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DCM QED

Hi, came across a pair of QEDs, which from the outer appearance, in very good condition. Because the rubber cover cannot be removed cannot tell the under the hood condition but Im assuming good also for its age but prepared for  potential issues. So a few questions, any general thoughts on this 40 year old speaker? Do you recall if the surrounds are foam or rubber, and based on the description what would you consider a very fair and not insulting to the seller price offer? This would be mated to a Yamaha cr 820. Thanks much, Dave
italian
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I worked for an audio store that carried DCM back in '78. The Time Windows ($660 pr) sold well. The QED's ($480 pr) weren't as popular - though they were basically 1/2 of a TW. And both sounded similar. Excellent pulse response - coherent sound - 90 db sensitivity. I eventually bought 2 pairs of TW's. And I would have been just as happy with QED's instead! Both models remain as examples of affordable speakers that can compete and challenge big-buck designs - then and now! Thank you Steve Eberbach (DCM)!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The surrounds are rubber and should still be good! Early versions used Philips hexagonal frame 6 inch woofers glued into the baffles. Later custom round frame woofers replaced the Philips. Tweeters remained Philips mylar domes with wave guides (response 15 kc). Ported cabinets - prism-shaped for the TW's and rectangular for the QED's.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I am presently listening to a pair of TW's (52779, 52780). My third pair! RGR 4 preamp and GAS Son of Ampzilla. Speaker wire is Q Audio Time Stream (1980's). A real nice retro system I put together from my collection of vintage gear! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
A fair price for the QED's would be about $250. Your Yamaha CR820 will work just fine, though I encourage you to eventually get a pre/power amp similar to my own setup. DCM speakers do really benefit soundwise from better quality electronics! Enjoy!
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