Amp for Dali Hellicon 400 mk2

Dan, system synergy is real, as much as I wish it wasn't. What that means for us is that speakers work better with some amps than with others. So even if someone loves an amp, it may not be the best match for a given set of speakers. For my tastes, the Dalis work best with an amp/pre-amp that I would classify as "smooth" rather than "edgy." Most inexpensive SS amps and pre-amps are edgy.

Similarly, not all speakers appeal to all listeners, like Dave and the Dalis. They are apparently not for him. They are, however, for others. Many others. Viva la difference.

If you can find a few nice amps to try, you'll be able to decide if the Dalis are or are not for you. When I first got the Paradigms, I was convinced that I had made a huge mistake. Out of desperation I tried a different amp (which are much easier to buy and sell and ship than speakers!) and found much relief.

Bob

Steidlguitars said:

"Similarly, not all speakers appeal to all listeners, like Dave and the Dalis. They are apparently not for him. They are, however, for others. Many others. Viva la difference."

I went to a lot of troubles to make the DALIs' bottom octave work and never found a solution. I really think that the speakers don't have it. OTOH, they have a lot of things going for them in the mids and highs. They're very seductive in that respect. I can see the attraction, but I also see the limitations. There a large number of less expensive speakers that get the bass better, IMHO.

Dave

My last comment on the topic.

Dan, Dave has consistently expressed issues with the Dalis lowest octave, so you should be sure that you are satisfied with their performance there as you sort these out in your own system. In my rig, I am satisfied with their bass performance. I also don't recall any professional reviewers having a similar level of dissatisfaction in that area, but I may have missed something.

These speakers, like all speakers, are a balanced compromise. That comprise will never please everyone.

Good luck!
Bob

Bob said:
"These speakers, like all speakers, are a balanced compromise. That comprise will never please everyone."

Yes, but at this price point the compromise is larger than most of us suspect.

I've tried hard to figure out what was going wrong with these speakers when I listened. (We tried five differrent amps). I've relooked at Stereophile's measurements several times and don't see a culprit there. It must have been room interaction, but other speakers placed right next to the DALIs had no such problems. Others have reported similar problems with the DALIs, so the issue is not limited to room where I auditioned them.

So, maybe they're both amp sensitive and room sensitive.

Dave

Dave

ok guys..play nice..both your inputs are very relevant..i totally agree with the synergy idea..if u see my earlier posts Bob..that nad improved my bros system by about 50%..it was unreal..like a magic pill....but Daves point is very valid as well..i mean come on..almost 7k on speakers and they dont kick serious ass..pple sell babies for less than that..at that price point..they should be perfect on many levels...gues i may swap a few more amps...but that is a pain..what about the bel canto evo series?