In this review, we will be comparing Oberon GRAND Vokal and Oberon Vokal, two Passive Center Channel speakers by DALI.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal and DALI Oberon Vokal first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal | DALI Oberon Vokal |
|---|
| Brand | DALI
Denmark · founded 1983 | DALI
Denmark · founded 1983 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1-1/8" Soft-Dome | 1-1/8" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 7" Wood Fiber | 2 x 5.25" Wood Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-26k Hz | 47-26k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 91 dB | 89.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-200 watts | 25-150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 12.85kg / 28.3lbs | 7.45kg / 16.4lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7.9" x 27.5" x 12.2"
201 x 700 x 310mm | 6-3/8" x 17-7/16" x 11-9/16"
162.0 x 443.0 x 294.0mm |
|---|
Oberon GRAND Vokal and Oberon Vokal are members of DALI's Oberon series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
DALI Oberon Series
History
What size room are the DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal and DALI Oberon Vokal speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Oberon GRAND Vokal and Oberon Vokal are 2-way speakers.
DALI Oberon GRAND VokalDALI Oberon Vokal
Woofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-1/8-inch
|
1-1/8-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 7-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Oberon GRAND Vokal features a 1-1/8" ultra-light soft textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 7" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Oberon Vokal features a 1-1/8" ultra-light soft textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz.
Frequency Response
Oberon GRAND Vokal has a frequency range of 45-26k Hz whereas Oberon Vokal has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Oberon GRAND Vokal can go slightly deeper then the Oberon Vokal's min frequency of 47Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Oberon GRAND Vokal and Oberon Vokal have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Oberon GRAND Vokal sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Oberon Vokal's is at 89.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI Oberon Vokal, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Oberon GRAND Vokal and the Oberon GRAND Vokal can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Oberon GRAND Vokal can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas Oberon Vokal has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Oberon GRAND Vokal.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Oberon GRAND Vokal features Binding post type posts and Oberon Vokal has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal's Binding post terminals
DALI Oberon Vokal's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Oberon GRAND Vokal has a rear firing port whereas Oberon Vokal has a front firing ports. DALI Oberon Vokal's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Oberon GRAND Vokal's and DALI Oberon Vokal's external dimensions. DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal has external dimensions of 201 x 700 x 310mm (7.9 x 27.5 x 12.2inch) whereas DALI Oberon Vokal has external dimensions of 162.0 x 443.0 x 294.0mm (6-3/8 x 17-7/16 x 11-9/16inch).
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 257mm wider, 39mm taller and 16mm deeper than DALI Oberon Vokal.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal and DALI Oberon Vokal in scale.
Comparison image of DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal and DALI Oberon Vokal Size and External Dimensions
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 Oberon GRAND Vokal is approximately 2170.0cm2 / 336.4inch2 and base area of the DALI Oberon Vokal is approximately 1302.4cm2 / 201.9inch2. The Oberon GRAND Vokal requires 67% more surface area than the Oberon Vokal which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal weighs 12.85kg / 28.3lbs and the DALI Oberon Vokal weighs 7.45kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the Oberon GRAND Vokal 72% heavier than the Oberon Vokal.
Here is a comparison of how Oberon GRAND Vokal and Oberon Vokal's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Oberon GRAND Vokal:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 8 Rubber feet
- Manual
What's in the Box of DALI Oberon Vokal?
Here are the items that come with the Oberon Vokal:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 8 Rubber feet
- Manual
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
162mm
vs
201mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1302cm2
vs
2170cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
| Brand |
DALI |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-200 watts |
25-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-26k Hz |
47-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood Fiber |
Wood Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1-1/8" |
1-1/8" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2600Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
201.0mm (7.9") |
162.0mm (6.4") |
| Width |
700.0mm (27.6") |
443.0mm (17.4") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Weight |
12.85kg (28.3lbs) |
7.45kg (16.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash,Dark Walnut |
Black Ash, Light Oak, Dark Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Siblings in DALI's Oberon series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (45Hz vs 47Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (91dB vs 90dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Headroom | A | DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal takes more power (200W vs 150W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | DALI Oberon Vokal is easier to place; DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Price | B | DALI Oberon Vokal is cheaper - $599 against $999, about 40% less; arguably a different class. |
A DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal B DALI Oberon Vokal
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 67% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - DALI Oberon Vokal looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal appeals to you. In a large or open-plan room, DALI Oberon GRAND Vokal has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, DALI Oberon Vokal is the easier speaker to get right. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $400 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.