Audio T Verdict
The DALI KUPID are ultra-compact passive speakers designed to make proper stereo Hi-Fi easier to accommodate and more visually interesting.
Each cabinet combines a 4½-inch paper and wood-fibre bass/midrange driver with a 26mm soft-dome tweeter. A purpose-designed crossover and rear Dual Flare bass-reflex port help the two drivers work together, giving the KUPID a larger and more confident presentation than its dimensions might suggest.
DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle is particularly useful in real living spaces. The KUPID are intended to face straight ahead rather than being heavily angled towards one listening seat, helping produce a broad and consistent soundstage across a wider area of the room.
Placement is unusually flexible. The speakers can sit on stands, shelves or suitable furniture and can be positioned as close as 25mm from the wall behind them. Wall brackets, front grilles and rubber feet are included.
The 63Hz lower frequency limit is respectable for such a small cabinet, but the KUPID cannot reproduce the scale or deepest bass of a larger standmount or floorstanding speaker. An active subwoofer can be added where greater low-frequency extension is required.
Amplifier matching deserves more thought than the cabinets' small size might imply. Sensitivity is a relatively low 83dB and nominal impedance is 4 ohms, with DALI recommending between 40W and 120W. A capable amplifier with dependable current delivery will allow them to sound more open, controlled and dynamic.
For a bedroom, office, compact living room, desktop system or wall-mounted installation, the KUPID offer a convincing introduction to stereo Hi-Fi without looking like another conventional black box.
DALI KUPID Compact Bookshelf Speakers
The DALI KUPID are compact 2-way passive loudspeakers designed for stand, shelf, furniture or wall placement.
They require connection to a suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, mini system or AV receiver and do not contain built-in amplification, Bluetooth or network streaming.
Despite measuring only 237mm high, each cabinet contains a dedicated bass/midrange driver, separate soft-dome tweeter, custom crossover and rear bass-reflex system.
A range of traditional and more expressive finishes allows the speakers either to blend discreetly into the room or become part of the interior design.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The DALI KUPID are passive loudspeakers and cannot play music directly from a phone, television, turntable or computer.
A suitable amplifier must provide the power required by the speakers and the connections needed by the chosen sources.
- No built-in amplifier
- No Bluetooth
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- No streaming services
- No HDMI ARC
- No optical or coaxial digital input
- No built-in phono stage
- No headphone output
A streaming amplifier can provide amplification and network music services within one compact component, while a conventional integrated amplifier allows separate source components to be added.
Ultra-Compact 2-Way Design
The KUPID use a conventional 2-way arrangement, with separate drivers handling different regions of the musical spectrum.
The 4½-inch bass/midrange unit reproduces bass, vocals and much of the instrumental range, while the 26mm tweeter handles upper frequencies.
A crossover operating at 2,100Hz divides the incoming signal between the two drivers.
This allows each unit to work within the range for which it was designed rather than asking one small full-range driver to reproduce everything.
4½-Inch Bass and Midrange Driver
Each KUPID cabinet contains one 4½-inch bass/midrange driver.
The compact diameter allows the front baffle and complete cabinet to remain narrow, helping the speakers fit on shelves, desks and furniture where a larger design would be impractical.
A small driver has less radiating area than the unit used by a larger loudspeaker, so cabinet design, port tuning, motor control and cone excursion become particularly important.
The driver has been developed as part of the complete KUPID system rather than selected as a generic off-the-shelf component.
Paper and Wood-Fibre Cone
The bass/midrange cone combines fine paper pulp with reinforcing wood fibres.
The material is intended to produce a rigid yet lightweight diaphragm with useful natural damping.
The irregular distribution of the fibres helps reduce the tendency for one narrow part of the cone to resonate strongly as frequency increases.
This contributes to a clear and natural midrange while helping bass notes retain definition and pitch.
Low-Loss Driver Suspension
A low-loss rubber surround controls the outer edge of the bass/midrange cone.
The surround must allow the diaphragm to respond to small changes in the signal while keeping larger movements centred and controlled.
Excessive mechanical resistance can obscure low-level information, while insufficient control can cause the cone to behave inconsistently as volume increases.
DALI's low-loss approach is intended to preserve fine detail and musical dynamics without adding unnecessary mechanical damping.
Ferrite Magnet Motor System
The bass/midrange driver uses a ferrite magnet system designed to provide the magnetic control required by the voice coil.
The amplifier creates a changing electrical current within the voice coil, which interacts with the fixed magnetic field and moves the cone.
The strength, geometry and consistency of that field influence efficiency, control and distortion.
The complete motor has been developed to work with the cone, suspension and compact reflex enclosure.
26mm Soft-Dome Tweeter
A 26mm soft-dome tweeter reproduces high-frequency information.
The dome uses a lightweight woven fabric intended to respond quickly to the incoming signal while maintaining a smooth and controlled character.
At 26mm, it is large enough to operate comfortably towards the 2,100Hz crossover point, helping it integrate with the 4½-inch bass/midrange driver.
The tweeter is designed to provide clarity and detail without making poor recordings unnecessarily aggressive.
Neodymium Tweeter Magnet
The tweeter uses a compact neodymium magnet system.
Neodymium can provide a strong magnetic field from a relatively small motor structure, making it particularly useful where physical space around the tweeter is limited.
The motor, dome and rear damping system work together to control the tweeter's movement across its operating range.
Ferrofluid Tweeter Damping
Ferrofluid is used within the tweeter motor assembly to assist damping and thermal management.
The fluid helps control the movement of the voice coil while transferring heat away during operation.
This supports consistent performance when the speakers are used for longer periods or at higher listening levels.
Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
The KUPID follow DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
The drivers and front baffle are designed to produce a broad and even radiation pattern rather than concentrating the sound into one narrow listening position.
This allows more than one person to hear a balanced presentation and helps the speakers work in real rooms where everyone cannot sit in one exact central seat.
Reflected sound from the room also retains a more consistent tonal balance when the off-axis response is well controlled.
Begin with the Speakers Facing Straight Ahead
DALI generally recommends positioning its speakers parallel with the rear wall rather than angling them strongly towards the listener.
This supports the intended wide-dispersion behaviour. Small adjustments can still be tried where room layout or an unusually close listening position requires them.
Broad Stereo Imaging
A properly positioned pair of KUPID speakers can create a stereo image extending beyond the physical cabinets.
Vocals should appear between the speakers, while instruments and recorded ambience occupy positions across the soundstage.
Equal distance from the main listening position, matching speaker heights and correct left-to-right spacing help preserve this effect.
Large differences between the surroundings of the two speakers can pull the stereo image towards one side.
Time-Coherent Driver Integration
The driver positions and crossover have been developed to help the bass/midrange unit and tweeter combine consistently around their shared operating region.
Good integration prevents voices and instruments from sounding as though their lower and upper frequencies are coming from separate parts of the cabinet.
The result depends on the acoustic behaviour of the drivers, electrical crossover and physical front-baffle arrangement working together.
2,100Hz Crossover
The crossover operates at 2,100Hz.
Below this region, the bass/midrange driver provides most of the acoustic output. Above it, the soft-dome tweeter takes over progressively.
The crossover also helps control driver level, phase and integration rather than acting as a simple on-and-off division.
DALI has designed the network specifically for the impedance and response of the KUPID drivers.
Dual Flare Bass-Reflex Port
A rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex port supports the output of the 4½-inch bass/midrange driver.
The port uses air movement within the cabinet to increase low-frequency efficiency around its tuned operating region.
Flared entry and exit profiles reduce abrupt changes in airflow, helping limit turbulence and audible port noise.
The enclosure is tuned to 53Hz, contributing to the KUPID's specified lower frequency limit of 63Hz.
Rear-Ported Cabinet
The bass-reflex opening is positioned on the rear of the cabinet.
Distance from the wall behind the speaker affects the amount and character of low-frequency reinforcement.
Moving the speaker closer to the wall generally increases perceived bass, while bringing it further into the room can reduce excess weight and improve definition.
DALI specifies a recommended rear-wall distance between 2.5cm and 60cm, allowing considerably more flexibility than many conventional rear-ported loudspeakers.
Placement as Close as 25mm from the Wall
The KUPID can be positioned as close as 25mm from the wall behind the cabinet.
This is particularly useful on narrow shelves, fitted furniture and wall-mounted installations where pulling the speaker far into the room is impossible.
The best distance will still depend on the room, supporting surface and preferred tonal balance.
Begin with a practical position, listen to familiar music and adjust where possible.
Do Not Block the Bass Port
Even when the KUPID are positioned close to a wall, the rear port must retain an open path for airflow.
Do not press soft furnishings against the port or place the speaker so deeply inside furniture that air cannot move freely behind the cabinet.
Low-Resonance Cabinet
The compact enclosure provides a rigid platform for the drivers and crossover.
Cabinet vibration can add unwanted sound that was not present in the recording, reducing detail and making bass notes less precise.
The KUPID cabinet has therefore been designed to control panel movement while retaining the compact proportions required for flexible placement.
Rounded front edges also reduce abrupt changes around the baffle and contribute to the speaker's softer visual design.
Removable Front Grilles
Magnetically or mechanically retained front grilles protect the drivers and give the speakers a more discreet appearance.
The KUPID can be used with or without the grilles according to personal preference.
Removing them exposes the contrasting driver materials and can give the speaker a more technical appearance.
Handle the grilles carefully and avoid touching the soft tweeter dome or bass/midrange cone.
Stand Placement
A suitable loudspeaker stand can provide the most flexible positioning and a stable platform away from nearby furniture.
Ideally, the tweeter should sit reasonably close to seated ear height.
The speaker and top plate should be secured or isolated appropriately so that the cabinet cannot be knocked from the stand.
Stand height, mass, top-plate dimensions and floor stability can all affect the final result.
Shelf and Furniture Placement
The small cabinet allows the KUPID to fit on bookshelves, desktops, sideboards and other suitable furniture.
The included rubber feet help protect the supporting surface and reduce direct vibration between the cabinet and furniture.
Keep the front edge of the speaker reasonably close to the front of a shelf where possible. Positioning it far inside a deep recess can increase reflected sound and change the tonal balance.
Both speakers should sit at the same height and have similar surroundings where a stable central image is required.
Desktop Listening
The KUPID can form part of a compact desktop system with a suitably capable small amplifier.
Nearfield listening reduces the distance between the speakers and listener, allowing useful volume without needing to fill the complete room.
Desk reflections and the close distance can still affect tonal balance, so small isolation supports and careful positioning can be worthwhile.
Place the speakers far enough apart to create stereo width without leaving a hole in the centre.
Included Wall-Mounting Brackets
Wall-mounting brackets are supplied for both speakers.
This allows the KUPID to be installed where shelf or stand space is unavailable and can create a particularly neat secondary-room or television system.
The wall, fixings and installation method must safely support the weight of each cabinet.
The supplied hardware may not be suitable for every type of brick, block, plasterboard or timber wall.
Use Fixings Suitable for the Wall
Identify the wall construction before installation and use appropriately rated fixings.
Do not rely on lightweight plasterboard fixings where the supporting structure and load capacity are uncertain. Professional installation is advisable where necessary.
Wall-Mounted Stereo and Surround Use
Wall mounting can be used for a compact two-channel system or for surround channels within a home cinema.
For stereo listening, install the speakers symmetrically at a sensible height and leave sufficient separation to create a convincing soundstage.
For surround use, placement should follow the requirements of the AV receiver layout and room rather than copying the front-speaker position automatically.
An active subwoofer can relieve the KUPID of the deepest bass in a home cinema system.
Single-Wire Speaker Terminals
Each speaker uses one pair of terminals for connection to an amplifier.
The KUPID do not provide separate high- and low-frequency terminal pairs for bi-wiring or bi-amplification.
This keeps connection straightforward and avoids unnecessary terminal links on such a compact cabinet.
Use the same loudspeaker cable type and approximately equal cable lengths for the left and right channels.
4-Ohm Nominal Impedance
DALI specifies a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.
A 4-ohm loudspeaker generally asks more current from an amplifier than an 8-ohm design at a comparable output voltage.
The amplifier should therefore be stable with a 4-ohm load and provided with adequate ventilation.
Nominal impedance is an overall rating rather than a statement that the impedance remains exactly 4 ohms at every frequency.
Check Amplifier Compatibility
Do not assume that every miniature amplifier, vintage receiver or lifestyle system is comfortable driving a 4-ohm loudspeaker.
Check the amplifier specification and arrange a demonstration where there is any uncertainty.
83dB Sensitivity
The KUPID have a sensitivity of 83dB for a 2.83V input measured at one metre.
This is relatively low sensitivity, meaning that they require more amplifier output than a more efficient loudspeaker to reach the same sound level.
The small cabinet should not therefore be mistaken for an unusually easy electrical load.
A stronger amplifier can provide greater control and headroom, particularly in a larger room or at higher listening levels.
Recommended Amplifier Power
DALI recommends amplifier power between 40W and 120W.
The wattage figure is a starting point rather than a guarantee of compatibility or performance.
Amplifier current delivery, power-supply quality, distortion behaviour, listening distance, room size and preferred volume all matter.
A clean and controlled amplifier is generally safer than a lower-powered model driven repeatedly into audible clipping.
Do Not Choose an Amplifier by Wattage Alone
Two amplifiers carrying the same published power rating can behave very differently with a 4-ohm loudspeaker.
A demonstration with the intended amplifier provides a much better indication of control, tonal balance and available volume.
Maximum Output of 103dB
DALI specifies a maximum sound-pressure level of 103dB.
This provides useful output for a compact loudspeaker in an appropriately sized room.
Maximum output should not be confused with a recommended continuous listening level.
If the sound becomes harsh, compressed or distorted, reduce the volume immediately.
63Hz Low-Frequency Limit
The specified frequency response extends down to 63Hz within plus or minus 3dB.
This covers much of the bass information contained in voices, guitars, drums and many acoustic instruments.
The lowest synthesiser notes, organ fundamentals and large-scale film effects extend considerably below this point.
The KUPID should therefore be judged as a compact full-range stereo speaker rather than a replacement for a larger cabinet or dedicated subwoofer.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
A compatible active subwoofer can extend the system below the KUPID's natural low-frequency range.
The subwoofer requires a suitable connection from the amplifier, such as a dedicated subwoofer output, stereo pre-amplifier output or another supported method.
Careful crossover, level, phase and placement adjustment are required so that the subwoofer extends the speakers without sounding detached or overpowering them.
A compact subwoofer can be particularly useful in a desktop, television or small-room system where larger main speakers are impractical.
Small and Medium-Sized Rooms
The KUPID are best suited to small and medium-sized listening spaces or closer listening distances.
In a very large room, they may struggle to provide the scale and low-frequency authority expected from a larger standmount or floorstanding speaker.
Room construction and furnishings also matter. A heavily furnished small room behaves differently from a large open-plan space with hard surfaces.
Choose the speaker according to the actual room and listening distance rather than dimensions alone.
Stereo Music Systems
The KUPID can form the main loudspeaker pair in a compact stereo system.
Suitable sources may include a turntable, CD player, network streamer, television or computer, provided that the amplifier offers the required connections.
A streaming amplifier can create a particularly simple system by combining network playback, digital conversion and speaker amplification in one unit.
A conventional integrated amplifier allows source components to be selected and upgraded independently.
Television Sound
The KUPID can improve television sound considerably when partnered with a suitable amplifier.
An amplifier with HDMI ARC provides the simplest control arrangement with many modern televisions, while optical digital input is another common option.
The speakers themselves cannot connect directly to HDMI or optical output.
Set the television to a compatible stereo audio format where required by the amplifier.
Home Cinema Use
The compact cabinets and included wall brackets allow the KUPID to be used as front, side or rear channels in a suitable home cinema system.
An AV receiver must provide sufficient power and remain stable with the speakers' 4-ohm nominal impedance.
Bass management should normally redirect the deepest frequencies to an active subwoofer rather than asking the KUPID to reproduce full-range film effects.
Matching speakers from the same range may not be available for every channel, so tonal consistency should be considered when building the complete system.
KUPID or SPEKTOR 1?
DALI SPEKTOR 1
- Established entry-level DALI model
- 4½-inch wood-fibre bass/midrange driver
- 21mm soft-dome tweeter
- 83dB sensitivity
- 6-ohm nominal impedance
- 40W to 100W recommended amplification
- 59Hz to 26kHz frequency response
- Traditional rectangular cabinet styling
DALI KUPID
- Newer compact entry-level design
- 4½-inch paper and wood-fibre driver
- Larger 26mm soft-dome tweeter
- 83dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 40W to 120W recommended amplification
- 63Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- Rounded cabinet with five finish options
The DALI SPEKTOR 1 remains worth considering where available, particularly for customers wanting its slightly deeper published bass response and 6-ohm nominal impedance.
The KUPID provide the more contemporary appearance, larger tweeter, Dual Flare port and broader range of finish options.
KUPID or OBERON 1?
Choose the KUPID When
- The smallest possible cabinet is required
- Shelf, desktop or wall placement is important
- You want the more affordable current model
- Bold colour options appeal
- A 4½-inch driver suits the room
- You are building an entry-level stereo system
- Included wall brackets are useful
Choose the OBERON 1 When
- You want a larger 5¼-inch bass/midrange driver
- Greater bass scale is required
- You want DALI's SMC magnet technology
- A larger 29mm tweeter is preferred
- The cabinet size can be accommodated
- The wider system justifies the additional cost
- You want the more ambitious compact speaker
The DALI OBERON 1 is larger and positioned above the KUPID, with a 5¼-inch SMC bass/midrange driver and oversized 29mm tweeter.
The KUPID remain easier to accommodate and offer a lower-cost route into a compact DALI stereo system.
KUPID or MENUET?
Choose the KUPID When
- You want an affordable compact loudspeaker
- The system is being built to a modest budget
- A wide range of colours is appealing
- Wall brackets should be included
- You are creating a bedroom or second system
- You want straightforward single-wire connection
- The supporting electronics are entry or mid level
Consider the MENUET When
- You want a higher-performance miniature speaker
- Cabinet and crossover refinement take priority
- You are using more ambitious amplification
- Greater bass extension is required from a small cabinet
- Premium finishes are important
- The system can justify the considerably higher cost
- You want a long-term compact reference speaker
The DALI MENUET is a substantially more expensive miniature loudspeaker intended for higher-level systems.
The KUPID are designed to make genuine compact Hi-Fi accessible rather than compete directly with DALI's premium miniature models.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Small and medium-sized rooms
- Bedroom and office systems
- Desktop and nearfield listening
- Stand, shelf and furniture placement
- Wall-mounted stereo systems
- Compact television systems
- Streaming amplifiers
- Traditional integrated amplifiers
- Suitable mini systems
- Home cinema surround channels
- Systems using an active subwoofer
- Listeners wanting bold finish options
Check Before Buying
- A separate amplifier is required
- Relatively low 83dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- The amplifier should be stable into 4 ohms
- 40W to 120W recommended amplifier range
- 63Hz bass extension cannot replace a subwoofer
- No bi-wire or bi-amp terminals
- Rear port must remain unobstructed
- Wall fixings must suit the supporting wall
- Speaker cables are not listed as included
- No built-in Bluetooth or streaming
- No active or wireless version
Connection and Setup Guidance
- Switch off the amplifier before connecting or disconnecting the speakers.
- Confirm that the amplifier is suitable for a 4-ohm nominal loudspeaker load.
- Connect the amplifier's positive terminal to the positive speaker terminal.
- Connect the amplifier's negative terminal to the negative speaker terminal.
- Use the same polarity for both the left and right speakers.
- Use suitable loudspeaker cable of approximately equal length for both channels.
- Secure bare wire, 4mm plugs or other compatible terminations correctly.
- Begin with the speakers facing straight ahead rather than heavily toed in.
- Position both speakers at the same height.
- Keep the rear bass-reflex ports unobstructed.
- Begin within DALI's recommended 2.5cm to 60cm rear-wall range.
- Use the supplied rubber feet on shelves and suitable furniture.
- Use appropriately rated fixings when wall mounting.
- Reduce the amplifier volume if the sound becomes compressed, harsh or distorted.
- Consider an active subwoofer where deeper bass extension is required.
Finish Options
Black Ash
Black Ash provides the most traditional Hi-Fi appearance and coordinates naturally with black amplifiers, source components and furniture.
Dark Walnut
Dark Walnut introduces a warmer wood-effect finish suited to both traditional and contemporary rooms.
Caramel White
Caramel White gives the compact cabinets a lighter appearance and can blend particularly well with pale walls and furniture.
Golden Yellow
Golden Yellow turns the KUPID into a deliberate interior-design feature rather than attempting to hide the speakers.
Chilly Blue
Chilly Blue provides a distinctive but relatively restrained colour option for modern rooms, offices and creative spaces.
All finishes use the same drivers, crossover, enclosure design and supplied accessories. Availability may vary, so confirm the required colour when ordering.
DALI Products and Audio T Hi-Fi Guides
These Audio T links provide useful comparisons and further guidance on DALI speakers, amplifiers and compact stereo systems.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact passive Hi-Fi loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- 2-way crossover design
- One 4½-inch bass/midrange driver per speaker
- Paper and wood-fibre bass/midrange cone
- Low-loss rubber driver surround
- Ferrite bass/midrange magnet system
- One 26mm soft-dome tweeter per speaker
- Soft woven-fabric tweeter diaphragm
- Neodymium tweeter magnet system
- Ferrofluid tweeter damping
- 2,100Hz crossover frequency
- DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
- Straight-ahead placement recommended
- 63Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 83dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 103dB maximum sound-pressure level
- 40W to 120W recommended amplification
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- Rear-facing bass-reflex port
- Dual Flare port profile
- 53Hz bass-reflex tuning frequency
- Low-resonance compact cabinet
- Rounded front edges
- Single-wire speaker terminals
- Stand placement
- Shelf placement
- Furniture placement
- Desktop and nearfield placement
- Wall mounting
- Included wall brackets
- Recommended rear-wall distance from 2.5cm to 60cm
- Removable front grilles
- Included rubber feet
- 237mm cabinet height
- 140mm cabinet width
- 195mm cabinet depth
- 2.9kg weight per speaker including grille
- Black Ash finish
- Dark Walnut finish
- Caramel White finish
- Golden Yellow finish
- Chilly Blue finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DALI KUPID?
They are ultra-compact 2-way passive bookshelf speakers designed for stand, shelf, furniture or wall placement.
Are they sold as a pair?
Yes. The standard KUPID product is supplied as a stereo pair.
Do they contain an amplifier?
No. They require a suitable external stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, mini system or AV receiver.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth must be provided by the connected amplifier or a separate source component.
Do they have Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No. A separate network streamer or streaming amplifier is required.
Can I connect them directly to a television?
Not directly. The television must connect to a suitable amplifier, which then powers the speakers.
Can I connect them directly to a turntable?
No. A turntable requires a suitable amplifier and, where necessary, a moving magnet or moving coil phono stage.
What size is the bass/midrange driver?
Each speaker contains one 4½-inch bass/midrange driver.
What is the bass/midrange cone made from?
It uses a blend of paper pulp and reinforcing wood fibres.
What size is the tweeter?
Each speaker uses one 26mm soft-dome tweeter.
What is the tweeter made from?
The dome is made from lightweight woven fabric.
Does the tweeter use a neodymium magnet?
Yes.
What is the crossover frequency?
The crossover operates at 2,100Hz.
What is the frequency response?
DALI specifies 63Hz to 25kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
How sensitive are they?
Sensitivity is specified at 83dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
Are they easy to drive?
They are compact but not especially sensitive. Their 83dB sensitivity and 4-ohm nominal impedance mean that a capable and compatible amplifier is advisable.
What is the nominal impedance?
DALI specifies 4 ohms.
Will my amplifier drive 4-ohm speakers?
Check the amplifier specification or speak to Audio T. Compatibility should not be assumed with every miniature amplifier or older receiver.
What amplifier power does DALI recommend?
DALI recommends between 40W and 120W.
Can I use an amplifier rated above 120W?
A higher-rated amplifier may be usable with sensible volume control, but system suitability depends on amplifier behaviour, room size and listening habits. Ask Audio T for advice.
What is the maximum sound-pressure level?
DALI specifies 103dB.
Are they bass-reflex speakers?
Yes. Each cabinet has a rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex port.
What is the bass-reflex tuning frequency?
The port system is tuned to 53Hz.
How close can they be placed to a wall?
DALI specifies a recommended range from 2.5cm to 60cm between the cabinet and rear wall.
Can they go on a bookshelf?
Yes. Keep the rear port unobstructed and avoid placing the speaker too deeply inside an enclosed recess.
Can they be used on a desktop?
Yes. They are suitable for nearfield listening when positioned and supported carefully.
Can they be placed on speaker stands?
Yes. A suitable stand provides flexible positioning and can place the tweeter close to seated ear height.
Can they be wall mounted?
Yes. Wall brackets are supplied.
Are wall fixings included?
Bracket hardware is supplied, but the correct fixings depend on the wall construction and may need to be sourced separately.
Should they be angled towards the listener?
DALI generally recommends beginning with the speakers facing straight ahead to support its Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
Can I remove the front grilles?
Yes. Removable grilles are included.
Are rubber feet included?
Yes. Eight rubber feet are included for the pair.
Can they be bi-wired?
No. Each speaker provides one single-wire terminal pair.
Can they be bi-amplified?
No separate high- and low-frequency terminals are provided.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily, but a subwoofer is worthwhile where deeper bass, greater scale or more powerful film effects are required.
Can they be used for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as compact front or surround speakers with a suitable AV receiver and active subwoofer.
Are they suitable for a large room?
They are primarily intended for small and medium-sized rooms or closer listening distances. A larger speaker may be more suitable for a large open-plan space.
What are their dimensions?
Each cabinet measures 237mm high, 140mm wide and 195mm deep.
How much do they weigh?
Each speaker weighs 2.9kg including its grille.
Which finishes are available?
Black Ash, Dark Walnut, Caramel White, Golden Yellow and Chilly Blue are available, subject to stock.
Are the different finishes acoustically identical?
Yes. The drivers, crossover and cabinet construction are the same across the finish options.
Are the KUPID the replacement for SPEKTOR?
DALI positions the KUPID as its new accessible compact loudspeaker, succeeding the role previously occupied by the entry-level SPEKTOR range.
Should I choose the KUPID or SPEKTOR 1?
Choose the KUPID for their newer design, larger tweeter, flexible finishes and Dual Flare port. Consider the SPEKTOR 1 where available if its 6-ohm impedance or slightly deeper published bass response better suits the system.
Should I choose the KUPID or OBERON 1?
Choose the KUPID for smaller dimensions, lower cost and bold finishes. Choose the OBERON 1 for its larger driver, SMC magnet system and greater bass scale.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable stereo and streaming amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other compact loudspeakers
- Advice choosing between KUPID, SPEKTOR and OBERON models
- Amplifier power and 4-ohm compatibility checks
- Speaker-cable and termination guidance
- Stand, shelf and desktop placement advice
- Wall-mounting guidance
- Television and HDMI ARC system setup
- Turntable and phono-stage system matching
- Network-streamer and streaming-amplifier advice
- Active-subwoofer matching and setup
- Home cinema and surround-channel guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the DALI KUPID to your amplifier, room and listening requirements.