{"id":37275,"date":"2024-03-04T10:51:43","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T08:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=37275"},"modified":"2025-04-23T18:11:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:11:12","slug":"diptyque-dp-140-mkii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/loudspeaker-reviews\/loudspeakers-passive-reviews\/diptyque-dp-140-mkii\/","title":{"rendered":"Diptyque DP 140 MkII"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review samples provided by Dimex
\n<\/a><\/h4>\n

Retail Prices (incl VAT):
\n14.000 euro per pair in white (RAL9010) and black (RAL2100)
\n14.600 euro per pair in a selection of custom 155 RAL colors<\/h4>\n

DP 140 MkII Description<\/h3>\n

Available as standard in Black or White with a choice of White, Caramel, Chocolat, or Black leather trim, the DP 140 in its recently updated MkII appearance looks sleek, elegant, modern, understated and luxurious all at once. Taste is a very personal matter but I love this model’s looks. Size-wise, too, the DP 140 MkII is just right. At 141 cm tall and 48 cm wide, the DP 140 MkII provides the feeling of substance while its sleek appearance avoids it looking imposing.<\/p>\n

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The DP 140 MkII is a two-way design with a 55-cm tall treble\/midrange ribbon and two 55 x 20 cm bass panels with a simple 12 dB per octave crossover at 1.6kHz. The online and printed specifications deviate in terms of frequency range. Upon checking, Mr. Gilles Douziech kindly confirmed that their correct laboratory measurements yielded a response of 35Hz – 22kHz (+\/-3dB). I have to say, that is quite astonishing! I agree that 35Hz may seem overly optimistic for a Magnetostatic speaker of this size but in my own listening tests lateron, it was confirmed that the speakers really do indeed reach that low.<\/p>\n

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The speaker is constructed very cleverly with two 2mm thick metal sheets that tightly clamp the internal MDF structure using a large number of screws that are only visible on the back. This makes for a very stiff yet thin and beautifully clean assembly.<\/p>\n

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The DP 140 MkII is available in 155 RAL colors<\/em><\/p>\n

Planar magnetostatic dipoles have a reputation for being hard to drive, but that does not apply to all brands and models. The prime model responsible for this general view is the Apogee Scintilla in the 1-Ohm version. Combined with a particularly low sensitivity of 79dB, that model was indeed very harsh on amplifiers at the time. At 87dB, the DP 140 MkII’s sensitivity can be considered moderate and is actually 1dB higher than both the DP 107<\/a> and my Magico S1 MkII’s. Given that most amplifiers these days are more than capable in terms of power output, sensitivity is not much of a factor anymore unless you want to use ultra-low-wattage Single-Ended tube amplifiers. Much more critical are the nominal impedance and the presence of dips across the frequency. This is where all Diptyques make life very easy for an amplifier as they have a normal nominal impedance (6 Ohms for the DP 140 MkII) and a very flat impedance curve.<\/p>\n

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Compared to the DP 107 that I reviewed previously, the most obvious difference with the DP 140 MkII is in their visual appearance. Cleverly hidden from sight are improvements to the structure, resulting in a stiffer and heavier assembly. Other differences include optimized PPBM technology and higher tolerances across the board, one aspect of which is instantly noticeable when looking at the tweeter foil. Whereas it would hang loosely and warped with the DP 107, it is now positioned highly precisely. The foil is not only 100% flat but also mounted very closely to, and 100% equidistant from, the magnets on the sides. Other differences from the earlier model include double bass panels yielding lower and more powerful bass and refinements in the crossover to achieve even better coherence.<\/p>\n

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Finally, the new MK2 range has been ECO designed with partners all located in the same region where the speakers are produced, near Toulouse. They are 100% repairable to be able to transfer them to our children and grandchildren!<\/p>\n

Diptyque Technology<\/h3>\n

Diptyque loudspeakers work according to the Magnetostatic principle, referred to by the company as Isodynamic Technology, which was developed in 1970 in the United States. Through numerous tests and experiments, the Diptyque has sought solutions to improve this technology and push back its limits, particularly for bass reproduction.<\/p>\n

In their basic principle, Diptyque speakers work similarly to the speakers by Magnepan, Analysis Audio, Clarisys and Apogee Acoustics: a large tensioned planar membrane with aluminum traces suspended in front of a magnet array for the bass and a narrow foil (either a composite with aluminum traces or a pure aluminum ribbon) suspended on the top and bottom hanging freely between side-mounted magnets for the midrange and treble. But that’s where the similarities end. While all the aforementioned designs use ferrite magnets positioned only behind the woofer membrane, Diptyque employs large ferrite “plastolamine” magnets in a Push-Pull configuration.<\/p>\n

I asked Mr. Gilles Douziech about why he chose these kinds of magnets, to which he kindly responded:<\/p>\n

“The size or power of the magnets are not the only solution to make good speakers. Using the magnets well is more important. We have imagined an architecture that allows magnetic energy to be concentrated on ribbons with bipolar magnets specially made for us. We placed them in a push-pull configuration to guarantee membrane movements without deformation.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Diptyque’s “PPBM” Push-Pull Bipolar Magnet technique is an innovative patented architecture that uses large-section bipolar magnets manufactured to specification, located at the front and rear of the 12\u00b5m thin Mylar membrane. This allows the membrane’s aluminum coil to remain in a constant magnetic field while it moves, allowing a much higher level of control than with a single-ended construction. In addition, the same type of diaphragm is used for both bass and treble to match the speed and dynamic behavior across the spectrum.<\/p>\n

When listening to the bass panels one by one with my ear against the grille, it appears as though the upper panel also produces a portion of the upper midrange. But this is not the case and is probably caused by the nearness of the midrange\/treble ribbon. Indeed, upon asking, Mr. Gilles Douziech confirmed the speaker is a two-way design and the two panels play the same signal.<\/p>\n

Like the bass panel, the Ribbon Tweeters are proprietary and made from mylar film with an aluminum coil on it. The tweeter ribbon moves in an intense magnetic field of neodymium magnets on the sides.<\/p>\n

Diptyque speakers provide high reliability over time, they are not sensitive to dust or humidity, and, unlike electrostatics, they do not have a high-voltage circuit. Diptyque’s faith in their products is also reflected in the 5-year parts and labor warranty.<\/p>\n

Running In<\/h3>\n

Diptyque speakers need a break-in period during which they will improve the tonal balance and the naturalness of the low frequencies. The company recommends 200 hours of operation to obtain the optimal sound. My review samples were well-used by the distributor but it may be worth noting that the speakers can sound quite bright and forward during the running-in process. This is normal and will subside as the speakers are used.<\/p>\n

Next: Positioning and Listening<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tweeters on the inside or outside?<\/h3>\n

It’s the age-old question: should the tweeters be on the inside of the outside? For Apogee users, there seemed to be no uncertainty, and in all instances I’ve seen them in use, they had the tweeters on the inside. For Magnepan owners, the matter seems to be more relative. Diptyque, finally, simply provides the following information regarding positioning in the User Guide \/ Packing Notice.<\/p>\n

“Depending on the configuration of your listening room, it’s worth testing the two positions: Tweeters inside for greater precision for vocals and instruments. Tweeters on the outside for a wider soundstage”.<\/em><\/p>\n

With that, I think they hit the nail on the head! In my experiments, the speakers provide the best focus and precision of imaging with the tweeters on the inside. An important factor that comes into play is the positioning room available in the width plane of the listening room. If the speakers must be placed very close to each other, then it may be better to have the tweeters on the outside.<\/p>\n

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System Context<\/h3>\n

The DP 140 MkII will be listened to in my main system<\/a>, consisting in the basis of the CH C1.2<\/a> DAC, CH L1<\/a> preamp, and CH A1.5<\/a> power amp and normally flanked by Magico S1 MkII speakers. The main digital sources are the Grimm MU1<\/a> and Antipodes Oladra<\/a> music servers and the Aqua La Diva M2<\/a> CD transport. Additionally, I will use the Accuphase E-270 integrated amplifier. Speaker cables used are the Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a>, Jorma Unity<\/a>, and Mad Scientist Black Magic<\/a>. The CH system sits on Artesania Exoteryc<\/a> and Aire<\/a> racks while the digital sources sit on HRS EXR<\/a> racks.<\/p>\n

Positioning<\/h3>\n

The consensus is that Planar Dipoles are extra tricky to position. But, in my experience, this is not true at all! Sure, they require precise setup to obtain the best balance between spaciousness, focus and precision but that’s the same with any high-quality loudspeaker, be it a dynamic or magnetostatic design. But planar dipoles have a major advantage in terms of positioning. Very rarely will they start booming when close to the walls. Sure, you might sacrifice some soundstaging ability by doing so, but the speakers remain clean and transparent. That’s not something you can say of most dynamic speakers, especially not ported designs.<\/p>\n

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Even when positioned in the middle of my room where the S1’s are (3 meters from the rear wall and 3,5 meters from the listening position), the DP 140 MkIIs hit low notes like you won’t believe, reaching as deep as the Magicos and with exceptional clarity in the midrange and treble. But with the exception of the lowest frequencies, the speakers sound reticent and lean through the upper bass and lower midrange unless the following two important criteria are met.<\/p>\n

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First, you have to allow the room to help the speakers in the bass by finding the sweet spot in terms of nearness to the back wall. In my case, this is much closer to the back wall than I normally use with dynamic speakers. The ideal position will differ for every room so I recommend experimenting with this. The beauty of this design is that contrary to cabinet speakers, the DP 140 MkII’s bass only gets better when you then place the speakers closer to the rear walls. Up until a point, of course, as dipoles need room to breathe. But in my situation, I found the ideal position to be 130 cm from the rear wall and 100 cm from the side walls, which places them 5 meters from the listening position.<\/p>\n

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Second, it is essential to toe the speakers in toward the listening position. Some ribbon dipoles can be positioned straight forward but not the DP 140 MkII. Set up straight, the speakers sound amazingly spacious with excellent focus and delicious treble behavior, but the lower midrange and upper bass lack clarity, impact, and expression. After toeing the speakers such that the baffle points straight to your ears, the lower midrange and upper bass suddenly click into place, and the sound becomes beautifully coherent. This is because a portion of the midrange is relayed by the bass panels, which tend to beam the higher frequencies in a straight line due to their large surface. If you don’t toe in the speakers, some of the lower midrange output is thus reduced, leaving the upper midrange overexposed.<\/p>\n

When positioned ideally for my room, the DP 140 Mk2\u2019s sound fantastically clean and transparent and they sound intimate and project the sound forward just as if they were placed in the middle of the room.<\/p>\n

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Listening<\/h3>\n

I’ve got a long history with planar magnetics and reviewed the Diptyque DP 107<\/a>\u00a0 in 2022, and as a result, I have a good sense of what they can do. But in their ideal positions and properly toe’d in, the DP 140 MkII’s clarity and transparency still took me by surprise. These speakers perform in an engagingly upbeat, crystal-clear, and highly communicative manner but paradoxically they are also utterly unforced and relaxed, gently sweet and deliciously free-flowing. With that, I’m touching on one of their strongest virtues: regardless of the immense resolution and transparency on offer, they always sound deliciously liquid and delicate.<\/p>\n

In their ideal positions in the back of the room, the DP 140 MkII’s actually extend more deeply than the Magico S1\u2019s! The S1 and DP 140 MkII actually have similarly factory-specified (in-room) extension. However, because my room still has some resonance\/room mode issues, I cannot position the Magicos much beyond the center of the room to allow their full extension. Doing so certainly helps the deepest bass but adds too much room-induced thickness and coloration. With the Diptyques, this simply does not happen. Even if you move them to within 1 meter of the side- and back walls, the speakers simply refuse ever to become boomy, boxy, or colored. Of course, dipole magnetostatics can still excite room modes but they tend to do so only at very low frequencies where the extra extension is actually beneficial rather than destructive.<\/p>\n

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Above, I mentioned the subwoofer effect but it is important to consider this only in terms of low-bass capabilities, not literally. Unlike a sub, the DP 140 Mk2\u2019s lowest bass is inherently time-aligned and fully in phase with the rest of the frequency spectrum. What we get is true and proper bass extension, not sloping down quickly below 50Hz, but full-strength output to well below 40Hz. This is not just my estimation, though, I confirmed it with measurements.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, room dimensions match more or less ideally with a desirable audio system setup. But in reality, most rooms are far from perfect. Trust me, I say this, having fallen victim to this more than I wish to remember. Room issues are tough to cure effectively. Typically, a concrete-floored room in the Netherlands will have resonances that create a hump in the bass when dynamic speakers are placed close to walls. A side effect is that the user may have become used to this and may even have come to consider it natural.<\/p>\n

As it follows, I often find that people equate a voluptuous bass with deep bass. But this is not the same at all!\u00a0Truly deep bass goes low without making a fuss, much like with a neutral pair of headphones, you hear the full-range but without the boominess or room-mode-induced humps that are so familiar from typical dynamic loudspeaker setups.<\/p>\n

If you’d replace the dynamic speakers in the aforementioned typical room scenario with magnetostatic dipoles, the user may feel the sound to be lean and conclude the bass does not go low. Meanwhile, the bass may well go lower than it did with the dynamic speakers but relayed much more cleanly, with the room mode influences much reduced.<\/p>\n

Next: Listening Continued and Conclusion<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For those unfamiliar with planar dipoles, the DP 140 MkII’s bass behavior reminds me of the Quad ESL 988 Electrostatics and arguably has more in common with an excellent pair of headphones than the average dynamic speaker in its price range. With “excellent”, I mean at least a Sennheiser HD 650 or similar, but in many respects, the Diptyques are considerably better than these headphones. For instance, by not having even a trace of synthesis or artifice and having even higher resolution. From the midrange up, they actually remind me of the superlative performance of the RAAL requisite CA-1a<\/a> headphones. As conoisseurs will know, these headphones contain pure ribbon drivers which, of course, explains a lot.<\/p>\n

As with most headphones with the exception of the RAALs, the DP 140 MkII’s bass is smooth and relaxed and the pacing holds the perfect middle between laidback and fast. But the low end and especially the mid-bass and lower midrange are not as impactful or as incisive as that of a cone driver. While listening to all kinds of music, a preference emerged for soulful and intimate music where they unveil never-heard-before low-level textures, sounds and ambient clues while allowing the music to pour into your ears with delicious fluidity. Don’t get me wrong, the speakers do not have any trouble with loud or busy recordings, actually, they excell in unravelling the inner working of anything you play.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, these speakers do not have the kind of midbass punch that you get with dynamic speakers, and they do not excel at offering edge-of-seat excitement. But most really visceral and impactful speakers do not sound as intimate, resolving, refined and transparent as these Diptyques, especially not at low listening levels. Magicos S1’s or hybrid Martin Logan ESL11A’s<\/a> with their active bass section both have more punch down below and rock harder, but the Magicos are less crisp, pure and transparent and the Martin Logans fall behind in terms of coherence, focus, staging and naturalness. That is just the way it is in speaker design, it’s always a balance of virtues.<\/p>\n

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Let’s jump over all the way to the other end of the spectrum. The DP 140 MkII’s treble is amazingly open, airy and ultra-refined. Compared to the Magicos, the DP 140 MkII’s treble feels tilted up, but one might also say the S1’s treble is sloped down. In any case, I think it is fair to state that the DP 140 MkII’s have more open treble than most other speakers I heard, be they dynamic, electrostatic or planar magnetic designs, but it is of such superb quality than one can only remain seated and let the music wash over. By the way, I recall the DP 107’s were also bright, but I don’t remember their treble being as crisp and detailed as I hear now.<\/p>\n

As one might expect from a ribbon speaker, the level of transparency, precision and resolution leaves nothing to desire. As a point of reference, returning to the S1\u2019s after listening to the DP 140 MkII, the treble is relatively dark. This certainly takes some getting used to every time I swap between the speakers, especially when done very quickly.\u00a0 But more pressingly, I can\u2019t help but notice that the Diptyques sound cleaner, more transparent and more revealing than the S1’s, even though the DP 140 MkII’s are positioned 1,5 meters further back. Now, that is something that really made me gulp.<\/p>\n

Oh, importantly, the Diptyques do not have even the slightest trace of artifice. Not only do they not color the sound, but their timbre is spot on neutral and beguilingly natural.<\/p>\n

No matter how explicitly detailed they are, the treble remains fluid and effortlessly relaxed, and there’s never any harshness or edge.\u00a0 Seriously, I don’t think treble performance can get much better even if you spend a fortune, only different<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Now, we arrive at the all-important midrange and I’m happy to report that the two frequency extremes are married perfectly. The crossover frequency between the treble\/midrange foid and the woofers is inaudible. And just like the treble, the midrange is so perfectly neutral and natural, as well as addictively lyrical and emotion-inducing, that it’s hard to come up with any criticism. Anything I play is rendered precisely as the recording requires. There’s no coloration, hardness or edge but also no added warmth, just pure, liquid, lush, and organic music. But if I’m really critical, although I cannot hear the transition from treble to bass, I do hear that the bass panels are not quite as articulate and expressive as the midrange\/treble ribbon. But otherwise, the coherence between the drivers is simply superb, and of huge importance, as mentioned, the bass is perfectly timed with the rest of the frequency spectrum.<\/p>\n

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Soundstaging is another forte. While some people will always prefer a point source over a line source, I have to say the DP 140MkII’s image remarkably well. The speakers sound royally spacious and beautifully liquid and at the same time they are very well-focused. They achieve a stable and well-defined center image with little trouble. Just ensure that both speakers’ toe-in and tilt are exactly the same. Unlike with some larger planar designs, the soundstage appears with just the right size, not too tall but most certainly also not too small.<\/p>\n

In fairness, a well-designed point source will always provide a more vividly layered depth rendition than a large planar speaker but what the DP 140 MkII’s achieve is already fantastic. More to the point, the focus and soundstaging capabilities these speakers present in my room are absolutely on par with the level of the very best ribbon speakers I heard, in my own room or anywhere else, and at any cost.<\/p>\n

As I quickly found, the DP 140 MkII’s work equally well with the CH Precision system and powered by the A1.5 as the Accuphase E-270 integrated amplifier used all by itself. Make no mistake, the speakers illustrate the relative differences of these systems to perfection but they make beautiful music just the same. All the same, they have no problems with the tight control of the CH nor with the modest power of the Accuphase.<\/p>\n

As mentioned, I am no stranger to dipole magnetostatics. I’ve owned most Apogee models, two Magnepans, and several Martin Logans, both passive and active designs. But the only speakers I heard that spring to mind that mirror what the DP 140 MkII’s achieve in terms of transparency, resolution and neutrality, are the Clarisys Minuet<\/a>, the Magico Q5, and to some extent, the Magico S3 MkIII. These speakers actually do some things even better, such as overall dynamics and firmness, incisiveness and punch in the bass, but cost a small fortune. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect speaker. As mentioned, every speaker is a balance of virtues but if I have to resort to speakers costing multiples of the Diptyque’s price to make my point, that really says it all.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Even though I am very familiar with planar magnetic designs, the DP 140 MkII’s resolution, clarity and transparency took me by surprise. The Diptyque DP 140 MkII are moderately-sized for a full-range planar magnetic speaker and their clean lines and clever minimalistic construction make them visually inobtrusive. Yet, they are capable of full-strength bass output to well below 40Hz.<\/p>\n

These speakers combine royal spaciousness with immense resolution and great focus. They perform in an engagingly upbeat, crystal-clear, and highly communicative manner but, paradoxically, despite their revealing nature, they always sound deliciously delicate, refined, intimate, and wholly unforced.<\/p>\n

Every speaker is a compromise, offering a balance of virtues. The DP 140 MkII’s are remarkable in so many ways that it becomes hard to provide any criticism. But on balance, I’d say their only flaws are that they do not excel at offering edge-of-seat excitement and do not have the kind of midbass punch that you get with dynamic speakers. But most really visceral and impactful speakers do not sound as intimate, resolving, refined and transparent as these Diptyques, especially not at low listening levels.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, if you are looking for speakers that approach state-of-the-art headphone performance and work in almost any room, the DP 140 MkII’s are\u00a0highly recommended!<\/p>\n

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Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Manufacturer’s website: diptyqueaudio<\/a>
\n<\/a>Distributor for the BeNeLux: Dimex<\/a><\/p>\n

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