Fascinating. I was under the impression that he had done that just to show it was possible, not because it was better then using a real power amplifier. Does Rob have a system that he uses regularly that has a Dave driving speakers? I can see the novelty value of such an experiment, but why would someone who has access to high quality equipment do that? I could walk backwards to work every day, but why should I?
Don't get me wrong, if you genuinely prefer the sound of mojo, Hugo or Dave driving speakers directly, then that is your opinion and you are fully entitled to it. You also save a lot of money on amplification.
Well,hmmmm...Now, I haven't used this speaker setup as I've just ordered my Omega Alnico CAMs about 3 weeks back, so will it be a huge flop? I don't know yet. However, like Jazz said, several hardcore audiophiles have already been using this exact setup with the DAVE. And yes, going back several years people have used Hugo to drive speakers.
Where full range single driver speakers lose out is having the top rolled, yet it's also debatable whether or not you can hear it anyway, given that the majority of us aren't going to hear 20kHz. So, that said, yes, the bass can be augmented.
Where full range single drivers win out is that they are crossoverless.
It's an experiment. Who knows how it will turn out for me.
Also, consider, from what I gather, Chord is developing a line of amps for Hugo, DAVE, et al, that are designed to merely amplify the signal from their products without adding distortion to what you're getting from the DAC. So, who knows how far reaching this will be for those of us who might want to try multi-way speakers.
From what you've written, though, it seems that you've tried full range single driver speakers and was not impressed?