High-End Munich 2023 is underway and there is a definite theme emerging when it comes to the loudspeaker category. Bigger. Bolder. Completely unaffordable. We happen to love DALI’s more affordable loudspeakers which have earned a spot on our “Best Bookshelf Loudspeaker” list for the past 3 years and have had the opportunity to audition the KORE; the Danish manufacturer’s flagship speaker requires a rather significant investment in the amplification required to truly make them sing but they did not disappoint.
We can’t say that for a number of flagship loudspeakers that we have listened to over the years. The six-figure asking price makes them attainable by very few and that’s perfectly fine.
The new DALI EPIKORE 11 will retail for $60,000 USD; which is almost $50,000 less than the flagship model. That’s a lifetime worth of herring. And not the cheap stuff in the glass jars at Wegmans.
With the new EPIKORE 11, DALI celebrates 40 years of loudspeaker research and development. The natural evolution of the acclaimed DALI EPICON series — this new statement loudspeaker features technology developed for the flagship DALI KORE Loudspeakers that were introduced in the summer of 2022.
Key Features:
- 4½-way Design feat. Custom-made Drivers
- SMC Gen-2 Technology for Ultra-low Distortion
- EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter Module, comprising a 35mm Soft-dome Tweeter and a 55 x 10mm HF Ribbon Element
- 1 x 6½-inch EPIKORE Midrange with SMC Gen-2 and Custom Paper and Wood Fibre Cone structure.
- 4 x 8-inch EPIKORE Woofers with SMC Gen-2
- New SMC KORE Crossover Inductors
- Premium Grade Crossover Components
- Adjustable Aluminium Outriggers
- New High-end Binding Posts
- Dual-flare Bass Reflex Ports
- Die-cast Baffles
- Available in 3 Exclusive High-gloss Finishes
When using conventional magnets in a speaker design, it is not unusual to experience a phenomenon known as hysteresis. This introduces an unintended resistance to the voice-coil, which can lead to unwanted distortion in the audio signal. Designed to significantly reduces hysteresis, SMC Gen-2 is the next generation of DALI’s patented SMC magnet material technology.
The DALI EPIKORE 11 is a 4½-way floorstander that sets new standards for low-distortion loudspeaker design. The curved, real-wood veneer cabinet of houses four powerful 8-inch bass drivers, a highly dynamic 6½-inch midrange — each utilising DALI’s Soft Magnetic Compound Gen-2 (SMC Gen-2) magnet material — as well as DALI’s signature EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter Module.
Introduced in their flagship DALI KORE loudspeaker, SMC Gen-2 is incorporated into the EPIKORE 11 bass and midrange drivers, as well as in the crossover inductor cores, and offers significantly enhanced characteristics over the first-generation SMC, introduced in the EPICON series in 2014.
The result is a further reduction in hysteresis, flux-modulation and eddy currents in the magnet system.
First introduced in the DALI KORE, the SMC KORE Crossover Inductors used for the EPIKORE 11 feature the world’s first SMC Gen-2 inductor cores. When compared with standard air-core inductors, this technology allows lower DC resistance, a shorter signal path and less vulnerability to crosstalk between the inductors, especially at high inductances.
These SMC KORE Crossover Inductors, together with hand-picked, high-end capacitors & resistors, ensure the EPIKORE 11’s World-class Crossovers are optimized exclusively for the speaker. The properties of SMC Gen-2 material also results in around 12dB less current distortion than equivalent iron-powder core inductors.
Taking inspiration from earlier DALI loudspeakers, the EPIKORE 11 features all-new bi-wire capable binding posts which include oversize thumbscrews, allowing for better grip on bare wires and spade terminals. Plus its adjustable spike feet outriggers ensure solid, stable contact with the floor.
The EPIKORE 11 Die-cast Baffles are constructed from acoustically inert and extremely stiff materials that provide a solid and beautiful platform for the drivers, while eliminating unwanted cabinet resonance. Twin Dual-flare Bass Reflex Ports help the bass drivers deliver an exceptionally deep and distortion-free low frequency response.
Designed and built in-house, the DALI EPIKORE 11 exude the minimalism, elegance and style of classic Danish furniture design.
Pricing is $60,000 per pair in three exclusive high-gloss finishes (High Gloss Black, High Gloss Maroon and High Gloss Walnut). For more information, visit dali-speakers.com.
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