DALI Epikore Series Hi-Fi loudspeakers review

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Danish audio specialist DALI, has announced the latest additions to its premium Epikore series. Following on from the release of the Epikore 11, released in 2023, this new series covers everything from bookshelf designs to a new floorstander. Inside CI had an exclusive preview of the new models at DALI HQ, and left hugely impressed.

An evolution of its acclaimed Epicon series, incorporating innovations from the flagship DALI Kore speaker, the Epikore Series comprises three new models to accompany the respected Epikore 11 4½-way floorstander, suitable for a variety of different listening environments.

The Epikore 3 is a 3-way stand-mount speaker, ideal for smaller listening spaces. It incorporates a 7-inch bass/midrange driver with DALI's EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module.

Originally developed for the DALI Kore flagship, the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module combines a 35mm proprietary soft dome tweeter with a high-performance, ultra-thin planar magnetostatic element. Together, they deliver an effortlessly smooth, high-frequency response, even at high volume levels.

As we were to find, the tweeter module's powerful neodymium magnet motor system ensures that high frequencies are reproduced with ravishing detail, for a spacious and natural soundstage.

The Epikore 3 is being joined by the Epikore 7, a 3½-way floorstander designed for medium to large rooms. It features two 7-inch bass/midrange drivers alongside the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module.

Topping the new additions is the Epikore 9. This 4-way floorstander is tailored for larger spaces, and features two 8-inch woofers, a 6½-inch midrange driver with Clarity Cone Technology, and the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module.

The trio join the Epikore 11 flagship, a 4½-way giant of a floorstander featuring four 8-inch woofers, a 6½-inch midrange driver, and the signature EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module. The DALI Epikore 11 towers were recently showcased at CEDIA Expo.

Another core innovation behind the Epikore series is DALI’s SMC Gen-2 technology. Designed to overcome one of the key challenges in loudspeaker design, hysteresis. In conventional speaker magnets, hysteresis can lead to unintended resistance, which in turn causes audio distortion. DALI's second-generation Soft Magnetic Composite (SMC Gen-2) material significantly reduces hysteresis, thereby minimising flux modulation and eddy currents within the magnet system.

The bottom line is that the SMC Gen-2 technology allows the Epikore speakers to deliver an exceptionally low-distortion listening experience, with excellent dynamics and a highly realistic sound signature.

New Epikore range previewed

To get a flavour of just what these new models can offer, we listened to recordings both sophisticated and raw. Dire Straits’ ‘Six Blade Knife’ offered stunning analytical clarity while Nina Simmon’s, ‘My baby Just cares for Me’ (not a traditional Hi-Fi track by any means) sparkled with joyous musicality.

DALI’s Clarity Cone paper and wood fibre cone structure for the midrange and bass drivers, can take some of the credit for this duality, as they’re capable of pristine musical detail and visceral dynamics.

All drivers are custom-made in-house by DALI, featuring titanium voice coil formers and high-quality SMC-KORE crossover inductors. These elements are said to contribute to the speakers' refined and coherent sound.

The Epikore series also look the part. The cabinets feature a curved, real-wood veneer construction with continuous-flare bass reflex ports for optimised airflow, die-cast baffles for stability, and adjustable aluminium outriggers. The design is ravishing. 

All models are available in a variety of premium finishes. Choose from High Gloss Black, High Gloss Walnut, and High Gloss Maroon.

Individual model highlights and pricing

Epikore 3: The stand-mount model that brings DALI KORE technology to a compact format, features 3-way architecture and 7-inch bass/midrange driver. It's priced at a price of £9,999 (€9,999 / $15,000) per pair. An optional Epikore stand is available for £1,999 (€1,999 / $3,000), providing integrators with a stylish and functional solution for mounting.

Epikore 7: This 3½-way floorstander is equipped with two 7-inch bass/midrange drivers, and is suitable for use in medium to large rooms. It's priced at £19,999 (€19,999 / $25,000) per pair.

Epikore 9: A 4-way with two 8-inch woofers and a 6½-inch midrange driver, this imposing floorstander is intended for larger spaces and is delivering remarkable sound quality across a wide frequency range. The Epikore 9 is priced at £29,999 (€29,999 / $40,000) per pair.

Epikore 11: The pinnacle of the series, this fabulous 4½-way floorstander features four 8-inch woofers and offers an audiophile experience in very large listening environments. It's priced at £39,998 (€39,998 / $60,000) per pair. 

The new DALI Epikore 3 stand-mount, and Epikore7 and Epikore 9 are available from October 1.