Daedalus Ulysses
I think Thom and Al are right on the money. I don't know if I would characterize Daedalus as an acquired taste. To my ears far too many other speakers fall into that category because they don't sound quite "right". Are there speakers that image a bit better--yes! Are there speakers that deliver slightly more detail--yes! Are there speakers that have more obvious bass energy--yes again! Are there speakers that are as coherent, deliver honest tonality, are as musically engaging and balanced top to bottom--very, very few! What I like about Daedalus speakers is that they look and sound beautiful, you can drive them with anything, and they sound great in any room. Sure, there are speakers that do this or that better, but at the end of the day many people who own other well-regarded or better known brands typically move on to something else because something just isn't "right". To my ears Lou's speakers are among the most "right" sounding available at any price. As for the bass--I don't get the "plastic" or "synthetic" characterization. What I do get is that some folks might criticize Daedalus speakers as not having enough bass energy. I think Lou is very careful about how his speakers deliver bass, opting for a musically natural response that does not emphasize parts of the low frequencies to increase the "wow" factor. Deep bass is there when it is present on the recording and delivered in a very tuneful manner that is not overblown--no bumps, humps or thumps. I think Lou feels if you want to go really deep and increase the weight of the bass this is best done by adding a sub rather than trying to deliver this through other, less natural sounding means. @falconquest sorry, I wasn't suggesting the Apollo necessarily. Not sure what your budget is but merely pointing out that Lou has a variety of models at lower price points with new features (new tweeter, new woofer design, trim rings, midrange housing, crossover elements, etc.) that will get you close to or beyond an older pair of Ulysses. For example, the new Studio Muse, in a smaller room, may knock your socks off. |
Although not about the Ulysses below are links to a couple of recent reviews of Daedalus speakers that you may or may not care to read ; one on the Apollo; one on the Studio Muse https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/10/27/daedalus-audio-apollo-speakers-review/ https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/daedalus-audio-muse-studio-loudspeaker/ |
@dodgealum -- ... I don't know if I would characterize Daedalus as an acquired taste. To my ears far too many other speakers fall into that category because they don't sound quite "right". Are there speakers that image a bit better--yes! Are there speakers that deliver slightly more detail--yes! Are there speakers that have more obvious bass energy--yes again! Are there speakers that are as coherent, deliver honest tonality, are as musically engaging and balanced top to bottom--very, very few! Would love to listen to Daedalus speakers at some point - it appears they're "voiced" quite close to my liking (also according to poster @almarg and others, and how they describe their sound), but unfortunately I've never encountered them here in Europe (i.e.: Scandinavia). The hardwood finish is beautiful as well making them look like acoustic instruments, and overall I'm quite sure they're speakers that somehow "hardwires" the sound into a musically cohesive experience - one to be cherished for decades, if you would. I'm extremely happy with what I got already (all-horns), but Daedalus speakers (as "conventional," direct radiating dittos) have had my attention for some time now.. |
