Design Acoustics PS-8A

[hakka26]

So I got another rack together and experimented with a couple speakers. Grabbed the DA's due to their size. The alloted space is about 48" off the ground . Celestions did not like that at all. Gave them a listen and it was stunning. Will have to research their intended placement but what I have really works. Kicked back and listened to a mixed cd through a Philips CDR-795. The sound is much better than the Celestions. Everything was sounding damn good then Blondie's "Union City Blues" came on. Holy spit! The opening bass guitar and drum rift was richly thunderous. The lows were well defined with no tubbiness or muddiness. In fact, I ran the same song through the JBL L-112 and there was little difference. The vocals were excellent with no apparent holes. Given the fact that the woofer drivers have been described as cheesy looking by those needing to be rebuild the design specs must be amazing. They are easily driven by a Sony TA-F555ESII though I'm tempted to hook them to a big "G" (if my boys recover). A little sonic nirvana here.

[thedelihaus]

The downfiring woofers developed problems at times, supposedly by "hanging" in that upside-down position, and also supposedly due to the narrow basket design. I've seen a few tweeters pooped as well- dunno why. Grab any spares you come across.

These, like the ps-10s, went through a few changes- binding posts went from clips to binding posts, response and frequency range improved with the model as production went on, etc.

The last version was an 8a and 10a- taller boxes, alloting a standard framed woofer (not the trunciated smaller one of earlier models) but they lost their charm, looks-wise, going to this rectangular tall box.

These do great on a shelf or close to a wall- bass doesn't get boomy but does get reinforced.

And the 10s were mirror imaged- I suspect the 8s are too?

The frontal driver arrangement were as advertised- a great point source (PS-**) design, and make for great listening.

[hakka26]

I was lucky in that mine were found in excellent condition not needing any foam. They are just shy of 9" square, not at all rectangular. I think the early 8's are 2-way, my A's are three. Yes, they are mirror imaged. Haven't seen any else locally.

[thedelihaus]

Yeah, they are very uncommon speakers.

And as you've personally heard, delightfully sounding.

Enjoy, my friend!

[hakka26]

I've had these sitting around for almost two years. Only time I used them was to audition a receiver I sold. Sufficiently impressed that I want to sub in a set of the DA D6's. Would need to move out the Polk 10A (only because that would be the "easiest"). Need to psych myself up for another round of ball busting. Guess it's about time to start using some of this stuff.


This post has been edited by hakka26 on July 05, 2009 08:55 pm

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