The AP crossover is not a minor upgrade. I have a pretty good sonic memory and so even though the speakers were in Lou's shop for a while (actually the transport across the country and back took longer than the upgrade) I recall vividly how significant a change the AP crossovers made in increasing dynamic range, resolution and the ability of the system to simply project music into the listening space. The crossovers made the speaker load seem non-existent--like the power rating on the amp had been somehow doubled. Imaging improved, soundstage width and depth improved and everything got tighter, leaner and more refined. Honestly, I thought the speakers sounded really great before the upgrade but the crossovers brought things to a whole other level. Acknowledging the hyperbole that is so often connected with this hobby I really cannot say enough about the crossover upgrade. In a world where different cables can "transform" the sound of a system or where one highly regarded preamp "blows away" another of similar reputation (or the model that preceded it) the crossover upgrade offers MARKED performance gains that go well beyond the types of "improvements" wrought by upgrading, for example, cables or cartridges. It is like moving to a speaker that is double the cost of the one being replaced.
Finally, circling back to the DeVore vs. Athena comparison, I think one thing that is not mentioned enough in these circles is how differently people hear--not just auditory acuity but also auditory preferences that are the result of both physiological and pyschological factors. I think that is why these forums (and professional reviews) have only limited value in helping consumers make decisions about equipment. Daedalus speakers aren't for everyone. They have a certain presentation that will appeal to people like me--my hearing is very acute and I have a very low tolerance for excessive high frequency energy or distortion. I like my sound ever so slightly warm and full, rather than cool and lean and I need my bass to be tuneful and controlled rather than bloomy and big. But that's me and may not by you. I know this is stating the obvious but I think we too often get into pissing contests that are counterproductive given the fact that none of us hear exactly the same way and with the same set of sonic preferences. The DeVores and the Daedalus are both very good speakers (and quite similar in some respects) and you really couldn't go wrong with either. I would counsel taking the time to listen to them yourself since only you can (and should) decide which is "best".
