Dali Oberon 1 Speakers (Pair)

Dali Oberon 1 is an ultra-compact bookshelf speaker. The cabinet size enables an optimal balance between inner volume for bass performance and a compact appearance for easy integration - suited for smaller rooms, discreet audio setups or wall mounting.

It features the same oversized 29 mm ultra-lightweight soft dome tweeter as its floor-standing siblings, and an SMC based 5.25" wood fibre woofer to handle lower midrange and bass. The Oberon 1 is based on the most innovative Dali ideas, traditions and inventions - united in a sleek compact design.

Overview

Like its larger siblings, the Oberon 1 makes use of the oversized 29mm ultra light-weight soft dome tweeter to handle the highs and detailed mids, while the SMC based 5.25" wood fibre woofer renders the lower midrange and well-timed bass. For Dali Oberon loudspeakers, the best elements from current speakers are brought together in a series that delivers on audio quality, looks and versatility.

The compactness of the Oberon 1 makes it easy to integrate into any room. To achieve a wide dispersion pattern in the listening area, the driver materials and geometry applied in the Oberon 1 have been carefully selected. The same principles have been applied in the design of the crossover.

Oberon Series

Dali Oberon is a breakthrough: it’s the first entry-level loudspeaker to incorporate Dali’s patented SMC technology, drastically reducing non-linear magnetic distortion – so you can hear your favourite music like you’ve never heard it before. The Oberon series presents a ‘speaker for every use’ line-up of models. With two compact stand-mounts, an on-wall, two floor-standing and a centre channel, the Oberon range has something for every need. Every speaker model is perfect for stereo use and is able to fill everything from small apartments to large living rooms with high-quality sound.

Patented SMC

With the use of SMC in the Oberon 1 woofer, mechanical distortion caused by hysteresis and eddy currents is greatly reduced. This improvement in the magnet motor system results in a lowering of the third order distortion. This allows the Oberon 1 to present longer listening pleasure with a relaxed midrange and a surprising amount of detailing for the class.

The magnet motor itself consists of a large ferrite magnet that surrounds a pole piece made with a unique combination of iron and SMC. The iron ferrite forms the lower base of the pole cylinder, topped off with 10 mm SMC disk to crown the pole piece. This combination minimizes the negative effects of the iron while placing the SMC disk right in the main working area of the 4-layer voice coil. This placement ensures the maximum effect from the SMC on the voice coils environment, resulting in a greatly improved constant flux field.

Low Loss Woofer

The 5.25" low-loss woofer used in the Oberon 1 has been optimised with a new wood fibre structured cone. It is dedicated to reproducing the delicate midrange and bass frequency area - like every other driver made by Dali. It is constructed from a blend of fine grain paper pulp and reinforced with wood fibres, which creates a stiff, light-weight and well-behaving structure. In combination with a low-loss surround and spider suspension, this cone reproduces the micro details in the signal - unfiltered and with high accuracy.

The membrane terminates in a rubber surround that is chosen for its soft and very flexible properties. This gives the membrane free movement with a very low dampening effect and leaves the magnet motor to control the membrane movement. The iron pole piece of the Oberon woofer magnet is crowned by a patented SMC disk - minimising the negative effects of the iron. The use of the SMC disk greatly reduces mechanical distortion, which lowers third order distortion. This allows for a longer listening pleasure, a relaxed midrange and a surprising amount of detail for its price class.

Ultra-Light Tweeter

The 29mm ultra-light soft dome tweeter used in the Oberon 1 is manufactured by Dali and has been developed specifically for the Oberon series - combining well-proven technologies from our existing Dali ranges with new features. The large size of the membrane lets the tweeter generate higher sound pressure with less excursion, keeping the voice coil motion to a precise minimum. The oversized 29mm membrane is constructed based on an ultra-light wave weave fabric and is additionally optimised for a larger bandwidth in its lower frequency area.

This ensures the optimal handover from the midrange woofer to the tweeter, creating a well-balanced, unforced and very coherent upper midrange. Compared to most soft dome tweeters in the market, the Dali dome material is less than half the weight (0.060 mg/mm2). The tweeter front plate near the dome has been designed with similar geometry as the Opticon and Rubicon tweeters to create the optimal working conditions for the soft dome. The aim is to combine an extended frequency response with wide dispersion and low colouration.

Easy Integration

Dali makes it easy to integrate your loudspeakers into any room. Both the driver materials and geometry applied in the Oberon series has been selected to achieve a wide dispersion pattern in the listening area. The same principles have been applied in the design of the crossover. Thus, you will experience a well-integrated sound, even when listening at a significant off-axis angle. This is important as you are rarely seated directly in front of your loudspeaker when listening to music. An added benefit is seriously reduced harmonic distortion and frequency distortion, as these will always be stronger in an on-axis response. This is also the reason why all Dali speakers are not designed to be toed-in.

Danish Cabinet

The cabinet construction of the Oberon 1 is composed of high-density CNC machined MDF board - dressed in carefully selected high-grade vinyl. The very rigid construction of the cabinet is due to solid bracings across the inside for reinforcement. This improves the stiffness and practically eliminates internal resonance. Dali optimised the timing by fitting the speakers with acoustic damping material internally along the sides, top and bottom. This creates a more direct contact between the woofer and bass port. The audible result is a more precise bass and increased ‘attack’ in the midrange. The bass ports are placed on the rear optimising room integration by utilising the wall for improved bass performance. Above the bass port, Dali has integrated a keyhole for on-wall mounting.

Finish Options

Dali Oberon series is available in four finishes: Black Ash, White, Dark Walnut and Light Oak. Matched with a matte black or white front baffle. The rear-mounted bass port ensures optimum integration within the room, and the elegantly shaped aluminium base gives the two floor-standing models a lighter look. The Oberon series also introduces a brand new front grille design with rounded edges that add a lighter and contemporary visual look to the speaker series. 'Mountain Grey' is the standard grille supplied with the light finishes while Shadow Black is standard on the dark finishes.