Daedalus

Drjoe:

I agree with your description of the DA-1's--I had a pair for a number of years and would describe them as you have here. The new DA-1.1's are a whole other animal. The new model retains all the superlative characteristics you cite above but adds much higher resolution, more extended high frequencies, better (leaner, tighter) bass and vastly improved imaging and soundstaging--sounding in this regard more like a traditional "audiophile" speaker but with a much wider sweet spot. You are correct, however--even the new DA-1.1's do not have real focused (pinpoint) imaging. That is why Lou builds the DA-RMa and the Ulysseys, which do not have offset tweeters and thus provide more precise imaging than the whole house designs. I would encourage anyone interested in the Daedalus speakers to give a listen to both model lines and/or talk with Lou about your room and listening habits--some of us "audiophiles" actually prefer the "whole house" models like the DA-1.1's since they image really well but allow people throughout the room to enjoy the music.

You guys have the Daedalus sound down pat. However, the Ulysses does have offset tweeters while the DA-RMa is a single tweeter design that does not position the tweeter off axis. None the less, the Ulysses do pinpoint imaging with the added benefit of sounding very engaging from off axis listening positions.

How good are Daedalus speakers? I have a good friend who is going through the figuring out phase of buying stereo equipment. One week it is this and the next week it is that. However, when he is in the mood to hear great music he comes here. At some point in time he will figure out that the reason he comes here is because of these speakers, although my room and the rest of my gear is pretty damn good.

I heard the DA1's on 2/14/09 in a very large room driven by some Manley monoblocks and a VTL pre and thought they were just fabulous. This was at a meet and a lot of recordings were played. We were seated at the end of a very large triangle, much larger than the average listening room, and they presented a convincing stage with no sweat. They were quick, coherent, and capable of HUGE dynamic swings. I dig em!

Helpful replies, but still no response to the origonal question. I am seriously looking at Daedalus too and am considering the DA1.1 and Da Rma. I suppose nowone out there has the standmount speakers. I will be visiting the next RMAF, but am not sure which speakers Lou will bring.