Daedalus Audio Vs. Kef

Thanks everyone for your responses. They are a big help. I'll work on finding a way to hear some Daedalus when I can and go from there.

As an owner of DA-RMA V.2s, I can say that you will very likely find it a rewarding experience to hear the Daedalus models. After hearing them once myself I was determined to own a pair.
Remember that the V2 is a significant upgrade to an already superb speaker and all new production is built using that configuration. Buying a used model and having it upgraded, as I did, also offers tremendous value. Lou supports his earlier production as well as anyone.
I've been in this hobby for 46 years, and one "sound" certainly does not fit all listeners, but I absolutely love the way these speakers simply get out of the way of the music, video sound, or spoken voices. It truly is as if you are in the same room as the performers, with nothing between you and the event. No hype, just a very truthful telling of the event. That is very special indeed, and puts these in the category as true bargains in high end. And the cabinets offer a lesson in craftsmanship that enhances the ownership experience. I believe Daedalus speakers are classic of the future, as they are hand made in limited quantities by one man, not stamped out like cookies.
All my audio buddies agree on all counts, and 3 of them are or are becoming Daedalus owners too, so hearing is believing.
Have fun!

I own the DARMAs too, not the V2 version(yet). I have heard Kef reference range on many occasions and they are very good, but not in the same league as Daedalus, at least not at a comparable price. They are neutral very dynamic and transparent.

You have the advantage of direct sales, cutting out Distributor and retailer, which must make up at least 50% of a conventional, dealer stocked speaker. They are good anyway, but the price makes them a steal. There are many owners around, particularly in the States, happy to demo. You can contact Lou to find someone near you.

So much goes into sound reproduction that just speakers alone are not the answer. I understand your connection with the Sonus. I heard them with an all Krell system and they sounded excellent. You have to understand what you want for sound and only you can know what that is. Old speakers have a warm and connection to me but lack in other areas. The Daedalus are excellent speakers, I heard them at a local Audiogonners house a few years back. They sounded very nice. I also brought along a preamp that I built and to me the system sounded even better to my ears. My point being you probably would have been happy with the system and more happy once the other preamp was placed in the system. So you have to know what you want your sound to be because each part of the system is a compromise.

Happy Listening.

You are looking for front-ported speakers, something that KEF does not offer.