In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by DALI. DALI SONIK CINEMA is a Center Channel speaker whereas the KUPID is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK CINEMA and DALI KUPID first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
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 )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK CINEMA and DALI KUPID 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 CINEMA and KUPID are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK CINEMA |
DALI KUPID |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-1/4-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
SONIK CINEMA features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5-1/4" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the KUPID features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Paper/wood fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
SONIK CINEMA has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas KUPID has a frequency range of 63-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the SONIK CINEMA 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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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 CINEMA is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the KUPID which has a nominal impedance of 4 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. SONIK CINEMA sensitivity is rated at 89.5 dB and the KUPID's is rated at 83 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the DALI SONIK CINEMA a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI KUPID, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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 CINEMA can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SONIK CINEMA has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the KUPID.
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 CINEMA features Binding post type posts and KUPID 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 SONIK CINEMA's and DALI KUPID's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas 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 ) .
DALI KUPID is 421mm narrower and 16mm less deeper than DALI SONIK CINEMA but it is also 75mm taller.
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 CINEMA is approximately 1229.8cm2 / 190.6inch2 and base area of the DALI KUPID is approximately 300.5cm2 / 46.6inch2. The SONIK CINEMA requires 309% more surface area than the KUPID which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK CINEMA?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SONIK CINEMA:
LCR loudspeaker Grille 8 Self-adhesive feet Manual Quick Start Guide Registration Card
What's in the Box of DALI KUPID?
Here are the items that come with the KUPID:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Wall-mount brackets Four #8 x 0.5\" self-tapping screws 8 Rubber feet Quick Start Guide QR Code Registration Card