Audio T Verdict
The DALI PHANTOM E-60 is a versatile architectural speaker that provides a fuller and more room-filling performance than the smaller E-50 without requiring the larger ceiling opening of the E-80.
Its 6½-inch polypropylene bass and midrange driver is mounted at a slight angle, while the soft-dome tweeter is positioned off-centre above it. The complete speaker can be rotated during installation, helping direct more of the sound towards the intended listening area.
DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle makes the E-60 particularly useful in rooms where listeners are spread across several seats or move around the space. Two front-mounted adjustment switches also allow the high-frequency level and off-axis presentation to be fine-tuned after installation.
The 52Hz lower frequency limit gives the E-60 useful weight for background music and smaller stereo systems, although bass performance will depend on the ceiling or wall cavity. An acoustic backbox can provide a more predictable working volume and reduce sound leakage into adjoining rooms.
The E-60 is equally at home as a stereo pair in a kitchen or family room, as a discreet surround speaker or as an overhead channel within a Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro-3D system.
Installation is handled from the front using DALI's rotating dogleg clamps. Once fitted, the thin magnetic grille leaves only a discreet 258mm circular surface visible.
The standard PHANTOM E-60 should not be confused with the IP65-rated E-60 WR. For bathrooms, high-humidity areas or covered outdoor installations, the weather-resistant model is the appropriate choice.
For most domestic custom-install applications, the PHANTOM E-60 offers an excellent balance of installation size, bass extension, output and flexibility.
DALI PHANTOM E-60 In-Ceiling Speaker
The DALI PHANTOM E-60 is a passive architectural speaker designed primarily for flush installation within a ceiling.
It can be used as part of a discreet stereo system, distributed multiroom installation or home cinema, including side, rear and overhead height channels.
The speaker can also be installed within a suitable wall where its circular form and directional driver arrangement suit the proposed layout.
A separate amplifier or AV receiver is required, and the PHANTOM E-60 is supplied individually rather than as a stereo pair.
Sold Individually
The listed price covers one DALI PHANTOM E-60 speaker.
A conventional stereo installation normally requires two speakers. A home cinema or multiroom installation may require several, depending on the selected layout.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The PHANTOM E-60 is a passive loudspeaker and cannot play music directly from a phone, television, streamer or computer.
- No built-in amplification
- No Bluetooth
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- No network streaming services
- No HDMI or digital audio input
- No built-in volume control
A suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, multiroom amplifier or AV receiver must provide the power and source connections.
A Flexible Architectural All-Rounder
The PHANTOM E-60 sits between the compact E-50 and larger E-80 within DALI's established E Series.
Its 6½-inch driver provides greater bass scale and output than the E-50 while retaining a relatively discreet installation diameter.
This makes it suitable for small and medium-sized rooms, including kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, dining areas and dedicated cinema installations.
6½-Inch Polypropylene Woofer
The E-60 uses one 6½-inch bass and midrange driver with a polypropylene diaphragm.
The material provides a useful combination of low mass, stiffness and durability within an open-back architectural design.
The driver reproduces bass, voices and much of the instrumental range before handing over to the soft-dome tweeter at 3,300Hz.
DALI's low-loss approach is intended to preserve smaller changes in the musical signal without adding unnecessary mechanical resistance.
Tilted Bass and Midrange Driver
The woofer is mounted at a slight angle rather than sitting completely parallel with the ceiling surface.
This helps direct more of its output towards the intended listening area and can improve soundstaging compared with a driver firing directly downwards.
The complete circular speaker can be rotated before the dogleg clamps are tightened, allowing its directional bias to be aligned with the room.
Soft-Dome Tweeter
A lightweight textile soft-dome tweeter reproduces the high frequencies.
The tweeter is mounted above the bass and midrange cone on a carefully shaped composite support, keeping the complete speaker compact while allowing the two drivers to operate from one circular opening.
The soft-dome design is intended to provide clear detail, smooth dispersion and natural integration with the polypropylene woofer.
Off-Centre Tweeter Position
The tweeter is positioned slightly away from the geometric centre of the woofer.
This helps reduce predictable reflections and colouration that can occur within a completely symmetrical coaxial arrangement.
DALI's aeroplane-wing-profile support also minimises the physical obstruction placed in front of the main driver.
3,300Hz Crossover
The internal crossover divides the amplifier signal between the bass and midrange driver and tweeter at approximately 3,300Hz.
The crossover components have been selected specifically for the PHANTOM E-60 and are positioned close to the spring-loaded terminals.
This keeps the internal signal path relatively short, while secured internal wiring helps reduce the possibility of rattling within the installation.
DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
The PHANTOM E-60 follows DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
This is particularly useful with ceiling speakers because listeners are rarely positioned directly beneath every driver.
The tilted woofer, off-centre tweeter and adjustable installation direction help provide a broad listening area with a more consistent tonal balance away from the speaker's central axis.
Normal and HF Tilt Adjustment
One front-mounted switch changes the tweeter between Normal and HF Tilt settings.
HF Tilt increases the high-frequency level by approximately 3dB and can be useful where the listener is well off-axis or the room requires additional treble energy.
Begin with the Normal position and adjust only after the complete installation has been tested.
Focus and Distributed Adjustment
A second switch changes the speaker between Focus and Distributed operation.
DALI recommends Focus where listeners remain within approximately 25 degrees of the speaker's central axis.
Distributed is intended for wider listening areas or positions more than approximately 25 degrees off-axis.
Set the Switches Before Fitting the Grille
The adjustment switches remain accessible from the front after installation, but the magnetic grille must be removed.
Use consistent settings across matching speakers unless their positions or surrounding surfaces differ significantly.
Compass Positioning System
Compass-style markings around the baffle provide a reference for the rotational position of the speaker.
The off-centre tweeter should generally be positioned towards the principal listening area.
The compass markings help installers align several speakers consistently or repeat a planned orientation across a multichannel system.
Dogleg Mounting System
Rotating dogleg clamps secure the E-60 to the rear of the ceiling or wall surface.
After the cable is connected, the speaker is inserted into the prepared opening and the clamp screws are tightened from the front.
The doglegs rotate outwards and grip the rear of the board, pulling the speaker's gasket and baffle firmly against the visible surface.
Do Not Overtighten the Clamps
The screws should be tightened evenly until the speaker is secure and flush with the surface.
Excessive force can damage the ceiling board, distort the mounting frame or strip the fixing mechanism.
Thin Magnetic Grille
A white circular grille attaches magnetically to the installed speaker.
No screws pass through the visible grille surface, giving the installation a clean and discreet finish.
The grille includes a protective inner fabric that should remain in place to help keep dust and debris away from the drivers.
Optional square and alternative E or K Series grilles may be available separately.
Open-Back Acoustic Design
The PHANTOM E-60 does not contain a conventional enclosed loudspeaker cabinet.
The space behind the ceiling or wall therefore forms part of the acoustic environment in which the driver operates.
DALI recommends a rear volume between 5 and 50 litres, with approximately 15 litres identified as the optimum target.
Different cavity sizes, insulation materials and surrounding structures can change the final bass response.
Optional Acoustic Backbox
A compatible PHANTOM UNIVERSAL 25 backbox can provide a more predictable working volume behind the speaker.
A backbox can also help reduce sound travelling into rooms above, adjoining spaces or an open ceiling void.
The enclosure, cable and installation must retain sufficient clearance around the rear of the speaker and dogleg clamps.
A Backbox and Fire Hood Serve Different Purposes
An acoustic backbox controls the space behind the speaker and can reduce sound leakage.
A fire hood may be required to preserve the fire performance of the ceiling. Some installation products combine both functions, but this should not be assumed.
225mm Cut-Out
The E-60 requires a circular ceiling or wall opening measuring 225mm in diameter.
The official cut-out template should be used rather than measuring from the outside grille.
Before cutting, check for joists, electrical wiring, water pipes, ventilation ducts and other hidden services.
95mm Mounting Depth
A minimum mounting depth of approximately 95mm is required behind the visible surface.
Additional clearance may be needed for speaker cable, terminals, insulation, a fire hood or acoustic backbox.
The dogleg system is designed for ceiling or wall material approximately 10mm to 70mm thick.
Professional Installation Recommended
DALI recommends that PHANTOM architectural speakers are installed by trained professionals.
A successful installation requires consideration of the mounting surface, cable routes, amplifier loading, cavity volume, fire regulations, sound leakage and speaker positioning.
All cables should be tested before the ceiling or wall is closed and before the magnetic grille is fitted.
Check Building and Fire Requirements
A fire hood, fire-rated enclosure or low-smoke zero-halogen speaker cable may be required depending on the building and installation location.
These requirements should be established before any opening is cut or cable is concealed.
Stereo Music Systems
Two PHANTOM E-60 speakers can form a discreet stereo pair in a small or medium-sized room.
The left and right speakers should be positioned symmetrically around the main listening area where possible.
The tilted drivers and off-centre tweeters can be oriented towards the principal seating position to improve stereo focus.
Background Music and Multiroom Audio
The E-60 is well suited to kitchens, dining rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and other areas where visible speaker cabinets are undesirable.
Several speakers may be connected to a suitable custom-install or multiroom amplifier, provided that the combined impedance remains within the amplifier's specification.
Do not connect multiple speakers in parallel without calculating the resulting load.
Dolby Atmos and Height Channels
The PHANTOM E-60 can be used as an overhead channel within a compatible Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro-3D system.
Layouts may include two, four or more ceiling speakers depending on the room and AV processor.
Speaker positions should follow the guidance for the chosen surround format rather than being determined solely by available ceiling space.
AV receiver calibration should be repeated after every speaker has been installed.
Surround and Rear Channels
The broad dispersion and useful maximum output make the E-60 suitable for side and rear surround duties.
Ceiling installation can keep the room visually uncluttered where conventional wall-mounted speakers would be impractical.
The AV receiver should normally redirect the deepest bass to an active subwoofer.
52Hz Low-Frequency Extension
DALI specifies a frequency response extending from 52Hz to 25kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
This provides useful bass weight for an architectural speaker of its size.
The final response will depend on the rear cavity, installation position, room construction and any acoustic enclosure used.
An active subwoofer remains advisable for the deepest music and home cinema effects.
105dB Maximum Output
The PHANTOM E-60 has a specified maximum sound-pressure level of 105dB at one metre.
This provides useful headroom for stereo listening, distributed audio and home cinema support channels.
If the sound becomes harsh, compressed or distorted, reduce the amplifier volume.
88dB Sensitivity and 8-Ohm Impedance
The E-60 has a sensitivity of 88dB for a 2.83V input measured at one metre and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
This makes it compatible with a wide range of domestic stereo, multiroom and home cinema amplifiers.
Installations using several speakers on one channel still require careful impedance and wiring calculations.
30W to 120W Recommended Amplification
DALI recommends amplifier power between 30W and 120W.
The figure is a guide rather than a guarantee of performance or compatibility.
Amplifier quality, available current, clipping behaviour, listening distance and the number of channels operating simultaneously also matter.
Indoor Use Only
The standard PHANTOM E-60 is intended for indoor use and does not carry a published IP weather-resistance rating.
The polypropylene cone does not make the complete speaker waterproof or suitable for exposure to steam, condensation or rain.
Use the E-60 WR in Damp Locations
DALI offers a separate IP65-rated PHANTOM E-60 WR for bathrooms, spas, laundry rooms and covered outdoor areas.
Do not specify the standard E-60 for a high-humidity location without suitable professional guidance.
PHANTOM E-60 or E-50?
Choose the PHANTOM E-50 When
- The smallest ceiling opening is required
- The room is relatively compact
- Background or height-channel use is planned
- A 5¼-inch driver is sufficient
- A 58Hz lower frequency limit meets your needs
- The lower purchase price is important
Choose the PHANTOM E-60 When
- A larger 6½-inch driver is preferred
- Greater bass scale and output are required
- The room is small or medium sized
- A 52Hz lower frequency limit is useful
- 88dB sensitivity better suits the system
- Main stereo use is more important
The DALI PHANTOM E-50 requires a smaller opening and remains a strong choice for compact rooms and supporting home cinema channels.
The E-60 provides greater bass extension, sensitivity and room-filling ability.
PHANTOM E-60 or E-80?
Choose the PHANTOM E-60 When
- A more discreet installation is required
- The room is small or medium sized
- A 225mm cut-out is preferable
- 105dB maximum output is sufficient
- An 8-ohm speaker better suits the amplifier
- The lower purchase price is important
Choose the PHANTOM E-80 When
- An 8-inch driver can be accommodated
- The room is larger
- Deeper 49Hz extension is required
- Greater bass weight is important
- 107dB maximum output is useful
- The larger grille is acceptable
The DALI PHANTOM E-80 increases the driver size and output for larger rooms and more demanding main-speaker applications.
The E-60 remains easier to accommodate and provides a strong balance of discretion and performance.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Small and medium-sized rooms
- Kitchen and family-room stereo systems
- Background music installations
- Multiroom audio
- Side and rear surround channels
- Dolby Atmos height channels
- DTS:X and Auro-3D systems
- Stereo amplifiers
- Custom-install amplifiers
- AV receivers
- In-ceiling installation
- Suitable in-wall installation
Check Before Buying
- The speaker is sold individually
- A separate amplifier is required
- A 225mm circular cut-out is required
- At least 95mm mounting depth is required
- The mounting surface must be sound
- The rear cavity affects bass performance
- A backbox may be advisable
- A fire hood may be required
- Concealed cable may need a specific fire rating
- The standard model is not weather resistant
- No published IP rating
- Professional installation is recommended
Installation and Setup Guidance
- Plan the complete speaker layout before cutting the ceiling or wall.
- Confirm the number of individual speakers required.
- Check amplifier-channel availability and impedance requirements.
- Identify joists, electrical cables, water pipes and ventilation ducts.
- Use the official DALI cut-out template.
- Allow at least 95mm depth plus clearance for cable and terminals.
- Check whether a backbox or fire hood is required.
- Use speaker cable suitable for concealed installation.
- Switch off the amplifier before connecting the speaker.
- Maintain correct positive and negative polarity.
- Orient the off-centre tweeter towards the listening area.
- Select the appropriate HF Tilt and Focus or Distributed settings.
- Tighten the dogleg screws evenly without overtightening them.
- Test the speaker before fitting the grille.
- Complete room correction after every speaker has been installed.
DALI Products and Audio T Home Cinema Guides
Key Features
- Versatile passive architectural speaker
- Designed primarily for in-ceiling installation
- Suitable for compatible in-wall installation
- Supplied individually
- 2-way driver arrangement
- One 6½-inch bass and midrange driver
- Polypropylene woofer cone
- Low-loss driver design
- Tilted woofer orientation
- Rotational aiming during installation
- Soft textile dome tweeter
- Off-centre tweeter position
- Aeroplane-wing-profile tweeter support
- 3,300Hz crossover frequency
- Selected crossover components
- Short internal signal path
- Secured internal wiring
- DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
- Normal and HF Tilt adjustment
- Approximately 3dB high-frequency boost
- Focus and Distributed adjustment
- Compass positioning system
- 52Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 105dB maximum sound-pressure level
- 30W to 120W recommended amplification
- Open-back acoustic design
- 5 to 50-litre recommended rear volume
- Approximately 15-litre optimum rear volume
- Spring-loaded speaker terminals
- Single-wire connection
- Dogleg clamping system
- 10mm to 70mm mounting-surface compatibility
- Thin magnetic front grille
- White circular grille supplied
- Optional square grille
- Suitable for stereo installations
- Suitable for background music
- Suitable for surround channels
- Suitable for Dolby Atmos height channels
- 225mm installation cut-out
- 95mm mounting depth
- 258mm outer diameter including grille
- Approximately 2kg weight
- Indoor use only
- No published IP rating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DALI PHANTOM E-60?
It is a passive architectural speaker designed primarily for flush installation within a ceiling.
Is it sold individually?
Yes. The listed product and price cover one speaker.
How many are needed for stereo?
A conventional left-and-right stereo system requires two speakers.
Does it contain an amplifier?
No. It requires a suitable stereo, multiroom or home cinema amplifier.
Can it be installed in a wall?
Yes. DALI states that the E-60 can also be used as an in-wall speaker.
What size is the bass and midrange driver?
It uses one 6½-inch polypropylene driver.
Why is the woofer tilted?
The angled mounting helps direct more sound towards the intended listening area.
Can the speaker be aimed?
The complete circular speaker can be rotated before the mounting clamps are tightened.
What size is the tweeter?
DALI's current product page specifies a 25mm soft-dome tweeter.
What do the adjustment switches do?
One changes the high-frequency level between Normal and HF Tilt. The second changes the presentation between Focus and Distributed.
What is the frequency response?
DALI specifies 52Hz to 25kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
What amplifier power is recommended?
DALI recommends between 30W and 120W.
What is the nominal impedance?
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
Can it be used for Dolby Atmos?
Yes. It is well suited to overhead height-channel use with a compatible AV receiver.
Can it be used as a surround speaker?
Yes. It can be used for side or rear surround channels.
Does it need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for background music, but a subwoofer is recommended for deep bass and home cinema effects.
What size hole is required?
A circular cut-out measuring 225mm in diameter is required.
What mounting depth is required?
A minimum depth of approximately 95mm is required, plus suitable cable clearance.
What is the outer diameter?
The outside diameter including the grille is approximately 258mm.
How much does it weigh?
The speaker weighs approximately 2kg including its grille.
Is a grille included?
Yes. A white circular magnetic grille is supplied.
Is a square grille available?
Yes. A compatible square grille is available separately, subject to stock.
Does it need a backbox?
A backbox is not compulsory in every installation, but it can provide more predictable bass and reduce sound leakage.
Is a fire hood required?
Possibly. This depends on the ceiling construction, building regulations and installation location.
Can it be installed in a bathroom?
The standard E-60 is not IP rated. The weather-resistant E-60 WR should be used where high humidity or moisture resistance is required.
Can several speakers share one amplifier channel?
Possibly, but the resulting impedance and wiring arrangement must remain within the amplifier's specification.
Should I choose the E-50 or E-60?
Choose the E-50 for a smaller opening and compact rooms. Choose the E-60 for greater bass, sensitivity and room-filling performance.
Should I choose the E-60 or E-80?
Choose the E-60 for a more discreet and versatile installation. Choose the E-80 for its larger driver, deeper bass and greater output.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Advice planning stereo and home cinema layouts
- Guidance choosing between PHANTOM E Series models
- AV receiver and amplifier matching
- Speaker quantity and channel-count planning
- Dolby Atmos and surround-layout advice
- Speaker-cable and concealed-installation guidance
- Cut-out and mounting-depth checks
- Backbox and fire-hood guidance
- Weather-resistant speaker advice
- Subwoofer matching and bass management
- Room correction and AV calibration guidance
- Multiroom amplifier advice
- Home installation support may be available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the number of DALI PHANTOM E-60 speakers required and plan the amplifier, cable routes and installation before any ceiling work begins.