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  Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
This review covers the orignal DCM Time Windows. Not the subsequent versions.

I remember the first time I heard these. Their unique shape and sound where unlike anything I had heard before. Here was a speaker that really delivered the promise. It was driven by a PS Audio Amp and PS Audio LCC PreAmp. At the time I had the Large Advents,and while those speakers were very good indeed, the Time Windows were clearly superior. The music just seemed to come alive in a way that's hard to describe. There was just a seamless transparency to them. Not overly bright or accentuated on the bass. The balance was right on. It didn't really matter what the program material was, the Time Windows clearly and with authority brought the music to life. If they had any real weakness is for some peoples taste the bass may have been on the light side. But for my taste it was as it should be. The orginals used Philips drivers using a transmission line and the cabinet construction contributed to the overall sound. In the late 70s these were not cheap at about $800.00 but were indeed worth the price of admission. I was finally able to acquire a pair of these and have them to this day. Few things one purchases in life have enduring value and the Time Windows truly are in that category. Of all the reviews I have read on these speakers not one reviewer has clearly defined the sonics of this fabulous speaker. Use all of the adjectives you want and one will still come up short in the description. Best way to describe them, if you love music and have better than average components connected to them, the Time Windows will deliver the music with a verve that will astound you.

Now these speakers are some 20 years or more in age and continue to deliver the music. And that's what this hobby is all about. DCM no longer produces the Time Windows,having opted for the HT route. This is a true shame as these speakers deserve continued production. Timeless design is just that.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions:36"H x 14 3/4"W x 11 3/4"D
  • Weight:32 Pounds
  • Power Requirements:10 Watts Minimum per channel 89 dB/watt at one meter;200 Watts Maximum
  • Impedance:5 Ohms minimum/6-8 Ohms nominal
  • Frequency Range:25Hz to 18 kHz
  • Dispersion:180 degrees horizontal/60 degrees vertical.

    Specifications do not tell the whole story,listening does. The Time Windows due to their configuration can be literally tuned to any room. That is due to their shape. This was a brilliantly executed design that has remained faithful all these years.

    Associated gear
    Click to view my Virtual System

    Similar products
    Polk SDA 2,Large Advent,Infinity,Boston Acoustic.

    by Ferrari on 09-15-02 



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    Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

    09-15-02   I used to own a pair of the original timewindows. they ...   Slowhand

    09-15-02   I had a pair of time windows in 1978.i loved them drive ...   Sherod

    10-31-02   I also upgraded from large advents to the time windows ...   Joe_b

    11-15-02   I to had the original dcm time window 3's and still hav ...   Jmsoul

    02-02-03   I am an original owner of dcm time windows. i used to u ...   larpatmoss@

    02-03-03   Do any of you know what dcm stands for??? ann ar ...   Audiotomb

    02-03-03   I too am an original owner of a pair of tw1s and tw3s. ...   Rel2

    02-04-03   The time windows were a little lacking in the extreme u ...   Sherod

    03-16-03   I have two pairs of the original dcm timwindows and not ...   geraldgasser@

    04-29-03   Gerald, i just picked up a pair of time windows and ...   Royalty

    01-26-04   Well, mine after many years of service (driven with apt ...   peterdlederer@

    01-27-04   Mine are in the basement. i hooked them up to my old lu ...   Jetstream

    01-28-04   Nice to see some conversation about these wonderful spe ...   Mstap42

    02-11-04   I had a pair of these before buying vandersteen 2ce's. ...   Mikebalto

    03-20-04   Ah, the time windows. i still own and use my original p ...   Mikelballinger

    03-31-04   I bought mine in 1981. still have them and have just n ...   hardyman@

    04-01-04   I bought my tw1s in 1982 and they were in "main&qu ...   Kdl_pe

    04-27-04   I am very happy for there are still so many people love ...   Wyhch

    05-07-04   I owned a pair of 1a models from 1981 until a home burg ...   halhollis@

    05-17-04   I purchased a pair of time window 3's in about '82. my ...   thegallofamily@

    06-06-04   I love my time windows. they are part of my dts system. ...   waltlang2000@

    06-20-04   I still have my tw's purchased in early 1979 and also h ...   Islandbird

    06-21-04   You can contact dcm directly, they're still around. if ...   Kkm

    06-27-04   Has anyone re-coned their time windows? was it worth ...   donensco@

    06-30-04   I spent three decades in the audio business and i consi ...   waynejane4@

    07-03-04   In 1978 i bought my first pair of tw1. i didn't know a ...   Mjm2424

    07-07-04   Anyone have a source for exterior replacement foam cove ...   sparky5@

    07-07-04   A respondent to this ad has some foam coverings. check ...   Ferrari

    08-06-04   Dcm corp. 670 ann arbor michigan, 48108. phone# (734 ...   wschuck@

    08-06-04   Phone dcm at (734)994-8481. they sill send you new spea ...   wschuck@

    08-06-04   I gave you the wrong info. dcm loudspeakes is at: 28 ...   wschuck@

    08-17-04   I own a pair of the original time windows and i absolut ...   edman50@

    08-18-04   A friend of mine has the aerial 7 and they are fabulous ...   Ferrari

    08-24-04   Any recommendations for ss amplification to drive a pai ...   patrick_h_kim@

    11-09-04   I was lucky enough to recieve a pair of these speakers ...   gl_drummer05@

    12-25-04   I also have a pair of time windows and also a pair of d ...   indycar_89@

    01-11-05   The original tws had hexagonal woofers and 1" dome ...   Mstap42

    01-12-05   Say, i'm finally getting a surround system--got a denon ...   sgarlock@

    01-12-05   Any suggestions for getting a voice match for my c. '84 ...   sgarlock@

    02-05-05   After reading these posts, i felt motivated to re-conne ...   Thejapelvis

    02-21-05   I have tw ia's...dcm was bought out! and drivers are no ...   wobbie64@

    02-22-05   Just curious. since the original time window used phili ...   Thejapelvis

    02-27-05   I have been even more impressed with the performance of ...   Thejapelvis

    02-27-05   Thejapelvis - try using a class a output preamp along w ...   Ferrari

    02-27-05   Thanks for the tip, ferrari. what might be a good deal ...   Thejapelvis

    02-27-05   Ferrari, i have just seen the review of the forte class ...   Thejapelvis

    03-04-05   Just put spikes under my dcm 1as, and though this may h ...   Volumepot

    03-05-05   The dcm time windows original and 1a used philips drive ...   Ferrari

    03-11-05   Dcm stands for "dreps crone maze" i ha ...   Hauser

    03-11-05   Amen to the last post. i was earlier thinking i might w ...   Thejapelvis

    04-09-05   Hello all was sold on the sound of the time windows ...   mark.s@

    04-18-05   Like previously stated, mcmaster is the source for the ...   Hedgehog

    04-21-05   I'll be attempting that and more. my grills were dea ...   mark.s@

    04-23-05   Mark, in the floorstanding speaker section of e ...   Hedgehog

    04-23-05   Thanks boss, just bought a pair from 79 on ebay ebay ...   mark.s@

    05-07-05   Just a quick update...intalled the floor spikes in the ...   Hedgehog

    05-14-05   Please excuse two dumb questions, but what is a good so ...   Danclarkwcp

    05-14-05   Not dumb questions at all. i bought mine at www. ...   Hedgehog

    05-15-05   attention gerald gasser. i need some of your speaker g ...   Sherod

    05-26-05   Hi all,just found this interesting site,so must let u k ...   rod15@

    05-27-05   Rod, unless you don't intend to mount the rodgers on st ...   Hedgehog

    05-28-05   I have a pair from 1978 and they are still wonderful. ...   slevent911@

    05-28-05   Hi hedgehog,the rodgers will be up on my shelf,running ...   rod15@

    05-31-05   No, i have not heard the ls3/5as. sounds like a very un ...   Hedgehog

    05-31-05   Has any other timewindow-fan heard the rogers ls3/5as'? ...   rod15@

    05-31-05   The guy who originally sold me my pair of time windows ...   Thejapelvis

    05-31-05   Be careful on the rogers ls3/5a. if memory serves me co ...   Ferrari

    06-01-05   Yes, ferrari, the ls3/5a is a 16 ohm load. personally i ...   Thejapelvis

    06-21-05   Hello, i had to chime in this blog as i could not help ...   mylowestprice@

    06-24-05   Btw, there's a pair of low-hour 1a'a on e-bay ri ...   After_hrs

    06-27-05   I bought a pair of time windows at a garage sale for $1 ...   hal_dekker@

    07-13-05   Well, this is a fun site to run across; lots of other t ...   rolando@

    07-24-05   Home theater and time windows does anyone know i ...   cwheh@

    07-24-05   My time windows are still going strong after 24 years o ...   Stevenk

    07-30-05   I'd welcome recommendations for placement in a large l- ...   wrmason@

    07-31-05   I have added my comments much earlier in this thread. b ...   Thejapelvis

    08-02-05   Ok guys, i actually work for dcm - or more to the point ...   apanthropy@

    08-02-05   has anyone tried to tighten the drivers on these spea ...   Mmakshak

    08-04-05   Thanks to anthropy for the updated info on dcm in its c ...   Thejapelvis

    08-06-05   I have now been listening again to the time window for ...   Thejapelvis

    08-06-05   Cwheh, the timewindows do very well in a 5.1 set ...   Hauser

    11-01-05   I have one pair of these boxes in germany...from my fat ...   gdodo20@

    11-14-05   Interesting thread! i came accross it as i am looking f ...   jay-k@

    11-15-05   I was a very happy listener of my 1984 dcm timewindow 1 ...   paultkane@

    11-15-05   from what i recall, when i was selling the time ...   Sherod

    11-22-05   I bought a pair in the 70's and used them happily into ...   Moguls

    12-09-05   I have a pair in my garage (in the original boxes) wait ...   dbeacco@

    12-18-05   I'd like to connect a pair of time windows to my onkyo ...   pullfinger@

    12-18-05   Nominal impedance for the time windows is 6 ohms. not r ...   Ferrari

    12-20-05   Just discovered this forum. i've been a tw 1 owner sin ...   sjmott@

    12-21-05   Called the number for dcm listed elsewhere in these pos ...   sjmott@

    12-22-05   if someone wants to order a roll of this foam from mcm ...   Sherod

    12-23-05   i haven't read all the responses here, but i recently ...   Mmakshak

    01-04-06   Does anybody know the tweeter/woofer crossover frequenc ...   selby@

    01-04-06   i'm not sure of the crossover frequencies(and, hence, ...   Mmakshak

    01-08-06   i owned a pair of the original time windows in 197 ...   Johnnyvegas

    01-08-06   just another good example why audiophiles should avoid ...   Sherod

    01-19-06   In the late 70's and early 80's my system included my o ...   rolando@

    01-20-06   Remember that pioneer sx 1250 very well, one of pioneer ...   Ferrari

    01-23-06   Yep to all. i used to lust for an sx 1980. i'm not even ...   rolando@

    01-23-06   If your going to keep the sx 1250 i would definitely ha ...   Ferrari

    01-24-06   I intend to do that. unfortunately i live in missoula, ...   rolando@

    01-24-06   You might want to check out this fellow audiogon member ...   Ferrari

    01-28-06   After 30 years of using my pair of original time window ...   luna5@

    01-30-06   Ditto on that. i've had my time windows for 20+ years a ...   audioarcher@

    02-06-06   I'm getting a little off subject, but, this digging out ...   rolando@

    02-16-06   Help! i bought my time windows in 1979 and they are the ...   paul.reardon@

    03-11-06   I have reconnected my time windows after three or four ...   Thejapelvis

    03-13-06   The best i ever got my time windows to sound was in a p ...   rolando@

    03-13-06   I have a much more confined listening space but i also ...   Thejapelvis

    03-14-06   Oh yeah. once, when i first got my time windows back in ...   rolando@

    04-03-06   Time frame series? dcm-250 picked up cheap-ish and soun ...   andre4999@

    04-05-06   If remember correctly the time frame 250 were the start ...   Ferrari

    04-14-06   this is all great bs. i am interested(since i have t ...   Mmakshak

    04-14-06   I 1st heard the timewindows a few years ago at a friend ...   Tagyerit

    04-15-06   yep, those original time widows are truly classics. i ...   Sherod

    04-18-06   I have time frame 350's hooked up to a mid level surrou ...   pcutin@

    04-23-06   Slowhand, look in ebay under time windows, theres a bl ...   dannyeatsdogs@

    04-23-06   Wasn't slowhand, was my initial review of the time wind ...   Ferrari

    04-24-06   i just read the ebay ad. this aussie copied your revie ...   Sherod

    04-23-06   Yes, i also have a response buried waaay back there som ...   Islandbird

    04-27-06   Islandbird and i must have read the same comment, regar ...   rolando@

    04-27-06   I can't help but think that the current owners of dcm h ...   Ferrari

    04-28-06   Amen! i'd be camped in line to buy a pair along with my ...   rolando@

    05-06-06   islandbird, i really appreciate your comments on dcm' ...   Mmakshak

    05-08-06   maybe i should e-mail dcm about this, but just moving ...   Mmakshak

    05-12-06   Mine are now in my downstairs system about 8 feet apart ...   Islandbird

    05-13-06   islandbird, i appreciate your response. i was hoping ...   Mmakshak

    05-16-06   I've got timewindow 3's & 7's and they're irreplaceable ...   Argonaut

    05-17-06   I am using concrete locks sandwiched above and below a ...   Thejapelvis

    05-17-06   I mistakenly kept a subtitle on previous post. the time ...   Thejapelvis

    05-20-06   i probably should e-mail dcm about this, as they are ...   Mmakshak

    05-20-06   I've just recently finished a custom center speaker bas ...   Hauser

    05-31-06   this is just slightly off subject. i'm really a horn ...   Mmakshak

    06-01-06   Try some time window 3s. they can be a little more easi ...   rolando@

    06-27-06   rolando, have you read the avs forum on dcm's? there ...   Mmakshak

    06-28-06   Mmakshak, what problems have you head of? can you provi ...   Hauser

    06-30-06   I lived in ann arbor in the 80's, but couldn't afford t ...   pcurtin@

    06-30-06   No, i haven't read it, but i will. i have both the 3's ...   rolando@

    06-30-06   Houser, exactly. i really prefer the sound of th ...   rolando@

    06-30-06   I found a pair of original dcm time windows 15 years ag ...   lizardking472001@

    07-01-06   Pcurtin, i might have mention before, in the timewi ...   Hauser

    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I picked up a second pair of original timewindows and they're absolutely mint except for this one area on the bottom edge of one of the speakers where the wood is splintering. How can they be repaired?
    formfactor44@hotmail.com 07-04-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    If mine I would take to a quality cabinent shop and see what they recommend. More than likely there is some type of filler that can be used to stop the splintering. Also some of the guys at Home Depot or Lowes are good at coming up with ideas that are cost effective as well.

    Good save on the Time Windows, enjoy them.

    Ferrari 07-04-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Well, I hate to differ, but the TW 3s have an 8 inch woofer with folded transmission line, a 6.5 inch mid range and two 3/4 inch dome tweeters mounted coaxially.
    rolando@bresnan.net 07-06-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Rolando, are you disagreeing with my statement that the TimeWindow 3’s are a 2-way design? I wasn't sure. You are correct in the description of the speaker in your post, but the speaker is still a 2-way design. I also have a set and there is one review of the TW3's from Stereo Review –Feb 92 that mentioned that they were 3-way. I was under the same assumption also; Steve Eberbach was the one who told me they were a 2-way design.
    Hauser 07-07-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I just talk to Steve for a better explanation on the TW3’s. As stated before, they are a 2-way design as far as the crossover is concerned. Just a high and low pass filter, but they can act like a 3-way based on the position of the mid level adjustment. With it set to max, you are adding resistance to the 8" driver reducing the midrange output, and increasing the midrange to the 6.5". When it is set to min, the opposite happens. In this position it acts like a 3-way. The 6.5" and 8" are both in the same chamber. There is also a factor of how the back pressure affects each drive when the midrange is adjusted. How does he come up with these ideas? I hope this helps.
    Hauser 07-07-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    So, do the mid-range and dome tweeters cross over at the same frequency? Is that the design?
    rolando@bresnan.net 07-10-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Yeah, that's a pretty interesting design concept. It must explain some of the comments I've read over the years that the "crossover is impossibly complex" in these speakers.

    Thanks for the information.

    rolando@bresnan.net 07-11-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    What do you guys think about DCM's Time Frame Evolution 200s? Are they the worthy succesors to the Time Windows as some have suggested?
    formfactor44@hotmail.com 07-11-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    For 20 years now ím still the lucky owner of my DCM Timeframe 500's. They still sound great. Yesterday i layed my hands on a pair of TimeWindows, but the manual is gone and i'm not sure which type i bought.

    Can somebody please help to identify my second hand TimeWindow. The plate on the back of the speaker is exactly like the picture shown above, with the same number: 48104.

    Does this mean these are the (so called) originals?

    And what's the diffenrent between the original, 1, 1A ?

    Thanks,

    Arnold van Wijk
    Netherlands

    arnold@avanwijk.nl 07-27-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Hauser, I may have been mistaken about the TW3's. It's just what I thought I had read. Actually, I have a problem that was said to be cured(or reduced) by the 3's. One speaker is close to a corner, and the other has no real side wall and an opening close to it's back. I apologize for any misinformation.
    Mmakshak 07-28-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I have a question about my just arrived Timewindows (originals).
    I bought them second hand last week, but the DCM labels on the cloth are missing. My dcm timeframes TF500 require placement facing the labels towards each other. How about the Timewindows? The only identification i have is the bass-responceport in the lower part of the spaeker, eighter on the left or right pane.

    arnold@avanwijk.nl 08-01-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Hi everyone,

    I just found this forum a few days ago doing research, when I stumbled across a pair of TimeWindow 1A's on Craigslist near my house. When I read the information in this forum, and then heard them in person, I plunked down $350 for them. Okay, that was higher than what I’ve seen on ebay, but these were only 15 minutes away, the natural oak is in fantastic shape, and the brown fabric (not foam) is good (couple tiny holes). These sound great! These will replace my Infinity Studio Monitor SM155 that I’ve used for ten years—loud, thumping, but fatiguing.

    I first heard a DCM TimeFrame while I was in Ann Arbor going to college at Michigan. I've always thought one day I’d get "grown up speakers" like DCM makes……

    Anyway, DCM's website doesn't seem to have the manual posted for TimeWindow 1A. Does anyone have a pdf of it?

    And does anyone have a spare CX-17 for sale, having used one for a center channel and leaving the other homeless?

    Does anyone have any technical design info on the sophisticated crossover?

    Thanks for all of you sharing your experience! Your information was very helpful.

    Alan

    junkkling@sbcglobal.net 08-04-06


    I HAVE A PAIR I need to part with :
    Downsizing sucks! My family has had to move to a smaller place and I have to sell my set. I am in Orange County, CA and would like to find a good owner.
    My speakers are worn - the wood is scratched and the foam has long ago worn out - so I took it off, but they still sound great. I'm sure they would look great too with a little TLC.

    Anyone know someone who might be interested in giving me a little bit of $ for them?
    PK

    kaganlmf@flashmail.com 08-11-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Kagalmf, we took off the foam outer covers many years ago. I wouldn't worry about how they affect the sound, as I'm sure that they improve the sound of the original Time-Windows.
    Mmakshak 08-11-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    It's interesting for me to read through posts in this topic and see there are lots of others who are still enjoying original Time Windows. I have a set of Time Window 1a's that I bought when I was a freshman in college in 1981. I drove them then and still drive them now with the little NAD 3020 amplifier that I got as a high school graduation present.

    I recall that back then some audiophile magazine had the Time Windows and NAD 3020 as kind of the premier "poor man's" high quality audio system. (Maybe "Sensible Sound"?) Both the Time Windows and the little 3020 have followed me around in my meanderings, sometimes in storage, sometimes not. At the moment both are in use in the living room of my home, and the combination still sounds fantastic.

    I drove the Time Windows for a short time recently with a Yamaha home theater receiver, 80 watts per channel. I thought they sounded fine. But then for fun I reconnected the 20 w/ch NAD 3020 and was surprised at the difference. Much more bass from the little 3020, and overall sound was "warmer" along with the elusive "more musical" description.

    If my current original Time Windows ever give out, I hope I can find another pair on eBay.

    I just recently found this Audiogon website and started reading a bit about tube amplifiers. I have to say I've always been skeptical that amplifiers were much of a factor in a hifi system; I always thought speakers were by far most important and that you could pretty much just plug in any decent amplifier and get great sound. My recent experience noticing how much better the NAD 3020 sounded than the Yamaha receiver has me rethinking things. I'd appreciate any comments people could give about whether a tube amp might make a noticeable difference with the Time Windows over my current 3020. Cheers.

    hsitz@nwlink.com 08-28-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Does anyone know if they used the same drivers on both the Time Windows and Time Frames? TIA.
    Kkm 08-29-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    dunno for suer, but the guy i got my windows from also owned timeframes and he said they were the same. his info has always been correct re: all things audio.
    Tagyerit 08-29-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Arnold, only the TimeWindow Three's and Seven's were mirrored. The original's and the 1A's were both identical, no right or left.

    Klm, some of the earlier TimeFrames like the TF700 used the same 8" driver as the TW3, but the later TimeFrames like the TF600 did not.

    Hauser 08-31-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Hsitz, I has the original 3200 driving the original DCM Time Windows, with an analog set-up. Let me tell you, that the Classe DR 70(which came from the original poster of this thread) was far superior. I also want to say that the Nuforce amps killed this Classe(are you listening Classe?).
    Mmakshak 09-02-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I contacted DCM, asking them about tightening the drivers. I believe that MTX(or that car-stereo company with similar initials) owns DCM now. Anyhow, they said tighten away. I wasn't sure about the tweeters, as they have two tightening areas plus a chalk mark, but I am sure about bass drivers. The problem is this. All I could find was phillips screws on the horizontal axis, and when I got to 4th(the last one on my right, while facing the speakers), I didn't even see phillips screws. Actually, it looked like the fourth bass unit was glued! Now, I'm not asking anyone to take off the outer stocking to check this(although, we determined many years ago, that the DCM's sounds better without that stocking), but those that have the stocking off-could you let me know what you see, in terms of tightening those bass drivers?
    Mmakshak 09-10-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Re: Mmakshak question on 9/10/06--I had to replace a driver earlier this year on one of my Time Windows. I did not find any screws holding the driver in place. It was secured with a black glue like material. I used a hair dryer and lots of patience to loosen the driver so I could remove it. I tried to secure the replacement driver with screws and black silicone--I found that the small screws that I used did not work very well as the wood frame around the speaker edge was so thin that the screws had almost nothing to bite into.
    The black silicone did work well. I left the screws in place and I covered the screw heads with the silicone as well. My Time Windows were purchased new about 25 years ago.

    paulhbenson@aol.com 09-24-06


    Grill cloths
    Picked up my TW's from the factory a long time ago.Love them still,sound as good as ever. My friends cat also loved them, as a sctatching post. I need to replace the cloths. Can anybody offer a suggestion to finding a replacement? Thanks,Jack (yes,the cat is history)
    2dhunt@chartermi.net 10-20-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Thanks, paulhbenson. It looks like my bass drivers are as tight as they will go. Now, I guess I will look to bass traps as further improvements. I'm going very cheap here. One speaker is close to a corner. I've tried moving it away, but, so far, it hurts the sound. 2dhunt, did you read my post on the speakers sounding better without the cloths? I don't remember where I read it, but I thought that question about cloth replacement was answered elsewhere-and it's a common question with DCM Time Windows.
    Mmakshak 10-27-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Thanks ,I read your post about the sound quality without the cloths. DCM did send me a link for a replacement cloth,too bad it only comes in a charcoal grey not the black I was looking for. Thanks for the input,Jack
    2dhunt@chartermi.net 10-29-06


    Review: DCM TimeFrame TF350
    Does anyone have a pair? and is there speaker parts still available? Mine are 1987 vintage
    thurwow@netscape.com 11-11-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Got advise to get McMaster Carr foam filter material to replace 1/4" foam grille on TimeWindows. Only comes in grey. Advice: Put dark black (cheap) speaker material under first. It makes the grey appear black and does not seem to effect soud quality. Worked for me to preserve "original" look.
    Craig84

    cehands@wmis.net 12-09-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I don't know if I've stated this. I have my Time Windows about 18 inches from the back wall. They sit on a maple board, but I would suggest that is the minimum distance from the back wall-period.
    Mmakshak 12-31-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I have to repeat this. The Time-Windows sound better wilthout a cloth covering. This was determined over 20 years ago.
    Mmakshak 12-31-06


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I bought a pair of 1a's in '79 and have used them ever since. I'm now moving into a new home, getting remarried and I want to have them refurbished. I'm sorry to read they were abandoned by their manufacturer. So much has been lost in the quality and development of music reproduction. The amps of today don't hold a candle to the electronics of the late 70's in terms of cost of quality. Decent sound is ubiquitous, but quality has been forgotten.

    So, who can refurbish them, recone the speakers, fix the hum (a loose wire somewhere), so forth? It's amazing to me that I've used these same speakers throughout most of my adult life. I just realized that this evening and so, found this blog.

    There they are, in a corner, not hooked up yet. I drive them with a Technics SUV6x, also from that period. Happy listening! They are great, aren't they? I never guessed they would so endure.

    heckja@toomuchspambut reallyverizon.net 03-15-07


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    After listening to Wilson Alexandria's, I wonder about the accuracy of DCM Windows. Oneobgyn was gracious enough to let me hear them. One song, The Pretender's, "Private Lies(?), sounded like a completely different song on the DCM's. Although it still sounded good, I knew that it was not same song. I believe it has to do with dynamics. The DCM's lack it, and they are much more inefficient than their specs would have you believe. Yes, tonally they are good. Yes, off-axis response is great. No, they aren't correct.
    Mmakshak 03-24-07


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Speaker driver technology has come a long way since the days of the Philips drivers used in the original Time Window. The Wilson's are also quite a bit more expensive too, aren't they?
    Sherod 03-24-07


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Only $135,000 a pair. I agree about the drivers' technology being better now. Also, the attachment of the drivers on the DCM's drive(pun?) me nuts. Some drivers can be tightened. One of the four bass units is glued in.
    Mmakshak 04-05-07


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I have a pair of Time Window 3s I bought new in the early 80s. They have been semi retired for about 10 years because one has a non working tweeter. But, they are in excellent physical condition, and as others have noted, their spacial presentation is hard to duplicate by most other speakers. I am looking to seriously upgrade to a combo 2 channel and Home Theater setup in early 2008. This thread has got me itching to take the TW3s out of retirement and repair/tweak them, so I am interested in all information relating to this. I would use them as temporary rear channel speakers then move them upstairs to go with my old RGR amp and preamp for the game room later. Somewhere I ran across a suggested tweeter replacement but can no longer find the link. Any guidance on repair and upgrade on the TW3s would be appreciated.
    Sanlanman 11-19-07


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    Whats the key to the versioning? 1, 1a, 7. From what I have read the 7 is a 3-way design? The others are 2 way?

    If this deal comes through I will have a pair from 1980 next week.

    I missed out on a pair of 7's last week (if my thoughts about driver# is correct).

    I am still upset about selling my Dahlquist DQ-10's in 1978. That won't happen again.

    Scramman 04-15-08


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I still have a pair of DCM Time Windows that I use in my basement system. The foam grills disintegrated and removed them. They still sound awesome.
    Tjkoch1999 10-12-08


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I still have a pair of original Time Windows. They probably aren't as accurate, nor as dynamic, as many of the best modern speakers, but they're the speakers I always return to. In fact, I'm listening to my pair as I write. They're just really enjoyable and non-fatiguing, in my experience. I actually wrote a pretty thorough review on Epinions, to which I'll try and post a link. My Time Windows outlasted several well-known speakers in my collection, including Vandersteen 2Cis. I finally sold them (the Time Windows), regretted it, and scored a cosmetically challenged pair cheap, which I refinished and am now using (along with Cambridge Soundworks Towers, AR2axs, KLH 6s, and others, depending on my mood). Really nice speakers, I think.

    http://www.epinions.com/review/DCM_Time_Windows_epi/content_511587618436

    Horswispr 05-24-11


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    When I was a kid, my neighbor had a pair of these. He knew I played drums (for obvious reasons) so he had me over once to show off his brand new Sony CD player ("the way of the future, son"). He even had a flashy TEAC graphic EQ to boot. Man oh man, when he dropped in a Rush CD and all the levels started to jump up and down, I went a little spacey. I had never heard anything sound that amazing. I used to house sit for them and spent a lot of time listening to those Time Windows. But I can't remember "what" the sound was like. And as much as I'd love to hear those speakers again, I wonder if reality would hold up to my memory? Kind of like your old neighborhood looking smaller than you remember. Anyhow, those DCM's planted a seed and I'd like to think my younger self would approve of my "grown-up" rig. (Although he'd wonder what I was doing with all these old fashioned records and this laptop/dac/internet thingy.)
    Bonhamcopeland 06-07-11


    DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I have a pair of DCM Time Windows(they do not have any other numbers or letters )that I have had since 1980. I previously had a Denon DRA-300 running them. It has stopped, I thought I would seek some advise in a new set up. I also am running a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers(KSB 3.1)with the time windows. I have approx. 30ft lenghth to each. Any advise you have would be much appreciated?
    thank you

    Bkk 11-22-11


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    I bought a pair in the late 70s from Fat Julian's Audio in Atlanta based on Peter Aczel's review. Perhaps it was the amplification I used back then but I never really warmed up to them. Especially when I think back and realize now I could have gotten a pair of LS3/5a speakers for less money. They just didn't image as well as the LS3/5a speakers. And I wasn't into bass that much but I upgraded from a pair of ADS L-710 speakers and felt that the ADS really had bass slam that could produce drum kicks like no others from the period. The Time Windows just couldn't do that well.

    When we were at the showroom in Atlanta one of Julian's assistants A/B's the Time Windows against a pair of similarly priced Magnepans. The Magnepans sounded dull in the highs and my 3 friends and I were all impressed more by the Time Windows although I do recall the Magnepans could throw up a stage quite well even in those days. So maybe my amplification and preamplification just weren't good enough. I sold them to a friend and he's kept them for years and is still happy with his purchase.

    I've moved on to home built Linkwitz Orion speakers which are in another league altogether.

    I'm pretty sure one of the reasons I wasn't taken with the Time Windows is that I love to hear a 2 channel system create a 3D illusion of a soundstage and still do. I know now from experience that a preamp and amp can prevent a speaker from throwing that soundstage. But the LS3/5as can and do and so do the Magnepans -each in its own way. The midrange of the LS3/5a was also much more neutral than the Time Windows I'd love to hear the Time Windows with some of the newer better amplifiers that are out there as my opinion seems quite out of sync with the rest of this group and I sure as heck might change my opinion if I were to hear them again. I do still recall how we four college students all agreed that the Time Windows beat the pants off the Magnepans.

    Incidentally, I don't recall the high end as being dull. In fact, I wasn't taken with that metal dome tweeter at all.

    Princeoftides 11-25-11


    Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker
    All due respect to the PR fellow from the new owners, but I used to be an occasional member of Bob Waterstripe's monthly breakfast club out at his house on North Territorial road. If you were the top seller of Time Windows in your store, you were welcome to his historic home for a killer breakfast...then a day of hanging with a few of the other salespeople from around Michigan, listening to the various systems Bob had in every room of the old judge's mansion.

    It was during the recession of the early-80s, and a bunch of failing dealers paid their bills with inventory. Every room was a treat. He had way more hifi than furniture.

    I would love to have seven of the original Time Windows to make a full surround system out of 'em. We used to pair them with Carver cubes in mono...and spiked them from the moment we discovered TipToes. Nothin' quite like 'em back in 1984.

    DCM stood for Drug Capitol of the Midwest, but I like Mitek's spin better. DeCriminalize is ok...but a bare minimum!

    Cheers,
    John
    Detroit

    Gannon 08-15-12


    DCM Time Window Originals
    I have a pair of the DCM Time Windows too. I think the are the finest speakers I have ever heard, bang for buck.

    Admittedly there is a large power spike in the sub-bass that comes up rarely, but it fascinates more than annoys.If you dont know want I mean try a good recording of Rite of Spring. It will BLOW YOU MIND

    Carnotcycler 01-08-13


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