Daedalus Audio DA-1

It is funny that Nakolawala mentionned about the highs not being as extended as he expected, as this seems to be my only negative observation at this point...not to the point that I don't like the speakers, just not as extended as I am used to from other speakers. I now will be a bit more aggresive in trying to hit the 300th hour.

By "lively" I would not describe the speakers (in my system) as sounding "aggressive" or "forward and/or tilted up" The music just has a breath of fresh air that seems to have more of a live realism and sounds less like the playback of a recording. So far, I seem to notice this more with drums/cymbals & guitars (especially acoustic guitars.)

I definitley find the DA-1's to be both listenable (i.e. non-fatiguing) and dynamic at the same time. The lamest, but best way to describe my experience so far, is that they make my music "fun" to listen to.

My current set up...Electrocompaniet EMC-1 24/192 CDP, Aesthetix Calypso Tube Pre, H2O Signature Mono 250W Power amps. All IC's are Kubala-Sosna's Fascination Series. PC's are both Kubala-Sosna & FIM/CRL. Though my dedicated Listening room is acoustically treated, there are some issues (bass null) that need to be resolved.

Ironically, I have been considering upgrading my cdp (likely with a tube unit) and the Capitole is on my radar. I am glad to hear that Nakolawala has found good synergy with that CDP, the DA-1's and a variety of different power amps.

Details to follow...

I own a pair of DA-1's, and mine a fully broken in. Anyway, they definitely provide a high quality live music approach. I think that they are one of the very best out there.

But, if one likes a laid back and unrealistic sound (like many pseudo-audiophiles) they might not be attractive.

Thanks to all for weighing in. It seems there may be more pairs of the DA-1's out there than I imagined! I really appreciate hearing how these speakers sound with different gear and in different rooms. I'm always a little suspicious when people say that a speaker needs a particular (type of) amp or "sound great in my dedicated/treated listening room which measures 20 X 30 with cathedral ceilings". While both room and equipment are important, IMHO a really "good" speaker is one that will sound good in a variety of settings/pairings. Changing the room and equipment should reveal subtle differences but not make or break the performance. I am increasingly interested in the DA-1 after a long and unsuccessful search for new floorstanding speakers. There are far too many very average sounding (and expensive) products out there. Many can be made to sound "good" with the right recording in the right room with the right gear. Any of you DA-1 owners in the NYC metro area willing to let me come by for a listen? Response Audio doesn't currently have a pair and I'd love to hear them before I make the 6 hour roundtrip when his do finally arrive from Daedalus.

Jccornilson. I'm curious--can you elaborate on what you hear in the DA-1's? When you say "laid back unrealistic sound" I'm wondering what that means to you. Most of the speakers I've heard in my search are unrealistic because they lack the warmth and immidiacy of "real" live instruments. Most emphasize detail at the expense of timbral accuracy--I'm thinking Thiel. Some emphasize warmth at the expense of dynamics and speed--I'm thinking Vandersteen. I'm trying (perhaps this is impossible) to find a speaker that is dynamic, fast, tuneful AND warm, engaging and laid back. Where do the DA-1's fit into all this--that is what I'm trying to determine. Of course, a listen will tell me but I'd appreciate your views. Anyone else want to chime in on this one?

Good question - The Daedalus with their 96 DB efficiency gives as close to real world dynamics as I have heard. They are certainly warm, and provide a round sound with a lot of detail. The designer, Lou Hinkley, is a musician himself. Lou's intent was to recreate the live venue, and he did a good job. The detail is there, but the output remains warm.

On the laid back issue, it heavily depends on the recording, and the amplification. When I play something that is soft and detailed, this implies that the microphone was some distance from the instruments, and this is what I call the laid-back. When the instruments were close miked, then it is right on you. So, what you get is what's on the recording.

Visit me in Houston, and we can enjoy a listening session.