Test of a system consisting of Dynavoice DF-8 acoustics and an AMC XIA100EP amplifier: on the other side of the scale

Super task

Assembling a system for a small room is not difficult. You don't need a powerful amplifier or large speakers. You can find high-quality bookshelf speakers even in a relatively budget segment, and choosing a suitable amplifier is not difficult. Things are much more complicated in a situation where you need to sound a large space.

Big sound can only be achieved with big speakers

Floor-standing acoustics, in principle, are more expensive, more complex in design and much more capricious in terms of matching with the acoustics of the room. Plus, it will take a long time to select an amplifier, because a lack of power or a small damping factor can make even the best acoustics boring and uninteresting. Well, if you like to make it louder, then either get ready for compromises, or put up with a serious increase in the budget of the future system. Exceptions are, of course, possible, but searching for them is akin to treasure hunting. The salon specialists offered me a solution to the problem using the AMC XIA100EP integrated amplifier and large Dynavoice DF-8 floorstanding speakers.

Unusual couple

Xindak A06 is a compact amplifier with a neat design. It is extremely unusual to see such an intellectual next to such large and brutal acoustics. However, Dynavoice Challenger M-105 EX v.4 looks massive and severe only in black varnish. White varnish makes the structure more elegant, and the wood-like finish, along with solidity, adds coziness and warmth to the appearance.

The tweeter has an acoustic lens for better dispersion of high frequencies

From the point of view of electrical characteristics, the issue of compatibility between acoustics and amplifier is not as critical as it might seem at first glance. The stated power of the Dynavoice Challenger M-105 EX v.4 is 210 W, but it is measured according to the RMS standard, which means that the rated value is approximately half that. In addition, a sensitivity of 94 dB will allow you to get good results without significant energy consumption. Against this background, the 80 W that the Xindak A06 produces at an 8-ohm load looks sufficient, which has been confirmed by practice.

A phase-leveling “bullet” (dust cap) is installed in the center of the midrange emitter

The sound of the acoustics, even at high volumes, did not reveal any lack of amplifier power. On the contrary, it handled so confidently, as if it had a double power reserve or damping factor, like class D. There is more than enough bass. I assume that the Dynavoice Challenger M-105 EX v.4 can be installed without a subwoofer in a cinema system. I didn't hear any reason to complement the sound of the bass section of these speakers.

Any subwoofer would envy such bass drivers

In general, the character of the sound turned out to be very interesting. The mids and highs are reproduced very smoothly, almost like studio monitors. At the same time, the lower and middle bass are forced, which significantly enlarges the sound images. The intimate setting of the salon where the test took place could hardly accommodate such a large-scale sound: it seemed that this system required at least a stadium or concert hall.

Instead of thorns - graceful but powerful supports

Electronic music was the first thing I wanted to listen to on this system, and the result did not disappoint. The atmosphere of the dance floor was literally felt physically. Lighter pop music sounded good, vocals were transmitted naturally, and compression, so beloved by modern sound engineers, did not hurt the ears.

However, I much preferred the way the system reproduced electric blues and rock music, especially modern music, with a heavy, thick guitar sound. Good resolution in the mid-frequency range, excellent dynamics and a powerful bass base perfectly conveyed the emotional charge of these genres. Black Sabbath, Halestorm, Rage, Pain, Rammstein - here is an example playlist for a proper introduction to the capabilities of acoustics.

The presence and position of the copper jumper determines the performance of the acoustics at high frequencies

It was extremely interesting to listen to the classics, although familiar works were sometimes presented unexpectedly. Beethoven clearly benefited from the strengthening of the low-frequency component, but Mozart sounded a little heavy. The last thing I expected was that the system would cope with jazz, especially those with complex rhythmic structures. However, it was the rhythmicity and intelligibility, especially in the bass range, that amazed me. The album “The Garden” by Nostalgia 77, which often confused more expensive setups, did not reveal any serious problems with frequency and phase characteristics. Perhaps not everyone will like the soloing of the double bass, but everyone will notice that all the notes are in their place, and the percussion does not go astray and does not overtake the bass section.

The amplifier looks modest, it was completely surprising to hear how easily it copes with huge speakers

The Xindak A06 amplifier in its own line is positioned as a budget model, but from a hardware point of view, signs of this were found only in the DAC implementation. And in this regard, no miracle happened: the simplified and therefore rough sounding character of the CS4344 DAC was noticeable from the first notes. Its capabilities will be more than enough for listening to online radio or a new selection from DJ Feel, posted on VKontakte, but if you want to get maximum quality when playing CD or FLAC of similar resolution, you should think about an external network or CD player.

This amplifier can change the attitude towards Chinese Hi-Fi, the main thing is to use a quality source

Connecting an inexpensive but high-quality Denon player to the analog inputs of the amplifier made it possible to evaluate the full potential of the system. The sound was significantly clearer and more detailed, especially in the high frequency range. Complex music began to sound more comfortable, easy and natural. The scene became more voluminous and precisely detailed.

Still in service

The letters AMC today are more associated with the TV channel of the same name, which released many popular TV series, but among audiophiles of the 90s these three letters were also associated with inexpensive but high-quality amplifiers. Today, a significant part of the AMC product range consists of installation components used in Smart Home systems and installed in a rack. However, if you wish, you can find in the product list quite classic models designed for Hi-Fi stands. And the AMC XIA100EP integrated amplifier falls into this category.

The design of the AMC amplifier is quite traditional, it has remained virtually unchanged for the past twenty years.

This model has a power of 100 W per channel and operates in class AB. The circuitry is transistor, discrete, large aluminum radiators are hidden inside the case. The power supply includes a large toroidal transformer and a decent-sized capacitor unit. At peak load, the amplifier is capable of delivering up to 30 Amps, which allows it to cope with complex loads.

The design is simple and effective, just like professional installation technology

Optionally, you can supply a MM/MS phono stage or a DAC with a resolution of 24 bit/192 kHz, which will replace one of the six analog inputs. I note that the optional DAC is equipped with USB, coaxial and optical interfaces, and even has Bluetooth. Switching of the built-in pre-amplifier and power amplifier occurs externally using jumpers that connect the central contacts of the RCA connectors. If we remove the jumpers, we get a separate power amplifier input and pre-amplifier output. Thus, the AMC XIA100EP is perfectly suited for future upgrades. You can add a higher-quality pre-amplifier to the system, or, conversely, start improvements by replacing the power amplifier, postponing replacing the pre-amplifier until later.

Phono stage and USB DAC available as options

On the façade of the amplifier there are knobs for a classic switchable tone control that regulates high and low frequencies at 100 and 10,000 Hz. The manufacturer focuses special attention on the high quality of its work (audiophile components are used), as a result of which it has minimal negative impact on the sound. The difference in sound with the tone block turned to “zeros” and the “direct” mode is really barely noticeable to the ear.

The amplifier's remote control is modest, you wouldn't immediately think that it belongs to a Hi-Fi component

The adjustment knobs on the amplifier have a plastic facade, and their side surface, which the user touches, has a soft rubber coating. The input selector is implemented in an extremely unusual way. When rotated by hand, it has no fixed positions, and when controlled from the remote control, it slowly turns to the corresponding mark. The remote control itself looks modest, even somehow too modest.

A look from the inside

The integrated amplifier Xindak A06 has a full set of digital inputs, including a USB port, and this is its main difference from the first version. Initially, the amplifier had five analog inputs (one of them was connected to the built-in USB DAC), for selecting which there were five buttons on the facade. With the advent of the digital board, there are only two analog inputs left; the other three buttons now serve to select USB, optical and coaxial inputs. As a result, the appearance has not actually changed, and the differences can only be seen on the back panel and, of course, inside, where we will look.

The arrangement of components on the amplifier board is mirror-symmetrical, so there is quite a lot of free space

At first glance, the internal space of the case is not used optimally: a toroidal transformer is located alone on the left, a radiator is in the center, and the boards occupy the right half of the case. However, this makes sense, since the heatsink acts as a shield that protects the boards from the electromagnetic field of the transformer. The use of pinouts in the main part of the amplifier board, as well as a fairly free symmetrical arrangement of parts, gives it a vintage look.

Chinese amplifier Xindak A06 demonstrates absolutely Scandinavian design

The pre-stage of the amplifier uses the AD712 microcircuit, made using BiFET technology, which combines bipolar and field-effect (FET) transistors. A similar approach is observed in the output stage. Toshiba 2SK170 field-effect transistors are installed there, as well as pairs of bipolar transistors: Hitachi 2SD667/2SB647 and Sanken 2SC4468/2SA1695. All together, this allows you to get 80 W of power per channel at an 8-Ohm load and a very wide frequency range: 5-100,000 Hz.

In the first version of the amplifier there were five analog inputs, and now three of them are replaced by digital interfaces

The digital part is made using inexpensive components: the CM6631A USB controller and the WM8805 SPDIF receiver transmit the signal to the CS4344 DAC. This made it possible to achieve a maximum digital bit rate of 24 bit/192 kHz. The first version of the amplifier used a simpler PCM2704 USB DAC that supports no more than 16 bit/48 kHz.

Big and white

The acoustics are quite large and massive. Its front and back walls are covered with white varnish, and the sides and top are covered with white vinyl with a wood-like texture. The midrange and bass speakers have Kevlar diffusers, an elastic polymer suspension and a powerful cast basket. And the main decoration is the HF module with a fabric dome with a diameter of 2 inches and a ribbon emitter operating from 12800 Hz.

The look with a grill, in my opinion, is more elegant and stylish

The body contains two bass reflex ports of large diameter and considerable depth. It is curious that one of them is displayed on the facade at the bottom, and the other is on the rear wall at the top of the building. The set includes one pair of plugs, with which you can adjust the character of the bass sound in accordance with the acoustic response of the room.

A jumper in the crossover allows you to control the output of mid and high frequencies

In addition, do not forget about the proprietary adjustable crossover, which is equipped with many Dynavoice models. It makes it easy to boost or cut the treble and upper mid ranges. The jumper sets the modes -2, 0, +2 or +4 dB. In an acoustically prepared listening room, the jumper took the 0 dB position, but the plugs for the bass reflexes were not superfluous, since the room was relatively small, and hum periodically arose at the lowest frequencies.

Characteristics

Strong and dexterous

The Dynavoice DF-8s deliver a wide, expansive soundscape, and their slightly boosted low bass creates the effect of a large, expansive sound. This makes the reproduction of sublime, melodic, gentle music, which requires exceptional precision, insinuation and tact from the system, a particularly interesting attraction. Until it comes to the bass, everything is almost perfect, and these large speakers handle the subtle nuances like finely calibrated bookshelf monitors.

The main decoration of the acoustics is the hybrid HF module

But once the sounds reach the depths of the low-frequency register, it becomes clear that these gentle sounds are produced by real giants. This feature alone is enough to make the Dynavoice DF-8 stand out. This combination of macrodynamics and the ability to work out subtle microdynamic nuances within the same acoustics is not common. But the further I moved through the test playlist, the more interesting the discoveries became.

Midrange and bass drivers are equipped with Kevlar diffusers

The resolution of the system is simply excellent. You can see this in the live recording of “Brush With the Blues” by Jeff Beck - there you can hear not only the smallest rustles and voices from the audience, but also the background of the sound equipment. Those who like to evaluate the soundstage and count the guitars in the famous concert recording of “Hotel California” will be completely satisfied. You can hear everything in the performance of this combination. In “See Line Woman” Randy Crawford & Joe Sample liked the convincing fullness and richness of the piano, as well as the excellent rhythmic sound. There was a feeling of realism, the so-called “presence effect”. In Simply Red's recording of "Sad Old Red" Mick Hucknell's voice is clearly identifiable as male, although on the good half of the speakers that didn't handle the lower mids well, it wasn't so obvious.

Speaker surrounds are made of polymer material

Patricia Barber's "Pieces" showed amazing detail and articulation. Every word is heard clearly, almost spelled out, every intonation is obvious. And what does the low-frequency register sound like! Any recordings that feature double bass are highly recommended for listening on this system. The discovery of new notes and a completely different perception of compositions is guaranteed. The secret is that this particular system reproduces this instrument fully, without the support of a subwoofer or other alternative solutions.

The bass drivers are secured using four pairs of screws.

conclusions

The system looks modest and utilitarian. The cost of speakers and amplifier also does not promise anything exceptional or out of the ordinary. All this prepares the listener well for an audiophile revelation. If the audition had been done blind, I would have expected to see a much more expensive system, with a pair of large monoblock amplifiers and human-sized speakers.

The secret to the success of this system is quite understandable: it is the competent distribution of funds. A minimum of money was spent on external decorations. Even the flange of the HF module on the Dynavoice DF-8 is not recessed into the front panel, but is installed “overlay”. Well, the amplifier with its late 80s design is unlikely to satisfy audio aesthetes. But what lies on the other side of the scale, in my opinion, outweighs any external shortcomings.

Advantages: dynamic and detailed sound, large power reserve, ability to adjust the sound to the acoustics of the room

Disadvantages: modest design, inexpensive finishing materials

Price: Dynavoice DF-8 - 70,800 rubles, AMC XIA100EP - 60,760 rubles

Bottom line

When using a quality source, the system produces sound that you wouldn't expect to get in this budget. First of all, these are ideal speakers for DJ music, as well as rock of any genre. The system can be paired with all other genres if you initially correctly match the capabilities of the acoustics with the size of the room and spend time making adjustments using bass reflexes and a crossover.

The photo shows everything you need to create an inexpensive but high-quality system. Unless you fill the niche below with a network player

Integrated digital switching can be seen as an opportunity to spread out the investment in your first hi-fi system over time. You can start by connecting a computer or laptop to the amplifier, and then upgrade the system with a higher-quality DAC or digital player.

Advantages: clear and rhythmic sound, the ability to customize the sound of acoustics, good value for money

Disadvantages: the digital part of the amplifier is implemented on a budget

Official website: Dynavoice Challenger M-105 EX v.4, Xindak A06

Price: Dynavoice Challenger M-105 EX v.4 - 69,900 rubles, Xindak A06 - 49,680 rubles

Description

Top modification. Floorstanding, 4-way, 280 W, 6 Ohm, 94 dB, frequency range: 23-32,000 Hz, size: 1105 x 240 x 380 mm, weight: 28.1 kg/piece. Finish colors: Black, white, oak. The front and back panels are piano lacquer!

The top model of the Definition series and the flagship from Dynavoice. The sound, design and finish will satisfy even the most discerning listener, while the unique X-Change system adds flexibility and versatility to your system. Without exaggeration, this is the best acoustic model priced up to 150,000 rubles. Market leader Dynavoice!

Even the expensive and successful model Radiotehnika Giant FS-100N the Dynavoice Definition DF-8 in either sound or build quality, remaining at approximately the same level, but was significantly inferior to Dynavoice in functionality; in addition, Radiotehnika has the price is twice the cost of the Definition DF-8.

By choosing Dynavoice you can buy two speakers for the price of one Radiotehnika speaker, and at the same time you are betting on quality, and not vice versa. In addition to everything, the Definition DF-8 is manufactured in Sweden.

This link provides a complete description of this acoustics and its independent testing by experts from Stereo&Video magazine: Dynavoice Definition DF-8 acoustics test

Technical description

Floor-standing 4-way top-class acoustics Dynavoice Definition DF-8 from the largest Swedish manufacturer of speaker systems Dynavoice with lacquered front and rear surfaces, in a massive, well-muffled body, with high-quality dynamic heads: two tweeters (one of them is ribbon, the other is a fabric dome), with a 16.5 cm Kevlar midrange driver and 2 20 cm Kevlar woofers.

Excellent rubber hangers, die-cast metal baskets, internal wiring made from high quality OFC copper wire. The tweeters and midrange speaker are located in separate anechoic chambers; the thickness of the front and rear walls of the housing is 33 mm.

It is possible to flexibly adjust the hearing-critical high and mid frequency region (you can choose between -2 dB / 0 dB / +2 dB / 4 dB). The sound of the acoustics is very neutral, balanced, tonally adjusted, with excellent dynamics, truly powerful bass, flexible and rich mids, detailed and transparent highs.

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About Dynavoice

Dynavoice was founded in 1977 by one of the largest Swedish acoustics manufacturers JWS AB. This company has extensive experience in creating speaker systems for use in stereo or when building a home theater. Most companies create and test acoustics in anechoic chambers, where there are ideal conditions for testing, but when placed in real rooms, the sound does not always turn out exactly as the developer intended. All Dynavoice lines, except the youngest Magic, have a built-in X-Change system for frequency response correction, with its help you can change the mid and high frequencies to your liking. The idea of ​​the developers was to adjust the acoustics to your room and get the best sound in each specific stereo system. The sound from Dynavoice is distinguished by the transparency and air of high frequencies, the mid-frequency range has accuracy of reproduction and the absence of unnecessary coloration, all this supports deep bass, and the acoustics perfectly shape the stage both in width and depth. The developers know how and can make 3-way acoustics and do it very well. If you can't afford or don't want to spend too much money on high-end acoustics, Dynavoice was created just for you, because “Dynavoice is pure music!”

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