he Daniel Hertz M1 speaker ushers in a new era in music reproduction. For the first time, listeners can enjoy the audiophile dream of the most natural sound, highest level of detail, and spacious sound, with the awesome impact, deep bass, lightning fast speed, and ultra-wide dynamic range that can only be achieved by new speaker technology using very high efficiency drivers.

A pair of M1’s is designed to be powered by a single DH M11 amplifier which has the 4 power amplifier channels and DSP crossovers required for bi-amplified speakers. The M11 is a complete electronics solution in one chassis that includes Mighty Cat embedded software tuning to optimize the performance of the M1 speakers to a level beyond previous limitations. The M11’s sonically transparent wireless connectivity combines modern convenience and flexibility with no-compromise performance and quality.

The M1 produces 100 dB of sound pressure level (SPL) with only 1 Watt of power. Most people listen at far less than 100 dB most of the time. Therefore, an effortless feeling of sound reproduction is achieved, with virtually no dynamic compression. The most subtle inflections of instruments such as harpsichord, lute, instruments of Indian classical music, overtones of cymbals, etc. are clearly reproduced. The most powerful sounds, such as the loudest drum beats, full orchestral crescendos, and opera singers singing at full tilt are likewise reproduced with stunning faithfulness. For those searching for the ultimate in music reproduction in the home or studio, or for home theatre sound, the M1 is the true solution.

The M1 employs a high frequency horn only 7.5 cm deep (3”) with a bandwidth of 1.8 kHz to beyond 20kHz. The actual efficiency of this driver is 115dB/1W/1M. A 12” driver reproduces sound from 80Hz to 1.8 kHz. An 18” woofer reproduces sound below 80 Hz, generally limited by the capabilities of the room itself. The drivers are capable of generating over 130 dB SPL if powered by 4,000 Watts.

Daniel Hertz SA has chosen to limit the dynamic range to around 126dB for ear safety reasons, using over 200W of power. The SPL recommended by audiologists for extended listening is 75 dB. This is roughly equivalent to a car that is suitable for comfortable daily driving but has a top safe speed of over 480 kM per hour (approximately 300 mph).

On the rear of the M1, there is a rectangular stainless steel ventilated panel. Behind this panel is the crossover network, fitted between the 12” woofer and the high frequency horn. Most speakers have the passive crossover buried inside the speaker so it is difficult to access.

The M1 is divided internally into two sections. One section has the correct air volume for the 12” woofer and contains the high frequency horn. It is damped with actual sheeps’ wool. Sheeps’ wool has high mass and is an excellent absorber of the woofer’s back wave, unlike the typical white synthetic pillow-stuffing material used by most speaker makers, which has virtually no effect at low frequencies. The other section contains the optimum air volume for the 18” woofer and has two ports carefully tuned by measurements and by ear to offer the best possible reproduction of low frequencies. The brilliant black piano finish of the M1 takes 8 weeks to apply. Each coat must be applied, left to dry thoroughly, and then sanded, coat-by-coat, until the final coat is applied and then polished to perfection. This level of artisanal workmanship is disappearing in today’s world of high-tech mass production, but it is alive and well at Daniel Hertz SA.

Height .................................... 1550 mm (60.0")
Width ..................................... 560 mm (22.0")
Depth ..................................... 470 mm (18.5")
Weight (unpacked) ................. 150 kg (330 Ibs)
Sensitivity ............................... 100 dB/1W/1m
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