Dali sound, which is lean bass, marginally recessed lower mid, and a shimmering treble. They sound great with something like Nora Jones, fine with most classical, although solo violin can sound a bit too forward, but not gratingly so, but with poorer recordings they somehow manage to lose the bass and lay out the faults of the recording in front of you.

That isn't being negative, by the way, I quite liked the sound overall. Of the three, the Zensor 1 is a touch boxy and the weakest in the bass, as you'd expect given the size. Mid is better than the Lektor 1, while the treble maintains the best qualities of the range. It also doesn't go extra loud happily, but, given the box size and price, this is to be expected. It's the one I would have chosen, given it isn't too far off the others but the price is pretty bloody good. In fact, I did wonder about buying a pair then putting the drivers in a stiffer, well-damped exposure, because that seems to be where they've cut the costs. I think you'd end up with a pretty good speaker if you did that.

 

[Inter_Voice]

I seconded MUSICRAFT for MA BX1 or BX2 as I am using my MA RX1 with my DM-37 which sounds great for normal leasure listening. You can find BX1 or BX2 at a bargin price in eBay and other hifi shops easily. BX series is much cheaper than RX series. Having said BX1/2 produces quite good bass and have no placement problem as they are front ported.

 

[Anonymous]

The B&W 685's are superb speakers and will work well with the Denon system BUT they wont be driven to their best sounding as they like to be pushed hard and played loud...

The Dali Lektor 1's or 2's are very good speakers as well and will suit the Denon better but again they can be lacking at times in bas but their sound is all dependent upon what music you generally listen to, how loud you generally listen and also what your room layout & furninshings are like

IMO I'd be going for the likes of the Monitor Audio BX2's. Very good speakers with a superb soundstage but very easy to drive so the Denon will control them very well indeed

Dont forget that to get the best out of any of these speakers you ideally need them to be on some good stands (i.e. Atacama Nexus 6i's or Soundstyle ZII's at a minimum and ideall mas-loaded as well (i.e. Atacama atabites)