HAHA, where to start describing these incredible speakers? I used to work selling speakers at a small boutique store in San Francisco, back in 1988. That was my first exposure to Dynaudio...We sold custom cabinets for the Gemini's, purpose-built to accommodate the D'Appolito design. D260 Esotec and 15w75 components. I built the cross-over to original specifications, using Solen (later Eton) and Sidereal (now Auricap) and massively oversized coils. Borosilicate coating inside, silver solder/coating for all electrical connections. 100% pure copper bindings posts (still not replaced with OFC...) Yes, the original x-over spec is overkill, but I decided to remain with the original D'Appolito design. What can I say, the speakers are extremely fast and dynamic no matter what music you throw at it. Yes, they need some serious amplifier oompf, but they shine in almost every situation, from low-ley ambient background music ("where is the good sound coming from????") to hard-hitting punchy blues rock, to accoustic jazz. Very deep soundstage, with deep bass, clear mids, and silky smooth highs. My digital front-end is good enough to discern possible speaker distortion in the mid/high crossover range (around 2kHz). There is no need to ever replace these gems, no matter how many new Dynaudio speakers are being developed. Disclosure: I also have a pair of X14's..

Perhaps, there is an ever so very slight distortion in the crossover frequency range, around 2kHz. Other than that, the cabinet design looks very dated.

I built these years ago, not from the kit but from the plans. I used thicker cabinets walls, put multiple coats of borosilicate paint on the interior walls and substituted a pair of superior Morel MDT-33 tweeters for the Dynaudio D-260's. The crossover is the improved Murphy blaster crossover slightly tweaked to accomodate the different tweeters. The sound is incredible. So now here is the full story. I started to build these 20 years ago and just got around to finished them. In the meantime I had been using Sonus Faber Electas. The Electas are now gone. They have nowhere near the clarity, openness, and articulation that these Geminis have. I could not be more pleased. The best speakers I have ever owned....and I've had many.

I wish I had finished building them sooner. otherwise no negatives. Incredible performance, especially for their size.

I use these speakers with es9018 dac and gu50/6e5p se tube amp or tripath tk2050 amp. Gemini's are Dennis Murphy alternative crossover equipped (siemens mkv tweeter crossover capacitor). First thing I noticed is holography. Speakers simply disappeared in my room. I use them in very small room 7m2, standing near the walls on the desk. I thought it is not possible in such small environment. They can take into recording, like in front of You was recording studio. Esotec D260 and 15W75's does their job really well. I know there are better speakers all around, but in this price used(about 350$ with alternate crossover) there are no competitors.

I have purchased speakers and crossovers to build a MTM version of dynaudio gemini speakers. Problem is the sechmatic they sent and the crossover do not match and I am working through the schmatic and board to see see which is correct. So far, all I get is tweeter sound, no woofer.

I was interested in reading the review of the audiofile who bi-amp these speakers using a sony TA-N9000ES. I just happened to have picked up this amp and would welcome the opportunity for someone to share how you would build the crossovers designs.

Many thanks,
Jim (toomuchstuff)

Soundstage, dynmaics, detail.

I run mine with a subwoofer, probably recommended.

This is just an update to a previous review. I have the Geminis, cabinets filled with a quart of Acoustic Magic each, internally wired with Monster Cable. I just purchased on the used market a Sony TAN 9000 5 channel amp. I use it in a bi-amp mode now with 2 channels on each side driving the mids and tweeters separately (get a y connector from Best buy for 5 bucks each) the 5th channel driving the center channel. I was using an Anthem Integrated 2 amp using just the power amp section driven by my Kenwood VR4090 receiver. The addition of the bi-amping is just remarkable. Soundstage is now HUGE with width and DEPTH like never before. Dynamics are STARTLING. Anybody who has these speakers with the Gemini Done Right crossovers should check them out with bi-amping. All you need are two identical stereo amps or the Sony TAN 9000 ES amp. I bought mine used for $425 and can't believe the improvement. This is truly a hot set up. I have owned these speakers now for over ten years and have never had the urge to upgrade. I am not sure what would be an upgrade from these.

Similar Products Used:

Apogee Duetta Signatures (these Geminis blow them away)

Great imaging and large soundstage. Exceptional bass for a smaller two-way.

They like power so an amp with muscle is in order.

I received the kit from Madisound and was very impressed with the drivers as well as the cabinets. However the kit is supplied with zip cord for the connections and the binding post were on the cheap side. So I ordered cardas chasis wire and music post, binding posts. I never heard the speakers with original wire and binding post. Anyway my first impression was very good they imaged well right from the start and the bass was great. At first they were a bit dry and listening for long periods became somewhat tiring. But after they broke in what sure joy I found in listening to my system again. Every change you make to your system can be heard from these babies. I would recomend them to anyone. The cardas wire and binding post were ordered from Michael Percy Audio in California.

Great Vocal, Dynamic, Warm.Affordable

No spikes

'm still thinking that they're kidding w/ selling at this price. Sounds really good..especially the VOCAL ! works ok w/ small amp.....but sounds aweeesooommee w/ big amp....
try to use medium amp like classe ca-201....sounds really good...

this speaker is comparable to any other 'high-end' speaker....believe me....if i cover my eyes, i would think this is at least 4k speaker.

Soundstage, overall value, quite revealing

Original kit crossover leaves something to be desired, especially after you experience what I'm going to tell you about below...

So, I'm back again, really adding bias to the Gemini review. But hey, these little gems are worth it. Here's why...

I just finished the BESL Gemini Done Right External Crossover Kit a few days ago, and wow.

Let me say that again.

WOW! I'm amazed.

I didn't think these monitors could be improved. After a full weekend of intense listening and a half dozen movies (hey, even I deserve to totally relax now and then) these units have really come to life. Not a single complaint from me - Philip - you done good.

If you have Gemini's and like them, you can't go wrong with this upgrade. If you don't like them, this might be what you're after. The price is very reasonable, especially if you build your own cabinets and assemble the very well designed kit. The instructions are nearly flawless and anybody can manage these in 15-20 hours (I think I did it in about 12 including cabinets, but I have all the tools and am quite experienced at electronics and woodworking). I opted for the Speakon connectors and bi-wire option (using some DIY cables from an article at Hi-Fi Heaven between amp and xovers). The kit includes quality wire for use between the drivers and Speakon connector on the cabinet. You have to make a small adapter plate - no big deal - about 20 minutes on the band saw, drill half a dozen holes, and paint black. I made crossover cabinets that now act as the base of my speaker stands, thereby eliminating any added "clutter" that some (my wife) may find distracting with the external enclosure design (somewhat large - about 9" x 12" x 4" - but they look pretty cool)

Since sound is not a tangible that can be drawn into words, I won't even try. Just do yourself a favor. Build the BESL XO's and smile knowing you own some of the best sounding speakers at any price, seriously.

Current setup is as listed previously, but I have added a Sunfire True Sub Jr. for video use...and sometimes audio. I've also cleaned up my cabling (mostly DIY cables) and am using a power conditioner - all changes done a few months ago prior to the x-over and bi-wire upgrade.

Just my two cents, I have no affiliation to BESL, just one happy camper. Insert usual disclaimers here...enjoy if you can.

Value, value, value

Terminals not clearly marked. Not a whole lot of choice in cabinet (Any color as long as it's black or honey oak).

I had my eye on these for well over a year. I couldn't audition them, so I never bought them. Then madisound said Dynaudio discontinued raw drivers, so I figured I'd take a chance while I could. If they were bad, I'd pawn them.

For under $1100, I was blown away. After breaking them in, I have to say they sound as good as Thiel and B@W speakers at well over twice the price. They don't cause fatigue and their imaging and overall sound quality is very impressive. I really do love these speakers. You can get better, but for nowhere near $1100.
I don't run these speakers full range. Some may say they have bass, lets be realistic, its a 5 inch woofer. As I have a separate sub and a Marchand XM9 Deluxe x-over, I use only a small 60W Adcom and that is plenty. I think a reasonable sized tube amp would really make a nice setup as I don't think Adcom is all that great.

Bad part is the drivers had no +/- designation so some experimentation was needed. If I had it to do over again, I think I'd buy the BESL Series 3 kit which is very similiar but with a better cabinet and internal x-over.
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/1511/pr_home.htm

Overall I recommend these to everyone I know. Get them while you still can. I wish I could give 8 stars for value.

Similar Products Used:

B&W, Infinity, Polk, Thiel

Best value for under $4,000.00

None

These speakers produce whatever type of music you put in them perfect. Great sound stage, If the producer made a mistake on the recording these speakers will tell. They can't tell a lie. If your electronics can't produce some sounds these speakers will tell you. If you want great speakers listen to these and do yourself a favour and buy this kit while it's still available Dynaudio says they will no longer supply the Kit market after 12/31/99. So ounce the inventories are gone this great value will be removed from future audiophiles. I believe that is the only down side.

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Many that say they are but only fakes, and pretenders they can't touch this product.