Unisound DAC 1.5s MSRP $160/pr

Maximum power handling is rated at 70 watts. The Unisound DAC 1.5 has a limited warranty of 5 years. The speaker is a basic rectangular shape that has slightly rounded front corners. Performing the knuckle rap test we found the speaker to be a little hollow sounding. The vinyl finish is nicely done and there are no obvious seams or distortions. The drivers are recessed into the cabinet and the grill is of high quality, held in place with plastic grommets. On the back of the speaker you will find plastic gold plated multi-way binding posts. The vent opening is located directly below and a keyhole mounting block directly above. The DAC 1.5 is only available in the black finish.

Removing the drivers, we find that the speaker is constructed of ¾-inch MDF and the inside of the enclosure is lined with poly fill. There is no bracing in the enclosure and this is the reason for the hollow sound when rapping on the side of the enclosure. The wire from the crossover to the drivers is standard 22AWG. This is the smallest gauge wire used in the shoot out. The vent port is constructed of thin wall plastic and incorporates a grate to prevent blockage and alleviate port chuffing.

We believe that the DAC 1.5 has average build quality, fit, and finish. The use of 22 AWG wire and no internal bracing lowered its stature in the shootout. The tweeter used in the DAC 1.5 is fluid cooled and is a Dynaudio OEM version; naturally its build quality is very good. The 5-inch poly woofer is small and has a light duty motor structure and spider. The woofer is not magnetically shielded. The basket frame is made of medium gauge stamped steel and we heard a little ringing when tapping on the side of the basket.

For a more complete review of these speakers, see Mi Horn VHT Speaker Review

  Setting up the speakers for the shootout, we used the Yamaha RX-V4600 receiver , Sony 500 CD player, and Music Fidelity X-DAC. The speakers were connected to a passive speaker switcher. We calibrated each speaker with a test tone at 75dB and noted and recorded the volume indicator on the receiver. Each time a speaker was selected the volume was adjusted to its calibrated level. This allowed us to listen to the speakers at the exact same level as to not introduce any volume bias into the evaluation. This was necessary because of the speakers different efficiency ratings. All speakers were placed at a 28-inch height and all of the speakers were moved to different positions and toe in angles. The listening mode used was 2-channel pure direct.

For evaluation, we use the 24k Gold HDCD version of Patrica Barber Café Blue track #3 Too rich for my blood, #8 Ode to Billy Joe and #11 Nardis. We like using this CD for 2-channel evaluation. This CD has everything: powerful female vocals, huge dynamic instrumental solos, and super high impact percussion solos. The CD's recording is almost flawless; if you don't have this CD, get it now!

This track has it all: vocals, hard-hitting bass, and piano melody.

Axiom M3Ti
Starting track #3, we found that the bass and piano sounded very balanced. As the song progresses, Patricia starts to sing as if she was in an empty nightclub after hours. The Axiom M3Ti reproduced this effect perfectly. Further along, Patricia was holding very long high notes with the drums beating away in the background. The Axiom M3Ti did not disappoint. The bass was smooth and controlled. Patricia's voice sounded absolutely wonderful. The tweeter was a tad bit aggressive sounding when the Axiom was toed in toward the listening position. We found that toeing in the Axiom to only about 5-8 degrees corrected this but it did compromise the focus of the speaker, slightly. The Axiom was the most refined sounding speaker with this track in the shoot out. The Axiom M3Ti is well suited for average-medium room sizes.

BIC DV-62
Again, starting with track #3 we found that the BIC had huge amounts of bass and the piano sounded natural. But the bass sounded uncontrolled at times. During the first segment of the track as Patricia started to sing, the BIC's sounded big and bold. As she began holding the high notes for extended periods of time the speaker sounded a little shouty and sibilant. The BIC DV-62 sounded very dynamic with this track and there was a lot to like with its presentation; but at times it sounded unbalanced.

The DV-62's had the lowest frequency cut off in the speaker shoot out. It played lower bass notes with authority. The DV-62 sounded best with aggressive toe in. Doing this, made the soundstage collapse a bit but the speaker sounded more controlled. The BIC DV-62 can be used in larger than normal rooms due to its high output capability.

Klipsch RB-15
Starting track #3, it was obvious that this speaker had huge dynamic capabilities. The bass was tight and fast, although not as deep sounding as the BIC or Axiom. The piano sounded smooth and natural. As Patricia began to sing, it sounded as if you were in the front row of the nightclub. This speaker has a very aggressive, in your face presentation. As Patricia began holding the long high notes, I did detect a little bit of harshness in the midrange. The tweeter has a lot of sparkle, air, and pop. The Klipsch RB-15 has a huge soundstage due to its wide dispersion, Tractrix horn.

This speaker did not sound as refined as the Axiom, with this track; but man the huge dynamic swings were an addicting fun experience. The Klipsch speakers are not placement sensitive, put them most anywhere in the room and they will perform well. The Klipsch RB-15 can be used in most room sizes due to its high dynamic capability.

Unisound DAC 1.5
Starting track #3, it was obvious that this speaker didn't have the dynamic capabilities of the other speakers in the shootout. The speaker sounded smooth with the piano, but when the drum began the speaker sounded a little compressed and strained. As Patricia began the long holding notes segment, the little Unisound began to shine. This speaker was a lot more laid back than the rest of the bunch. One big surprise was the tweeter. Wow, did it sound smooth and natural, every little nuance in the upper frequencies sounded airy and wonderful. What this little speaker lacked in dynamic capability, it sure made up for in the midrange and upper frequencies. The soundstage with the DAC 1.5 was a little shallow and if pushed hard it sounded a little strained. The Unisound DAC 1.5 is placement sensitive and listening positions should be limited to about 10 feet from the speakers with no more than 10 feet apart and slight toe in. The Unisound should be used in small to medium sized rooms.