Questions about Dali Epikore 7 and tactility in speakers

[niket92]

The other day I went to audition a pair of Sonus Faber Sonetto V. The store made a mistake and hooked up the Dali Epikore 7 instead and I fell in love with them. The issue is that they are 4 times more expensive than what I was open to spending. The Sonetto V paled in comparison.

One of the things I noticed with the Epikore 7 was an almost tactile listening experience where it was like I could feel bows striking violin strings or piano keys being pressed like they were right there in front of me. The attack of notes/sounds was more crisp and present. I didn't hear that in the Sonetto V or my Dali Oberon 5 that I have in my current system. This reviewer has somewhat similar things to say: https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/dali-epikore-7-big-sound-4-larger-room/

What causes this phenomenon? Is it a specific range of frequency reproduction that I can achieve using EQ? Is there something else about the Epikore 7 that these other speakers are missing? Could I find speakers that give me this experience at a lower price?

My current set up is a pair of Dali Oberon 5, Dali center and surrounds, 2 PSA EV1513m subs that flank my sofa as side tables, and a Denon X3800H. I've gone through the process of aligning my subs with a MiniDSP, REW and Umik1 and use Audyssey XT32 with a house curve set (6db at 20hz, 3.5db at 60hz, 0db at 250hz) in the Audyssey app.

 

[Gasman117]

I just started a discussion like this. My Opticon 6 mk2 has a wonderful cymbal and piano sound because of what you call attack and crisp, I call timber and detail.
Interesting

 

[Ruediger]

Find speakers that bring this experience and don't cost as much - I don't want to just say yep that's the Dali sound. Too simple and generalizing. But the Dalis have a certain sound that I see described here in part. And this is said to be there across the lines (can't verify that, haven't heard nearly all).

I would look at other models that have the hardware trickled down from the Kore (dual tweeter, smc cones) and are more within your budget. Namely the Rubikore 6 and 8 could bring that sound while staying under $10k a pair. Whereas the 8 is already for large rooms, maybe nearer to the Epikore 9 than 7.

 

[LTig]

I would relate crisp and detail to extended mids and highs. Something which sounds impressive first but can lead to listening fatigue at longer listening periods.

 

[Ruediger]

Whatever was used to demonstrate them would need to be looked at too.

From the Epikore 9, maybe helpful.

SoundStageNetwork.com | SoundStage.com - NRC Measurements: DALI Epikore 9 Loudspeaker

www.soundstagenetwork.com

 

[niket92]

Thanks for the measurement graph! I was looking for it, but all I could find was the Epikore 11.

I've been tinkering with my EQ curves and I believe it is the bump in bass in the ~60-100hz range giving me this feeling, which makes sense based on what I have read about the ~60hz being the "chest slam" (tactility in some way) frequency range.

I have no room treatment in my room so I have a feeling that my room acoustics are muddying up my sound and maybe why I felt the attack of sounds was more crisp at the store as their rooms are treated. I bought a license for the Dirac ART bundle last night to try to fix the room acoustics and flatten out my sub response more effectively than I can do manually. Hopefully that helps.

I'll probably hold off on new speakers until I get through setting up Dirac ART and determine my speakers are the limiting factor.

 

[Ruediger]

I think I know what you mean as my Dalis need EQ treatment in the 60-100hz area too.

Albeit different designs, these Dali floorstanders are strong bass-reflexers. Depending on the room further treatment is absolutely necessary. I had them in an area with a lot of furniture, covered floor, thick rug, lots of stuff on the walls, almost no glass in sight.. nice dominant bass. Did not need to do anything basically. They are now in a larger area with tiles for floor, more space, huge glass areas, wide walls... this is much more difficult. Without treatment the sound will get pretty muddy.

For a proper comparison it would be best to listen to other models in the same treated room of the dealer.

I use Audyssey XT32 for home theater (with subwoofer and others) and a PEQ just from 100Hz down for pure stereo music.

Dirac ART is another level of treatment and should show you what's up.