DALI EPIKORE 11 global launch in September: 4½-way Floorstanders with Ultra-low Distortion SMC Gen-2 Technology.

With the new EPIKORE 11, DALI celebrates 40 years of loudspeaker research and development. The natural evolution of the acclaimed DALI EPICON series — inheriting several new technologies from the DALI KORE flagship speaker. The EPIKORE 11 combines ultimate audio realism with luxurious craftmanship to create a truly exceptional musical experience.

KEY FEATURES:

Evolution Through KORE Technologies

The DALI EPIKORE 11 is a large 4½-way floorstander that sets new standards for low-distortion loudspeaker design. The curved, real-wood veneer cabinet houses four powerful 8-inch bass drivers, a highly dynamic 6½-inch midrange — each utilising DALI's second-generation Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC Gen-2) magnet material — as well as the EVO-K variant of DALI's Hybrid Tweeter Module borrowed directly from the DALI KORE.

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 reduce hysteresis, SMC Gen-2 is the next generation of DALI's patented SMC magnet material technology. 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, offering significantly enhanced characteristics over the first-generation SMC introduced in the EPICON series in 2012. The result is a further reduction in hysteresis, flux-modulation and eddy currents in the magnet system. This translates to even lower loss and distortion, allowing the EPIKORE 11 to deliver a highly dynamic and authentic sound reproduction.

The EPIKORE 11 features DALI's signature Paper and Wood Fibre Cone Technology, which serves to reduce weight and add stiffness; helping to promote non-resonant break-up characteristics. With wood fibre cone technology, the EPIKORE 11 produces the finest musical detail and dynamics.

Developed originally for the DALI KORE, the EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter combines a large, in-house developed 35 mm Soft Dome Tweeter and an improved version of DALI's ultra-thin, high performance Ribbon Tweeter element. Together with the extremely powerful neodymium magnet motor systems, they deliver an astonishingly smooth and effortless high-frequency reproduction — at any volume level.

'The EPIKORE 11 is the natural progression of our award-winning EPICON speaker, applying the learnings from our DALI KORE flagship.' - Krestian Pedersen, DALI Head of Product Management

The newly developed 6½-inch EPIKORE Midrange Driver delivers outstanding performance. Featuring the complex embossed geometric structure of the paper and wood fibre diaphragm used in the DALI KORE, which — as well as helping to control the diaphragm modes — lowers distortion without adding additional weight. The titanium voice-coil former, and DALI's patented SMC Gen-2 magnet system, lowers mechanical loss and distortion even further, allowing for an outstanding sonic performance.

Featuring exceptionally large and powerful magnet systems based on DALI's SMC Gen-2 material, the Four 8-inch Woofers used in the EPIKORE 11 fill any room with a huge, extensive, and precise low frequency reproduction. From the lowest, deepest bass frequencies through to the seamless roll-off to the midrange driver, the EPIKORE 11 woofers reproduce the finest musical details and dynamics.

Also developed for the DALI KORE and inspired by the DALI MegaLine and line-source techniques generally, the EPIKORE 11 features Floor Reflection Control (FRC Technology); two pairs of bass drivers, spaced apart and on separated crossover taps. The acoustic centre of the upper pair is shifted backwards, right in the frequency area where cancellations from the floor would occur. The effect is significantly reduced floor reflections and an almost complete elimination of the usual cancellation in the critical 250-300 Hz band. The result is a more natural reproduction of timbre and tonality in the lower midrange.

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. 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. SMC KORE crossover inductors, together with hand-picked, high-end capacitors and resistors, ensure the EPIKORE 11's World-class Crossovers are optimised exclusively for the speaker. The properties of DALI's SMC Gen-2 material also results in around 12 dB 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 with oversize thumbscrews, which allow better grip on bare wires and spade terminals. 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 Continuous-Flare Bass Reflex Ports help the bass drivers deliver an exceptionally deep and distortion-free low frequency response.

Designed and built in-house, DALI EPIKORE 11 exudes the minimalism, elegance, and style of classic Danish furniture design. With Adjustable Spike Feet Outriggers, ensuring solid, stable contact with the floor, and available in 3 Exclusive High-Gloss Finishes (High Gloss Black, High Gloss Maroon, and High Gloss Walnut), the new DALI EPIKORE 11 loudspeaker sounds — and looks — simply stunning.

EPIKORE 11 will launch in September 2023, priced at $60,000, £39,998, €39,998 per pair.

DALI will be showcasing the EPIKORE 11 at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live in Ascot from 29th September - October 1st.

Starscream Communications

 

• hi@starscreamcommunications.com

EPIKORE 11 SPECIFICATION:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For a more detailed, in-depth overview of the new DALI EPIKORE 11, please feel free to download the attached white paper below.

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