Dali Royal Series - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Dali Royal Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Manual

Running-in

Speakers require a run-in period for gradual improvement in sound quality, extending their lifetime with regular use.

Connection

Proper connection to the amplifier is crucial for sound experience. Always turn off the amplifier before connecting cables.

Bi-wiring and Bi-amping

Bi-wiring

Bi-wiring connects top terminals to the high frequency section and bottom terminals to the bass section for improved sound.

Bi-amping

Bi-amping uses separate amplifiers for high and low frequencies, providing greater openness and dynamism.

Positioning

Stereo Positioning

Position speakers equidistant from the listening position for optimal stereo sound staging and balance.

Surround Positioning

In surround sound, ensure symmetrical distances between all speakers and the listening position for immersive audio.

Listening Room Acoustics

Room acoustics influence sound perception; use furniture and soft items to dampen reflections for clearer audio.

Power and Acoustic Pressure

Amplifier Selection

Use amplifiers with sufficient power to avoid distortion. Clipping can damage treble units; small amps working too hard are risky.

Bass and Room Interaction

Room size, shape, and speaker placement significantly affect bass quantity and quality, with corners accentuating bass.

The DALI Royal Family

Tone Controls

Use tone controls sparingly for minor adjustments, not to compensate for system weaknesses. Neutral setting is recommended.

Royal Series Models

The DALI Royal family includes Menuet, Scepter, Tower, and Vocal central speakers, available in various finishes.

Specifications

Technical Data

Detailed specifications for DALI Royal series speakers including frequency response, impedance, sensitivity, and dimensions.

Important Accessories

Original DALI interconnect and speaker cables are recommended for optimal system performance and sound quality.

Summary

Manual

Running-in

Speakers require a run-in period for gradual improvement in sound quality, extending their lifetime with regular use.

Connection

Proper connection to the amplifier is crucial for sound experience. Always turn off the amplifier before connecting cables.

Bi-wiring and Bi-amping

Bi-wiring

Bi-wiring connects top terminals to the high frequency section and bottom terminals to the bass section for improved sound.

Bi-amping

Bi-amping uses separate amplifiers for high and low frequencies, providing greater openness and dynamism.

Positioning

Stereo Positioning

Position speakers equidistant from the listening position for optimal stereo sound staging and balance.

Surround Positioning

In surround sound, ensure symmetrical distances between all speakers and the listening position for immersive audio.

Listening Room Acoustics

Room acoustics influence sound perception; use furniture and soft items to dampen reflections for clearer audio.

Power and Acoustic Pressure

Amplifier Selection

Use amplifiers with sufficient power to avoid distortion. Clipping can damage treble units; small amps working too hard are risky.

Bass and Room Interaction

Room size, shape, and speaker placement significantly affect bass quantity and quality, with corners accentuating bass.

The DALI Royal Family

Tone Controls

Use tone controls sparingly for minor adjustments, not to compensate for system weaknesses. Neutral setting is recommended.

Royal Series Models

The DALI Royal family includes Menuet, Scepter, Tower, and Vocal central speakers, available in various finishes.

Specifications

Technical Data

Detailed specifications for DALI Royal series speakers including frequency response, impedance, sensitivity, and dimensions.

Important Accessories

Original DALI interconnect and speaker cables are recommended for optimal system performance and sound quality.

The DALI Royal series of loudspeakers is designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience, meticulously crafted by Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries (DALI). Renowned globally for their commitment to uncompromising design and sound quality, DALI speakers and cables are developed and produced in their advanced factory in Denmark. The core competence of DALI lies in the continuous development and optimization of audio and acoustic technology, ensuring that each DALI speaker aims to recreate immersive sound experiences that transport the listener, making them forget time and place.

Function Description

The DALI Royal loudspeakers are designed to reproduce music and audio with utmost fidelity and honesty. They serve as the primary output for an audio system, converting electrical signals from an amplifier into audible sound. The Royal series encompasses a range of speaker types, including the compact Menuet and Scepter, the floor-standing Tower, and the central Vocal speaker, each tailored for specific roles within a stereo or surround sound setup. The fundamental function of these speakers is to deliver a clear, dynamic, and tonally balanced sound image, whether for critical music listening or immersive home cinema experiences.

Usage Features

Running-in Period: Like any mechanical system, DALI Royal speakers require a "run-in" period. During this initial phase, the sound quality will gradually improve. Unlike other mechanical systems that wear out, regular use will actually extend the lifetime of a DALI speaker, ensuring long-term performance.

Connection to Amplifier: Proper connection to an amplifier is crucial for optimal sound.

Safety First: Always turn off the amplifier before connecting any cables or making alterations to existing connections to prevent damage.
Cable Consistency: For stereo setups, always use speaker cables of the same type and length for both the left and right speakers. DALI recommends using their own specially designed speaker cables, available from authorized dealers, to ensure a perfect sound experience.
Phase Connection: A critical detail often overlooked is connecting the speakers in the correct phase. The red terminal (+) on the amplifier must be connected to the red terminal (+) on the speaker, and the black terminal (-) on the amplifier to the black terminal (-) on the speaker. Incorrect phase connection will result in weak bass and a diffuse overall sound.
Secure Connections: Ensure that cable ends are firmly pushed into the terminals and that there are no loose wires, which could cause a short circuit and damage the amplifier.
Bi-wiring and Bi-amping: The Royal series supports bi-wiring and bi-amping, which significantly improve sound quality by enhancing openness in the sound image and reducing distortion.
- Bi-wiring: Involves connecting separate cables from the amplifier to the high-frequency and bass sections of the speaker's crossover network. The metal links between the double terminals on the speaker must be removed for bi-wiring.
- Bi-amping: Utilizes two separate amplifiers for each speaker – one for the high-frequency section and another for the bass section. This provides even greater openness and increased dynamism. Identical stereo amplifiers are recommended for bi-amping.
- Standard Connection: When bi-amping or bi-wiring is not used, the two metal connectors between the double terminals must be in place and securely tightened.

Positioning: Achieving the optimum speaker position in relation to the listening position is vital for a superior sound experience.

Obstruction Avoidance: Avoid placing objects between the speakers and the listening position, as these can cause an incorrect tonal balance.
Symmetrical Placement (Stereo): For stereo setups, aim for an equilateral triangle where the distance between the left and right speakers is equal to the distance from the listening position to each speaker.
Symmetrical Placement (Surround Sound): In surround sound systems, the distance between all speakers and the listening position should be symmetrically identical.
Linear Directivity Principle: DALI Royal speakers are designed with Linear Directivity, ensuring a perfect tonal balance even if the listening position is not perfectly central. Therefore, it is generally not necessary to angle the front speakers towards the listening position, unless they are very far apart.
Royal Vocal (Center Speaker): This central speaker is specifically designed for placement close to the TV screen. If color irregularities appear on the screen, moving the speaker a few centimeters away should resolve the issue.
Royal Tower (Floor-standing): The Tower model is a floor-standing speaker and comes with its own accompanying base, which must be mounted for stability.
Royal Scepter and Menuet (Stand/Shelf Speakers): These models are designed for positioning on a stand or shelf. When placed on a shelf or against a wall, ensure sufficient room for air expelled from the bass port at the back of the casing. Avoid tightly packed shelves or placing them directly against a wall.
Optimal Height: Scepter and Menuet speakers provide the best sound when positioned at eye level, allowing the listener to just see over the speaker. If positioning at a non-ideal height, tilting the speakers slightly (upwards or downwards) can help. If placed very high (e.g., on a high shelf), turning them upside down so the treble unit is at the bottom, or laying them on their side with the treble closest to the listening position, can improve the sound.

Listening Room Acoustics: The acoustics of the listening room significantly influence the perceived sound.

Reflections: Sound reflections from floors, ceilings, and walls can be dampened by objects such as furniture, plants, and carpets.
Bright Sound: If the sound is too bright, soft items like curtains and carpets can help. Drawing curtains over large window panes will prevent reflections from glass surfaces.
Bass Response: The amount and quality of deep bass depend on room size, shape, and speaker position. Placing speakers near a side or back wall will accentuate the bass, with corner placement having an even stronger effect, though it also increases reflections. Experimentation is key to finding the ideal balance.
Hard Reflective Surfaces: Avoid large, hard reflective surfaces immediately around the speakers, as they can create an echo effect and weaken the spatial perspective of the sound image. Placing a tapestry behind the speakers, a rug in front, or a large plant at the side can surprisingly improve the precision of the sound image.
Stability: Ensure that floor-standing speakers are completely stable, using the accompanying base.

Power and Acoustic Pressure:

Amplifier Matching: The ability of a speaker to play loudly and still sound good depends entirely on the signal it receives. A large amplifier providing pure, undistorted output is preferable to a small amplifier stretched beyond its capacity, which can produce a distorted (clipping) signal.
Damage Prevention: A distorting amplifier generates much more high-frequency information, putting a heavy strain on the treble unit. Speakers are more often damaged by small amplifiers working too hard than by large amplifiers running practically idle.
Volume Control: Keeping the volume low enough to ensure the sound remains clear and undistorted will minimize strain on both speakers and the amplifier.
Tone Controls: Tone controls should generally be set to the neutral position. They are intended for minor adjustments to compensate for poor recordings, not to mask weaknesses elsewhere in the system.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning: To maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of your Royal speakers, use a mild universal cleaner and a soft cloth for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the finish or components.

Longevity: Regular use of DALI speakers will extend their lifetime, as the mechanical components benefit from consistent operation.

By adhering to these usage and maintenance guidelines, owners of DALI Royal loudspeakers can ensure they experience the full potential of their audio system, enjoying "Magic Moments" of sound for years to come.