Dali Helicon 800. What components match with it?

Zear,

I use a Cal Audio Alpha as a source (nice DAC for the money) and a tube amp. I had the same results with cables. For fun I went from Audioquest Bedrock to Gibraltar (both dull top end with boomey bass), a double run of DH Lbs T-14 (clean articulate bass airy highs but a little thin)to DH Labs Q-10 (better at what the T-14 does best but still a tad thin), and stayed with Acoustic Zen Satori (balanced top to bottom, very clear top end). The Satori's brought out another layer in the recordings. I could hear the piano foot pedals being pushed by Diana Krall and the valves moving on saxaphones. Not bright or offensive at all.

Thanks,

Bud

Hi,
I have used several amplifiers with my 800's and would conclude with the folks that state that they are not extremely power hungry. I currently drive them wit a MAC402SS power amp but a tube pre-amp. This combination has given me so far the best overall results but you certainly get a sweeter midrange with an all tube set up. One thing that I have also noticed is that I know need to listen to them slightly louder and a bit farther away then before when I was using all tube amps (ARC). I am currently working on upgrading these to MS5's but get mixed messages about the need to do so. Some people say it is only worth if you also invest in top tier amplification Any opinions on this?

I've had the Halicon 800's for two years. I am running Cardas speaker cables and a Carver Sunfire Signiture amp, 400 watts/channel and bi-amping them. The sunfire has two output modes; with one closer to 'tube' sound' which I have going to the tweeters, and the ss amp output going to the woofers. I have found this combination to be very engaging; detailed; great sound stage, and very enjoyable. I like the balance of the rigid wood pulp drivers and ribbon/dome tweeters, other hi end speakers also use similiar material...don't get worked up in the hpye of berylium, or diamond, or ceramic speaker components. I think for the money; this Dali line is superb. You don't need to run 400 watts pc/ bi-amped like I am; they are very sensitive. Happy listening..

Since the Helicon 800 is 90 db efficient, I would agree that high power is not needed. However, if you want to listen in a big room at concert levels, wattage demands go up, especially if you want bass control.

I certainly don't use anywhere near the 250 w. into 8 ohms my Pass amp produces, but I believe that running amps at an easy riding level produces the best sound. What I mean, is that running a 250 w. amp at a constant 40 w. on loud music, with peaks to 150 w. is probably best accomplished with a 200 w. amplifier, as it is not stressed and the outputs will remain in their most linear area of operation.

There is presently a beautiful pair for $3800 on Audiogon, and since they retailed for $7150, I think that is a steal. I'm rather surprised they didn't sell in a few days. I think Dali is relatively new in the US market, so there are many people who are not familiar with their products.

I am still breaking mine in, and they continue to sound better. I do this slow, as I'm not one to waste preamp tube life and CD player life at burning units in.

I have just brought a pair of Helicon 800's in my home to audition and must say I am very impressed. I was just at the Rocky Mountin Audiofest a few weeks back with a goal to come up with short list of top tier speakers. Dali was on the list. The Dali folks had the new Helicon 400 II's set up. As we know room placement is a factor at these shows. I must admit the demo I experienced there was not the best. The highs were ripping to me and this was with a 120 watt Cary tube amp being run in a vertical bi-wire configuration. (??) Needless to say I had several conversations with respected audiphiles on the topic and kept an open mind. I too only have about 30 hours of break in time. The detail is incredible and the highs are not offensive at all. These are are easy speakers to drive. I am currently using a Bryston 120 watt ST series amp and even at higher volumes there is plenty of head room.
I have heard the summation of the MS-5 vs the 800 put this way. The difference is hearing aaaa compaired to aaawe. The MS-5 is more revealing of the associated electronics. I have not heard the difference myself but would love to. I too would be interested in seeing additional impressions of those who are in the know. If there is a significant WOW factor moving to the MS-5 from the 800 I am inclined to go there. I do find these 800's have alot of WOW as it is.