Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Designed to deliver delicate Atmos sounds and add height to the surround sound experience
- Brilliantly built and seem built to last
- Does an outstanding job in reproducing a cinematic feel
- They are full-bodied and an easy and engaging listen
- Can be used discreetly on your living room wall while providing an exceptional stereo listening experience when paired with a subwoofer
Product Considerations
- With the vinyl wrap, it looks a little bit like Ikea furniture, so it may not be the best option for a classy looking system
- Speaker terminals use a push fit spring clamp system for very thin wire, which can be annoying
- When used on top of floor standers, they do not sound as good as when wall-mounted
- Dolby Atmos content availability may be lacking
Takeaway: The Alteco C1 is a well-built speaker that adds a cinematic feel to a home theatre experience. It is a versatile speaker that can be used in different ways and is a good value for the price.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Alteco C-1
reviews
[{"title":"Product review: Dali Alteco C1 Surround Speakers","link":"https://blog.richersounds.com/product-review-dali-alteco-c1-surround-speakers","source":"Richer Sounds","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"DALI ALTECO C-1 Speakers Review || Best Dolby Atmos Overhead Speakers?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOlEuVdjgcQ","source":"Geezer Into Tech","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Are the DALI Alteco C-1 Speakers Worth the Hype?","link":"https://joeaudio.co.uk/blogs/news/are-the-dali-alteco-c-1-speakers-worth-the-hype-heres-our-honest-review?srsltid=AfmBOop2WJYHrQhAI8uaPz2GU87pl8qzgl7kDVRqIIdqRea1b6N9GYCy","source":"joeaudio.co.uk","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Range [+/- 3] dB [Hz]: 74 - 26,000
- Sensitivity [2.83V/1m] [dB]: 83
- Nominal Impedance [ohms]: 6
- Maximum SPL [dB]: 103
- Recommended Amp. Power [Watts]: 40 - 100
- Crossover Frequencies [Hz]: 2,100
- Crossover Principle: 2-way
- High Frequency Driver(s): 1 x 21 mm soft dome
- Low Frequency/Midrange Driver(s): 1 x 4½"
Description
The DALI ALTECO C-1 is a true multipurpose speaker. It adds Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D height information to an existing surround setup, and is a discreet on-wall solution for a stereo installation.
The DALI ALTECO C-1 is a true multipurpose speaker. It adds Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D height information to an existing surround setup, and is a discreet on-wall solution for a stereo installation.Dual Sound ModeThe dual sound mode offers flexible placement. Select 'UP' for soft, downward sound dispersion or 'DOWN' for close listening.Wood Fibre ConesOur low-loss drivers combine low-mass paper cones with wood fibre for an uneven surface that eliminates resonance and reveals every detail.Up-FiringWhen placed on top of front or rear speakers, the angular design is perfect for transmitting Dolby Atmos, DTS-X or Auro-3D surround sound height information.Soft Dome TweeterThe ultra lightweight, weaved fabric dome tweeter offers best-in-class resolution with extended frequency response, wide dispersion and low colouration.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand utilizes a unique "2.5-way plus half" hybrid driver configuration, blending active and passive crossover elements to optimize performance across the frequency spectrum.
- DALI emphasizes creating speakers that are versatile in placement, suitable for stand, shelf, or even wall mounting, ensuring they integrate easily into diverse listening environments.
- They develop and manufacture their own wood fiber cones and other drivers in-house, allowing for precise control over material composition and sonic characteristics.
- DALI often incorporates their patented SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) technology in driver construction, aiming to minimize distortion and improve audio clarity.
Select products
Select product comparisons
DALI Oberon 9
- Positioning: The largest model in the DALI Oberon series, designed for high-end Hi-Fi experiences.
- Description: Offers a refined sound with a wide dispersion pattern that reduces distortion, making it ideal for large rooms. Its wood fibre cones and patented SMC technology provide a relaxed midrange and detailed sound, distinguishing it from the Opticon 8 MK2, which focuses more on dynamic accuracy.
DALI Opticon 8 MK2
- Positioning: The flagship model of the Opticon MK2 series, suited for large listening spaces.
- Description: Known for its dynamic accuracy and rich bass, features a hybrid tweeter and SMC technology for reduced distortion. Compared to the Oberon 9, it offers a more detailed high-frequency response.
DALI Rubikore 8
- Positioning: A high-end model in the Rubikore series, designed for ambitious home Hi-Fi and theatre systems.
- Description: With its Clarity Cone Technology and SMC-KORE inductors, delivers powerful sound with natural warmth. It stands out from the Epicon 8 by offering a wider bandwidth and is better suited for larger spaces due to its enhanced bass integration.
DALI Epicon 8
- Positioning: The pinnacle of the Epicon series, offering a rich and detailed sound.
- Description: Features patented SMC technology and a hybrid tweeter, providing a smooth and wide dispersion of sound. It differs from the Rubikore 8 by focusing more on reducing distortion and providing a more intimate soundstage.
DALI Kore
- Positioning: The flagship model of DALI, representing the culmination of 40 years of loudspeaker design.
- Description: Features Balanced Drive SMC technology and an EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter for exceptional fidelity and clarity. It is the most advanced in the lineup, offering the highest level of performance and is best for those seeking the ultimate in sound quality and are willing to invest in the best.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
75
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
21
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
83
Founding Year
1983
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
Dali
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Dali
Rubikore
2500
2500
/
3
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Product Strengths
- Nice bass extension down to about 40, 45 Hertz in the room
- Very low distortion and good dynamic range
- Excellent resolution throughout the frequency range
- Hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage
- Well-constructed and well-engineered
Product Considerations
- The speaker sounds a little too laid back in the mid-range
- High frequency has a lot of sizzle or pop, the level of the tweeter stands out more above the mid-range
- Without some equalization or some sidewall absorption, it is a tough sell
- SMC material reduces third harmonic distortion, and some people may feel that it is too polite
- May need a cooler and livelier amplifier to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Neat Elite Classics are only just a little less capable at shifting air at low frequencies and are a little more balanced tonally, whereas the Dali's are a little recessed in the upper mid-range
Takeaway: The Dali Rubicon 6s are well-engineered speakers that offer excellent resolution throughout the frequency range. The hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
On Wall 302
1599
1599
/
4
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, on-wall or freestanding configurations
- Clear dialog and well-sorted audio elements are produced for movies
- Accurate imaging creates a strong phantom center channel effect
- Sleek and modern aesthetics fit well in various spaces
- Clear midrange and spirited highs provide good sound quality for both movies and music
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
- Small hole for speaker wire in the stand pole may be too small for some speaker cables with spade connectors
- Speakers need to be closer to the wall to reinforce bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Focal On Wall 302 offers more versatility in application, while the Focal Vestia No. 2 has more designer finish
Takeaway: The Focal On Wall 302 is a versatile speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and offers a modern, sleek design that fits into various home theater or music setups. These speakers are a great choice for those looking for unobtrusive, elegant speakers that perform well for both movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Product Page
Product Page
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Axiom
M60 (On-wall)
2437
2437
/
3
Reviews
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
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Product Strengths
- Great sound and is considered one of the greatest audio bargains
- Even tonal balance, very neutral, and offers a balance of detail and exceptional musicality
- Creates a credible soundstage and reveals detail in well-recorded material, with a wide stage extending beyond the speakers and conveying depth
- Can play loudly with minimal effort due to its 89dB sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance
- Superb imaging, especially with two-channel listening
Product Considerations
- High-end finishes increase the price significantly
- Some reviewers find the grills flimsy
- Some reviewers found the speaker install difficult
- The height of the tweeter was a bit low for one reviewer, causing the soundstage to feel low at times
- Some reviewers find Axiom speakers as a whole as unforgiving or too bright
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PSB Platinum M2 and Usher X-718, the Axiom M60 v2 could play much louder and go far lower in the bass
- Compared to Onix Rocket RS450s, there's a considerably increased size of the soundstage
Takeaway: The Axiom M60 v2 speakers are a great value for their excellent performance and ability to draw one into their music. With a seemingly boundless dynamic range, they bring music to life and can be a solid choice if space allows.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (In-wall)
1099
1099
/
3
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Slim design allows it to be hung on the wall like a picture
- Employs true 3-way full range drivers with pivoting Inverted Dual Concentric mid-range/tweeter modules, and C-CAM bass drivers
- Clever drive unit arrangement ensures that imaging is excellent
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing, potentially leading to a slightly congested presentation with complex rhythms
- Bass presence is limited due to the sealed-box design
- Without the grilles, the speakers have a stark, industrial look
Takeaway: The SoundFrame offers both stylish design and impressive sound quality, making it a good choice for those who want their speakers to blend seamlessly with their home decor. Its innovative features and well-built construction make it a worthwhile investment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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What competes at this price?
Dali
Fazon Mikro
502
/
Released
The DALI FAZON MIKRO is an ultra compact on-wall speaker featuring our signature wood fibre cone and soft dome tweeter module. The high-gloss lacquered aluminium cabinet fits perfectly in any living room and delivers true Hi-Fi in a very small package.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The speakers produce a lively and informative sound
- The system has excellent cohesion, showing no jarring shifts in tone
- The system offers excellent detail and tonality, especially with voices
- The subwoofer integrates well and packs a good punch for its size
- The build quality is excellent with a high-calibre paint finish
Product Considerations
- The soundstage can be relatively small, and the system can struggle to convey the scale of some explosions
- Dynamics could be better—the system can fall a little flat dynamically when it comes to building tension
- Low frequencies from the subwoofer can sound overly bloated if the volume dial is cranked up too high
- Dispersion from the Mikro speakers is not as wide as some would like
- The sound might be too polite and small-scale for some tastes, lacking heft and authority
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Fazon Mikro lacks the out-and-out heft, authority and dynamics of similarly priced packages like the Quad L-ite Plus or the Monitor Audio Radius R90HT1
Takeaway:
The Dali Fazon Mikro 5.1 is a stylish speaker package that delivers a refined and detailed sound for both movies and music. It's an assured system that's easy to admire because of the build quality and the solid sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Theva Surround
649
/
Released
2023
Theva Surround is the wall-mount speaker from the Theva range. It completes your Home Cinema system and can be easily installed in different spots to enjoy total sound immersion. Boasting a TNF tweeter and a Slatefiber cone speaker driver – both exclusive Focal technologies –, it spatialises every listening session for an uncompromising sound experience.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
- Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
- Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
- Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
- Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class
Product Considerations
- The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
- The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
- Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
- Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
- Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image
Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (On-wall)
686
/
Released
The SoundFrame series consists of three sizes of speakers that complement any room. SoundFrame 1 On-Wall adopts the aspect of a typical portrait picture frame and is designed for music and film audio in a front left/right and surround configuration.
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
- Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
- Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing
- Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
- Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
- Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
- SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Product Page
Product Page
M&K Sound
D95
790
/
Released
2022
M&K Sound, manufacturer of the finest loudspeakers and subwoofers and whose products are "The Choice of Professionals", has introduced the new discreet and design-conscious D Series of loudspeakers, comprising the D85 and D95 models. Optimized for placement on walls, on stands, inside bookshelves or flanking flat-panel TV´s.
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Engaging, fast, and accurate performance
- Superbly made with good build and finish commensurate with the asking price
- Genuinely flexible in terms of positioning, especially for wall mounting due to its slim profile
- Impressive detail retrieval combined with a crisp and dynamic presentation
Product Considerations
- Limited bass extension, likely requiring a subwoofer for most applications
- Poor speaker terminals that won't happily accept 4mm plugs
- Not inexpensive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Spendor A1 outperforms the D95 on a stand or shelf, but the D95 has the edge when wall-mounted
- D95 differs from ATC HTS series, since there is no center speaker version
Takeaway: The D95 is a great option for spaces where floorspace is limited, delivering a sparkling performance from an easy-to-place enclosure. It's a well-made, versatile speaker that shines when wall-mounted.
Video review
Our take on the brand
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Magnat
Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX
996
/
Released
One of the 42 mm tweeter cones is located on each sloping side at the centre of the powerful 17 cm subwoofers: The Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX follows the ideal structure of classic dipole speakers. The two tweeters are – as stipulated by THX® – connected together with reversed polarity to produce a diffuse, very three-dimensional soundscape. Because our cone operates in an extremely wide band, the Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX creates this desired diffuse sound field from as low as 1500 hertz.
Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The system complies with the demanding THX Ultra 2 standard, requiring exceptional technical characteristics
- It is designed to create a very immersive soundstage, which integrates the unique vertical dimension offered by Dolby Atmos
- The LCR 100-THX speaker is a versatile model that can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, allowing it to be used as a left, center, or right speaker
- The system offers a graceful and benevolent sound restitution, as well as a rise in intensity that is very progressive
- The pair of subwoofers articulate sound well without being overwhelming
Product Considerations
- The mids are slightly set back, and the sound signature can seem a bit shy at low listening levels
- The volume needs to be turned up to get a feeling of natural authority and a soundstage that unfolds fully
Takeaway: The Magnat Cinema Ultra THX 5.2.4 system offers an immersive home cinema experience with a focus on sound quality and control. It is designed to deliver both subtle nuances and powerful audio, making it a great fit for a variety of listening conditions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
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