Полочная акустика — DALI OBERON 3

Of the two OBERON stand-mounts, the OBERON 3 is the bigger one. The OBERON family comes from the Danish company DALI and also covered the OBERON 1, the floorstanding OBERON 5, 7 and 9, an on-wall model and two horizontal VOKAL speakers. It went on sale in 2018, and DALI now files it under discontinued models. DALI pitched it as a compact box meant to reach the bass depth of a floorstanding speaker, and it pairs a mid-bass driver with a soft dome in a two-way bass reflex cabinet.

Key specs that matter

DALI rates the frequency range at 47 Hz to 26,000 Hz within 3 dB, with sensitivity of 87 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. The crossover hands over from woofer to tweeter at 2,400 Hz, and the maximum output is 108 dB SPL at 1 m. The recommended amplifier range runs from 25 to 150 watts. The reflex port is tuned to 49 Hz. Each cabinet measures 350 mm high, 200 mm wide and 315 mm deep and weighs 6.48 kg including the grille, while a boxed pair ships at 14.4 kg. Four vinyl finishes were offered - black ash, white, dark walnut and light oak.

Engineering and use context

For the 7 inch driver DALI chose a wood fibre structured cone, intended to give a stiff but light diaphragm for the midrange and bass band. In the magnet system of that driver, the iron pole-piece carries a patented disc of Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC), which DALI uses to cut mechanical distortion in the motor. DALI calls the 29 mm tweeter oversized and makes its diaphragm from a soft woven fabric that is very light. The enclosure is made of high density MDF board machined on CNC equipment and wrapped in vinyl, with solid braces running across the inside to hold down panel resonance. The ports sit on the rear panel, so DALI suggests keeping the box between 5 and 50 cm from the wall behind it. Input is a single pair of terminals, with no bi-wiring option, and the grille is removable. Rubber feet and a manual are the only accessories in the box.

Pairing

With moderate sensitivity and an easy nominal load, the OBERON 3 does not ask for much current, so a moderately powered stereo integrated amplifier or an AV receiver within DALI's recommended power window will cope with it. Because the rear port needs some breathing space, a stand or an open shelf with room behind the cabinet suits it better than a closed bookcase.

Alternatives

The smaller OBERON 1 uses a 5.25 inch woofer in a 274 x 162 x 234 mm cabinet weighing 4.43 kg.