http://www.dynaudioacoustics.com/Default.asp?Id=321

Notes on a side by side comparison of Dynaudio AIR 15's and Dynaudio BM15A's

AIR 15 info and specs at http://www.dynaudioacoustics.com/Default.asp?Id=321

BM15A info and specs at http://www.dynaudioacoustics.com/Default.asp?Id=279


I've tested out both the Dynaudio AIR 15's and BM15A's quite a bit - side by side. I finally arrived at a system that works for me in the AIR 15's with the Master AD analog input option fed through a Benchmark DAC1. I find the DAC1 DA superior, but also didn't want to give up the excellent and convenient network linking and digital control of the AIR Remote, and flexibility of the AIR Soft software.

I prefer the AIR 15's with the DAC1 over a pair of 15A's with the DAC1. Firstly, I think pound for pound, the AIR are just better sounding monitors - deeper imagery and more clarity, and they really punch better than the 15A's, IMO. I couldn't even tell you how loud they can play, because the few times I tried to really crank them, me and my ears backed down before the AIR's did. Secondly, the DSP controls and the ablility to network one of the AIR BASES for 2.1 or move easily into 5.1 was an option I wanted. And on a day-to-day workflow level having the digitally controlled AIR Remote sitting right where ever I need it anyway in the room is a convenience I wouldn't want to do without now that I've been spoiled from using it.

Another choice for me, personally, was also based on the AIR styling. If I'm going to invest a lot at something that's going to be in front of my face for years - I'd better like what I'm looking at. I find the softer-textured and charcoal-colored facing with the beveled front corners easier on the eyes than the stark black boxes of the 15A's. And as I use the monitors fairly close to me - as real near-fields, instead of mid-fields, I like the fact that the AIR series are rear-ported vs the front-ported 15A's. If I already had a set of near-fields, say NS10's, and wanted to run some mid-fields in a larger room and farther away from the mix position, then the 15A's might have gotten more serious consideration.

Another reason even the smaller BM5A's are attractive to me, besides their excellent performance, is that they have the AIR series styling. Call me shallow.

Another consideration on the AIR15's vs the BM15's are the amps: Both are bi-amped. The 15A's run traditional 200W power amps on the woofers, but only 100W amps on the tweeters. The AIR15's run 200W PWM Class-D power amps on both the tweeters and the woofers. That's simply more clean and efficient power in the AIR's favor - and you can hear it. Click here for more info on PWM amps.

The 15A's are excellent. And they're much more of a straight-ahead meat 'n potatoes pair of monitors than the AIR 15's. And I probably wouldnt have arrived at the AIR/DAC1 configuration had I not had the luxury of dicking around with different possibilities before making the decision. I didn't like the DA converters on the AIR's, but I liked everything else about them. And even if I'd chosen the 15A's I'd still be running them with a DAC1.

I think if you want to plug in a set of monitors and get on with it - that the BM15A's are the way to go. OTOH, if you want more sonic flexbility and - what I feel - is overall better sound, and you're willing to deal with some learning curve and dig into the AIR Soft controls and how to use the software - then I think the AIR series will definitely reward you for your troubles.