You’ll find impressive value in the DALI Oberon 1 bookshelf speakers, which deliver audiophile-quality sound in a compact 27 x 16 x 23 cm package.
These well-crafted speakers feature a 29mm soft dome tweeter and 13cm wood/fiber mid/bass driver, producing clear vocals and detailed sound across frequencies from 51 Hz to 26 kHz.
At $500, they’ll outperform many pricier competitors, though you’ll need a 25-100 watt amplifier to unlock their full potential.
Key Highlights
- Compact bookshelf speakers (27x16x23cm) offering excellent vocal clarity and detailed soundstage comparable to more expensive models.
- Two-way design featuring 29mm soft dome tweeter and 13cm wood/fiber mid/bass driver delivers balanced, high-quality sound.
- Frequency response of 51Hz-26kHz provides impressive range, though requires 25-100 watts amplifier power for optimal performance.
- Available in multiple premium finishes with quality MDF construction and rear-panel mounting options for placement flexibility.
- Excellent value in the $500 price range, requiring 30-100 hours break-in period for best sound quality.
Compact Bookshelf Speaker Highlights
You’ll find the DALI Oberon 1’s versatile design stands out with its compact 27 x 16 x 23 cm frame and lightweight 4.2 kg build, making it perfect for smaller spaces and various mounting options.
The speaker’s impressive 51 Hz – 26 kHz frequency range and clear midrange performance deliver sound quality that rivals pricier competitors, as long as its four finish options guarantee it’ll match your décor.
Where there’s room for improvement is in its 86 dB sensitivity rating, which means you’ll need a reasonably powerful amplifier to get the best performance.
What We Liked
Music lovers seeking compact speakers will find plenty to appreciate in the DALI Oberon 1. You’ll notice the impressive vocal clarity and dynamic range from its 29mm soft dome tweeter and 13cm wood/fibre mid/bass driver. The speaker’s ability to deliver detailed, articulate sound makes it an excellent choice for various music genres.
While the cabinet measures just 27 x 16 x 23cm, you won’t feel shortchanged on audio quality. The smooth treble and rich midrange create an immersive soundstage that belies the speaker’s modest size.
You’ll likewise appreciate the aesthetic versatility, with four attractive finishes to match your décor. In spite of some limitations in bass depth, these speakers excel at producing cohesive, well-balanced sound that’ll improve your listening experience in smaller spaces. Buy it here!
What Can Be Improved
In spite of their impressive performance, the Oberon 1s have a few notable limitations to evaluate. You’ll notice their bass extension isn’t as deep as larger bookshelf speakers, which might leave you wanting more low-end punch in your music.
The 86 dB sensitivity rating is another consideration, as you’ll need more amplifier power to drive them effectively, especially in bigger rooms.
The soft dome tweeter can exhibit some initial harshness, with noticeable sibilance in certain recordings. Although this typically improves after the break-in period of 30-100 hours, you’ll want to carefully match these speakers with compatible amplification and cables to optimize their performance.
Taking time to experiment with positioning and equipment pairing will help minimize these potential drawbacks.
First Impressions
When you first unbox the DALI Oberon 1, its compact yet sturdy build immediately catches your attention. At just 27 x 16 x 23 cm, these bookshelf speakers make a striking visual statement with their clean lines and premium finish options, ranging from classic black ash to elegant light oak.
You’ll notice the quality craftsmanship in the MDF cabinet construction, housing both the soft dome tweeter and wood/fibre cone mid/bass driver.
Once you set up the Oberon 1 Bookshelf Speakers and play your first track, you’ll be impressed by their vocal clarity and precise soundstage positioning.
Although the bass response mightn’t shake your room, the speakers deliver a remarkably balanced and engaging sound signature that’s particularly noticeable in the midrange frequencies, making them an excellent choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
As you open the sturdy cardboard box, you’ll find the DALI Oberon 1 speakers carefully wrapped in protective foam and plastic to prevent any shipping damage.
The package includes crucial accessories like the detachable grilles and an extensive user manual containing setup instructions and specifications.
All components come securely positioned with additional packaging materials that prevent movement during transit, ensuring your speakers arrive in perfect condition.
Specifications
The DALI Oberon 1’s technical specifications reveal a thoughtfully engineered bookshelf speaker.
You’ll find a sophisticated two-way design featuring a 29mm soft dome tweeter paired with a 5.25-inch wood fiber cone woofer. At just 162mm wide, 274mm high, and 234mm deep, these compact speakers weigh a solid 4.2kg each.
- Frequency response of 51 Hz to 26 kHz (+/- 3 dB) delivers impressive range for both deep bass and crisp highs
- 86 dB sensitivity rating works best with amplifiers rated between 25 to 100 watts
- Available in four distinct finishes: black ash, white, dark walnut, and light oak
These specs position the Oberon 1 as a versatile performer that’ll fit effortlessly into your listening space during delivering balanced, room-filling sound across all music genres.
Design and Build Quality
Craftsmanship meets elegance in DALI’s Oberon 1 bookshelf speaker. At just 27 x 16 x 23cm, you’ll find these compact speakers fit perfectly in smaller rooms whilst maintaining a sophisticated presence.
The MDF cabinet construction offers exceptional durability, and you can choose from four striking finishes: black ash, white, dark walnut, or light oak.
The speaker’s build quality shines through its thoughtful components. You’ll appreciate the carefully engineered 29mm soft dome tweeter paired with a 13cm wood fiber mid/bass unit, both working together to deliver pristine audio. Buy it here!
At 4.2 kg, these speakers feel substantial and well-built, with internal acoustic materials ensuring prime sound absorption.
For added versatility, you’ll find a rear panel mounting option that lets you position these speakers on your wall without compromising their aesthetic appeal.
Audio Balance Across Frequencies
Listening across frequencies reveals the Oberon 1’s exceptional balance, with its 51 Hz to 26 kHz range delivering cohesive audio performance.
You’ll notice the 29mm soft dome tweeter produces smooth, detailed treble, whereas the 13cm wood/fiber cone handles midrange frequencies with remarkable clarity.
Though compact, the Oberon’s bass response won’t disappoint you when playing pop or electronic music, even though it can’t match larger speakers’ low-end depth.
Where these speakers truly excel is in the midrange, offering exceptional vocal reproduction that brings singers to life with stunning detail and nuance.
You’ll appreciate how the full-bodied tonal presentation maintains its stability whether you’re listening at low volumes or cranking up your favorite tracks.
Features – What We Found
You’ll find the Oberon 1’s build quality impressive, with its solid MDF cabinet and premium SMC magnet system borrowed from higher-end DALI models.
The two-way driver configuration pairs a 29mm soft dome tweeter with a 13cm wood/fiber mid/bass unit, delivering clear vocals and balanced sound across frequencies.
The speakers offer versatile setup options with their compact size and rear panel mounting capability, as four attractive finishes let you match them to your room’s décor.
Build Quality and Materials
The DALI Oberon 1’s build quality immediately impresses with its solid MDF construction, delivering both structural integrity and acoustic benefits.
You’ll find high quality materials throughout, from the lightweight 29mm soft dome tweeter to the carefully engineered 13cm wood/fibre cone mid/bass unit.
At just 27 x 16 x 23 cm, the cabinet’s compact dimensions don’t compromise its sturdy construction.
The attention to detail extends to the finish options, where you can choose from black ash, white, dark walnut, or light oak – each executed with precise craftsmanship.
The rear panel’s mounting fixture is thoughtfully integrated into the design, ensuring secure wall placement when needed.
Every component feels substantial and well-engineered, reflecting DALI’s commitment to durable, performance-focused construction.
Audio Design Elements
Inside the well-crafted cabinet lies DALI’s advanced two-way speaker design, anchored by a responsive 29mm soft dome tweeter paired with a 5.25-inch wood fiber paper cone woofer.
You’ll appreciate the speaker’s frequency range of 51 Hz to 26 kHz, delivering detailed audio across the spectrum. As the 86 dB sensitivity rating means you’ll need something else besides low-powered amplifiers, the speakers respond well to amplification between 25-100 watts.
What sets these speakers apart is DALI’s implementation of SMC technology in the magnet system, combined with their proprietary wood fiber cone. Buy it here!
These engineering choices result in exceptionally clean midrange performance and minimal distortion. The rear-ported design further improves the overall sound quality, particularly in the lower frequencies.
Driver Configuration Details
Though many speakers in this price range cut corners on driver quality, DALI’s Oberon 1 impresses with its carefully engineered two-way configuration. You’ll find one driver per channel, consisting of a 29mm soft dome tweeter paired with a 5.25-inch wood/fiber cone woofer. The lightweight tweeter design doesn’t just handle the highs – it similarly contributes to improved performance in lower frequencies.
The mid/bass driver features a specialized wood/fiber blend that delivers exceptional clarity and tonal balance. Combined with the rear-ported design, you’ll experience heightened bass response while maintaining placement flexibility in your room.
This thoughtful driver arrangement creates an acoustic presentation that shines in the midrange, offering detailed vocal reproduction and silky-smooth treble performance that you’d typically expect from more expensive speakers.
Connection and Setup Options
Building on its impressive driver configuration, DALI’s Oberon 1 offers multiple setup and connection options that augment its versatility.
You’ll find a handy rear panel fixing that allows for wall mounting, giving you flexibility in positioning these compact 27 x 16 x 23 cm speakers in your space.
The speakers’ bi-wiring capability provides you with improved connection options, letting you refine your audio setup according to your preferences.
Regarding power requirements, you can pair these speakers with amplifiers rated between 25 and 100 watts for peak performance.
Adding to their adaptability, you can choose from four distinct finishes – black ash, white, dark walnut, or light oak – ensuring the speakers complement your room’s decor while maintaining their superior acoustic properties.
Mid-Priced Speaker Showdown
Although many speakers in the $500 range promise premium sound, the DALI Oberon 1 stands out by delivering performance that punches above its price point. You’ll find its 29mm soft dome tweeter and 5.25-inch wood fiber cone woofer rival components in much pricier models, producing exceptional vocal clarity and detailed soundstage reproduction.
While competitors might skimp on build quality at this price point, the Oberon 1 maintains high standards with premium finishes, including sophisticated light oak.
Its compact size doesn’t compromise performance, requiring just 25-100W of amplifier power to shine. In spite of modest bass limitations typical of smaller speakers, you’re getting remarkable value with sound characteristics that compete with speakers costing considerably more, making it a compelling choice in the mid-priced segment.
Final Thoughts
The DALI Oberon 1 makes a compelling case as one of the smartest investments in today’s mid-range speaker market. At £399, you’re getting exceptional value with its outstanding vocal clarity and rich midrange performance.
Whether you’re a devoted audiophile or casual listener, you’ll appreciate how these compact speakers deliver precise detail separation and musical cohesiveness.
While they won’t shake your floor with deep bass, their versatile design, including wall-mount capability, makes them ideal for various room setups.
The dark walnut finish option adds a touch of elegance to their sturdy MDF construction. When you consider the superior 29mm soft dome tweeter and overall build quality, these speakers punch well above their weight class, offering performance that often rivals more expensive alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Recommended Room Size for the DALI Oberon 1?
For small to medium-sized rooms, you’ll get the best performance with these speakers in spaces up to 270 square feet (25 square meters).
Although you can use them in larger areas, you won’t experience their ideal sound quality.
They’re designed as bookshelf speakers that excel in more intimate settings, where their 6.5-inch woofer and 29mm soft dome tweeter can deliver balanced, detailed sound.
Can the DALI Oberon 1 Be Used Without a Subwoofer?
Like a well-balanced coffee that doesn’t need cream, you can definitely enjoy these speakers without a subwoofer.
You’ll get satisfying bass performance down to about 51Hz, which handles most music genres competently. For casual listening and mid-sized rooms, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Nevertheless, if you’re big on electronic music, movies, or deep bass-heavy content, you might want to contemplate adding a sub.
How Much Power Does Each Speaker Need for Optimal Performance?
You’ll want to power each speaker with 25-100 watts RMS for best performance.
During they can handle peaks up to 150 watts, they’re most efficient when driven by an amplifier delivering around 50-70 watts per channel at 6 ohms.
Their sensitivity rating of 86.5dB means they don’t need massive power, but they’ll benefit from a quality amplifier to deliver their best sound.
Are DALI Oberon 1 Speakers Suitable for Home Theater Systems?
Like David taking on Goliath, these compact speakers can deliver surprisingly big sound for your home theater setup.
You’ll find the Oberon 1s work particularly well as front or surround speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 system.
They’re versatile enough to handle both movies and music, with clear dialogue reproduction and dynamic sound effects.
Just pair them with a good subwoofer to fill in the lower frequencies.
What Is the Recommended Break-In Period for New DALI Oberon 1?
You’ll want to give your new speakers a break-in period of about 50-100 hours of playback time.
Throughout this period, the drivers’ mechanical components will loosen up and settle into their ideal performance state.
Although you can listen to them right from the packaging, you’ll notice the sound quality gradually improve as the speakers break in, with bass response becoming fuller and overall sound becoming more balanced.
