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Dali OBERON 1
Easy to Position
The wide dispersion pattern of the drivers ensures well-integrated sound that drastically reduces off-axis harmonic distortion.
Contemporary Design
The rounded edges and grille fabric add a lighter and more contemporary look, enhanced by the elegantly shaped aluminium base on the floorstanding models.
Wood Fibre Cones
The stiff, lightweight structure of the reinforced wood fibre cone reproduces details that are uncoloured and highly accurate.
Patented SMC
The woofer magnet's iron pole-piece includes a patented SMC disc that greatly reduces mechanical distortion for a relaxed midrange and lots of detail.
EASY INTEGRATION
Well-integrated sound, even off axis
The compactness of the OBERON 1 makes it easy to integrate into any room. The driver materials and geometry we use are purpose-designed to achieve a wide dispersion pattern. By dispersing the sound around a room more widely, what you hear has more coherent balance, consistency and quality – even off-axis. Wide dispersion also gives you more flexibility when it comes to positioning the OBERON 1.
WOOD FIBRE CONE
Revealing the minutest details
The 5¼" low loss woofer used in the OBERON 1 has been optimised with a new wood fibre structured cone dedicated to reproducing the delicate midrange and bass frequency area. Constructed from a blend of fine-grain paper pulp reinforced with wood fibres, it creates a stiff, yet lightweight structure. And when combined with the low loss surround and spider suspension, the OBERON 1 woofer reproduces the minutest details, unfiltered and with high accuracy
REDUCING DISTORTION
DALI's patented SMC reducing distortion
The use of SMC (Soft Magnetic Composite) in the OBERON 1 greatly reduces mechanical distortion caused by hysteresis and eddy currents. The result is a magnet motor system with a drastic reduction in third-order distortion, which allows the OBERON 1 to deliver extended listening pleasure, a relaxed midrange and a surprising amount of detailing in its class.
OVERSIZED SOFT DOME
Combining proven technologies & features
The oversized 29 mm ultra-lightweight soft dome tweeter was specifically developed for the OBERON series, combining well-proven technologies from our existing DALI ranges with new features. The large membrane size generates higher sound pressure with less excursion, keeping the voice-coil motion to a controlled minimum. The tweeter front plate near the dome has been designed with similar geometry to the OPTICON and RUBICON tweeters to create the best possible working conditions for the soft dome. The result is extended frequency response, wide dispersion and low colouration.
OPTIMISED CABINET
Cabinet design beyond 'just' good looks
The OBERON 1 cabinet is constructed from a high density, CNC machined MDF board dressed in high-grade vinyl. The extremely rigid structure is achieved with solid bracings across the inside of the cabinet, which practically eliminates cabinet resonance. The bass ports at the rear of the cabinet optimise room integration by using a rear wall surface to improve bass performance. There's also a keyhole bracket at the back for on-wall mounting.
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Amazingly wide and precise soundstage gives the compact Oberon 1s a larger-than-life presence, pairing midrange clarity with dynamic punch and a smooth, detailed treble. Reviewers Dennis Burger and What Hi‑Fi? praise its tonal balance, imaging and refinement, making these little bookshelves an unexpectedly confident choice for music and home cinema.
Pros
- Wide, stable imaging and an expansive soundstage that belies the speaker's size.
- Clear, expressive midrange and vocal performance with excellent tonal balance.
- Surprising dynamic punch and composure at high SPLs for a compact bookshelf design.
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Cons
- Limited low-frequency depth and authority compared with larger speakers or dedicated subs.
- Minor timbre mismatch can appear when paired with the larger Vokal center in some setups.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
84/100
Small 5.25" woofer and rear port give reasonably deep extension for the size but reviewers note limited low-frequency authority. What Hi‑Fi flags 'limited bass depth' typical of this class, while SoundStage notes a port tuning near 50Hz and surprisingly good low-end weight for a small speaker, so bass is capable but not floor‑stander level.
Mid
92/100
Multiple reviewers praise the Oberon 1's midrange: 'stunning with vocal-based material' and 'excellent tonal balance' with solid, expressive voice rendering. Midrange clarity, timbre and presence are repeatedly highlighted as a standout strength.
Treble
90/100
29mm soft-dome tweeter provides smooth, well-integrated treble with good detail and less risk of harshness; What Hi‑Fi cites a 'smooth treble that still has plenty of bite.' SoundStage notes harmonics may not be as penetrating as the very best, but overall refinement and integration are strong.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
Both reviews emphasize wide, stable imaging and convincing depth—'expansive and sharply focused soundstage' and 'the depth of the soundstage was simply spooky.' Dispersion and stable imaging across listening positions are repeatedly praised.
Dynamics
90/100
Dynamics are excellent for the form factor: SoundStage describes 'exceptional dynamic punch' and maintained composure at very high SPLs; What Hi‑Fi notes a bit less authoritative slam compared with larger rivals but good control and range.
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Build Quality
90/100
Solid MDF cabinets, inert construction on knuckle test, quality soft‑dome tweeters and DALI's SMC treatment on woofers noted. Reviewers report tidy build and finish consistent with the price.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive two‑way with single‑wire binding posts and rear port; includes rear fixing for wall mounting. Passive baseline applied (single‑post passive bookshelf).
Value for Money
93/100
Strong reviewer endorsements for the price: 'can’t think of anything more capable at this kind of price' and 'you’d need to spend closer to four figures to get any better.' Excellent performance-to-price ratio for compact speakers.
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