How would you compare the sound of Daedalus Athena with the other non high-efficiency speakers (used) in the same price range?I can’t speak to that in terms of experience with recent models, and I’d be hesitant to do so anyway because it would inevitably come down to the specific models being compared and to personal preference. But as a Daedalus Ulysses owner (since 2010, and with no interest in changing to anything else in the foreseeable future) I will add the following points to what I consider to be the characteristically perceptive and accurate comments Charles stated above:
1) I would expect the Daedalus models and many of the Devore models to be considerably more versatile with respect to amplifier selection than the medium efficiency models you mentioned, and with respect to most others in the medium (or low) efficiency category. While the Daedalus and Devore speakers will certainly be revealing of the amplifier’s intrinsic sonic character, their benign impedance characteristics and relatively high efficiency will eliminate sonic issues that can result with many amp/speaker combinations due to impedance interactions, and will make it easy for most amplifiers to perform at their best.
2)The higher efficiency of the Daedalus models and most of the Devore models, relative to the kinds of alternatives you mentioned, means that a higher percentage of your amplifier dollars can go towards quality rather than watts.
Good luck. Regards,
-- Al