New Products

Following the release of their statement product KORE loudspeaker in 2022 and the impressive EPIKORE 11 4½ way floorstander ($60,000) in 2023, DALI has introduced three new EPIKORE models, two more compact floorstanders and a stand-mount loudspeaker, to expand the series into a full line. All were on display and in action for the press in multiple listening rooms at Park Avenue Audio in NYC.

In attendance were Thomas Knudsen, DALI Sales Manager, and Jason Zidle, Lenbrook North American Brand Manager for DALI, although the discussion was led mostly by Thomas Holm, DALI Senior Product Specialist. He began with the EPIKORE 3 3-way stand-mount loudspeaker ($15,000). Along with the rest of the range, it shares the significant technologies of the flagship KORE including the hybrid soft-dome and planar element tweeter module, their SMC technology to minimize magnetic field losses, and the paper-and-wood-fiber cones for its bass/mid-range driver.

Seated on its custom $3000 stands, it acquitted itself very well across a broad range of program content. Holm then switched over to the flanking EPIKORE 7 3½-way floorstander ($25,000), and it was clear that, while it was cut from the same cloth, the LF benefits from the addition of a dedicated woofer.

In the next room, we were presented with yet another new floorstander, the EPIKORE 9 ($40,000 USD), alongside the previously released EPIKORE 11. The 9 is a full 4-way design with a pair of woofers and a dedicated mid-range driver in addition to the hybrid tweeter module. After several music demos of the 9, which were impressive and enjoyable, the two Thomases demonstrated the significance of the hybrid tweeter configuration. They played the system full range and then covered the planar ribbon element (which works from 14kHz and up) with their hands. We all agreed that there was no loss of musical content but a sense that the ambiance was damped or dulled. Hands off, please!

Finally, we were treated to some music selections played via the EPIKORE 11 and the massive KORE that confirmed the family resemblance across the line, albeit on a quite larger scale. Thanks are due to Dennis Yetikyel, President of Park Avenue Audio, for graciously hosting the event.