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Dali Spektor 2 Bookshelf Speakers Review

First Impressions and Purchase Motivations

In my search for a pair of high-quality speakers that could satiate my ever-evolving auditory desires, I stumbled upon the Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers. After reading countless reviews online, the descriptions lauded them as “an exciting speaker with thin, lightweight soft dome material” that offers a detailed, extended, and particularly transparent high range and a warm and full low range. I then decided to pull the trigger and purchased the Dali Spektor 2s for my own independent Dali Spektor 2 review.

Unboxing the Dali Spektor 2

My anticipation peaked from all the favorable mentions of the Dali Spektor 2 speakers from around the internet. Picking up the package, I could already sense that there was indeed a fantastic value inside the box. The packaging revealed two speakers, solidly built and neatly presented. My first impression was that the built quality was outstanding, which indicates money well spent.

The Speakers in Comparison

In the past, I have owned a range of speakers like the Wharfedale Diamond 220s Dentons and Reva 4s, so I spent about two weeks comparing them with the Spektor 2s. The Diamond 220s were balanced but lacked excitement for me, especially in the low range, and had less of the punch and presence I expected.

The Dentons were warm and subtle, with a strong bass and excellent mid-range, but they lacked a sound stage and exciting center activity. They were highly well-tamed and neutral but failed at producing great details, let alone the transparent highs that the Spektor 2s promised.

Building Features

When analyzing the Spektor 2s’ design, the focal point was their “thin and light” approach, which I had never experienced in other speakers I had owned. Their fragile and lightweight soft dome material for the tweeter initially drew me to them. Though their cabinet didn’t impress much in aesthetics, their performance outshone this little downside.

Dali Spektor 2 Review

Setting It Up

Connecting these speakers was a breeze; they were ready to test in my bedroom system in no time. I had them neatly placed on stands and fired up the stereo. I use a Sonos amp in my current setup, although I have occasionally experimented with a Yamaha N-R602 80 w/pc and a Sony UDA-1 DAC/AMP.

Performance and Sound Quality

Sound Quality in General

Powered by a modest Teac UD-301 and Adcom GFA-535ii directly from my Mac, the Spektor 2s exhibited rich mid tones, crystal clear and impressively transparent highs, a strong and dominant bass that sounds far beyond the size of its woofer. For the cost I paid, I believe they were worthwhile. Their most significant strength is their ability to dissolve the barrier between you and the music and bring you into the musical performance.

Audiophile Sound

In a small to medium-sized room, the Spektor 2s generated arguably the best sound when their lowest frequencies are chopped off by setting a small speaker and subwoofer YES on any AV receiver. Their sound was spectacular and superior when powered by my Marantz NR1508 AV receiver, compared to the grainy sound of the Fosi class. These speakers were astonishing and worth the hype.

Volume and Sensitivity

Although some might point out that the sensitivity of the Spektor 2s is on the low side, at about 85 dB/m/W, it’s nothing a sturdy amplifier can’t handle. I discovered this when I connected them to my Sony UDA-1 DAC/AMP. The Sony UDA-1 pumped up the volume perfectly, and I never needed more than 25% volume for a reasonably loud level.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Obvious high notes
  • Strong bass
  • Exceptional mid-range
  • Compact and simple design

Cons:

  • Speakers may seem bright after extended listening
  • Unappealing cabinet design

Conclusion

If you’re after a detailed, clear sound with satisfactory bass and excellent mids, investing in the Spektor 2s might be your best bet. The speakers are sleek and compact and produce an incredible sound. Whether it’s classic rock, grunge, instrumental jazz, or classical music, every melody, string, and beat springs to life on these speakers; overall, the Spektor 2s are an excellent investment worth every penny.

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Bass Response
8.6
The Dali Spektor 2 has a punchy and well-defined bass response that is tight and controlled. Notwithstanding, it fares best in small to medium-sized rooms and with certain types of music. For a fuller low-end experience or with larger rooms, consumers might want to consider adding a subwoofer.
Treble Detail
9.3
Customers praise the speakers' treble, describing the highs as detailed, clear, and non-fatiguing, even after long periods of listening. They do not overly brighten the sound, maintaining the tones well balanced. However, they might come across as slightly bright with certain songs.
Midrange Clarity
8.9
The midrange clarity of the Dali Spektor 2 is lauded for its precision, with vocals presented front and center. This enables listeners to derive intimate experiences with the music, appreciating finer details such as the vibrations of bow hairs on violin strings.
Design
9
The Dali Spekor 2's design impresses with a sophisticated yet humble aesthetic. Its build quality is seconded by many, indicating a successful blend of functionality and style.
Sound Quality
9.2
Overall, customers affirm the excellent sound quality of these speakers. They are appreciated for their detailed and clear character, maintaining a compelling performance across different music styles and genres.
Value for Money
9.3
The Dali Spektor 2 speakers offer an exceptional value for their price. Customers have expressed great satisfaction with the quality provided relative to the cost, reinforcing their strong value proposition.
9.1
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Dali Spekor 2 provides consumers with fantastic sound quality, detailed highs, and a noticeable midrange clarity. Speakers deliver a warm, inviting mid-range and a decent bass for a 5¼ inch woofer, managing to sound larger than their size suggests. Despite performing excellently across all types of music, high volumes or larger rooms might benefit from the addition of a subwoofer. The nuances in the high frequencies from these speakers keep the listener’s ear without causing fatigue, staying bright without being overly so. The midrange clarity puts vocals at the forefront, enabling listeners to appreciate the finer details. They are also adored for their design, being described as presenting a clean aesthetic without compromising on quality. However, some people say they could be slightly hard to handle when played at full range. Nonetheless, the value these speakers offer in terms of their sound quality and design far exceeds the cost, making them a worthy investment.