Daniel Hertz Bi-amplified M1
Daniel Hertz’s Bi-amplified M1 couples explosive dynamics with unexpectedly pristine transparency, delivering percussion with visceral force while retaining electrostatic-like detail and coherence at low levels. Audiophile Junkie highlights its integrated amplification, DAC and preamp architecture, engineered for exceptional synergy, control and effortless high-output scale.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
84/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Exceptional dynamics and physical impact on demanding percussion, with ample headroom from efficient professional drivers.
Pristine transparency, detail and coherence at lower volumes, despite the multi-driver design.
Integrated DAC, preamp and amplification architecture is designed to optimize system synergy and avoid component mismatches.
Cons
Large enclosure and utilitarian appearance may be less visually appealing than more sculptural statement loudspeakers.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The available listening report describes an unusually transparent, coherent and highly dynamic presentation, with the system delivering both low-level nuance and visceral large-scale impact. Direct evidence on imaging is limited, while bass was reported as well controlled in the demonstrated room.
Bass
87/100
The reviewer reports that bass was not an issue in the demonstration room, unlike in many rooms encountered at Munich. That points to successful low-frequency integration in this setup, although there is little direct description of extension, texture, or ultimate bass weight.
Mid
93/100
The presentation was described as pristinely transparent, detailed and coherent, qualities the reviewer found unusual for a multi-driver and professional-driver-based design. Those observations suggest a clear, well-integrated vocal and instrumental range, though specific comments on tonal warmth or vocal timbre are limited.
Treble
93/100
The reviewer praised the system's pristine transparency and fine detail, comparing its low-level clarity favourably with electrostatic speakers. No glare, hardness, or loss of refinement was reported during the audition.
Soundstage Imaging
84/100
The review conveys strong overall coherence and transparency but does not directly describe image focus, soundstage width, depth, or layering. There are no reported spatial shortcomings, but the available audition account offers limited detail on this aspect.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics were the most emphatically praised aspect of the audition: the reviewer called them "off the chart" and said familiar tracks revealed levels of expression not previously heard. The high-efficiency drivers were said to deliver a visceral physical impact on demanding percussion, with a sense of very generous headroom.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
84/100
The available review concentrates on the demonstration's sound and system implementation rather than cabinet finish, hardware, internal construction, or long-term durability. Reviewers say little about the speaker's physical execution.
Value for Money
85/100
At approximately $260,000, the Bi-amplified M1 occupies an exceptionally rarefied market alongside other statement-level active and bespoke loudspeaker systems. The reviewer considers its performance phenomenal, but does not directly assess whether it represents strong value against alternatives at this price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Input impedance
- 8 Ohms nominal
- Connectors
- 3-way b. posts
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL
- 126 dB w. 200 W
- Dispersion characteristic
- focused wide angle
- Dimensions
- Height: 1550 mm (60.0
Manufacturer's Description — Daniel Hertz
Bi-amplified M1
with Maria 800
“The Daniel Hertz M1 system is in a class of it’s own.” – Mark Levinson
The capabilities of the Daniel Hertz M1 are mind blowing, even to the most experienced audio experts. The bi-amplified M1 is the ultimate music system, reproducing the sound of any kind of music with accuracy beyond any other system regardless of cost or size.
The M1 works well in a normal living room from 4.5m x 5.5m. Despite it’s larger size, it provides an intimate listening experience that makes you forget about audio equipment entirely. The Daniel Hertz M1 comes close to reproducing the actual sound of music in live performance. Comparing the M1 to any other system is like comparing the performance of an F1 car to a family sedan.
There are only two things possible with electrical energy – turn it into acoustic output or heat. The M1’s high efficiency of 100dB/1W/8 ohms/1m turns more amplifier energy into sound so you hear more of the recording. The M1 with Maria 800 have no audible compression or distortion at up to 128db SPL. The sound at any listening level is effortless, with no stress.
The M1’s 18” woofer, with a resonant frequency of 20Hz, delivers flat response at full power down to 20Hz.The M1’s smooth frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz offers the most natural sound with of all types of music.
M1 drivers
The M1 uses custom made exclusive drivers built with pro audio muscle, designed to reproduce the sound of music in live performance venues. No high end audio speakers uses drivers with this capability.
The M1 18” woofer of the M1 is a high efficiency design (98dB/1W/1m) that can take up to 4000W of power and generate over 132dB SPL. With a resonant frequency of 20Hz, it has flat frequency response to 20Hz. The crossover point is 80Hz.
The M1 12” woofer of the M1 is 100dB efficient and reproduces signals from 80Hz to 2kHz. It is driven directly from the Maria 800 via the active crossovers enabled in the Mighty Cat software suite. A passive crossover is used between the 12” woofer and the high performance compression driver tweeter, which reproduces signals from 2kHz to 20kHz.
The M1 compression driver tweeter is 100dB efficient and can generate over 130dB SPL, 8 ohms/1W/1m.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Daniel Hertz Bi-amplified M1
- Audio Excellence (CA) — online and in-store — Markham, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Audio Tempel — online and in-store — Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands (website)
- Audiolight — in-store — Roeselare, Vlaanderen, Belgium (website)
- B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- BELHIFI — online and in-store — Meise, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Lone Crow Audio — in-store — Santa Rosa, California, United States (website)
- Magna Hifi — in-store — Heiloo, North Holland, Netherlands (website)
- Overture Ultimate Home Electronics — in-store — Delaware, United States (website)
- Valhalla Hifi — online and in-store — Santa Rosa, California, United States (website)
- Wilbrand Acoustics — in-store — Nordhorn, Niedersachsen, Germany (website)