Features:
- 2-way bookshelf speakers
- 6.5-inch drivers
- 90-dB sensitivity
- 45-to-20,000-Hz frequency range
- Italian Black Ash finish
Description:
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
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