Hi guys, I have been fortunate enough to either own or have in the showroom for audition, a number of different speakers. I currently have Greybeards, Emerald Physics, Studio Electric, Zu Druids, Vandersteen and recently on audition, the Daedalus DA-RMa.
The DA-RMa's are a large stand-mounted monitor, sold factory-direct in the USA, proudly hand-built by Lou Hinkely in WA st. U.S. Direct price = $5450 (+$450 for stands).
The pair that I have here are solid Walnut. They are also available in: Cherry, RedOak, Quartersawn White Oak, Maple and Ebonized Walnut.
I have to say that the craftsmanship of the cabinets, including dovetail joints, is absolutely beautiful. WAF is NOT a problem with these beautiful speakers and matching stands.
They are a three way design, 96dB efficient(!) with bass extension to the 30's I believe. I will let Lou fill in the details here.
(http://www.daedalusaudio.com/web-data/SmartObjects/DA-RMaw.jpg)
I have known Lou Hinkley for some time now and have shared room at shows. I have heard his speakers at shows with different amps and sources, with our preamp really being the only common thread in most cases. I have always enjoyed their sound, but until now have not had the chance to personally audition them.
They are intentionally voiced slightly on the warm side. They are very resolving and do not limit detail, but have a comfortable and relaxed overall presentation to them. HOWEVER, don't think that these speakers are merely lounging in your system. Today I played some Stevie Ray Vaughn tracks at VOLUME and the attack of kick drums, percussion and strings was startling. I found that they provided both beautiful and musical presentation of music of a classical, jazz or folk genre and yet could turn right around and ROCK if need be, with high-powered blues, rock or other dynamic music. In my opinion, they simply offer a very musical, enjoyable and 'live' presentation of ANY music played through them.
This is not meant to be a review as such, merely a word of praise where I feel it is due. These speakers offer EXTREMELY high performance for the price and are proudly built in the U.S. by a true American Craftsman.
I mention the other speakers I have here, so that you know that I have had a broad range to compare things to. This was not and IS not intended to be a shootout. I will not make public comparisons on this thread between the Daedalus and other speakers we have in the shop. If you have a question about a particular speaker mentioned here, I will answer it, but any question of a comparative nature between speakers, I will only answer via PM or email.
I have been using a broad variety of speakers with our new KWA 150 for the simple and selfish purpose of wanting to know what works well with our amp and what our amp will drive well. The answer thus far is that our amp proves to be quite at home with a BROAD variety of speakers. When I listened to Lou's DA-RMa's, I felt they deserved mention and I wanted to share my experiences here.
Thanks guys, many good things ahead from ModWright for '09!
Dan