DALI Oberon 5 floorstanding speakers in white.
To say I am a fan of the DALI Oberon speakers would be a massive understatement. My enthusiasm must be infectious because these are some of the most popular speakers in my store. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenal range and why it needs to be on your shortlist.
I love music, and have spent the last 24 years (most of my working life) sharing that passion with my clients. Key to my philosophy: high-end audio should be accessible, not limited only to those with deep pockets. It was for this reason that, in late 2019, I started looking for a new speaker manufacturer to add to my product catalogue.
Specifically, I was looking for a brand that offered something unique in affordable speaker sound and design. After extensive research and exhaustive listening sessions, the decision was an easy one and Creative Audio became Winnipeg’s authorized DALI dealer. With respect to the Oberon series, these speakers look and sound significantly better than they deserve to, considering their modest price.
Who is DALI?
Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries – DALI – has been designing and manufacturing speakers since 1983. To save you the math, that’s over 40 years! Originally focused on the European market, today DALI speakers are available worldwide. DALI designs and builds every component in their speakers and their models range from the entry-level Spektor 1 ($399/pair at the time of writing) to their flagship, Kore ($160,000/pair at the time of writing).
Fun fact: There are over 1 million satisfied DALI owners in over 70 countries around the world!
Why do you need DALI in your life?
Because their sound will spark joy in the darkest of souls! DALI speakers bring stereo music and surround soundtracks to life. They are truly a joy to listen to, and I’m not the only one who thinks so; I’ve seen the smiles on the faces of my clients and that’s to say nothing of the numerous industry accolades and awards DALI has received over the years.
They also look sexy as hell. Before we even hit play, visitors to our Winnipeg showroom fall in love with their Scandinavian style. Rounded edges, contemporary finishes, and unique grille fabrics make people want DALI in their home. After all, your hi-fi system needs to look good too, right?
What do they sound like?
Vibrant. Expressive. Dynamic. Those are the words I use to describe the DALI sound. Vibrant for the sparkle in highs that are airy and detailed, but never fatiguing. Expressive for a midrange that stands out for its realism and presence. Dynamic for a bass that is fast and deep, tight and textured.
Too many affordable speakers try to impress with the ‘boom and tizz’ show as I call it: exaggerated bass and treble, contrived to distract you from a mediocre midrange. Don’t be fooled! The midrange is the jelly! Filled as it is with vocals and percussion, the mids are the most common range of frequencies in music and the most important in a hi-fi system. The DALI Oberon series nails the balance perfectly and is the reason they sound so damn good.
Jeff’s favourite demo tracks for the DALI Oberon series:
‘Waiting for the Night’ by Depeche Mode
‘Killing in the Name’ by Rage Against the Machine
‘Man in the Long Black Coat’ by Bob Dylan
Close-up detail of the DALI Oberon series tweeter.
Some tech talk
My clients know I don’t focus too much on technology because what really matters is the sound. After all, who cares how amazing the technology is if it doesn’t sound good? Still, technology is interesting and DALI does design and build every component in their speakers.
Wood Fibre Cones
Take a close look at the cones of the main drivers of the Oberon series and you’ll notice a slightly rough texture. Made from a unique blend of fine-grain paper pulp reinforced with wood fibres, these cones are light and rigid, the exact qualities needed for a driver to be able to move fast and reproduce the finest low-level details.
Patented Magnet Design
Behind the cone is a magnet with patented DALI technologies that ensure the cone is not making any unwanted movements which would distort the sound. Originally found only in their luxurious high-end models, this technology is now found in the more affordable Oberon series, bringing audiophile qualities to affordable, mainstream price points.
Oversized Soft Dome Tweeter
The soft dome tweeters used in the Oberon series are slightly larger than most, making them more efficient and allowing them to offer wider dispersion. This means that these relatively compact speakers can fill even large spaces with great sound.
A few of my favourite things
The DALI Oberon family, shown in light oak.
Of all the models, my personal favourite is the Oberon 5. This model is striking in its proportions, beautiful and slender. Don’t let the size fool you though, because the Oberon 5 can really fill a room with sound. In larger rooms I would recommend stepping up to the Oberon 7, but for many the 5 will be just right.
Second favourite is the Oberon 3, the larger of the two bookshelf models. Bookshelf speakers have a unique quality, being able to cut to the heart of the midrange like no floorstander can. The larger main driver on the Oberon 3 allows it to dig a bit deeper than most speakers of its size and DALI has got some magic going on here because the result is perfectly proportioned and never boxy or boomy.
Awards aplenty
Lest you be concerned about street cred, DALI has you covered with numerous glowing reviews for their Oberon models. Established and respected industry publications like What Hi-Fi? and Hi-Fi Choice have awarded multiple models glowing 5-star reviews. I think this comment from one of many 5-star reviews sums up the entire series perfectly:
“…this is way better than it has any right to be at the price and will appeal to any cash-strapped audiophile in search of some serious bang for their buck.”
If you’re looking for an affordable audiophile experience, I’m telling you you need DALI Oberon speakers! The Oberon 1, 3, 5, and 7 are available to audition at the Creative Audio showroom in Winnipeg.