mid-range, stage presence... event at lowest volume

bass, size

I was browsing the 'net for info on Dahlquist and came across this site. I really enjoyed reading through the reviews of the DQ-10 speakers... it warmed the heart and brought back fond memories of my younger days, when I dabbled in audiophiling. I thought I'd share some of my reflections with the rest of you.

I went to university in the early 70s, and my first quality stereo system was a Marantz 2245 (?) receiver (this was when Marantz name still meant something special), Dual 721 (or 714?) turntable, Shure phono cartridge, and Dynaco (A10?) loudspeakers (eventually replaced by the wonderful original large Advent loudspeaker). This system served me well for many years. In 1980, I spent a year in Resolute, in Canada's High Arctic. Up there, people made a lot of money and had little to spend it on... so they accumulated the most amazing stereo systems. We lived in tiny rooms, about 12' x 15', but stuffed with between $5-10K of stereo gear... JBL and Bose speakers, Carver and SAE amps, etc.

As for me, I fell in love with the Dahlquist DQ-10s that were owned by one of the staff there and bought a pair for myself. I added an NAD pre-amp and amp (models 2130 and 2140?), running them in bridged mode, or about 160 watt/side with a high dynamic headroom... the Dahlquists could eat everything they had to offer up and more. I then added a KLH (Burwen) TNE 7000A transient noise eliminator, KLH DNF 1201A dynamic noise filter, dbx 128 dynamic range enhancer, and dbx II tape noise reduction system. Wow!

Over the years, the components either deteriorated or were no longer needed. After my tastes switched from LPs to CDs, I sold the two KLH units. I had to take my NADs into the repair shop a few times to re-solder the contacts, and then I grew tired of doing this and sold them, replacing them by a simple Sony 5.1 receiver.

Even though I've moved on in life, and no longer stay in touch with the latest developments in audio equipment, I still enjoy listening to music. Once in a while, when the kids are away and I'm along in the house, I'll crank up some good tunes... especially Pink Floyd, The Who, early Genesis. Magical stuff. I still have my DQ-10s... and still I love them! Yes, after going through several vehicles and numerous generations of computers, my 2-year-old speakers are still pretty darn good. In the years following their purchase, the only speakers that I heard that came close to them were the KEF 104 (?!) ... I suspect there are better ones out there now but I also suspect that people want 4-5K for them.

Sure, they're real power hogs, but oh what a mid-range and presence! For me, the most telling piece of music is the Dire Straits CD "Brothers in Arms", which another reviewer mentioned. It was one of the first CDs I ever bought, and, for my money, is still the best-recorded CD that I've heard. Especially the track "Why Worry Now"... one can hear every quiet brush of the drum and gentle pluck of the guitar string. Turn the lights down low and set the volume on high...

My DQ-10s are in good shape. Apart from replacing the fuses a few times, I've not had to do a thing with them. I'm never replaced the caps or cross-over circuits... as far as I know, they're working A-okay. If anyone has any comments to offer on this topic, please feel free to do so. After reading the comments about the deterioration of the woofer cone and foam, I took them apart today to check them out carefully. As far as I can tell, they're still in pristine condition. I had to carefully sweep away a couple of decades worth of dust. But the seal around the rim of the woofer is still pliant, the woofer cone looks good, and the insulation in the woofer enclose looks to be in perfect shape.

I enjoyed reading about the history of Dahlquist (both the man and the company) through the 80s and 90s, and I was pleased to read that their spirit and support lives in (Regnar). And it's nice to read about the loyal fanaticism of people who own (or used to own) the DQ-10s.

..steve

Similar Products Used:

none

Reveals quality of both upstream equipment and source material

needs a large high-quality, stable amp

I was amazed to see knowledgeable reviews of my old favorite, the DQ-10, after all these years. I first bought mine in 1977 for $850, just after the introduction of the yellow mylar caps. I, too, liked them so much that I never sold them. Although they are not in use right now (another commonality: that wife disapproval factor), they were the common factor in an ever-changing system for about 18 years. The hot set-up in 1977 was with the 125 w/ch. Quatre Gain Cell Amp. (One tenth of one percent of people are going to recognize that amp!) "completely synergistic" the reviews said at the time...Check out The Absolute Sound, vol. 4 #13, for that amp (still have that,too...old habits die hard). Trading out the Quatre for an Adcom 555 added a slightly deeper soundstage, and cleaner output at high volume. Everything DQ-10 reviewers say is true: The foam surrounds do rot out 6-8 years; they want lot's of clean power (factory spec's: 60w/ch min), and certain OLDER cd's are revealed as sounding simply awful; (Little Feat's "audiophile-friendly" later albums are nearly unlisteneable, for example). But, with a quiet preamp, (Adcom 565, in my case), and the right vinyl or CD source, "you are there", for apparently lttle bucks, apparently. The DQ-10s are big (ugly?) and unwieldy, but set-up right, they can "disappear"! Don't miss an opportunity to hear them...some things were done right in the '70's!

incredible imaging, very balanced sound, a steal at this price if you are into 'tweaking' gear.

they need a high current amp (for control)
big and relatively ugly (my wife made me say that!!

i got these babies about 4 months ago from a friend who was moving up north.
the woofer surrounds were rotted and the peizo tweeter was fried (this caused him many a fried amp as well!).
so i refoamed the woofer (Stepp audio sells a reconing kit for about $35.00 USD), removed the peizo and its crossover components, and touched up some solder joints that looked like whoever soldered them was smoking a joint!(LOL)
i had them running in my system for about two days now.
one tweeter has developed a buzz on certain notes (easily fixed with new HF drivers from Scan-Speak- the D2905/9700 will drop right in without even having to rewire the crossover balance!!)
these babies sound incredible even with my Cyrus II/non-PSX amp!
a lot of people out there say these speakers need lots of clean watts. i think they just need a stable amp with high current- after all it is an acoustic suspension woofer, not the easiest to drive.
if anyone is looking for (or just got a pair)
BE WARNED: even thought these speakers are rated at 8 ohms, they measure more like 3.8, and i know that the woofer at 100hz dips to around the 2 ohm area.
better safe than sorry.
you can get speakers that are A LOT smaller that will offer this kind of performance (Linn's now dicontinued Keileidh @ $2000.00 + per pair), so if you don't have the cash, don't mind getting your hands dirty with a little TLC and want to know what all the fuss is about, go for it.
overall value: 4 (because of size)
value rating:5 (incredible performance for the used price!)

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PSB, Custom made sub and home theatre speakers

Sound is awesome!

Require lots of power and a quality amp

I came across a set of these in good condition for a great price (would you believe only $50 with the stands)!!! I planned to buy them and sell them to someone who really likes these speakers (they are selling closer to $500). Once I hooked them up, I realized the foam was gone. Replaced the foam for $22 - it was fairly simple. Connected the speakers to my receiver and WOW. They are still in my living room 6 months later!! They blow away my other 5 speaker systems - I sold off 3 other sets to keep these in place! People come to my house to watch movies now, because it sounds so good! I was surprised to see the piezo element in there, but it doesn't detract from the realistic sound stage. I don't have a sub, but I have tons of room-shaking bass from these speakers. I looked at trading in for some new Paradigms, ARs, Klipsch, etc, but NOTHING could meet the clarity and bass level of the DQ10s without a sub. These speakers are becoming rare - grab them if you can, especially under $400! Oh - and my wife thinks they are majorly ugly as they are 31" square (about the size of our TV!), but she tolerates the looks once she heard how good they sound.

Imaging in spades, fatigue free listening

Very power hungry leading to limited dynamics for most folks, needs sub, low SAF.

The foam surrounds on DQ-10's are prone to rot yielding speaker buzz at moderate+ volumes. Don't hesitate to buy such a pair as you can fix the problem for $30 and about two hours over 2 days invested. See www.newfoam.com, this is not an ad just a plug from a very happy customer. DO NOT replace the woofers, as you can't find replacements which blend into the system as well as the originals.

Do replace the capacitors with polypropylene if you've got early model caps.

Do use this highest possible quality amps and sources.

Now relegated to third system status, I still love to listen to DQ-10's. The DQ-1W mates well but is not as extended or tight as a modern sub.

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Current mains are Alon IV.

Crisp mids and Highs, Famous imaging and detail

Bass is limited. Size almost caused a divorce.

I had been researching the DQ-10's for several months and was blown away by the comments I saw from the previous reviewers. I knew based on the comments that I had to try them for myself. I received a response from the "want to buy" section of this website and had several hits. I responded to the best value and condition of the speakers and received my speakers 1 week later. I had heard the comments on the 8 ohm speakers being power hungry and they are. I have a Carver m1.5t amp rated at 375 watts to power these speakers. I took the time to set up in my great room, which is large with high ceilings. I run my CD's through a Yamaha CDC-775 player and I was astounded at the sound. After I adjusted the placement somemore I could hear the separation and imaging that these speakers are so famous for. This has been an absolute best buy for the money and they can be bought for the same price on the internet all day long. I can listen all day long without fatigue and am hearing detail that I never heard through my Kef Q-90's previously. I would highly recommend to anyone with the amp and the space to try these speakers, they will not disappoint. I have talked to Regnar-Dahlquist about doing the crossover upgrade which is highly recommended. The woofers are not original but are close Advent replacements. I am looking for originals to put back in if anyone knows of availability. The best dollar investment I have made in my audio hobby ever. I will actively look for Velodyne sub to compliment these in the coming months as I hear it is a great compliment to the DQ-10's. Play Dire Straits "Money for Nothin" turn the volume up and be amazed.

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none

Incredible sound stage Smooth, effortless highs and sweet, defined midrange and bass.

tight but not very low bass, woofers need to be re-coned every several years. You need power, power, power. 200w per side is minimal and you need room-at least 3 feet from your back and side walls to properly set them up.

When I went to purchase my components in 1981 I carefully selected several of my direct to disc recording of pipe organs to put the speakers through their paces. Compared to everything else that I had heard, the DQ 10's exhibited just about as perfect a sound stage that I had ever heard from a speaker and were dramatically better at this than anything that I had heard. I carefully selected components to go with the 10's and as such I purchased Hafler 350's and a Hafler pre-amp. The 350's only came as a kit that you built since Hafler didn't factory make a mono amp. I made them and then returned them to the factory not powered up(as they insisted)for their final check. The amps were returned to me with a rating of 480w each at the factory specs. I was very pleased at the results and started shopping for a subwoofer system to compliment them. It wasn't until '90's that I came across HSU Research subs. Since bass is not monaural when coming from a pipe organ or an orchestra, I was insisting on a stereo subwoofer system and the HSU subs filled the bill. Their tight response is basically flat down to 20 cps and that tight bass makes them the perfect compliment to the DQ 10's woofers. I use the active HSU crossover and to power them I use an Adcom GFA 555 II.
To this day people cannot believe that these speakers are almost 20 years old. They still delight me every time I listen to them. The only downside is that the foam suspension on the woofers doesn't last. I have to have them re-done every several years since the the foam degenerates.
If you are shopping for a used pair, try to get ones with factory woofers. The rest of the speaker is bullet proof.

I had a pair of DQ-10's for about 4 years. At the time I loved them. They had a crystal clear sound stage, especially with clasical or Jazz.
The other review on these speakers indicates that the bass is lacking.
I found this to be true until I switched to a Parasound 800II amp. These are
VERY power hungry speakers. I understand that at times they dip to 1/4 ohm
loads, so you need a stable amp as well. The bass was still not great, and
I understand that the DQ-1 subwoofer is a definate addition (when I bought them
the seller would not part with either the dedicated crossover box, nor his
DQ-1). I have seen a DQ-1 for sale on AudioShopper.com (not an advertisement!)
for only $150, and I sold my pair of DQ-10s for $500 in 1994.
If you like the sound of an electrostatic/true cone eg:Martin Logan (especially the smaller ones, I think you would
be very happy with a set of DQ-10s - as long as they are in good condition
Remember though - this is the reference speaker for 1976 (driven with an Ampizillin amp!) and
designed by the same person who designed the lunar lander vehicle!

I replaced the DQ-10s with a pair of B&W 801 series 2. A much more versitile
speaker in my opinion.

I'm surprised no one has reviewed what has to be considered a classic of high end speaker design. Since I think a lot of people use this site as I do, to check out opinions on used/vintage equipment they are considering buying, I am going to review some more vintage type components. The DQ-10s were made I believe from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. They are a five way phased array design. They look sort of like panels ore ribbons but aren't, about 2.5' x 3' rectangles). The bottom is a sealed box enclosing a woofer. Up top is the "phased array", four drivers (two mids, tweeter, super tweeter - i think) set on various baffles to supposedly align them time wise. The top is open air, enclosed by a wire mesh in the back, the front is covered in cloth and sides are edged with wood. The speakers come in mirrored pairs, that is one is specifically for the right side and one for the left (they are marked) - due to alignment of the phased array. I have seen a few colors but I think the oak ones with white cloth look best, kind of seventies but attractive. They sometimes come with fairly ugly stands. I think they are fine sitting on the floor. They are generally a very good used value, can be had for as little as $300 a pair (original price was over $1000). You must make sure they don't have rotted woofers or blown crossovers. They can be repaired but they should be very cheap if they don't work right. Look for higher serial numbers (i think over 30,000) - over time the speaker array and crossovers were improved I believe. Getting to the sound. Your mileage may vary. I find them very good. Big sound stage, very good imaging, very dynamic. Not a lot of bass response. Great sound on guitars especially. They seem to like a lot of power. I have played some CDs and the bass was lacking. Bass is good though on newer CDs that were mastered hotter (there is often a definite difference between older a newer CDs) - newer stuff tends to be mastered much better. For ex., I was making a copy of Echo & the Bunnymen "Songs to Learn and Sing) - bass wasn't so good. On my CD burner this CD wasn't getting up to the peak level that a CD can be written at. Made a copy of Echo's latest CD and it was much closer to peak. The bass (and overall sound) was way better. The DQ-10s are great with vinyl. The super tweeter should extend beyond 20,000 khz which i feel is appropriate for vinyl reproduction. What can I say? I love these speakers, and you can get them cheap. They are an excellent value and can be refurbished or modified. See www.regnar.com (i don't work for them or anything) for some people that specialize in Dahlquist speakers. They are experts and can fill in any gaops, correct any mistakes I have made here.

image,image,image

bottom end

Bought them new in 1983 and while decent without, you must add a sub. I was lucky and found the Dahlquist sub & crossover for 300.00. These speakers really need at least
200 per channel. I've used both a Hafler (warm!) and currently, the QSC 1400. Mine are not bi-amped, but if you think they sound good now, try it! Be careful as to placement from rear walls (at least 2'). I've listened to many, these are still my favorites. If you can't find a pair, next step up is the Quad. You must use quality interconnects and heavy main wire. These speakers will reveal many flaws. (Try listening to Led Zeps the Ocean-and hear the phone ringing in the backround!) Really, I've had to clean my pre-amp input cables from time to time--you can hear the very top end starting to splatter when the oxides build up---use em all the time to evaluate amps.

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marantz pre-amp / qsc amp / dahlquist sub