Daedalus DA-1 Loudspeaker Experience

Bill Baker · « **on:** 27 Feb 2005, 04:19 pm »

There has recently been quite a bit of talk about the Daedalus DA-1 loudspeaker with many asking for my impressions. Rather than writing a formal review that may not be proper for a dealer to do, I decided to write a few words on how these speakers differ, what impact they left on me and what others may find. Your comment are greatly appreciated.

http://www.responseaudio.com/daedalusexperience.htm

nzera · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 05:33 pm »

Interesting description. How would you compare them to the larger Audio Note speakers?

JCC · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 05:53 pm »

Hello Bill,

When I read your review, I thought of my original sentiments, and my review on the DA-1 in June 2004. Like you, I was and continue to be amazed at the realism and dynamics. At a recent event involving a group of audiophiles (Note: The DA-1's were not at this venue), I realized that many do not like realism. Some prefer a laid back and unrealistic sound. That is what they are used to. If they would listen longer, many would change their minds.

For those who want realism, and a tireless system, the DA-1's are a gift. These are fabulous and realistically musical. These characteristics are uncommon in the audiophile world.

JCC

Bill Baker · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 05:54 pm »

Quote

How would you compare them to the larger Audio Note speakers?

Apples and oranges. Keep in mind that the "larger" AN speakers I have are the AZ-TWO, a <$1k speaker. The ANs are a higher effeciancy speaker but would still be considered along the lines of a conventional design. They do what they do very well (just as any other speaker does) but are still not as "real" as what I experienced with the DA-1s. They are very good speakers, clean, dynamic and engaging but the Daedalus do all tihs in a different prospective. Again, the Daedalus have to be heard to understand what people are saying about them. I feel there is no way one can put into words the experience you obtain. If you cannot personally audition these speakers, the only other way is to go to a live performance. These speakers have brought me closer to this than any other I have heard.

Again, I am not saying everyone needs or will desire these speakers.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 02:14 am »

Quote

If they would listen longer, many would change their minds

Yes, as I mentioned in my thoughts, one must really give them some time. The more you listen, the more you realize how realistic the presentation is. You simply cannot walk away from these speakers easily without wanting more.

I went back to my large Ushers today as I was working in a different part of the building. Oddly enough, I am still able to appreciate and enjoy other fine 'conventional' speakers. I strongly recommend those interested in auditioning the Daedalus to do so in a location where there are other speakers around to compare.

I will be bring some local Jazz and Blues band members down to listen to the Daedalus. I will post the outcome of this gathering and their comments. Should be interesting.

Richard Schafer · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Mar 2005, 03:03 am »

Hi Bill,

I read your review / impressions of the Daedalus DA-1 cabinets. It is very strange to hear you describe the different thoughts you have had through time listening to them, how one comes to love them and appreciate them more and more as you listen to them. I have, and am experiencing my SR-823's in the same way. When they first arrived, I was amazed at the quality overall. As I spent more time listening to familiar music that I have been enjoying for thirty years or more, I began to listen more closely, realizing that I was able to pick the music apart piece by piece, note by note, instrument by instument. Yes, there were even times when I thought maybe something was missing, but that something turned out to be all the poor quality sound that I was used to hearing through my old PA speakers. I can turn the volume up high on these speakers without ear fatigue. I also agree that these cabinets need to be heard through time to be truly appreciated.

Richard Schafer · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 May 2005, 07:00 pm »

Well, I am now the proud owner of both, a set of Daedalus SR-823s and a set of W-803 speaker cabinets. I am very grateful to Lou Hinkley for setting me up with such a nice setup for my PA system for live performance. As expected, they sound incredible.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 May 2005, 08:44 pm »

Quote

As I spent more time listening to familiar music that I have been enjoying for thirty years or more, I began to listen more closely, realizing that I was able to pick the music apart piece by piece, note by note, instrument by instument. Yes, there were even times when I thought maybe something was missing,

Now that I have had these for a while longer and have put a good number of hours on them, I can honestly say that they do get even better with time.

Being able to feel the emotion of a live venue is not something you nromally find with "conventional" speakers. While I can still appreciate, and still enjoy, a good quality loudspeaker, the Daedalus still draw me into the music in ways never before imagined.

A lot of owners are now coming to the plate with ther preferences in power for the Daedalus, while many like a good, high power solid state unit, I would have a hard time pulling tubes out of this setup. My favorite amp continues to be my custom, hghly modified 40 watt 805 unit that started life as a Ming-Da MC805AA.

I was able to listen with some early prototypes of our Musica Bella 8 watt 300B mono blocs and can honestly say that once these are finalized, I think it will be a tough decission between the Bella 8 and the 805. Still haven't gotten to the point of being able to hook up the Bella 25s (25 watt push-pull 300B). This will come in time.

God bless tubes

JCC · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 May 2005, 09:00 pm »

Yes the live venue is there, but I also can hear every subtle detail, and it only gets better. I recently installed the 8th Nerve room treatment, and this raised the bar a few notches. After a year with these speakers, I continue to be amazed.

Richard Schafer · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 May 2005, 02:38 am »

The nicest thing about the w-803s and the SR-823s as a live setup with a PA system is that I get to be the "live" person on the other end of these magnificent creations. I am able to hear all the nuances in my guitar and voice. It is as if I can hear more of what I really sound like, which in turn allows me to work on projecting more feeling into my singing and playing. My friends and family say that my voice has improved dramatically as a result of hearing more of what I sound like.

Another thing, I also use the W-803s as reference monitors for listening to my recordings and for mixdown. I am having great success in that other sources used to hear playback afterwards sound very balanced.

Finally, I feel very alone, because most of you know of the Daedalus DA-1's sound quality as listeners. I am having a hard time finding folks that use the 823 and 803s as live PA speakers to share in the experience and get their impressions.

Oh well, I am at least glad to have found you all here!