With the new SONIK series, Danish speaker specialist DALI is introducing its most comprehensive speaker family to date. The seven models are aimed equally at hi-fi beginners, home theater enthusiasts, and discerning music lovers, and are intended to replace the successful Oberon series or carry on its legacy. DALI promises to bring numerous technologies from the significantly more expensive EPICON, EPIKORE, and KORE series to a more affordable price range.
The successor to the successful Oberon series
With the Oberon series, introduced in 2018, DALI achieved one of the greatest successes in the company’s history. Now, SONIK is set to build on this concept.
“We believe that SONIK sets a new standard in this price range,” explains Krestian Pedersen, Head of Product Management at DALI. The new series is aimed at music and home theater enthusiasts alike and is designed to make the signature DALI sound philosophy accessible to an even wider audience.
Seven Models for Stereo and Home Theater
The new series covers virtually all applications. The lineup includes two compact speakers, three floor-standing speakers, an on-wall model, and a center channel speaker for home theaters.
The portfolio includes:
- SONIK 1 – Compact Bookshelf Speaker for Small Rooms
- SONIK 3 – Larger Compact Speaker
- SONIK 5 – Slim Floor-Standing Speaker
- SONIK 7 – Floor-standing speakers for medium to large rooms
- SONIK 9 – The Series’ Flagship Model
- SONIK ON-WALL – Slim Wall-Mounted Speaker
- SONIK CINEMA – Center Speakers for Home Theater Systems
With this, DALI is offering, for the first time, a fully coordinated family of speakers ranging from compact stereo setups to full-fledged multichannel systems.
Technologies from the top-of-the-line series
What’s particularly exciting is that many features from DALI’s high-end series are making their way into the new mid-range lineup.
All models feature a newly developed 29-mm fabric dome tweeter, which is designed to provide an exceptionally wide dispersion and low distortion. The two largest floorstanding speakers, the SONIK 7 and SONIK 9, also feature the well-known hybrid tweeter system, which combines a classic dome tweeter with a magnetostat. This design has been considered one of DALI’s hallmarks for years.
For midrange and bass frequencies, DALI continues to rely on its signature Clarity Cone drivers made of paper and wood fibers. These are designed to combine natural midrange reproduction with high dynamics while minimizing coloration. Drivers are available in 5¼-inch and 7-inch diameters.
The patented SMC Essential magnet technology, which originated in the EPICON series, has also been incorporated. It is designed to significantly reduce harmonic distortion and contribute to a cleaner, more relaxed sound. According to DALI, this enables the SONIK to achieve a level of sound quality that is typically reserved for much more expensive speakers.
The bass-reflex system has also been completely redesigned. The new dual-flare bass-reflex ports are designed to reduce air turbulence and enable more precise bass reproduction. The on-wall and center models feature specially adapted reflex designs for placement close to a wall or in a horizontal orientation, respectively.
New design with high-quality details
Visually, DALI remains true to its Scandinavian-inspired design language. The speakers feature magnetically attached fabric grilles, aluminum front panels for the tweeter, and newly developed connection terminals. The floor-standing speakers rest on elegant aluminum brackets with spikes.
The cabinets are made of CNC-milled MDF with elaborate internal bracing and separate chambers for the woofers. The series is available in four finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak, and White.
Prices
Prices (per pair, excluding the center speaker) start at just under 500 euros:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| SONIK 1 | 498 euros per pair |
| SONIK 3 | 698 euros per pair |
| SONIK 5 | 998 euros per pair |
| SONIK 7 | 1,498 euros per pair |
| SONIK 9 | 2,398 euros per pair |
| SONIK ON-WALL | 650 euros per pair |
| SONIK CINEMA | 499 euros (each) |
Stereo Guide says
With the Oberon series, DALI has set new standards in the affordable hi-fi segment in recent years. Expectations for SONIK are correspondingly high. It’s particularly interesting that technologies such as the hybrid tweeter system and SMC magnet technology are now being incorporated into significantly more affordable speakers. If DALI has further refined the characteristic open and spacious sound of the Oberon series, SONIK could be among the most exciting new speaker releases of the year.
Technical Highlights of the DALI SONIK Series
- Seven Models for Stereo and Home Theater
- 29-mm ultralight fabric tweeter
- Hybrid Tweeter System in the SONIK 7 and SONIK 9
- Clarity Cone diaphragms made of paper and wood fibers
- 5¼- and 7-inch low-midrange drivers
- Patented SMC Essential Magnetic Technology
- Dual-Flare Bass-Reflex System
- CNC-milled MDF enclosures with internal bracing
- Magnetically attached front covers
- Aluminum Tweeter Plate
- New Speaker Connections
- Aluminum spike stands for floor-standing speakers
- Finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak, White
- Models: SONIK 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ON-WALL, and CINEMA.
