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Dali OBERON 1 C
Easy to Position
The wide dispersion pattern of the drivers ensures well-integrated sound that drastically reduces off-axis harmonic distortion.
Low Latency
The SOUND HUB COMPACT uses a proprietary 30-bit wireless protocol to transmit to OBERON C with a typical latency of less than 15 ms.
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.
Active Speaker
Each driver is powered by a dynamic, closed-loop, 50 Watt peak, Class D power amplifier for exceptional sound quality.
WIRELESS HI-FI SOUND
Part of the DALI EQUI ecosystem
With quality and convenience at its core, the OBERON 1 C is quick and easy to set up – all you need to do is connect it to our DALI SOUND HUB or SOUND HUB COMPACT and add music. With the DALI EQUI ecosystem of active wireless speakers, music lovers and audiophiles no longer have to choose between incredible sound quality and convenient integration. Listen to music via Bluetooth, CD, Internet radio or turntable, or integrate this great sounding compact speaker into a multichannel surround sound setup.
WOOD FIBRE CONE
Revealing the minutest details
The 5¼" low-loss bass/midrange driver used in the OBERON 1 C features our proprietary fine paper pulp and reinforced wood fibre composite diaphragm, which creates a stiff, lightweight structure. In combination with a low loss surround and spider suspension, the woofer reproduces the minutest details, unfiltered and with high accuracy. It also features an advanced copper-coated aluminium voice-coil wire and our unique SMC (Soft Magnet Composite) magnet technology.
REDUCING DISTORTION
DALI's patented SMC reducing distortion
The use of SMC (Soft Magnetic Composite) in the OBERON 1 C 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 C to deliver extended listening pleasure, a relaxed midrange and a surprising amount of detailing in its class.SMC-equipped drivers are also particularly well suited to speakers with active amplification, like the OBERON 1 C.
CLASS D AMPLIFICATION
Accuracy & clarity in every detail
The OBERON 1 C power amplification comprises two 50 watt-peak, closed-loop, Class D power amplifiers chosen specifically for their sound quality and dynamic ability. One amplifier powers the high-frequency driver, while the other powers the bass/mid driver. The 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio of the power amplifiers ensures that even the smallest detail in a quiet musical passage is reproduced with clarity and accuracy.
OPTIMISED CABINET
CNC-machined high strength MDF panels
The OBERON 1 C cabinet is constructed from CNC-machined, high strength MDF panels and finished in a variety of wood-effect or matt white laminates. Strategically positioned damping materials inside the cabinet maximise midrange performance without degrading the bass transient response and bandwidth. When it comes to placement, the OBERON 1 C can be stand-mounted using the DALI CONNECT Stand E-600, integrated into AV furniture, placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall using the rear keyhole slots.
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A remarkable sense of scale defines the Oberon 1 C, delivering a huge soundstage with precise, often holographic imaging and natural mids that make vocals arresting. Reviewers praise its exquisite microdetail and solid cabinetry, plus active DSP and 24/96 wireless support via the Sound Hub. Small-room listeners get lifelike clarity and depth, though real-world wireless performance varied in one test by Gordon Brockhouse.
Pros
- Huge, wide and deep soundstage with precise imaging that exceeds expectations for a bookshelf speaker.
- Natural, detailed midrange and vocal clarity delivering lifelike timbres and engaging presence.
- High-quality cabinetry and finishes with thoughtful engineering (SMC driver tech, rigid panels, dual-flare port).
- Active DSP crossover, twin 50W Class-D amps and 24/96 wireless transmission provide high-resolution streaming and tailored voicing.
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Cons
- Intermittent wireless dropouts reported in independent testing, affecting reliability for some users.
- Limited macro headroom — can sound congested, harsh or compressed when pushed to high volumes.
- Moderate bass authority and a mild mid-bass hump; adding a subwoofer is recommended for full-range impact.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
88/100
5.25" woofer in a reflex cabinet with DSP yields notably deep and bodied low end for a small bookshelf (DALI spec 39Hz ±3dB). Reviewers repeatedly praised the surprising low-frequency weight and body but also noted a mid-bass hump and recommended adding a sub for full-range impact.
Mid
92/100
Consistently praised by reviewers for natural, clear, and detailed midrange and vocal presence. Multiple reviews highlight superb mid clarity and lifelike timbre, making vocals and instruments engaging and convincingly rendered.
Treble
88/100
Treble is generally bright, crisp and detailed with a crystalline upper register praised by reviewers. Some reports note occasional hardness or steely/strident behavior at loud, dense passages, indicating a slight loss of refinement when driven hard.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Multiple reviewers describe a very wide, deep soundstage with excellent imaging—at times 'holographic'—and a large sweet spot. The speakers project a sense of scale uncommon for their size, with precise instrument placement.
Dynamics
86/100
Excellent microdynamic detail and rhythmic engagement at typical listening levels; percussion is precise. However, reviewers noted limited macro headroom—the speakers can sound congested or compressed if pushed very loud.
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Build Quality
91/100
High-quality cabinetry and finish with stiffening fillets, dual-flare port and well-implemented drivers (SMC tech). Reviewers praised fit-and-finish and apparent parts quality and engineering.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied.
Value for Money
82/100
Sound and feature set earn praise relative to price, though reviewers stop short of calling it an outright bargain. Price notes: product data lists ~1949; one review referenced $1,499—reviewers judged them strong contenders for small-room active systems but not a no-brainer against larger or better-equipped rivals.
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