Bookshelf Speakers — DALI EPIKORE 3

The EPIKORE 3 is the compact standmount member of the EPIKORE range from DALI, the Danish loudspeaker maker, announced in October 2024 alongside the EPIKORE 7 and EPIKORE 9 towers. It is a three-way design built by hand in Denmark and carries technology developed for the larger KORE and EPIKORE 11 models. It costs USD 9,000 per speaker in North America and EUR 9,998 per pair.

Key specs that matter

A single 7 inch bass and midrange driver with a paper and wood-fibre cone works with a hybrid high-frequency module holding a 35 mm soft dome and a 10 x 55 mm planar magnetostatic element. Crossover points sit at 2,800 Hz and 12,500 Hz. DALI rates the range at 42 Hz to 34,000 Hz within 3 dB, sensitivity at 85 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m and nominal impedance at 6 ohm. Maximum output is 108 dB at 1 m, and the maker suggests amplifiers of 40 to 250 W. The cabinet measures 470 x 250 x 420 mm and weighs 22.0 kg with its grille.

Engineering and use context

DALI calls the tweeter assembly the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module. The dome covers the band from the lower crossover point upward, and the planar strip takes over above 12.5 kHz, which lets each element work over a narrower range. The bass and midrange unit uses the second generation of the SMC magnet technology, in which a Soft Magnetic Composite pole piece reduces distortion caused by hysteresis and eddy currents, together with the Clarity Cone diaphragm and a large neodymium motor. The enclosure combines curved 18 mm MDF side panels with a 40 mm MDF front baffle and a die-cast aluminium baffle section. Low-frequency loading comes from a continuous-flare reflex port on the rear panel, angled upward. The lacquer is a piano-grade high gloss over real wood veneer, offered in black, walnut and maroon. Eight magnetic spike feet are supplied, and the grilles attach magnetically.

Pairing

Two pairs of binding posts take bare wire, spades or banana connectors, so separate runs to the bass and treble sections are possible, with jumper cables supplied instead of metal bridges. The low sensitivity and moderate load favour a solid-state amplifier with healthy current reserves toward the upper part of the suggested power band rather than a low-output valve unit. DALI offers a dedicated EPIKORE STAND in extruded aluminium with a machined top plate, integrated floor spikes and cable routing, and the speakers can be ordered with or without it.

Alternatives

Within the DALI stand-mount catalogue, the older EPICON 2 is the other high-end bookshelf model to compare.