The bookshelf speaker market is really hot at the moment. Some manufacturers are introducing brand new models, while others are devising important updates to already existing catalogue. Joining the bandwagon is Danish hi-fi manufacturer DALI, which has released its new pair of Kupid speakers this weekend. Priced at $400, the Kupid speaker from DALI is surprisingly affordable, given the fact that the company is rather renowned for its high-end models that used to compete with the likes of KEF and Bowers and Wilkinson lineup.
In a bid to drift away from the competition, Kupid has now entered a new competitive market dominated by brands like Fluance and Fosi Audio, which have built strong reputations for value and quality. Notably, the Kupid also matches the $400 price tag of both the Fosi Audio SP601 and Fluance 501, which makes it an intriguing option for audiophiles who have never had a try at DALI, citing its high price tag.
The Kupid speakers caught the attention not just for their price but for their design. Drifting away from the regular design of DALI’s high-end models, these bookshelf speakers come in eye-catching finishes like golden yellow and chilly blue, alongside more classic options like black ash, walnut, and caramel white. This makes these speakers as much a decor statement as an audio solution.
As per What Hi-Fi, these speakers are designed to “complement most decors,” which is a refreshing change from the usual black or wood-toned boxes that dominate the hi-fi world. ecoustics seconds that by stating the design drifts away from the “boxy and boring vibe” its predecessor used to offer. Beyond colors and aesthetics, the speaker delivers full and refined sound despite its compact size and budget price. This is possible, courtesy of the speaker’s precision, performance, and musicality DNA it gets from DALI, as a result of which the speaker is built for both sound and style.
As detailed by Forbes, the speaker is built with a 4.5-inch paper and wood fibre bass/midrange driver, a ferrite magnet system, and a low-loss rubber surround, all designed to produce fast, tight bass and a dynamic midrange. The 26mm ultra-light soft dome tweeter promises detailed, extended highs with smooth dispersion and minimal distortion, while a dual flare bass reflex port optimizes airflow for deep, low-distortion bass.
One thing we love about the Kupids is their simplicity. DALI designed them with a “keep it simple” philosophy, ensuring they work seamlessly with a wide range of amplifiers, including budget models and streaming amps, thanks to a consistent impedance of over 4 ohms. This is a huge plus for someone who doesn’t want to splurge on a high-end amplifier just to get great sound. The speakers also come with wall brackets and rubber feet, giving the flexibility to place them on a shelf or mount them on a wall.
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The fact that they’re designed and engineered in Denmark, with a focus on precision, performance, and musicality, makes us hopeful they’ll deliver amazing soundstage and clarity. We are also intrigued by DALI’s claim that these speakers mark “the first product of a new chapter” for the company, hinting at more accessible hi-fi gear to come.
The DALI Kupid bookshelf speaker will go on sale from the first week of October, with each pair priced at $400. At that price, they’re tempting for anyone looking to dip their toes into hi-fi or upgrade without emptying their wallet. If they live up to the hype, these could be the perfect addition to your setup, blending sound and style to the music-listening sessions.
