My dad bought his DM4's new back in the 70's. They are in my house to this day and the only pair of speakers I own. Whilst I'm happy to concede that there are modern-day speakers that surpass them I just love the sound. Original, nothing has broken or been replaced. I didn't even know what the they looked like behind the front cover until your review. I've been listening to them for 50 years and my ears still aren't tired of them.
Just love this guy only stumbled across his channel very recently. His appraisals are so honest and down to earth they all make captivating viewing. The guy is a natural love the way you feel like your sitting in an old friends living room listening to his sound advice keep up the good work
Recently (6 weeks ago) purchased off e- bay B&W DM4's £90 (uk) needed woofer positioning / glueing (easy) and box edges wounded in post a little. However, Mr K's shimmering review of them was interesting.. They will make you smile....a lot. The B&W DM4 are classic British monitors, with all the pros and cons of this type of speaker. They sound transparent and precise, with extremely low distortion levels, within their physical limits. They can represent a good project, if you wish to taste that vintage flavour....
DM4's are pretty good, watch out for early models with the white bass unit surrounds, they can shrink, affecting the bass. DM2 and DM2A are nice speakers too, also using the Celestion HF1300/ Coles 4001G supertweeter.
I have just added a REL Sub to my system with DM4s. Not only does it fill out those lacking low frequencies, it actually improves the midrange tone. Beautiful. The timing has also really improved, big big win. Love these speakers mid and top end but they lack authority in the bass.
Now that i think of it more...i'm sure adding a sub helps a lot with the DM4...I have purchased a pair of vintage DM4 and Spendor S100...I bi amped the spendor s100 but its a monimal gain in performance...just one amp would be fine...they are 89db efficient.
Thanks to your advice I just turned around the drivers on my Ditton 250s, magic is beginning to happen... Much better balanced sound now, and that's before I re-cap them! 👍👍
Hi Kelvin, I do look forward to your reviews and this one was well up to your usual high standard, very enjoyable! I had a pair of B&W speakers back in the day, DM1600 if I recall the model number correctly. 1980s not 1970s, great speakers though seeming to do most things right. I replaced them after a kids birthday party - little fingers and tweeters don’t go together. I wish I’d have been aware of your tips regarding indented tweeters back then. Would have saved a shed load of money on “more modern” replacements. It’s entirely possible I’d still have them now. Do take your point regarding progress or sometimes apparent lack of it. Not sure all can be brought down to a single issue but I think “computer says” is part of the conundrum. Measurement only goes so far, ears should be the final arbiter. Also, given that kit is truly international these days, catering to the “British sound” is low down on the list of priorities. Just a thought. Wish you every success with the channel and keep up the good work.
Me too! They were my first “real” speakers I bought. Still have them with the receiver I bought at the same time... the Yamaha CR-600. Would have been wiser if I bought the CR-800, I believe, but, still good.
Thanks for the tip on rotating the drivers. I just rotated all four bass midrange drivers on my 1984 B&W DM1400 speakers. There's a noticeable improvement in sound.
Hi very nice review . I followed your suggestions and I twisted by 180 degree the woofers and added a thin sealing tape at the inner perimeter of the woofers . I also changed the internal wires and soldered the terminals. The woofers were covered with foam at the back of the basket but it crumbled completely so I replaced the foam as well. I agree with you the dm 4 resulted to be better sounding than the dm 14 in a direct comparison I made. I have to say that dm 16 are the best sounding vintage b&w speakers I listened to so far… but I did not listen to dm 6.
Got a pair of DM4s thanks to this review, and they sound lovely. Then I stumbled over a pair of DM2a. Had to get them. Same sweet tweeters as in DM4, and they have really nice bass, thight and punchy. Do you have experience with Dm2s? I think you might just like them. This is by far my favourite hifi channel, honest and entertaining. Most other hifi reviewers almost always end up saying "very good for the money" on just about anything they talk about. Keep up the good work! Cheers B
Yes I haven’t heard the DM twos but you can just tell by looking at them they will sound good the two tweeters are great as we know The differences I guess must be in the base the Diem to use our closed box I think tell me which do you prefer
@@stereoreviewx I have to say the DM2a was a big surprise to me.. Didn`t expect them to be that good. The DM4 might have the edge in the midrange by a small margin. They are outclassed in the bass and scale, not surprising, DM2 are huge heavy transmission line models. Top end excellent on both. Love both models. They put a lot of modern speakers to shame for sure.
@@bjrngulbrandsen3643 oh I misunderstood what speakers you had there sure the DM twos would be great for bass no one seems to do those long transmission lines anymore. I think those speakers are real under the radar bargains because they’re big and they’re not a particularly nice shape somehow but I want to hear some really badly now K
@@stereoreviewx Yes they are really "wife unfriendly" looking, I think they look great though. I got the 2A-version, from my information the early ones are the models to go for (DM2 and DM2A). There is a MKII version which looks very differently and from what I have read people seem to prefer the early ones. Really glad I found them, and the DM4s. Amazing value!
I got both speakers and DM2a is a far better speaker with regards to bass extension thanks to quater wave length TL. The overall soundstage is also much better
Great review , i totaly agree with your listening experince of those dm4's , had 5 years second hand hifi shop in brussels and its beats in midhighs many highend speakers...its amazing with subs added ....
Totally agree. Just bought a pair of dm 5's, amazing. The soundstage is large and in incredibly precise vocale are...as if the Singer is there with hou in the room. IT hasn't tot the Woolly base of the dm4 either. Compared IT tot the IMF super compact II. A good speaker with more and netter base, big the soundstage and liveliness is nowhere near that of the dm5's. Partnered them to an Accuphase e204 and titel CD player bh the wat.
Hi, thanks for the amazing video again, much appreciated. I'd like to hear some more reviews of some true 3 way speakers (not so much, bass driver with two tweeters) that are good in your opinion.
Just picked up a couple of pairs of DM4's to use with my Sansui A-317 amp, they sound fabulous. Thanks for the tips on both these items Kelvin. One of the Celestion HF1300 tweeters is gone on one of the speakers, but otherwise they are perfect.
@@stereoreviewx The bass drivers are dated "6 Nov 1979". The tweeters are the 16 Ohm metal back ones which seem harder to find. Currently taking them apart and cleaning everything up.
i bought a pair of DM4's from my friend in 1996 for about £80 as a stopgap until i could get my 1978 Tannoy Cheviot's re-coned and i still have them i only replaced them about 2 years ago for a pair of Q Acoustic 3050's but i intend to set them up in a 2nd system and i never got the Tannoy's re-coned but i still have them stored in the spare bedroom
You're always so positive, you should some videos about rubbish gear so we know not to buy them, so thanks for mentioning Toshiba, now we know to avoid. 😁 When can we hang out so I can ask you a million questions?...
You should be on the lookout for any audiolab 8000a about 130 £150 very good integrated amplifier and probably one of the best phono stage you'll get in an integrated even today, but like with anything you have to be careful buying old have some burning issues and you don't know what sort of repairs it might have had if any same with the Sugden might have been upgraded. Could be electrolytic capacitor issue in the speaker. if you changing the cable you're changing the capacitance and inductance. Find electrolytics probably the blue alcap Changing for the same value but metal film polyurethane capacitor and you'll need a small non- inductor resistor value 4 Watts in series 0.3 Ohm's help with that mid-range bass. Especially the higher frequencies should come to life the tweet might sound overly bright substitute for higher value resistor if it feels bright you could do this with the capacitor or change the resistor that will go to the tweeter something like a .5 to .7 Ohm's
Great video educational and correctly said. I have them so I agree with most of things you said, very realistic and true review. I wanna add they have polypropylene crossover, for this model Bower imported it from Sweden company called ITT, very quality crossover.
Great reviews, thanks. Always wanted to listen to these. I have the similar looking DM2 Mk1's - same drivers but a transmission line design internally which made them (i) heavy and, (ii) just too expensive and complicated to build. These were, indeed, more expensive than the Wharfedales and Celestions of the day and I recall doing listening comparisons at B&W's shop in Worthing (couldn't afford them then of course!).
I owned the DM4s and now the DM2as, the DM2as are better in every aspect, I just did not like the DM4s at all, analytical, lacking in bass, shallow sound stage, I’m sure a lot of people like them because of their neutrality of sound, but for me I didn’t find them musical or enjoyable to listen to.
Actually a really good combination with these is a Toshiba SA500 receiver.They are really excellent sounding receivers.The DM4 has more of a studio monitor balance-quite neutral and dry sounding compared to Spendor BC1.Rogers Studio 1 are more half way between the two.What is interesting about the DM4 is that there are no resistors in the crossover at all .That is very unusual and shows very closely matched driver driver sensitivity.Also the woofers are 4 ohm whereas all the other BBC inspired speakers are 8 -10 ohm.So the DM4s suit SS amps best.
Hi nice detailed review. I own 2 pairs of these speakers for years . and I can endorse your findings. consider putting an AWS608 next to it. To give the DM4 Mid/woofers some rest. and the bass deficiency is probably supplemented (not too much) And Keep up the good work and keep going.
Do you have any experience with Castle Acoustics? I bought a pair of Richmond speakers last year and I haven't found that much information about them online. I'm curious to know more about where they fit in the context of other speakers from the period (February 1974). The main things I know about them are that they were one of the first designs to use front-facing bass-reflex ports and that they have rubber surrounds.
Well what I would say about castle is they are well rated actually never had any myself but I bet generally speaking there pretty dam good some of them did have foam surrounds which of course will be rotten by now.
@@stereoreviewx Of the speakers I owned my favs are or were... Electrostatics: Quad ESL 63, Audiostatic ES 240. Box Speakers: Radford 270, Kef 105, Monitor Audio MA3
Incidentally, off subject, but Stevie Wonder is indeed sublime. My favourite of ALL time. Speaking of test songs. Interestingly, seeing as you speak of lack of definition in the bass, whenever I change my stylus or something, I deliberately check the sound through my DM4s with the opening couple of minutes of Side One, 'The Essential', from Mark King's solo album 'Influences' which is a lovely mid-tempo slap bass track with a brass section and electric guitar part. So, how ironic that I use a 'bass guitar specialist' track to test my DM4s!!....(and personally I think all the tone of Mark King's JD is there)....so, go figure, as the Americans say! :)
After seeing your review I got in search of this Speakers. I found it! The detail is wonderful. Very nice bass, always controlled. I also own a pair of S pendor 2/2 and is a good fight on who is the best ... in the b&w probably the super tweeter makes the difference expanding the scene and details. Spendor perhaps have more body .... what do you think? Luca
Great review Calvin...I have a pair of these that I did a little bit of your suggested advice...what of these 3 is your favorite, if it is the BCll...what makes it better than BCl ❓ B&W DM4, BC1 or is the BCll the best?
May i ask if you ever got your hands on a pair of the bigger Keesonic speakers like the KBM oder KRF or Ranger and what your opinion is about them. :) Kindly regards from Germany
Good review. I haven't listened to many vintage B&W products but I grew up in the 80's and 90's with my dad's Spendor preludes and have B&W 702 S2's now. Speakers are very subjective but I'm very happy with them....after changing the cables a couple of times and the amp and positioning them better. Any thoughts on the 700 S2 range? Curious to hear what others think.
FIY, SOUND IS WHAT THE LISTNER PRESEVIVE your options wont appeal to everyone, with that said. I have a pair of the B&W dm4s ive had them since 1978. Untill i blew the last midbass driver i listed to them all the time. But I ran them on a 20 watt reciver and ran it into clipping. Becuse my young at the time dumbass didn't know any better. I think the pair back in the 70s were like 350 us it was an entry leval speaker into the B&W line. They also changed peoples views on what size a speaker you needed. I mean in the 70s people were building speaker out or 4 sheets of plywood per speaker with 2 18" drivers in them. This is no joke one guy I knew had 2 of these monsters in his apartment and barely room to sit down it was Hella loud. Remember the maxell comercial well it wasnt just his hair moving you could hear it 3 blocks away.
My dad Had a pair of these when I was a kid. Pretty certain they were this model definitely bowers and Wilkins don’t no how long he had them for but eventually sold them in favour of a pair of bc1s. They certainly are a good looking speaker tho
Kelvin, Review a set of B&W DM2a's if you can snag a pair. I'm curious as to you're thoughts on those versus the DM4's. I have a pair of DM4's and I supplement the bass with a subwoofer. It solves the problem and it all sounds great. To bad you don't have more access to North American speakers. You would be very surprised if you heard a pair of Boston Acoustics HD7, HD8, A60 or A70's. Cheers from Toronto.
@stereoreviewx Yes, that makes total sense. You lose that wonderful midrange. Try adding a small subwoofer in between the DM4s. That's the way I'm driving them now, and boy, it sounds so good 👍 cheers
Hi Kelvin, enjoying your video's, great info! I am offered a pair of B&W DM2A (transmission line) speakers in very good condition for €250,-. What is your opinion on those? Or would the DM4 be a better choice? Want to use them on my Luxman R1500 receiver which sounds great to me (very nice midrange, detailed, smooth, 2x 75W).
Great video, as all of your honest and unpretentious content are. I recently acquired a nice set of DM4s, and next to my Beovox S45-2 they need to time for me to acknowledge their quality. At first listen, they sound a bit less apparent sound stage and less brightness, compared to the S45-2s. One thing that I would like to find out, because of their age and lack of knowledge on their history, is if the super-tweeters are working. Could you advice me on a how to check this, without too much hassle and unscrewing? Many thanks for all the work you put in your channel!
Yes I literally put my ear right next to the supertweeter put my hand on top of the lower tweeter I’m 59 I can hear it for sure you’re not gonna hear loads and that would be correct but you can tell if it’s working. Also really worth doing loosen the base driver screws rotated 90° and tighten those screws up as much as you dare this will tighten up base and everything really it’s a win-win
hi...just received a used pair of bowers & Wilkins DM4(Pro 40) - (not sure what pro 40 has over normal Dm4) today that were in good condtion...i turned the bass driver 180 degrees and tightened but when i took the other bass driver out and rotated noticed a metal round piece was stuck to the on the magnent of the bass driver...don't know where it came from...maybe it fell off inside during shipping...it's not a capacitor but looks like one...i put the driver back in after rotating and tightened...seems to play well so who knows?🤔 PS/ they need a subwoofer that i'll get...the sound is SO CLEAR!😮...I'm impressed! edit: found out the piece stuck to bass driver magnet was a piece of metal that came unglued from the center of one of the coils...I just glued it back...no problems...sounds great
Hi - You are doing a great job. I am a music lover and a great fan of punchy Mid frequency and high frequency sounds This is my current setup and looking to do the below based on some of your videos Current Setup 1. Yamaha AS500 Amp 2. Monitor Bronze BX2 speakers 3. Aperion Audio Ribbon Super Tweeter 4. Beresford Bushmaster TC 7530 DAC Upgrade (that I'm thinking of) 1. Use NAD 3020 as the pre-amp (not sure if I can use this as the pre-amp for Yamaha AS500. Please can you advise?) 2. B & W DM 4 3. Aperion Audio Ribbon Super Tweeter (existing) 4. Beresford Bushmaster TC 7530 DAC (existing) Not sure if I can combine Monitor BX2 in this mix. Please can you advise? As mentioned I like the punchy mid and pleasant/clear high frequency Please can you advise me ? Or, please suggest an alternate upgrade option. Thanks
I managed to get a mint pair from gumtree £190 2022 I paid they are mint . I have them hooked up to my Harmon Kardon Fisher Akai pioneer receivers with a Sansui 212 turntable with a selector box so I can switch between the receivers.
I don’t think the DM twos are the same kind of winner as the DM fours once you get a lot of bass like the DM twos will give you start to want a mid range driver
Nice review. I just got a pair of these speakers. Looking for an amp now. You think a Pioneer A-304R (8 Ohm, 35 watts per channel) would be a good fit? Thanks
I use B&W DM4s with a Pioneer A-405R (and an early 80s Technics SL1200 MkII turntable).....and that works well. I don't know how that compares with an A-304R (earlier model? better or worse} but just thought I'd vouch for something close that works.
Hi Kelvin, loving your reviews. I've got a pair of DM110i's right now, thinking of 'upgrading' to the DM4, would you recommend this upgrade or is it not going to make that much difference? Thanks! by the way; I will be using them with a NAD 3020i
Well I think I would say yes it will be an improvement pretty much across the board but mid range and treble for sure. I’m 85% sure that say that Cheers K
@@stereoreviewx Got them up & running, they sound amazing. I got pretty interested in the Sansui 441 after your video's, do you think this would be a better match with the DM4's in general and in terms of the bass? Maybe a bit more bass with the Sansui?
🤗 THANKS ….GOOD INFO..👍 I HAVE ALWAYS PREFERRED 3way speakers 🤗. BTW…I think in the case of making 2 changes at the same time that you know from experience will be an improvement is NOT A PROBLEM… (also I learned something NEW …doing a 180 on old woofers😊😍😍😍
@@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 He replied to one of my comments regarding doing a side by side with the BC1 and B&W DM2 a few weeks ago. I've also noticed he hasn't posted in a while. Maybe he's busy with life. Hope he's doing well.
got a pair of these for a tenner in a car boot sale many years ago. And sold them to a mate for - a tenner. He was made up with them. Yes, im an idiot! They sound great, much better than you would expect a speaker of this vintage to sound, but the bass driver will hit the end stops pretty quickly if you turn the wick up too loud. It's brecause the port is tuned really high on this speaker. Its just a hole in the front of the cabinet so port resonance wont limit the Xmax in the lowest octaves.
Hello ! Why do u show us this crappy Kef there, at the left. Didn't u find a buyer for the pair ? U should dig in the broadband speakers rabbit hole on day, Kevin... Seems it's pretty fascinating too.
Hi Kelvin. After watching your reviews about Sansui amplifiers and B&W DM 4. I would like to know how about matching Sansui 221 with these B&W DM4? I've found both and about to make an offer. Have you ever tried B&W with Sansui receivers?. Hoping to be replied. Thanks...
@@stereoreviewx I've got them today. I drove them with my Sansui 551, going to try them with 221 tomorrow. You are absolutely right. They have a classy sound with an handsome appearance. I've already loved them very much. I've got no idea about them. Thank you so much for your review.
I read somewhere that European speaker systems, and UK in particular, have a different design "philosophy" from American designs in that you guys prefer a more direct radiation. American ears have been trained to appreciate wide dispersion. One of my most important criteria for speakers is wide dispersion, hence 1" or smaller dome tweeters. What's your take on this?????
Yes Marty interesting subject certainly I think there is a British sound there is a European sound and there is an American sound generally speaking Now exactly what it relates to is another matter I am wondering whether American living rooms bigger than British ones that could certainly be a player Now Scandinavia is pretty cold they seem to make a sound that you can listen to for long periods And I have those winters with long dark nights My guess is it’s not a training thing it’s more a circumstantial reaction Quite a tricky issue thanks for that question I don’t have a definite answer really Cheers K
Don't tell me these are better than the Spendor BC1s now,because i already bought the Spendors 😅...There is another speakers that i would love to hear your opinion about.The Pageant Series 2.
Dear Kelvin, I will get DM4 for my office, I use to listen Jazz, Classic and Rock in my 15m square room... Can you give me few different amp's wich can be suit well with the speakers please ? I would like to get a beautiful vintage amp (with wood if possible ?)... Unfortunatly, my budget is around 100~200€ max Thank you in advance for your British helping, Best regards, From a Froggy who loves music ;)
I might be wrong but I think the supertweeters are so 'super' they may be dealing with frequencies even HIGHER than 12000Hz!!! Sounds like it to me....higher than a hiss through clenched teeth. :)
This upset every body, I bought my DM4 from warehouse clearence from B.M.W 10 years ago brand new never touched for £5.00, made in 1987 for B.B.C. All had to do add active subwoofer from Krell, the Krell Resolution from closing down sale in Leicester for £300.00
EBay in the US would sell them for $1,100. Broken and ripped. People think they have solid gold. Some people actually want more than they paid for stuff. Use it for 45 years and call it “vintage audiophile” for 3X the original cost.
For quicker, cleaner bass, try removing all of that wool from the cabinet. It's supposed to make the cabinet behave like a larger enclosure.. adiabatic something or other. But it just makes the bass sound...well, woolly
Well without any wadding The box will start making a lot of noise. I have experimented with wadding in various speakers You can optimise for certain sound levels Meaning reduce the wording get a more lively sound but if you go louder the box starts making lots of noise like a guitar box does It’s a tricky business
Interesting. I'm sure you've experimented far more than I. But I've not had this problem with my DM4's -- in any case, I think they came with too much wool in them.
have you tried replacing the wool and instead pad the box with foam? many manufacturers have been using foam and with DM4 it would address the problem of the wool being puked out through the bass port.
My dad bought his DM4's new back in the 70's. They are in my house to this day and the only pair of speakers I own. Whilst I'm happy to concede that there are modern-day speakers that surpass them I just love the sound. Original, nothing has broken or been replaced. I didn't even know what the they looked like behind the front cover until your review. I've been listening to them for 50 years and my ears still aren't tired of them.
Just love this guy only stumbled across his channel very recently. His appraisals are so honest and down to earth they all make captivating viewing. The guy is a natural love the way you feel like your sitting in an old friends living room listening to his sound advice keep up the good work
Recently (6 weeks ago) purchased off e- bay B&W DM4's £90 (uk) needed woofer positioning / glueing (easy) and box edges wounded in post a little. However, Mr K's shimmering review of them was interesting.. They will make you smile....a lot.
The B&W DM4 are classic British monitors, with all the pros and cons of this type of speaker. They sound transparent and precise, with extremely low distortion levels, within their physical limits. They can represent a good project, if you wish to taste that vintage flavour....
DM4's are pretty good, watch out for early models with the white bass unit surrounds, they can shrink, affecting the bass. DM2 and DM2A are nice speakers too, also using the Celestion HF1300/ Coles 4001G supertweeter.
Pleasure as alway, Keep the good work coming, Love it
I have just added a REL Sub to my system with DM4s. Not only does it fill out those lacking low frequencies, it actually improves the midrange tone. Beautiful. The timing has also really improved, big big win. Love these speakers mid and top end but they lack authority in the bass.
Now that i think of it more...i'm sure adding a sub helps a lot with the DM4...I have purchased a pair of vintage DM4 and Spendor S100...I bi amped the spendor s100 but its a monimal gain in performance...just one amp would be fine...they are 89db efficient.
Hi,
Been a long time since you last had a video pal.Glad to hear from you again.
Enrique
I agree with everything you say ...except the price !! ..they are £250+ now ! ... I blame
your glowing review !
Great review.I have a pair of B&W dm605 s2 from the 90's and they sound great on an old Tandberg reciever.
Thanks to your advice I just turned around the drivers on my Ditton 250s, magic is beginning to happen... Much better balanced sound now, and that's before I re-cap them! 👍👍
Good to hear!
I love the way you explain the things, so easy to understand and passionate! thanks to be man
Thank you appreciate the feedback K
Agreed Kelvin, those early Sugden amps are excellent, I have an original wood cased A21 and it betters every new amp with my Klipch Forte II's.
Hi Kelvin, I do look forward to your reviews and this one was well up to your usual high standard, very enjoyable! I had a pair of B&W speakers back in the day, DM1600 if I recall the model number correctly. 1980s not 1970s, great speakers though seeming to do most things right. I replaced them after a kids birthday party - little fingers and tweeters don’t go together. I wish I’d have been aware of your tips regarding indented tweeters back then. Would have saved a shed load of money on “more modern” replacements. It’s entirely possible I’d still have them now.
Do take your point regarding progress or sometimes apparent lack of it. Not sure all can be brought down to a single issue but I think “computer says” is part of the conundrum. Measurement only goes so far, ears should be the final arbiter. Also, given that kit is truly international these days, catering to the “British sound” is low down on the list of priorities. Just a thought.
Wish you every success with the channel and keep up the good work.
Interesting stuff thanks K
Bowers & Wilkins DM4s were the first good set of speakers I ever bought and I still have them.
Me too! They were my first “real” speakers I bought. Still have them with the receiver I bought at the same time... the Yamaha CR-600. Would have been wiser if I bought the CR-800, I believe, but, still good.
Thanks for the tip on rotating the drivers. I just rotated all four bass midrange drivers on my 1984 B&W DM1400 speakers. There's a noticeable improvement in sound.
when you rotate it are you putting it up side down or just half way ?
@@hamzatatta952 upside down. Rotating 180 degrees
Robert Doyle thanks I will give it a go
Hi very nice review . I followed your suggestions and I twisted by 180 degree the woofers and added a thin sealing tape at the inner perimeter of the woofers . I also changed the internal wires and soldered the terminals. The woofers were covered with foam at the back of the basket but it crumbled completely so I replaced the foam as well. I agree with you the dm 4 resulted to be better sounding than the dm 14 in a direct comparison I made. I have to say that dm 16 are the best sounding vintage b&w speakers I listened to so far… but I did not listen to dm 6.
Got a pair of these in the mid 70’s still sold great. Enough said.
Wow been a long time not upload video .. nice review 👍🏽
Thank you for making me buy them!
Got a pair of DM4s thanks to this review, and they sound lovely. Then I stumbled over a pair of DM2a. Had to get them. Same sweet tweeters as in DM4, and they have really nice bass, thight and punchy. Do you have experience with Dm2s? I think you might just like them. This is by far my favourite hifi channel, honest and entertaining. Most other hifi reviewers almost always end up saying "very good for the money" on just about anything they talk about. Keep up the good work! Cheers B
Yes I haven’t heard the DM twos but you can just tell by looking at them they will sound good the two tweeters are great as we know
The differences I guess must be in the base the Diem to use our closed box I think tell me which do you prefer
@@stereoreviewx I have to say the DM2a was a big surprise to me.. Didn`t expect them to be that good. The DM4 might have the edge in the midrange by a small margin. They are outclassed in the bass and scale, not surprising, DM2 are huge heavy transmission line models. Top end excellent on both. Love both models. They put a lot of modern speakers to shame for sure.
@@bjrngulbrandsen3643 oh I misunderstood what speakers you had there sure the DM twos would be great for bass no one seems to do those long transmission lines anymore.
I think those speakers are real under the radar bargains because they’re big and they’re not a particularly nice shape somehow but I want to hear some really badly now
K
@@stereoreviewx Yes they are really "wife unfriendly" looking, I think they look great though. I got the 2A-version, from my information the early ones are the models to go for (DM2 and DM2A). There is a MKII version which looks very differently and from what I have read people seem to prefer the early ones. Really glad I found them, and the DM4s. Amazing value!
I got both speakers and DM2a is a far better speaker with regards to bass extension thanks to quater wave length TL. The overall soundstage is also much better
Great review , i totaly agree with your listening experince of those dm4's , had 5 years second hand hifi shop in brussels and its beats in midhighs many highend speakers...its amazing with subs added ....
Yeah subs would relieve the problem of the speakers have I can imagine you get a really big sound.
Thanks K
He Bart, wat voor sub heb je erbij? Groet Mitch
Totally agree. Just bought a pair of dm 5's, amazing. The soundstage is large and in incredibly precise vocale are...as if the Singer is there with hou in the room. IT hasn't tot the Woolly base of the dm4 either. Compared IT tot the IMF super compact II. A good speaker with more and netter base, big the soundstage and liveliness is nowhere near that of the dm5's. Partnered them to an Accuphase
e204 and titel CD player bh the wat.
Hi, thanks for the amazing video again, much appreciated. I'd like to hear some more reviews of some true 3 way speakers (not so much, bass driver with two tweeters) that are good in your opinion.
Just picked up a couple of pairs of DM4's to use with my Sansui A-317 amp, they sound fabulous. Thanks for the tips on both these items Kelvin. One of the Celestion HF1300 tweeters is gone on one of the speakers, but otherwise they are perfect.
You can probably find that tweeter on eBay but watch out is the one with the metal back which is different from the plastic one
@@stereoreviewx The bass drivers are dated "6 Nov 1979". The tweeters are the 16 Ohm metal back ones which seem harder to find. Currently taking them apart and cleaning everything up.
Okay sounds like you know what you’re doing
i bought a pair of DM4's from my friend in 1996 for about £80 as a stopgap until i could get my 1978 Tannoy Cheviot's re-coned and i still have them i only replaced them about 2 years ago for a pair of Q Acoustic 3050's but i intend to set them up in a 2nd system and i never got the Tannoy's re-coned but i still have them stored in the spare bedroom
You're always so positive, you should some videos about rubbish gear so we know not to buy them, so thanks for mentioning Toshiba, now we know to avoid. 😁
When can we hang out so I can ask you a million questions?...
Yeah I’m going to do a thing about not good speakers soon
Not sure how popular it will be but it’s a good idea
You should be on the lookout for any audiolab 8000a about 130 £150 very good integrated amplifier and probably one of the best phono stage you'll get in an integrated even today, but like with anything you have to be careful buying old have some burning issues and you don't know what sort of repairs it might have had if any same with the Sugden might have been upgraded.
Could be electrolytic capacitor issue in the speaker. if you changing the cable you're changing the capacitance and inductance. Find electrolytics probably the blue alcap
Changing for the same value but metal film polyurethane capacitor and you'll need a small non- inductor resistor value 4 Watts in series 0.3 Ohm's help with that mid-range bass. Especially the higher frequencies should come to life the tweet might sound overly bright substitute for higher value resistor if it feels bright you could do this with the capacitor or change the resistor that will go to the tweeter something like a .5 to .7 Ohm's
Great video educational and correctly said. I have them so I agree with most of things you said, very realistic and true review. I wanna add they have polypropylene crossover, for this model Bower imported it from Sweden company called ITT, very quality crossover.
Interesting info thanks a lot K
Great reviews, thanks. Always wanted to listen to these. I have the similar looking DM2 Mk1's - same drivers but a transmission line design internally which made them (i) heavy and, (ii) just too expensive and complicated to build. These were, indeed, more expensive than the Wharfedales and Celestions of the day and I recall doing listening comparisons at B&W's shop in Worthing (couldn't afford them then of course!).
I owned the DM4s and now the DM2as, the DM2as are better in every aspect, I just did not like the DM4s at all, analytical, lacking in bass, shallow sound stage, I’m sure a lot of people like them because of their neutrality of sound, but for me I didn’t find them musical or enjoyable to listen to.
Actually a really good combination with these is a Toshiba SA500 receiver.They are really excellent sounding receivers.The DM4 has more of a studio monitor balance-quite neutral and dry sounding compared to Spendor BC1.Rogers Studio 1 are more half way between the two.What is interesting about the DM4 is that there are no resistors in the crossover at all .That is very unusual and shows very closely matched driver driver sensitivity.Also the woofers are 4 ohm whereas all the other BBC inspired speakers are 8 -10 ohm.So the DM4s suit SS amps best.
Hi nice detailed review. I own 2 pairs of these speakers for years . and I can endorse your findings. consider putting an AWS608 next to it. To give the DM4 Mid/woofers some rest. and the bass deficiency is probably supplemented (not too much)
And Keep up the good work and keep going.
Thanks for that I’m Defo keep going
Do you have any experience with Castle Acoustics? I bought a pair of Richmond speakers last year and I haven't found that much information about them online. I'm curious to know more about where they fit in the context of other speakers from the period (February 1974). The main things I know about them are that they were one of the first designs to use front-facing bass-reflex ports and that they have rubber surrounds.
Well what I would say about castle is they are well rated actually never had any myself but I bet generally speaking there pretty dam good some of them did have foam surrounds which of course will be rotten by now.
Castle were decent.
I'm listening to this review on my B&W DM4s (in teak).
I am guessing you have quite a few speakers could you maybe give me your top twoor three would be great to know many thanks
K
@@stereoreviewx Of the speakers I owned my favs are or were...
Electrostatics: Quad ESL 63, Audiostatic ES 240.
Box Speakers: Radford 270, Kef 105, Monitor Audio MA3
@@socksumi did you have a chance to listen to the B&W DM2 ?
@@florinmoldovanu I used to own a pair, the DM2A specifically.
@@socksumi ok. how did you find them?
Thank you for the review!
Loved your comment on the LS50...I hear them at shows and at dealers and they never sound any good to me. Look nice though.
Incidentally, off subject, but Stevie Wonder is indeed sublime. My favourite of ALL time.
Speaking of test songs. Interestingly, seeing as you speak of lack of definition in the bass, whenever I change my stylus or something, I deliberately check the sound through my DM4s with the opening couple of minutes of Side One, 'The Essential', from Mark King's solo album 'Influences' which is a lovely mid-tempo slap bass track with a brass section and electric guitar part. So, how ironic that I use a 'bass guitar specialist' track to test my DM4s!!....(and personally I think all the tone of Mark King's JD is there)....so, go figure, as the Americans say! :)
I have had a pair for decades, brilliant, mine have a slightly different looking bass midrange drivers wonder which one is the newer.
After seeing your review I got in search of this Speakers. I found it! The detail is wonderful. Very nice bass, always controlled. I also own a pair of S pendor 2/2 and is a good fight on who is the best ... in the b&w probably the super tweeter makes the difference expanding the scene and details. Spendor perhaps have more body .... what do you think?
Luca
Great review Calvin...I have a pair of these that I did a little bit of your suggested advice...what of these 3 is your favorite, if it is the BCll...what makes it better than BCl ❓
B&W DM4, BC1 or is the BCll the best?
when you rotate it are you putting it up side down or just half way ?
May i ask if you ever got your hands on a pair of the bigger Keesonic speakers like the KBM oder KRF or Ranger and what your opinion is about them. :)
Kindly regards from Germany
Good review. I haven't listened to many vintage B&W products but I grew up in the 80's and 90's with my dad's Spendor preludes and have B&W 702 S2's now. Speakers are very subjective but I'm very happy with them....after changing the cables a couple of times and the amp and positioning them better. Any thoughts on the 700 S2 range? Curious to hear what others think.
FIY, SOUND IS WHAT THE LISTNER PRESEVIVE your options wont appeal to everyone, with that said. I have a pair of the B&W dm4s ive had them since 1978.
Untill i blew the last midbass driver i listed to them all the time. But I ran them on a 20 watt reciver and ran it into clipping. Becuse my young at the time dumbass didn't know any better.
I think the pair back in the 70s were like 350 us it was an entry leval speaker into the B&W line. They also changed peoples views on what size a speaker you needed.
I mean in the 70s people were building speaker out or 4 sheets of plywood per speaker with 2 18" drivers in them.
This is no joke one guy I knew had 2 of these monsters in his apartment and barely room to sit down it was Hella loud.
Remember the maxell comercial well it wasnt just his hair moving you could hear it 3 blocks away.
My dad Had a pair of these when I was a kid. Pretty certain they were this model definitely bowers and Wilkins don’t no how long he had them for but eventually sold them in favour of a pair of bc1s. They certainly are a good looking speaker tho
Hi Kelvin, I recently got a pair of these to combine with my vintage (1972) Philips GA212 turntable. Any tips for an amp to go with this set?
Well, those speakers are revealing and quality so my instinct actually is to go for something British like Sugden or Quad or nad possibly
@@stereoreviewx alright! I’ll have to watch some more of your videos to find the best one for me then 😉 Many thanks for your response!
Kelvin, Review a set of B&W DM2a's if you can snag a pair. I'm curious as to you're thoughts on those versus the DM4's. I have a pair of DM4's and I supplement the bass with a subwoofer. It solves the problem and it all sounds great. To bad you don't have more access to North American speakers. You would be very surprised if you heard a pair of Boston Acoustics HD7, HD8, A60 or A70's. Cheers from Toronto.
hi yes I do want try dm 2 s
my guess is the extra bass gives a midrange dip .
cheers from London K
@stereoreviewx Yes, that makes total sense. You lose that wonderful midrange. Try adding a small subwoofer in between the DM4s. That's the way I'm driving them now, and boy, it sounds so good 👍 cheers
Hi Kelvin, enjoying your video's, great info! I am offered a pair of B&W DM2A (transmission line) speakers in very good condition for €250,-. What is your opinion on those? Or would the DM4 be a better choice?
Want to use them on my Luxman R1500 receiver which sounds great to me (very nice midrange, detailed, smooth, 2x 75W).
Great video, as all of your honest and unpretentious content are.
I recently acquired a nice set of DM4s, and next to my Beovox S45-2 they need to time for me to acknowledge their quality.
At first listen, they sound a bit less apparent sound stage and less brightness, compared to the S45-2s.
One thing that I would like to find out, because of their age and lack of knowledge on their history, is if the super-tweeters are working.
Could you advice me on a how to check this, without too much hassle and unscrewing?
Many thanks for all the work you put in your channel!
Yes I literally put my ear right next to the supertweeter put my hand on top of the lower tweeter I’m 59 I can hear it for sure you’re not gonna hear loads and that would be correct but you can tell if it’s working.
Also really worth doing loosen the base driver screws rotated 90° and tighten those screws up as much as you dare this will tighten up base and everything really it’s a win-win
hi...just received a used pair of bowers & Wilkins DM4(Pro 40) - (not sure what pro 40 has over normal Dm4) today that were in good condtion...i turned the bass driver 180 degrees and tightened but when i took the other bass driver out and rotated noticed a metal round piece was stuck to the on the magnent of the bass driver...don't know where it came from...maybe it fell off inside during shipping...it's not a capacitor but looks like one...i put the driver back in after rotating and tightened...seems to play well so who knows?🤔
PS/ they need a subwoofer that i'll get...the sound is SO CLEAR!😮...I'm impressed!
edit: found out the piece stuck to bass driver magnet was a piece of metal that came unglued from the center of one of the coils...I just glued it back...no problems...sounds great
Literally one of my favourites, Speakers
Hi - You are doing a great job. I am a music lover and a great fan of punchy Mid frequency and high frequency sounds
This is my current setup and looking to do the below based on some of your videos
Current Setup
1. Yamaha AS500 Amp
2. Monitor Bronze BX2 speakers
3. Aperion Audio Ribbon Super Tweeter
4. Beresford Bushmaster TC 7530 DAC
Upgrade (that I'm thinking of)
1. Use NAD 3020 as the pre-amp (not sure if I can use this as the pre-amp for Yamaha AS500. Please can you advise?)
2. B & W DM 4
3. Aperion Audio Ribbon Super Tweeter (existing)
4. Beresford Bushmaster TC 7530 DAC (existing)
Not sure if I can combine Monitor BX2 in this mix. Please can you advise? As mentioned I like the punchy mid and pleasant/clear high frequency
Please can you advise me ? Or, please suggest an alternate upgrade option. Thanks
How would they stack up against Bang and Olufsen Beovox CX-100?
Good review! What's about American vintage speakers like Ar, Klh? Are you familiar with them?
I managed to get a mint pair from gumtree £190 2022 I paid they are mint . I have them hooked up to my Harmon Kardon Fisher Akai pioneer receivers with a Sansui 212 turntable with a selector box so I can switch between the receivers.
I have a pair of Walnut DM4s that I bought in 1976, I think for £160. Not used them for quite a few years now, though.
get them out tighten the bass drivers they are class if working
@@stereoreviewx I wasn't aware of the rotate 180 degrees trick but I'll give it a try.
Hello there, thanks for the review. Owning by now a pair of DM4 ... nice sound Was wandering what you think of its bigger brother, the DM2a.
I don’t think the DM twos are the same kind of winner as the DM fours once you get a lot of bass like the DM twos will give you start to want a mid range driver
Great review! I have a ultralineair 2x10watt tube amp. Will these speaker fit? They have high sensitivity right?
Yes fine I would say
I'm considering B&W, not BMW, DM7 Mk2s.
To use with an 85W Arcam integrated amp.
Anyone see any problems?
They are old but seem tidy.
Nice review. I just got a pair of these speakers. Looking for an amp now. You think a Pioneer A-304R (8 Ohm, 35 watts per channel) would be a good fit? Thanks
I use B&W DM4s with a Pioneer A-405R (and an early 80s Technics SL1200 MkII turntable).....and that works well. I don't know how that compares with an A-304R (earlier model? better or worse} but just thought I'd vouch for something close that works.
My first speakers were the B&W DM4s.
Hi Kelvin, loving your reviews. I've got a pair of DM110i's right now, thinking of 'upgrading' to the DM4, would you recommend this upgrade or is it not going to make that much difference? Thanks! by the way; I will be using them with a NAD 3020i
Well I think I would say yes it will be an improvement pretty much across the board but mid range and treble for sure.
I’m 85% sure that say that
Cheers K
@@stereoreviewx Got them up & running, they sound amazing. I got pretty interested in the Sansui 441 after your video's, do you think this would be a better match with the DM4's in general and in terms of the bass? Maybe a bit more bass with the Sansui?
Ican get the DM4 for not much money. I want to ask if a Yamaha CA-410 amplifier can doe some goed job at this speakers ?
I think the Yamaha we should be fine
🤗 THANKS ….GOOD INFO..👍 I HAVE ALWAYS PREFERRED 3way speakers 🤗. BTW…I think in the case of making 2 changes at the same time that you know from experience will be an improvement is NOT A PROBLEM… (also I learned something NEW …doing a 180 on old woofers😊😍😍😍
this is a two way speaker since the mids are covered by the bass driver. The two at the top are tweeter and a super-tweeter.
@@florinmoldovanu THANKS 🤗 for sharing …I am not familiar with them at all 😎😁😍😍😍
🤷♂️ I haven’t seen anything from KELVIN lately … do you know anything 🤔😍😍😍
@@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 He replied to one of my comments regarding doing a side by side with the BC1 and B&W DM2 a few weeks ago. I've also noticed he hasn't posted in a while. Maybe he's busy with life. Hope he's doing well.
@@florinmoldovanu THANKS FOR REPLYING 🤗 …WE HOPE AS WELL THAT ALL IS WELL WITH HIM AND THE FAMILY 🙏😍😍😍
Do you know you say Yah at the end of a lot of your sentences? Lol. Good review
got a pair of these for a tenner in a car boot sale many years ago. And sold them to a mate for - a tenner. He was made up with them. Yes, im an idiot! They sound great, much better than you would expect a speaker of this vintage to sound, but the bass driver will hit the end stops pretty quickly if you turn the wick up too loud. It's brecause the port is tuned really high on this speaker. Its just a hole in the front of the cabinet so port resonance wont limit the Xmax in the lowest octaves.
listening to this video using my DM4 connect with my NAD C320 amp
Hey Kelvin, great videos. Would these sounds good with a Marantz 2238B? Cheers
Well yes they’re just good really
Very good your video,
Have you tried adding a good sub-woofer with the DM4?
Hello ! Why do u show us this crappy Kef there, at the left. Didn't u find a buyer for the pair ?
U should dig in the broadband speakers rabbit hole on day, Kevin... Seems it's pretty fascinating too.
Did you test your DM4's on valve amplifiers ? Who you think an 15W push pull will do the trick ?
Cheers.
Well I would certainly imagine so
Hi Kelvin. After watching your reviews about Sansui amplifiers and B&W DM 4. I would like to know how about matching Sansui 221 with these B&W DM4? I've found both and about to make an offer. Have you ever tried B&W with Sansui receivers?. Hoping to be replied. Thanks...
Oh yeah that’s a good combination I play them together really lots of the time they’re both lovely
@@stereoreviewx Thanks, I am going to try to get them.
@@stereoreviewx I've got them today. I drove them with my Sansui 551, going to try them with 221 tomorrow. You are absolutely right. They have a classy sound with an handsome appearance. I've already loved them very much. I've got no idea about them. Thank you so much for your review.
I understand a better amp will result in a better sound coming out of these speakers. But how do I know I'm working with a good amp?
Hi Kelvin,did you hear the DM16s?
Nice review.
Hi Kelvin have you heard "I miss you Kate" instrumental by sting early 90's to audition speakers I find it very revealing see what you think .
Thanks I’m going to check that out
These are wonderful need mounting on solid stands as close to the wall as possible bliss
Yes I’ve got them on stands I’m never disappointed when I put those speakers on
Close to the wall, yep well said for these,
I read somewhere that European speaker systems, and UK in particular, have a different design "philosophy" from American designs in that you guys prefer a more direct radiation. American ears have been trained to appreciate wide dispersion. One of my most important criteria for speakers is wide dispersion, hence 1" or smaller dome tweeters. What's your take on this?????
Yes Marty interesting subject certainly I think there is a British sound there is a European sound and there is an American sound generally speaking
Now exactly what it relates to is another matter I am wondering whether American living rooms bigger than British ones that could certainly be a player
Now Scandinavia is pretty cold they seem to make a sound that you can listen to for long periods
And I have those winters with long dark nights
My guess is it’s not a training thing it’s more a circumstantial reaction
Quite a tricky issue thanks for that question
I don’t have a definite answer really
Cheers K
Don't tell me these are better than the Spendor BC1s now,because i already bought the Spendors 😅...There is another speakers that i would love to hear your opinion about.The Pageant Series 2.
No the spenders are similar but bigger and better
I have got BC1 btw
@@stereoreviewx Great to hear that. 😅👍🏻
Hello! Would C(ssss)yrus be a good match?
So your saying that the spider saggs over time?
Has anyone here tried a subwoofer with these...Carl do you think a subwoofer would help? I think it might fill in the entire sound❓
Is it wise to rotate every speaker a 180 degrees every year ?
Interesting 👍
Hi Kelvin,these or the Kef Chorales?
The BMW’s are better than the corrals put simply
K
Stereo review X Thanks Kelvin,I’ve got about €350 to spend at a push.I want to get the best I can.
You’re not related to the cricketer Graham Gooch are you? You really remind me of him.
Not that I know of
Dear Kelvin,
I will get DM4 for my office, I use to listen Jazz, Classic and Rock in my 15m square room...
Can you give me few different amp's wich can be suit well with the speakers please ?
I would like to get a beautiful vintage amp (with wood if possible ?)... Unfortunatly, my budget is around 100~200€ max
Thank you in advance for your British helping,
Best regards,
From a Froggy who loves music ;)
get a Trio KA - 2000 an make a box for it yourself
DM4 very thin veneer......look out! Isold my mothers from 1974 for €175. Very good condition.
I might be wrong but I think the supertweeters are so 'super' they may be dealing with frequencies even HIGHER than 12000Hz!!! Sounds like it to me....higher than a hiss through clenched teeth. :)
Yes the thing is that supertweeter adds more body to the whole soundscape
It is kind of surprising
The frequency goes up to 20 kHz, so even more than you thought :-)
This upset every body, I bought my DM4 from warehouse clearence from B.M.W 10 years ago brand new never touched for £5.00, made in 1987 for B.B.C. All had to do add active subwoofer from Krell, the Krell Resolution from closing down sale in Leicester for £300.00
bmw? lol
Do you service your own gear?
Thanks!
Thank you,
EBay in the US would sell them for $1,100. Broken and ripped. People think they have solid gold. Some people actually want more than they paid for stuff. Use it for 45 years and call it “vintage audiophile” for 3X the original cost.
Wow very different to the UK I guess they were made in the UK and there are more here but that’s a bit mad
Nice one...
For quicker, cleaner bass, try removing all of that wool from the cabinet. It's supposed to make the cabinet behave like a larger enclosure.. adiabatic something or other. But it just makes the bass sound...well, woolly
Well without any wadding The box will start making a lot of noise.
I have experimented with wadding in various speakers
You can optimise for certain sound levels
Meaning reduce the wording get a more lively sound but if you go louder the box starts making lots of noise like a guitar box does
It’s a tricky business
Interesting. I'm sure you've experimented far more than I. But I've not had this problem with my DM4's -- in any case, I think they came with too much wool in them.
@@kbalfe I mean if it sounds better in your room at whatever volume you have that’s a win
have you tried replacing the wool and instead pad the box with foam?
many manufacturers have been using foam and with DM4 it would address the problem of the wool being puked out through the bass port.
i am surprisd you dont have the vinatg missin 710 kevin
For me i thinking cut the bass off at 80 hz and use a subwoofer.
Sounds like an idea
You did 3 things then!!
NOICE
Store your speakers upside down!!! 😁
..me neither..
You are 60 Calvin, so you wont hear above 12khz........the supertweeter on the dm4 is useless, for you at least.
Well I put my ear to it and that ain’t true