If you love the Dahlquist sound, and audition other speakers in a "money IS an object" price range, you will be very disappointed IMO. I have somewhat modded DQ-20i's, and cost is not much of an object for me. While the 20i's have a couple of measurable "compromises", I have not found a speaker that I prefer to listen to in a medium size room, and I have auditioned quite a few. Many do better bass, many do better highs, but none I have heard do the midrange the way DQ's do. ANd none I have heard provide as balanced a listening experience. Every time I get home get home to my DQ's I just sit back and say, "Aahhhhh...., now that's a speaker."
That being said, from the dq10's (which I have owned), the affordable (under $1000) upgrade is a no-brainer: DQ-20i's or Alon 4's or 5's - and when you can afford it, upgrade the tweeters, caps, and internal wiring. You won't impress any audio-snobs, but you'll impress yourself.
That being said, from the dq10's (which I have owned), the affordable (under $1000) upgrade is a no-brainer: DQ-20i's or Alon 4's or 5's - and when you can afford it, upgrade the tweeters, caps, and internal wiring. You won't impress any audio-snobs, but you'll impress yourself.