B&W DM2s how many different types are there and which is best?

[irishiranian]

Hello all.

I was trying to find some info on these classic speakers. As far as I can work out there are 3 versions but I can only find ref to a mk1 and mk2.

From what I have read the early mk1 has the tweeters side by side and are much heavier and have more interior dampening. Is this true? I've also heard people say they sound better. Why is this? Anyone have any experience of the differences?

The version that i believe is the mk2 has the tweeters in a vert line with the woofer. Correct? The reason i think there are two version of the mark 2 is that some seem to have a square port and others have a more rounded one can anyone shed any light on this?

There are also other subtle visual difference between each versions, the earlier ones have a metal tweeter and some of the later ones have a super tweeter that looks like a cole but apparently isnt. I guess this is probably the biggest potential difference in sound as I know the coles are very highly regard. I'd be most keen to know peoples thoughts on identifying which model has the coles and how I can tell visually (from a photo on the Internet!!)

My mates dad had a pair and he seemed to think that when they were originally on sale you could buy the units without the box from b&w. Is this true?

Last question, I promise! Is there any indication from the Serial nos. Which mk the speaker would be?

Thanks for your time. Any info is much appreciated.

[flyingtele]

Hi there, I own a pair of the DM2 speakers, and absolutely love them.
Mine are a DM2a, and they have the port with the rounded ends. The tweeters are in a vertical line with the woofer at the top, and these ones are fitted with the Coles. These ones are fitted with a three position tweeter balance control on the rear by the terminals.

I really love the sound of these speakers, a bit limited by todays standards but they have that deep warm sound that only the high-end British speakers have, similar to the KEF's and Celestions of the day. Like many other speakers of the era, these use a transmission line type enclosure (the DM2 uses an 8th wave line) and the woofer cone is bextrene. Slightly thicker than the KEF units such as B110 and B200 etc so doesn't have the same resonance problems, but in return has a lower efficiency. They are only rated to 60/70W or so, but need at least a 100w amp or more to get the best from them.

I have also uploaded a 4 page information brochure which has a bit more info on them.

[irishiranian]

Cool,

Thanks for the swift response. I'm particularly interested in the fact that they're a transmission line and I can live with a less clean sound if it feels warm and more real. At the moment I've got a pair of A&R 3as and so am looking forward to seeing how they compare.

I've got a 130w Rotel power, so I should be fine (but possibly need to be a little cautious!) Don't suppose you've had a look inside? I kinda figured I'd have to replace the caps and wondered about a bit of extra dampening or do you think that would affect the tuning of the TL?

Thanks again for your help.

[flyingtele]

Heh I opened them up to have a look inside before I even connected them up to an amp! (I open up pretty much every new bit of equipment I receive to inspect the workings and see how its built, unless doing so would void any warranty)

Don't go changing any of the damping material, there is about 3 or 4 different damping materials used throughout the line and its very well thought out, so changing it would likely only make it worse.
I haven't bothered doing the caps on mine, they sound great as they are and both speakers sound balanced, so I don't see the need to replace them. I think some of the caps are metallised polyester or polypropylene caps etc and not electrolytic so there's no need to replace those. I can't remember how many if any electrolytics there are in there.
The speakers do have a good clean sound, I just feel that the mids and treble don't quite have the definition of more modern designs (my other main speakers are B&W DM303's) and so are not too suited to music such as acoustic guitar etc, but for jazz & rock etc, basically any music that has some weight to it, they come alive and will cope fine without a subwoofer.

[rabidlistener]

There was also a later version which were designated DM2/II which came out around the same time as the DM6 and DM7 speakers.
I used to have a pair which I used with a Quad 33/303 setup.
They were a very well made pair of speakers with a beautiful full smooth sound. How much of that was due to the Quad's was anyones guess.
This was around the mid 1970's just as the bloody Linn/Naim hedgemony was taking off.

Mike

[mashypie]

Originally Posted by flyingtele

Hi there, I own a pair of the DM2 speakers, and absolutely love them.
Mine are a DM2a, and they have the port with the rounded ends. The tweeters are in a vertical line with the woofer at the top, and these ones are fitted with the Coles. These ones are fitted with a three position tweeter balance control on the rear by the terminals.

I really love the sound of these speakers, a bit limited by todays standards but they have that deep warm sound that only the high-end British speakers have, similar to the KEF's and Celestions of the day. Like many other speakers of the era, these use a transmission line type enclosure (the DM2 uses an 8th wave line) and the woofer cone is bextrene. Slightly thicker than the KEF units such as B110 and B200 etc so doesn't have the same resonance problems, but in return has a lower efficiency. They are only rated to 60/70W or so, but need at least a 100w amp or more to get the best from them.

I have also uploaded a 4 page information brochure which has a bit more info on them.

Whats an 8th wave line when its at home?