Polk Monitor 10A vs Dahlquist DQ 10

pglbook

I have owned a pair of Polk Monitor 10A speakers for a long time and love them! Recently I also bought a pair of Dahlquist DQ 10s. I had heard so much about Dahlquist DQ 10s that I could not pass up a chance to buy a pair of DQ 10s when a pair was offered just 2 hours away from me for only $250! I bought the DQ 10 speakers and could not wait to hear what they sounded like. But, to be honest, I was disappointed. I do not know if my expectations were too high or what, but I just found the DQ 10s flat-sounding and not as lively as the Polk Monitor 10As. Yes, it is true that the DQ 10s are clearer and have better imaging than the Polk Monitor 10As, but, overall, I just find the Polk Monitor 10As a livelier and better-sounding speaker for my tastes.

I know that is sacriligeous to say the above to the legions of Dahlquist DQ 10 fans but that is my experience. I play my Polk Monitor 10s at least 8X more than I play my Dahlquist DQ 10s (although the DQ 10s are great for some light jazz and classical music, I admit).

I know it is comparing apples and oranges in a way but I am curious what others think and prefer - Polk Monitor 10s or Dahlquist DQ 10s?

Thanks.

cnh

I haven't the faintest. Never heard a pair of DQ 10s but people do talk about them! I do know that my Monitor 10As can kick some A$$. May not have all the qualities you note for the DQs above but they're very easy on the ears, pleasing and can fill a room up with some decent SPLs!

The speakers are probably not comparable, I suspect. Apples and oranges?

cnh

trav0810

Speakers are so subjective. I have owned 10A's, RTi12's, Rti8's, RT1000i's and out of all of them, my Monitor 12's are my favorites. They are the only speakers I have ever owned that I will not part with, and most people prefer the 10's over the 12's. Now, this may all change once I am finished with my 1.2TL's...but for now I like them better than any speaker I have heard.

So, this was my drawn out and convoluted way of saying...your ears are the only judge worth listening to!

Timothy Smith

I have owned Polk 5's, 7's, 10's (owned three pairs), 11's, RTA-12's, SDA-2's, SDA-CRS+, and SDA 3.1 TL's and more over a span of 35 years, and none come close to the (potential) "musicality" of the Dalquist DQ-10's (owned four pairs).

The DQ-10's are old, fussy, complicated, and need a lot of power and current. They won't sound very good with marginal equipment, whereas the Polks do. When everything is right, the DQ's will sound wonderful, natural, 3-dimensional etc. etc.

pglbook

Thanks. I run my DQ 10s with a very nice Yamaha CR 2020 receiver (105 watts) and, even so, the DQ 10s just sound somewhat flat to me. I have heard that recapping the crossovers on the DQ 10s really helps the sound. I have considered doing that. Has anyone done this? Does it really help? I even called Regnar about upgrading the DQ 10s but Regnar charges ridiculous prices and I do not want to put a lot of money into the DQ 10s. The Polk Monitor 10As, while lacking the super clarity of the DQ 10s, are just so lively and fantastic sounding for all kinds of music. I have not heard the Monitor 12s. I have a pair of Monitor 10As, 5As, and 7As and like the 10As the best. They just rock!

F1nut

I'd take a pair of SDA x.xTL's over the DQ-10's everyday and twice on Sunday, but one must experieince the DQ-10's somewhere along the line.

I run my DQ 10s with a very nice Yamaha CR 2020 receiver (105 watts)

Yeah, that's not even close to properly powering them or your Polk's.

Timothy Smith

Before you give up on or sell the DQ-10's, maybe try them with a good power amp in the 200 WPC @ 8 ohm or + range.

105 WPC from a Yamaha receiver probably won't cut it.

My 100 wpc Nad 2400 PE receiver was out of gas, 160 wpc from a HK Citation 16 power amp was marginally enough power.

A series of different 200 wpc @ 8 ohm amps like Adcom GFA555, Rotel 1080, Sumo Andromeda, and B&K really opened the DQ-10's up.

pglbook

Thanks for the advice. I know the DQ 10s are very power-hungry speakers and the more power the better they sound. The fellow I bought them from used them with a Yamaha CR 2020 receiver, like the one I have, and he said the CR 2020 was a great match for them. Obviously, I'd like to have a Yamaha CR 3020 or a Pioneer SX 1250 to power the DQ 10s as I am sure that would improve their sound tremendously but, at present, I do not have the big bucks to spend on one of those rare 180+ watt receivers. I think I will be recapping the crossovers on the DQ 10s because I have heard that helps out a lot. I won't give up on them but it will be an ongoing project I am sure.

littlewoodboats

For the price of a monster receiver you could buy a nice integrated amplifier and tuner with some cash left in your pocket. Be careful with vintage Yamaha gear to check impedance ratings. Your CR-xx20 series is not four ohm rated.

cnh

I highly doubt that a vintage Yamaha is not 4 ohm rated?

Also, all you need is a cheap power amp of 200 watts x 2 to hook up to that Yamaha. You can probably get a used amp (one of the ones mentioned above) for as little as $300. The Yamaha CR 2020 has to have PRE-OUTS for L/R channels?

cnh

Timothy Smith

If you have some friends in this hobby locally, maybe ask them if you can borrow, or if they can bring over a high power amp or amp/preamp combo so that you can see if there is a significant improvement in the sound of your DQ-10's and your Monitor 10's.

We have an informal "Hi-Fi Low-Life club" and we trade equipment back and forth a lot. Sure is a good way to find out what you need or like without spending money first.

pglbook

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate it. And, I apologize ahead of time for a dumb question, but how does a power amp work and how would it hook up to the Yamaha CR 2020? I did not know that you could get a power amp and connect it to the receiver. By doing so, will the receiver retain the same Yamaha sound or does the power amp change the sound in any way? If I understand correctly, the idea of a power amp is to boost the power (wattage?) of the receiver? I'd appreciate any details. I have always just used receivers (connected to CD player, turntable, speakers) and am not familiar with other components like power amps.
Thanks.

littlewoodboats

cnh wrote: »

I highly doubt that a vintage Yamaha is not 4 ohm rated?

The Yamaha CR 2020 has to have PRE-OUTS for L/R channels?

cnh

The receivers were not four ohm rated. Surprised me when mine went up in smoke right after plugging in the SDA interconnect.

I could not figure out how to cut the section of the manual.pdf but here it is in its entirety. Page 14 for speakers. 8 ohm minimum for a single set of speakers 16 ohm if more than one set are to be played at the same time. The 2020 has three sets of spe4aker connections that should never all be in use at the same time.

http://akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/Yamaha%20CR-2020%20Owners.pdf

It can be uncoupled and used as just the pre outs.

littlewoodboats

If you look at the back panel of the receiver, the RCA connections just to the left of the speaker connections will uncouple the unit. Once the switch is set to uncouple you can use just the preamp section or just the amplifier section.

I am not sure why you would want to but one could uncouple and use the RCA out to the RCA in and use the unit as normal.

Timothy Smith

littlewoodboats wrote: »

The receivers were not four ohm rated. Surprised me when mine went up in smoke right after plugging in the SDA interconnect.

I could not figure out how to cut the section of the manual.pdf but here it is in its entirety. Page 14 for speakers. 8 ohm minimum for a single set of speakers 16 ohm if more than one set are to be played at the same time. The 2020 has three sets of spe4aker connections that should never all be in use at the same time.

http://akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/Yamaha%20CR-2020%20Owners.pdf

It can be uncoupled and used as just the pre outs.

You may have blown your receiver if it was a dual-mono design. That is incompatible with the SDA connector, and there is a warning on the back of SDA speakers.

littlewoodboats

Timothy Smith wrote: »

You may have blown your receiver if it was a dual-mono design. That is incompatible with the SDA connector, and there is a warning on the back of SDA speakers.

Mine was a x40 series Yamaha receiver long past its prime. At the mid level one can be replaced for less than rebuild cost. It was fine at very low level and went poof the first time I turned it up a bit. My fault. I should have stuck it out in the shop driving some bookies and it would still be with us today.

ambiophonics

I always thought my DQ-10's sounded accurate but required a high quality source, preamp, amp, etc... You definitely didn't want to listen to mp3's on the DQ's. I have mine posted for sale over in the FM if anyone is dying to snag a pair

cnh

Timothy Smith wrote: »

You may have blown your receiver if it was a dual-mono design. That is incompatible with the SDA connector, and there is a warning on the back of SDA speakers.

Interesting. I have no idea what the XX40 series had inside? But I can tell you, I mean littlewoodboats, that my CR-800 of 50 watts x 2 can definitely drive a 4 ohm load and not blow.

As to the OP. On the back of your Yamaha there are PRE-OUTS for the L/R channels that either have jumpers connecting them In to Out, or a switch that allows one to decouple the Pre-outs from the Pre-ins. What you do is run two RCA cables (short ones) from the POWER amp R/L INs to the Yamaha PRE-OUTs. Then wire the speakers DIRECTLY to the power AMP.

The Yamaha now acts as the pre-amp that will control the VOLUME and TONE and all the other functions/sources (FM, TAPE, CD, etc. connected to it.

The sound will still reflect the Yamaha but will also be impacted "some" by what kind of power amp you are using. The more neutral the amp, the more the pre will determine the final sound! It's hard to call this before you've experimented with a few amps. But the Yamaha DOES remain very much in the "mix".

So rather than start another thread on finding a CR 3020 which will cost you two, three or even four times what a good Parasound or B&K power amp (that is still MORE POWERFUL than a 3020) will, why not just buy a good 200-300 watt x 2 power amp and link it to your existing Yamaha?

That will save you a lot of money that you'll just waste on a larger Yamaha, for WHAT reason?

cnh

littlewoodboats

cnh wrote: »

Interesting. I have no idea what the XX40 series had inside? But I can tell you, I mean littlewoodboats, that my CR-800 of 50 watts x 2 can definitely drive a 4 ohm load and not blow. cnh

The x00 series gear was fine at four ohms. I drove my 2a's with my CA-1000 without issue. I am not sure about the x10 series other than the amplifiers which were fine to four ohm. My CR-840 would have been fine if my speakers had been 2B's like I had been lead to believe they were.

pglbook, I think the advice to find an amp rather than spend the big bucks on yet another receiver would be the way to go.

sorry for the derail of your thread

pglbook

No problem at all. I learn something from all of the posts.
Thanks for the advice about my getting a power amp rather thank looking for a bigger receiver.
The problem is I know nothing about amps as I have always had receivers. I have heard about them but have no idea how they work, what the purpose of a power amp is, etc. Do they connect to the receiver or is an amp a separate component? What is its purpose? I apologize for the ignorant questions but I do not know anything about amps and have a lot (everything) to learn about them. Thanks again. I appreciate it.

drumminman

A receiver has everything mounted inside one cabinet: tuner, pre-amp (amplifies low level signal so the power amp can detect and amplifiy it and power your speakers) and power amp. Having everything inside one cabinet requires compromises in the design and physical layout of each of the above sections.

In a receiver the power amp section produces most of the heat. A separate power amp means it has it's own chassis, power supply, better venting, etc.

The Yamaha's have decent pre amps so you can save money by buying a power amp and two RCA interconnects, and connecting the two together as stated above:

left pre out (on Yamaha) to left input (on Power Amp) and the same for the right channel.

pglbook

Thanks for the detailed information. I think I understand the idea of a power amp. However, by using a power amp to bypass a receiver's own amp, does that then produce a different sound? I like the sound of the Yamaha CR receivers and I guess my question is: if I attach a apower amp to my Yamaha CR 2020, will I then lose the Yamaha sound and get a different sound out of my speakers? Also, I strictly use my receiver for a CD player and turntable (I don't use the radio tuner on it) so, if I used a power amp, would I need the receiver at all (or pre-amp and power amp combo, I guess)?
Thanks again. I appreciate the details and am learning with each post. I appreciate it a lot.

audiocr381ve

pglbook wrote: »

Thanks for the detailed information. I think I understand the idea of a power amp. However, by using a power amp to bypass a receiver's own amp, does that then produce a different sound? I like the sound of the Yamaha CR receivers and I guess my question is: if I attach a apower amp to my Yamaha CR 2020, will I then lose the Yamaha sound and get a different sound out of my speakers? Also, I strictly use my receiver for a CD player and turntable (I don't use the radio tuner on it) so, if I used a power amp, would I need the receiver at all (or pre-amp and power amp combo, I guess)?
Thanks again. I appreciate the details and am learning with each post. I appreciate it a lot.

Yes, it'll produce a different sound. I love the vintage Marantz sound and I once had a unit that had pre-outs, so I was able to use an external amplifier. I feel like I did lose that classic sound that I fell in love with. I tried 3 different amps. The Carver TFM-45, B&K Ref 200.2 S2, and a Emotiva UPA-2, all of which took away from the vintage Marantz sound.

Here's the kicker. I ditched the Marantz and got into high quality pre-amps and will never turn back for my primary 2 channel system. I might build a vintage system in the future with an old Marantz 2270, but for my primary system I couldn't be happier with my tube pre.

pglbook

Thanks again for all of the advice and information (and patience at my questions). Yes, I know what you mean about loving the Marantz (and, for me, vintage Yamaha CR) sound. I'd hate to lose that but, as you say, a high-end pre-amp/amp combo may be the way to go. Thanks so much for the education about amps. I was always curious about them but was afraid to ask I guess, haaa. This is an awesome site with some great people. I am very glad to have come across it and to be part of such a great group of very knowledgeable and friendly people, such as yourself. Thanks again.

audiocr381ve

pglbook wrote: »

Thanks again for all of the advice and information (and patience at my questions). Yes, I know what you mean about loving the Marantz (and, for me, vintage Yamaha CR) sound. I'd hate to lose that but, as you say, a high-end pre-amp/amp combo may be the way to go. Thanks so much for the education about amps. I was always curious about them but was afraid to ask I guess, haaa. This is an awesome site with some great people. I am very glad to have come across it and to be part of such a great group of very knowledgeable and friendly people, such as yourself. Thanks again.

You got it man, I hope you stick around. We need more nice guys around here

And yes, a high quality pre-amp will blow your mind. My "OMG" moment was when I purchased an Adcom GFP-750 pre, which I and many others highly recommend (can be had for $750-$850 and is said to be the only Adcom pre worth owning).

pglbook

Thanks fo the nice note. I will definitely stick around. After all I am just getting started with the vintage audio addiction! I have a
2nd job selling used/rare books online and I always joked that book collecting/selling is the only hobby that has a disease named after it: bibliomania. Well, besides books, I think I am also now getting obsessed with vintage audio. I guess I have "audiomania." haaaa. But, seriously, it is a fun and fantastic way to spend some time. I just wish my budget were as big as my tastes (as, I know we all do). Thanks again. I appreciate everything. Glad to have found this site and the great people on here!

pglbook

I see there is an Adcom GFP-750 pre listed for sale on ebay. Wow. $900 I belive it was listed for. The only one on there. What amp do you have with your Adcome pre? What speakers?

audiocr381ve

pglbook wrote: »

I see there is an Adcom GFP-750 pre listed for sale on ebay. Wow. $900 I belive it was listed for. The only one on there. What amp do you have with your Adcome pre? What speakers?

I don't have the Adcom pre anymore but I paired it with my Polk SDA-2B's and PSB Synchrony Ones. I found my Adcom GFP-750 for $650 locally, and with the preferred blue boards. Really lucked out.

It's a solid performer BUT I think a tube pre would be the absolute best bet for you based on a few things you've said. I'm running the Dared SL2000a which is extremely popular around here. I think you'd love it and it's a lot less expensive than the Adcom.

Msabot1

I have a pair of 10B's that I bought in 84 and I love em still,will come alive with minimal power. Those Dahls sound impressive,but it sounds like you need a stage amp to realize their potential. One thing that impressed me about Polks is their efficiency across the range.

pglbook

Thanks. I hope I can find some Polk SDA -Bs locally some day. What do you think of them? How do they compare to Monitor 10As?
I have heard wonderful things about them and it seems like one can still find them at a reasonable price.

littlewoodboats

pglbook wrote: »

I see there is an Adcom GFP-750 pre listed for sale on ebay. Wow. $900 I belive it was listed for. The only one on there. What amp do you have with your Adcome pre? What speakers?

Slow down. You have threads all over the place. Calm down and never pay $900.00 for a GFP-750