In this review, we will be comparing KUPID and SONIK 3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by DALI
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI KUPID and DALI SONIK 3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI KUPID Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" Paper/wood fiber Woofer
- 63-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 83 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:40-120watts
- Weight:2.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 247.0" x 5-15/16" x 7-13/16"( 247.0 x 151.0 x 199.0mm )
DALI SONIK 3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 7" Wood fiber Woofer
- 47-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:6.42kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 351.0" x 7-7/8" x 12-1/16"( 351.0 x 201.0 x 307.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI KUPID and DALI SONIK 3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both KUPID and SONIK 3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI KUPID |
DALI SONIK 3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 7-inch
|
KUPID features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Paper/wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the SONIK 3 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 7" Wood fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
KUPID has a frequency range of 63-25k Hz whereas SONIK 3 has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the SONIK 3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUPID's min frequency of 63Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
KUPID is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the SONIK 3 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the KUPID can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. KUPID sensitivity is rated at 83 dB and the SONIK 3's is rated at 87 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the DALI SONIK 3 a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI KUPID, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
KUPID can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas KUPID has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the SONIK 3.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
KUPID features Binding post type posts and SONIK 3 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI KUPID's and DALI SONIK 3's external dimensions. DALI KUPID has external dimensions of 247.0 x 151.0 x 199.0mm ( 9-11/16inch x 5-15/16inch x 7-13/16inch ) whereas DALI SONIK 3 has external dimensions of 351.0 x 201.0 x 307.0mm ( 13-13/16inch x 7-7/8inch x 12-1/16inch ) .
DALI SONIK 3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 50mm wider, 104mm taller and 108mm deeper than DALI KUPID.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the DALI KUPID is approximately 300.5cm2 / 46.6inch2 and base area of the DALI SONIK 3 is approximately 617.1cm2 / 95.7inch2. The KUPID requires 51% less surface area than the SONIK 3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.