AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Daedalus Audio => Topic started by: Kray on 15 Jul 2022, 04:23 pm

Title: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 15 Jul 2022, 04:23 pm
Hi team... I have a pair of Louis Vintage 8's (1.5 way), and curious how Daedalus speakers (particularly Muse/Athena in my price range) compare sound wise. I've also owned a pair of Omega Super 6 XRS Alnico's. Lovely midrange

But I'm getting the upgrade/change bug and Daedalus look like they could be a forever speaker (build quality craftsmanship etc)

I mainly use low power single ended tube amps, like 45, 421a, 2A3.

Appreciate any feedback.

(https://i.postimg.cc/KjF781Dx/04302F3A-AABF-452B-9DAB-58E43828BA96.jpg)
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: rbbert on 15 Jul 2022, 07:33 pm
The best way for you to answer this is if you can make it to the Pacific Audio Fest at the end of this month
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 15 Jul 2022, 07:45 pm
The best way for you to answer this is if you can make it to the Pacific Audio Fest at the end of this month

Thanks.. unfortunately I'm on the east coast and won't make that show... mainly curious if there are any Daedalus owners that have owned/heard Omegas.

Or like I usually do, just buy used and figure it out myself.. Then resell if they don't work.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: vinyl_lady on 17 Jul 2022, 02:13 am
Thanks.. unfortunately I'm on the east coast and won't make that show... mainly curious if there are any Daedalus owners that have owned/heard Omegas.

Or like I usually do, just buy used and figure it out myself.. Then resell if they don't work.
Lou will be at the Capital Audio Fest in DC Nov. 11-13.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Scottdazzle on 17 Jul 2022, 04:38 pm
I own Daedalus Athena V.2 and Apollo 11 speakers. I had a pair of 6" Omegas for a lengthy loan about 12-15 years ago. I don't remember the Omega model number but it had a 6" driver with a whizzer. The Omegas had a nice cabinet with lovely midrange sound but not much else. The Athenas also have a lovely midrange but also have treble and deep bass response that the Omegas couldn't match. Plus, the Athenas sound has more body and fullness than the Omegas. I have listened extensively to the Muse speakers and find they have much the same tonality of the Athenas but are much easier to position because the point source driver array makes the alignment less exacting and the front ports allow placement close to the wall behind them. The Athenas sound their best several feet away from the back wall.


Where do you live in the east?
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 17 Jul 2022, 08:09 pm
I own Daedalus Athena V.2 and Apollo 11 speakers. I had a pair of 6" Omegas for a lengthy loan about 12-15 years ago. I don't remember the Omega model number but it had a 6" driver with a whizzer. The Omegas had a nice cabinet with lovely midrange sound but not much else. The Athenas also have a lovely midrange but also have treble and deep bass response that the Omegas couldn't match. Plus, the Athenas sound has more body and fullness than the Omegas. I have listened extensively to the Muse speakers and find they have much the same tonality of the Athenas but are much easier to position because the point source driver array makes the alignment less exacting and the front ports allow placement close to the wall behind them. The Athenas sound their best several feet away from the back wall.


Where do you live in the east?

Thanks for the great response! I live in Sarasota FL. this also makes me feel like I could ditch my dual REL T5i subs as well. They bring in just enough low end below 80hz to make my Omegas “full” sounding.

I wish the Athena’s came up more often used, but I can be patient since my current setup is in no way bad.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: GregC on 17 Jul 2022, 08:39 pm
Thanks for the great response! I live in Sarasota FL. this also makes me feel like I could ditch my dual REL T5i subs as well. They bring in just enough low end below 80hz to make my Omegas “full” sounding.

I wish the Athena’s came up more often used, but I can be patient since my current setup is in no way bad.

I have the Athena II speakers and they have good (linear) bass response for their size.  I use two Sumiko S9 subs (similar in SPEC to the T9 REL subs).  I run them line level off my amps with REL cables from Signal Cable.  I have them crossed over at 35 Hz.  They blend in perfectly with the Athena speakers.  You can get by without subs, but based on my experience with the Sumiko subs I like the added "fullness" on the bottom end. 
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: GregC on 17 Jul 2022, 08:42 pm
One other thing, they are gorgeous furniture grade cabinets that get comments from people based on their looks, and their performance matches their fit and finish.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 18 Jul 2022, 09:09 pm
Is it me or does the lighting/white balance makes these speakers look too orange?
I've never seen a pair this orangey looking, or is this a special finish?

(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6naz0isypk/images/stencil/732x732/products/51977/337939/42936-4__27033.1656708532.jpg)

@gregc - thanks for the response.

I talked to Lou and he mentioned even the Muse would work well in my room size, after I talked to him about the DA-1.1 V2's. He said it was a great speaker of course, and the Argos replaced it. Humbling that even at new prices he steered me towards the less expensive option. Great service there, not just promoting something more expensive.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: figcon on 18 Jul 2022, 11:49 pm
That's a bad photograph. I've seen dozens of Lou's speakers and have owned them, in Cherry, which is what this pair looks like and they look nothing like this. Besides the lousy color, its a blurry photo, too.  The real thing is like a well recorded, 196/24 compared to this photo, which is like a badly recorded MP3.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 21 Jul 2022, 12:17 am
Well I bit the bullet and bought the DA1.1 v2’s. Due to deliver the 28th. My plan is if I love them, I’ll save up for some new Muse/Athena V3’s
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: msiron on 21 Jul 2022, 12:50 am
Kray, were those the ones listed on TMR? They are very nice, interested to hear how you like them. I looked at them about 30 times thinking if I should pull the trigger. Good for you.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 21 Jul 2022, 12:57 am
Kray, were those the ones listed on TMR? They are very nice, interested to hear how you like them. I looked at them about 30 times thinking if I should pull the trigger. Good for you.

Yep. TMR. Made an offer, and basically agreed on amount that made shipping “free”. Can’t wait to get them in my house.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: vinyl_lady on 21 Jul 2022, 02:14 am
Well I bit the bullet and bought the DA1.1 v2’s. Due to deliver the 28th. My plan is if I love them, I’ll save up for some new Muse/Athena V3’s
The D.A.1.1s were my "go to" speakers for more than 10 years before I bought my Apollo 11s. I had Lou do all the available upgrades as they became available. They were close to the Argos when I sold them. Great speakers!! Tonally accurate, great detail and imaging. I especially liked the offset tweeters which provided a wider sweet spot without sacrificing imaging. I think you will love them. Congratulations!!!
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: mresseguie on 21 Jul 2022, 02:16 am
Kray,

Congratulations on your choice of speakers. I suspect you'll be delighted with how they sound. [Though, I am very biased.]  :D

Enjoy!

Michael
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 21 Jul 2022, 02:23 am
Thanks everyone. Looking forward to joining the Daedalus family. I have a couple amps to try out on them including tubes and solid state. I noticed there’s a switch on back for +/- 0.5db highs. Does that really make much of a difference?

I’ll be sure to post pics.

@vinyl_lady - noticed the Philippians in your profile. My web biz is based on it, www.One21.us
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: rbbert on 21 Jul 2022, 11:43 pm
The HF switch on my Apollo 11s and Ulysses is +/- 2 dB.

Also, even though the bass extension for each of my speakers is more than adequate, 1 or 2 carefully placed subs can definitely help smooth out the bass response in the lowest octave (20-40 Hz).  My rooms have good dimensions, but still each has a null around 30 Hz.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 22 Jul 2022, 12:08 am
The HF switch on my Apollo 11s and Ulysses is +/- 2 dB.

Also, even though the bass extension for each of my speakers is more than adequate, 1 or 2 carefully placed subs can definitely help smooth out the bass response in the lowest octave (20-40 Hz).  My rooms have good dimensions, but still each has a null around 30 Hz.

Ah 2db. Maybe I misread it. What do you have the switch set to?

I have two rel T5i’s that do a great job filling in my room without being overbearing. Sometimes I forget i have them it’s so subtle.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: rbbert on 22 Jul 2022, 12:47 pm
-2 for break-in, then neutral.  But obviously it depends on your room and your tastes.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: cementhead on 22 Jul 2022, 03:36 pm
Kray, I have the same speakers with the REL T-5 X'S. You're going to LOVE them. A problem I had, after transporting them laying down, it took about 3 days for the bass to clear up. I was  pretty much completely upset (to put it mildly) at these speakers at first hook up. They smoothed out and are just crazy good. Enjoy! Jeff.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 22 Jul 2022, 06:29 pm
Kray, I have the same speakers with the REL T-5 X'S. You're going to LOVE them. A problem I had, after transporting them laying down, it took about 3 days for the bass to clear up. I was  pretty much completely upset (to put it mildly) at these speakers at first hook up. They smoothed out and are just crazy good. Enjoy! Jeff.

Awesome Jeff! thanks for the reply/advice, and I'll definitely let them play in a couple days before I pass judgement :)
Can't wait... next week can't come soon enough
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Ice10 on 28 Jul 2022, 04:40 am
Kray, welcome to the Daedalus family!  I haven’t heard the DA’s but I received my Muse V.3 earlier this year and absolutely love them. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 28 Jul 2022, 02:42 pm
Kray, welcome to the Daedalus family!  I haven’t heard the DA’s but I received my Muse V.3 earlier this year and absolutely love them. Enjoy!

Thanks! Delivery is set for today, this afternoon. can't wait.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 29 Jul 2022, 03:57 am
Hi folks. Got my speakers today. Set them up quickly. Need to get them positioned, but first play they sounded very closed in. I read some that since have been been sitting unused for a long time, and went on a heat filled freight ride for a week, that they will need some major break in. Hope so! I don’t have experience with speakers that have a ton of caps in crossovers, but makes sense that they might need some hours on them.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: rbbert on 29 Jul 2022, 01:34 pm
Perhaps 80-100 hours or so (depending on whether they had any break-in period before shipping).  An oftened used technique to make this quicker is to use a CD with a frequency sweep, set on repeat, with the speakers close together and facing each other.  Or you can just listen as you usually do, but it will take longer...
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 29 Jul 2022, 02:04 pm
Perhaps 80-100 hours or so (depending on whether they had any break-in period before shipping).  An oftened used technique to make this quicker is to use a CD with a frequency sweep, set on repeat, with the speakers close together and facing each other.  Or you can just listen as you usually do, but it will take longer...

Thanks.. I'll look for that CD somewhere. I think I might have something similar from a 'audiophile DSD' package. Also forgot, ad @jmoslberg pointed out to me (we are both Omega and Zenwave guys) that my Zenwave SL17 weren't designed for large crossover speakers, so gonna swap those out.

"17g cable offers the best clarity possible for a copper speaker cable. May not work with more complex crossovers, as sometimes back emf can cause a phase shift and softening of the sound.”
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: seikosha on 29 Jul 2022, 02:47 pm
Hi folks. Got my speakers today. Set them up quickly. Need to get them positioned, but first play they sounded very closed in. I read some that since have been been sitting unused for a long time, and went on a heat filled freight ride for a week, that they will need some major break in. Hope so! I don’t have experience with speakers that have a ton of caps in crossovers, but makes sense that they might need some hours on them.

Hopefully, they’ll sort themselves out.  Just be aware that generally speaking, single driver speakers are known for their open and “immediate” sound.  You probably won’t get this with your new speakers but they will also give you things that the Omegas won’t.  It all comes down to what your priorities are.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: roscoe65 on 30 Jul 2022, 03:19 am
Holy smokes!

Scroll down for a peek at the crossover.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/need-recommendations-for-a-loudspeaker.30754/#post-652099
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: rbbert on 30 Jul 2022, 12:09 pm
It is challenging to make a highly efficient full-range multi-driver system without using a horn, and the key to that is the X-over.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 31 Jul 2022, 05:10 pm
Well I'm happy to report.....

I have never experienced a transformation like this before. The first night they sounded like they had we blankets draped over them. Needless to say I was disappointed and wondered if I made a mistake, and the freight shipping being a PITA, was sigh'ing all weekend... but I decided since they had been sitting in a warehouse for a long time and then on a hot freight truck for a week, just maybe they needed a good break in. Then when my friend mentioned the bad speaker cable match, I had hope... so I used a Naim Atom I have here to put on repeat, a test / burn in DSD audiophile playlist I have. I let it play almost 24/7 all weekend, turning it up when we left to go do stuff... also switched out the cables to another set I had. As I was in and out of the room over the weekend tiny examples gave me hope as I thought it sounded better...

I waited until today to sit down and throw on some of my fav test tracks (and ones used Thursday night), and WHAT A RELIEF... everything is open and full from top to bottom. Sounding great, and I don't even have my best gear hooked up yet. Man I was seriously wondering if I made a mistake thursday night. My Omegas took a while to fully break in to their best sound, but it was no where as drastic as these Deadalus. I attribute that to the extremely complex crossover system (vs virtually no crossover in the Omegas)

 :dance:
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: GregC on 31 Jul 2022, 06:13 pm
Every speaker has a different timeline to sound its best.  My Athena II speakers took a couple months to get fully broken in.  There were ups and downs along the way.  Now they sound as superb as they look.     
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: cementhead on 6 Aug 2022, 05:05 pm
Thee same thing that happened to me, Kray. It took 3 days to clear up, and believed I made a big mistake. But, man, do the sing now!! Enjoy!
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: Kray on 7 Aug 2022, 01:06 am
Thee same thing that happened to me, Kray. It took 3 days to clear up, and believed I made a big mistake. But, man, do the sing now!! Enjoy!

Kinda crazy.

I’m enjoying them, but trying to decide if I prefer this new sound or the omega and zu sound I’ve previously been accustomed to the past 4yrs. I also have a nice collection of flea watt tube amps and seems the Daedalus prefer some power.
Title: Re: Daedalus Athena/Muse vs Omega Loudspeakers
Post by: audiotom on 12 Aug 2022, 06:56 pm
If you are using single ended tube amps the sound should be glorious above 12 watts power