From: garyw%sag4.ssl.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Gary Wong)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Dana Audio 2f Summary
Date: 30 Sep 92 20:54:14 GMT
Organization: Space Science Labs
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
To: rec-audio-high-end@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu



Some weeks ago I posted a request for opinions
on the mail-order only Dana Audio model 2f speakers.
Two people were kind enough to respond
and I also received requests for a summary.

So here are the responses in their entirety.
BTW I ordered a pair today and the Dana folks
mentioned that there will probably be a
price increase of ~$100 soon (currently $395),
in anticipation of a favorable review in 
Stereophile December issue.

*******************************************************
Hi, I just bought a pair for my friend.
I got a NAD 100 watt amp (2400 I think)
and an PS Audio 4.5 Pre-amp.


>        1) your overall impression
>           (imaging, soundstage, tonal
>           balance, etc.)

	The imaging of this speaker is pretty darn good for 
	$400.  The tweeter is where the strong point. 
	The sound stage is amazing, though not very 
	stable.  (relative to $2000 speakers)
	Little bit on the dark side as the tweets can use
	a bit more brightness, and the bass is loose.
	Midrange... just ok.
	
>
>        2) which speakers you would compare
>           it to

	For $400, gee, Fri[e]d?  Paradigm 5SE,($400-ish although
	I bought a pair for another friend for $220 new.)
	The Paradigm provideds a better tonal balance, but the
	imaging/soundstage is not as good.  Trade offs.

>
>        3) test configuration (speaker
>           placement, connected equipment)
>
>        4) your opinion of their customer
>           service

	I just ordered it.  Never asked for service.Can't comment.
>
>        5) shipping cost and time

	It took about a week to get here in the West cost.
	San Jose.
>
>I am searching for speakers for my
>Adcom GFA 535 + GFP 555.
>

	Check out the Paradigm 5SEs.  I heard they have a new tweeter
	that might improve the imaging.
>
>Thanks to all who can respond
>garyw@cea.berkeley.edu



	p.s.  one bit of advise... Try to hear the speaker on 
		YOUR system.  It does make a difference.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In article 44721@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU, garyw%cea.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Gary Wong) writes:
>
>I would like to hear from anyone who has
>experience with Dana Audio speakers, in
>particular the model 2f.
>
>I am interested in:
>
>        1) your overall impression
>           (imaging, soundstage, tonal
>           balance, etc.)

Some friends and I stopped by Dana Audio on a trip to Austin about 8 months
ago.  I don't recall the model number, but at the time there were only two
speaker models available.  The larger one had a solid wood face and semi-
tubular back, two-way system with an 8" woofer, ...

We listened to these speakers for a while in a poor environment (low-end
equipment driving them, small room with one wall made entirely of glass,
flat hard walls, thin carpeted floor, ...).  Amazingly the speakers 
sounded very nice.  That same day, we listened to some Spicas, 
Vandersteens, and a few other well know brands (in much better 
environments as well).  Merely by saying that a direct comparison would
be in order indicates that the Dana Audio speakers are well worth the
money (they were $400/pair back then).  We were all VERY impressed.

>        2) which speakers you would compare
>           it to

They should fair well in a direct comparison with Spicas.  Without
the benefit of an A/B comparison, I like the Dana Audio speakers better.
I also like them better than Thiels.

>        3) test configuration (speaker
>           placement, connected equipment)

Can't help you here.  Your Adcom equipment should be fine, especially
considering that the small woofer may benefit from the stress that Adcom
puts on the low end (I know, that is a debatable issue).

>        4) your opinion of their customer
>           service

Don't know about their service but there are only 3 people working there
(the owner, his wife, Dana, and one guy that helps build the speakers).
We spoke with all of them for a long time and they were very nice,
knowledgable folks.

>        5) shipping cost and time

I don't know this either (sorry, not very helpful).  Try calling them.
I do know that they have a 15 day trial period in which you can return 
the speakers for a full refund if you don't like them.  You have to
pay the shipping charges though.

>I am searching for speakers for my
>Adcom GFA 535 + GFP 555.
>
>
>Thanks to all who can respond
>garyw@cea.berkeley.edu
>
>