In this review, we will be comparing SONIK 3 and Silver 100 7G, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from DALI and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK 3 and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 )
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 8" C-CAM RST II Woofer
- 35-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-120watts
- Weight:9.43kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 377.0" x 9-1/8" x 13-1/16"( 377.0 x 232.0 x 332.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK 3 and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 Silver 100 7G are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK 3 |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
SONIK 3 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 7" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Silver 100 7G features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" C-CAM RST II Woofer .
Frequency Response
SONIK 3 has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz whereas Silver 100 7G has a frequency range of 35-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Silver 100 7G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Silver 100 7G which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SONIK 3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Silver 100 7G's is rated at 87.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 Silver 100 7G 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
Silver 100 7G features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SONIK 3 has a Binding post which doesn't 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 SONIK 3's and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G'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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G has external dimensions of 377.0 x 232.0 x 332.0mm ( 14-13/16 x 9-1/8 x 13-1/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31mm wider, 26mm taller and 25mm deeper than DALI SONIK 3.
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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G is approximately 770.2cm2 / 119.4inch2. The SONIK 3 requires 20% less surface area than the Silver 100 7G which gives it a small advantage 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 SONIK 3 weighs 6.42kg / 14.1lbs and the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G weighs 9.43kg / 20.7lbs. This makes the Silver 100 7G 47% heavier than the SONIK 3.
Here is a comparison of how SONIK 3 and Silver 100 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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 Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver 100 7G:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumpers (pre-installed)8 Rubber feet2 Foam port plugsHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
351mm
vs
377mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
617cm2
vs
770cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1200USD
vs
1400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
7 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
DALI SONIK 3 |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
| Brand |
DALI |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
40-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87.5 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-26k Hz |
35-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood fiber |
C-CAM RST II |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.125" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
351.0mm (13.8") |
377.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
201.0mm (7.9") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
307.0mm (12.1") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
6.42kg (14.1lbs) |
9.43kg (20.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain laminate |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Natural Oak,White,Walnut |
Ash,High Gloss Black,Black Oak,Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-24" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |