Design Acoustics DAS16 Bookshelf Speakers

Other products by Design Acoustics

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.5 x 15.4 inches ; 16 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 35 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000J3X9
• Item model number: DAS16
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #250,514 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Offering terrific bass for their size, and very good sound for their price, Design Acoustics' DA-S16 bookshelf speakers walk a fine line between efficiency and affordability. Hook-up is simple using the speakers' five-way binding posts, but positioning, as with almost any speakers, can take a little work. At 15 inches tall and 11 inches deep, they are larger than many bookshelf speakers, accounting for much of their great bass response. If anything, we found the low end a bit heavy, even with the speakers on stands and away from the walls.

In keeping with their predilection for low frequencies, the DA-S16s are actually a little "dark" overall--recessed in the midrange (where most voices are), and mellow in the highs while maintaining strong imaging, dynamics, and punch. The DA-S16s play quite loudly, holding their own to a point, but breaking up sooner (or more noticeably) than comparable speakers as they reach their upper-level limits. Still, the speakers proved musically enjoyable over a lengthy review period.

The DA-S16s sounded better with inherently bright music, such as pop and rock. Acoustic music seemed to breathe better in the DA-S16s than dense electronics textures, making the speakers a nice choice for classical music, especially considering their dynamic authority.

If you're into bass, but short on space, these are the speakers for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more balanced sound, it'll take off-the-shelf, in-room placement, and possibly the aid of tone controls or equalization to tame the bass.

Pros:

• Good sound overall
• Strong bass
• Decent imaging

Cons:

• Distorts more easily than many speakers
• Recessed midrange

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good speakers for background music, July 19, 2001

By A Customer

If you want to get wild don't buy them but for a background ambience they sound great.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Design Acoustics DAS-16, July 11, 2000

By	Dave L. (Newington, CT) - See all my reviews

This is one very enjoyable speaker to listen to even over extended periods. Highs are detailed and mids are open and clear without being harsh. Suitable for small to medium sized rooms these will sound even better with the addition of a powered sub which extends dynamic presence even further. Right now I have these connected to an Adcom GFA-555 from the pre-amp outs on my Sherwood RVD-8090 receiver. To say I am satisfied with these is an understatement. I am thrilled...and I've been trying different speakers for about half as long as I've been around. If you like your music real loud, however, then get a pair of those new JBL Studios. If you don't then you'll probably appreciate these Design Acoustics bookshelfs. They might be cheap but they sure don't sound cheap.