AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Daedalus Audio => Topic started by: Daedalus Audio on 22 May 2011, 05:59 pm
-
customers have been asking for the DA-RMa in a taller cabinet without stands, rather than change the DA-RMa I have taken the workings of the DA-RMa and built a new cabinet design for it.
so here she is, the Athena. I really like this design, very elegant and the sound is exceptionally balanced and detailed.
thanks,
lou
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=46936)
-
Sweet!
Same specs ?
-
Sweet!
Same specs ?
pretty much, haven't put it through the lab yet but I'd say a bit more bass extension.
it does seem especially balanced and even more clear. combined with more volume there is much more loading on the 8" driver so it is a bit more controlled.
I really like this speaker!
thanks,
lou
-
Looks gorgeous Lou. Can't wait to hear them in the flesh.
-
customers have been asking for the DA-RMa in a taller cabinet without stands, rather than change the DA-RMa I have taken the workings of the DA-RMa and built a new cabinet design for it.
so here she is, the Athena. I really like this design, very elegant and the sound is exceptionally balanced and detailed.
thanks,
lou
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=46936)
hi Lu,
How much for this one.
Ray Bronk, Naming Author of the speaker named Pan
-
hi Lu,
How much for this one.
Ray Bronk, Naming Author of the speaker named Pan
the Athena is $8950, plus $300 for the maple 'stripe' option and $250 for the outriggers.
they were a big hit at the Newport Beach show! many people came back sunday and told us they were the top two or three of the show, at any price!
we're rebuilding the web site, here's a page on them.
http://daedalusaudio.com/Athena.html
thanks,
lou
-
I had the pleasure of hearing the Athenas last Saturday. I really like the sound of this speaker. Lots of detail, clarity, well balanced with more bass extension than I thought there would be with just one 8" woofer. The cabinet design is beautiful. I like these better than the DA-RMas. Lou said the ModWright and First Sound rooms at RMAF will be featuring the Athenas this year.
Laura
-
Can't wait to hear these. Laura, you'll be at RMAF right? :thumb:
-
Can't wait to hear these. Laura, you'll be at RMAF right? :thumb:
Hi Pez,
I am planning to be there. I have my hotel room reserved but need to register and make airline reservations. My grandson turns two in September so I need to plan some serious grandson time while in Denver. Look forward to seeing you and the rest of the AC/RMAF gang.
Best,
Laura
-
I envy you guys going to RMAF, the best show I have been to by a good margin. The cost to get there from the UK makes it a once only trip.
The Athena does look the business, very well proportioned. Given the option now, I would probably go for it over the DA-RMA's I have, though I am very happy with these and have no plans to ever change them. I suspect they will become the best sellers for Lou.
As far as I understand it, the sound is very similar to the DA-RMA's except for a bit more base extension. I suspect only Lou has compared them, as yet.
-
Thank you Laura for your impressions on the Athena. After much research and auditions for an upgrade to my Meadowlark Ospreys of 7 yrs, I recently decided to acquire this particular pair from Lou. Living remotely and otherwise being out for performance commitments, I have not had the privilege of hearing them, but have come to know Lou's commitment to the accurate reproduction of 'live' music, which is a primary objective of mine as well. Will receive in August on my return, and simply cannot wait to test drive them. If any additional thoughts/impressions you might share, I would greatly enjoy them. Thank you ~ Michael
-
Guys,
Considering upgrading my Avalon Ascendants with the Vandersteen Quatro wood and hear the Athenas are well regarded as well. Looking for more low end response without adding a sub but wonder how the Athenas image/soundstage in comparison the Avalon or Vandersteen? Do they need excessive toe-in for precise imaging (over 10 deg)?
-
Guys,
Considering upgrading my Avalon Ascendants with the Vandersteen Quatro wood and hear the Athenas are well regarded as well. Looking for more low end response without adding a sub but wonder how the Athenas image/soundstage in comparison the Avalon or Vandersteen? Do they need excessive toe-in for precise imaging (over 10 deg)?
the imaging is outstanding with this model and they don't need much toe in, though that is very much room dependent. typically the toe in is about 8 deg. , which puts the rear of the speaker parallel with the front wall.
thanks,
lou
-
Lou,
Anywhere in NM to hear these?
Thanks,
Wig
-
Hi Lou
and Wig
I cant say for the Athena but I have the toe-in of my Ulysses to very little. Def less than 10 deg with precise imaging between the speakers at any and every point it may be.
~J
-
Hey there Lou,
Nice job and good move! Are you going to have these at RMAF? I'll have to stop by and give 'em a listen :green:
-
I think there is a pair of DA-RMa's in NM but no Athena's. I will have two pair of Athena's at RMAF, Emmanuel will be bringing his own pair for the First Sound room and Wayne (Bolder Cable) will let Dan use his pair in the Modwright room. Galibier will be showing with their personal pair of Ulysses and I will have a pair of Ulysses with subs in my room (1030 as always). btw the pair I'm bringing will be for pre sale. I will offer a discount, PM me if interested. also all prices will be going up before the show.
thanks much,
lou
-
Hey there Lou,
Nice job and good move! Are you going to have these at RMAF? I'll have to stop by and give 'em a listen :green:
look forward to seeing you! give me a call.
lou
-
Looking forward to see you again as well and hearing the new speakers. Will give you a buzz this week.
-
I am delighted to say that, just this week, I received my Athenas from Lou. The pair is the same as shown above, and which Lou recently displayed at the N.E.W. Newport Beach show. They'll be A/B'd against a pr. of Meadowlark Ospreys I've enjoyed in my system for 7+ yrs., and suspect I'm about to open a new sonic door to my recordings. They are truly beautiful cabinets. They've been running in for a couple days now, and look forward to settling in for listening this holiday wknd. Thank you Lou!
-
Tell us what you think of the sonics! I can't wait to see these at RMAF.
-
Well, I’ve been enjoying the Athenas now for a few weeks, and while living vicariously through the posts of Pez and others on RMAF, I’m prompted to jot a few initial impressions now that they have settled in and found their synergy within our system.
Firstly, the cabinetry is truly beautiful. Solid as a rock, the tongue/ groove joinery and organic approach to the finishing process makes for a piece of heirloom quality.
These are instruments of great sensitivity to the source. I greatly appreciate the authentic tonality I’m now hearing with respect to the instruments themselves. This, in turn, allows the artistry of the performance to be what it was intended to be – unique (IMHO). I really find this to be true partic. in bass reproduction – very natural.
I am struck with a subtle but constant energy about these – very non-fatiguing. Whether my fav references (e.g. Esperanza Spalding, Antonio Forcione, Alan Broadbent, etc) or an oldie cleaned off for the first time in years, the Athena’s transients, sense of true stage, separation, and lack of any hyper-extension is ear grabbing. As a musician, I can easily discern not only cymbal size/thickness, but type/weight of stick bead on several jazz references (notably, Jeff Hamilton, Peter Erskine, etc). I like the opt. for tipping the upper freq up/down. The +.5/-1 db is admittedly minute, but effective. For my tastes, I keep it neutral for digital, but enjoy it tipped up a bit for some analog. Their efficiency is incredible, and for the first time, I’m enjoying a listening experience w/ a solid state power plant at low volume levels and not feeling compromised.
I’m honored to have what I believe is Lou’s first demo’d example of this design, and only wish my gig allowed me time this year to get to Denver and meet him, and hear the newest Athenas, as well as other Daedalus speakers. Having been a long-time devotee of Pat’s Meadowlarks, I can truthfully say these Athenas have redefined what I thought possible in the reproduction of ‘live’ music (at least within a musician’s income!). Thank you Lou, and would enjoy hearing impressions from those who visited the 2 rooms with the Athenas.
-
The Athenas were a star of RMAF I listened to them several times in 2 rooms with many different types of music. These are a total design success. Kudos! :drool:
-
Well, I’ve been enjoying the Athenas now for a few weeks, and while living vicariously through the posts of Pez and others on RMAF, I’m prompted to jot a few initial impressions now that they have settled in and found their synergy within our system.
Firstly, the cabinetry is truly beautiful. Solid as a rock, the tongue/ groove joinery and organic approach to the finishing process makes for a piece of heirloom quality.
These are instruments of great sensitivity to the source. I greatly appreciate the authentic tonality I’m now hearing with respect to the instruments themselves. This, in turn, allows the artistry of the performance to be what it was intended to be – unique (IMHO). I really find this to be true partic. in bass reproduction – very natural.
I am struck with a subtle but constant energy about these – very non-fatiguing. Whether my fav references (e.g. Esperanza Spalding, Antonio Forcione, Alan Broadbent, etc) or an oldie cleaned off for the first time in years, the Athena’s transients, sense of true stage, separation, and lack of any hyper-extension is ear grabbing. As a musician, I can easily discern not only cymbal size/thickness, but type/weight of stick bead on several jazz references (notably, Jeff Hamilton, Peter Erskine, etc). I like the opt. for tipping the upper freq up/down. The +.5/-1 db is admittedly minute, but effective. For my tastes, I keep it neutral for digital, but enjoy it tipped up a bit for some analog. Their efficiency is incredible, and for the first time, I’m enjoying a listening experience w/ a solid state power plant at low volume levels and not feeling compromised.
I’m honored to have what I believe is Lou’s first demo’d example of this design, and only wish my gig allowed me time this year to get to Denver and meet him, and hear the newest Athenas, as well as other Daedalus speakers. Having been a long-time devotee of Pat’s Meadowlarks, I can truthfully say these Athenas have redefined what I thought possible in the reproduction of ‘live’ music (at least within a musician’s income!). Thank you Lou, and would enjoy hearing impressions from those who visited the 2 rooms with the Athenas.
thank you! as an acoustic guitarist and aficionado of the instrument I have always tried first and foremost to capture the tonality and subtleties of voice and instruments. so when a PHD in music who teaches percussion at a university level give this praise I feel like maybe I'm getting somewhere.
I am very appreciative of my customers, I don't make much income doing this but the satisfaction and support from my customers is what makes me feel rich. you guys are the best!!!
thanks,
lou
-
The Athenas were a star of RMAF I listened to them several times in 2 rooms with many different types of music. These are a total design success. Kudos! :drool:
thank you Scott, I am very pleased with this model which by the way evolved from customer feedback.
some people have called this my # two product but I feel that it is right there with the Ulysses, just a different take.
glad you like them!
lou
-
My first input into AC, to feedback the impression of my new Athena's that I just finished break-in.
Interested in Lou's speakers for years and kept dreaming of the day pulling the trigger. In Aug that day came after fascinated at the beautiful Athena for months. They are to replace my Silverline Sonatina II that I enjoyed since 2004.
The Athena's finally arrived in mid Dec after long anxiety, with the same beauty of walnut and centerline as showed off in Lou's website. Thanks to The solid packing, the fedex delivery was impeccable and the unpacking/setting-up was a breeze.
The out-of-box sound was a little harsh but hit my ears with great dynamics and high resolution. After 48 hours, the mid and below started to flesh up. By 250 hours, it sounds quite stable now.
First of all I agree with the previous review regarding tonality. For the first time, I can smile at the full spectrum of piano, especially the exquisite overtone. Next I am blown away by the immediacy and resolution that the fast transient renders. It is pretty amazing to experience those musical details as if those old albums sound new. Then I have to hail the mighty dynamics that contributes tremendously to the vividness of presentation. Overall, Athena's involve me into music, freeing me from analytical mind in listening, as the music attacks and decays with such a natural and organic flow among all frequency, fast, delicate, and explosive. Finally I am glad that my trustworthy ACI sub is no longer needed, as the high quality bass is copious enough for my taste of acoustic music.
Compared to the Sonatina's, Athena's are more visually appealing and acoustically better in performance. One caveat is that the Athena's are less tolerating of CD's that are of lower recording quality at high end, due to their transparency.
Got to thank Lou for his great speakers that make owning and listening to them
such a bliss in my life. Also appreciate all the feedbacks that I have learned in this audio circle.