In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by DALI. DALI SONIK 3 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the SONIK CINEMA is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK 3 and DALI SONIK CINEMA first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
DALI SONIK CINEMA Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5-1/4" Wood fiber Woofer
- 46-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:9.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 172.0" x 22-1/2" x 8-7/16"( 172.0 x 572.0 x 215.0mm )
SONIK 3 and SONIK CINEMA are members of DALI's Sonik series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
DALI Sonik Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK 3 and DALI SONIK CINEMA 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 SONIK 3 and SONIK CINEMA are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK 3 |
DALI SONIK CINEMA |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
2 x 5-1/4-inch
|
SONIK 3 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 7" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the SONIK CINEMA features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5-1/4" Wood fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
SONIK 3 has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz whereas SONIK CINEMA has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the SONIK CINEMA can go slightly deeper then the SONIK 3's min frequency of 47Hz.
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
SONIK 3 and SONIK CINEMA have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SONIK 3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the SONIK CINEMA's is at 89.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the DALI SONIK CINEMA a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI SONIK 3, 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.
SONIK 3 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SONIK CINEMA has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 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
SONIK 3 features Binding post type posts and SONIK CINEMA has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SONIK 3 has a rear firing port whereas SONIK CINEMA has a front firing ports. DALI SONIK CINEMA's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to DALI SONIK 3 with its rear-firing port.
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 SONIK 3's and DALI SONIK CINEMA's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas DALI SONIK CINEMA has external dimensions of 172.0 x 572.0 x 215.0mm ( 6-3/4inch x 22-1/2inch x 8-7/16inch ) .
DALI SONIK CINEMA is 179mm shorter and 92mm less deeper than DALI SONIK 3 but it is also 371mm wider.
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 SONIK 3 is approximately 617.1cm2 / 95.7inch2 and base area of the DALI SONIK CINEMA is approximately 1229.8cm2 / 190.6inch2. The SONIK 3 requires 50% less surface area than the SONIK CINEMA which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK 3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SONIK 3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Sef-adehsive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Online Registration Card
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK CINEMA?
Here are the items that come with the SONIK CINEMA:
LCR loudspeaker Grille 8 Self-adhesive feet Manual Quick Start Guide Registration Card