ISE 2024 has begun in Barcelona and it is very clear that the CI market is going to be a key focus going forward for a number of loudspeaker brands like DALI. New products like the DALI PHANTOM E-WR In-ceiling loudspeakers make a lot of sense and we have already seen new weatherproof models from Focal, Sonus faber, and Theory Audio Design that are designed specifically for this market.
Consumers are spending more time outdoors and that includes the migration of their multi-room audio systems into the backyard and on their decks.
The ability to withstand the elements is crucial and there has even been movement on the part of brands like Focal and Theory Audio Design to offer loudspeakers that can withstand the rigours of marine environments in coastal areas and on boats.
The DALI PHANTOM E-WR series has been designed to deliver unparalleled audio performance in environments traditionally challenging for high-fidelity sound systems — including spaces with high humidity and temperature extremes.
As a result of DALI’s CI engineering expertise, with the PHANTOM E-WR Series, DALI have delivered a product line-up that offers tailored CI solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Key Features
Engineered Weather Resistance: The PHANTOM E-WR Series is robustly constructed to endure temperatures from -20°C to +60°C and can handle up to 100% humidity levels. Boasting an IP65 rating — ensuring protection against indirect water spray, dust, and sand — the PHANTOM E-WR line-up is suitable for a wide range of installations — from bathrooms to patios, and more.
Advanced Driver Technology:
- Bass/Midrange: The PHANTOM E-WR series incorporates a DALI-designed driver featuring a waterproof polypropylene cone and natural rubber surround (the E-60 WR features a 6.5-inch driver; E-80 WR an 8-inch driver). This configuration ensures minimal sound coloration, high structural rigidity, and efficient self-damping. The result is an uncoloured, natural midrange, and a deep, rich low-frequency performance.
- Tweeter: Both the PHANTOM E-60 WR and E-80 WR adopt a 25 mm textile dome tweeter, engineered for extended high-frequency response. The tweeter is housed in a decoupled unit which is forward-mounted to prevent colouration from bass/midrange vibrations which enhances the clarity and detail of the upper frequency range.
Optimised Acoustic Design: With a 5° tilt in its drivers within the ceiling mount chassis, the PHANTOM E-WR series ensures precise acoustic dispersion directed towards the primary listening area. This innovative design not only optimises sound delivery, but also minimises driver and baffle resonance, thereby reducing distortion and further refining sound quality.
Superior Crossover Integration: The PHANTOM E-WR series employs a passive crossover network, integrated at 3.3 kHz, which has been designed with the same meticulous attention to detail as DALI’s award-winning loudspeakers. This integration ensures seamless blending of frequencies for a harmonious audio experience.
Installation Flexibility: Designed from the ground up to ensure straightforward installation, the PHANTOM E-WR series feature swing-out dogleg clamps that require no specialist tools. Additionally, it offers midrange and high-frequency level adjustments, to provide users with extensive configuration options for a host of different acoustic environments.
Enhanced Environmental Durability: The PHANTOM E-WR series incorporates numerous refinements for maximum environmental resilience. These include: a conformally coated crossover, stainless steel clamp screws, epoxy coated grille magnets, and humidity-resistant level adjustment switches.
DALI’s PHANTOM E-WR series represents a significant stride in combining environmental resilience with high-performance audio technology.
Testament to DALI’s pursuit of acoustic perfection, the PHANTOM E-60WR and E-80WR have been meticulously engineered to meet the rigorous demands of both professional installers and audiophiles.
Specifications
| PHANTOM E-60 WR | PHANTOM E-80 WR | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $550 |
| Driver | 6.5-inch Wide Dispersion | 8-inch Wide Dispersion |
| Tweeter | 25 mm Textile Dome | 25 mm Textile Dome |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP65 |
| Operating Environment (Temperature) | -20°C to +60°C | -20°C to +60°C |
| Operating Environment (Humidity) | ≤ 100% | ≤ 100% |
| Frequency Level Adjustment | Normal (0dB), Mid+/High+ (+3dB) options | Normal (0dB), Mid+/High+ (+3dB) options |
| Thermal Switch Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Tilted Driver | Yes (5°) | Yes (5°) |
| Installation Method | Dogleg clamp in a standard aperture | Dogleg clamp in a standard aperture |
| Paintable Magnetic Grille | Yes | Yes |
Price & Availability
The PHANTOM E-60 WR and PHANTOM E-80 WR will be available from March, priced €299/£299/$450 and €399/£399/$550 respectively.
For more information: dali-speakers.com
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