DALI KUPID – An Arrow to the Heart of the Budding Audiophile

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The DALI KUPID is an arrow straight to the heart of the budding audiophile who aspires to experience the ‘DALI sound’ but lacks the funds and space or a sophisticated sound system to drive demanding speakers.

DALI's strategy is clear: to attract buyers with the price (€338 per pair) and the brand's DNA, which, in addition to sound quality, includes the design and classic wood veneer finishes (pictured) or vibrant colours to appeal to the female 'electorate,' from Golden Yellow to Chilly Blue. But it's not just the colours that please; it's also the dimensions (237 × 140 × 195 mm) and the weight (2.9 kg).

Lean them against a wall, and they growl

They also have an interesting feature: despite the rear reflex port, you can practically lean them against the wall (minimum 2.5 cm!) without significantly affecting the sound—thanks to the 'dual-flare' design—which reduces turbulence and prevents boominess, although I prefer to leave some space for them to breathe. This allows you to place them on a shelf or on your desk next to your computer monitor.

If the stereo image is important to you, place them on stands half a metre from the wall and tilted towards the listening point.

Note: They come with the following standard accessories (magnetic grilles, wall brackets, and feet).

Small in size, they have a mature sound in timbre and transparency that does not tire the listener, but rather invites them to discover music—for just a handful of euros.

Something cool from the Kingdom of Denmark

DALI is known for manufacturing all its speakers in Denmark. But you only need to read the recent article on Hificlube.net: DALI EPIKORE 7: The ‘Happy’ KORE to realise that this ‘entry-level’ price is only possible because the KUPIDs are designed and tuned by DALI in Denmark but manufactured in China. There is no turning back, as competition is fierce in this entry-level range.

To achieve decent bass reproduction down to 53 Hz, DALI had to lower the impedance (4) and sensitivity (83 dB). So, I suggest using an amplifier with at least 50W, or more if you choose Class D, such as the Eversolo Play that I used, as it also functions as a DAC and streamer. You won't need anything else—apart from a pair of affordable speaker cables, like those from Supra. Another interesting option is the Pro-JECT miniature collections, which, like the KUPID, you can listen to at the OnOff store in Lisbon or buy online.

And how do they sound?

The DALI KUPIDs have a lively, open, and cheerful sound that never goes over the top, literally. At this price point, I am already quite satisfied they do not suffer from nasality and sibilance. Let's say they are reasonably neutral and keep their composure up to decent sound pressure levels without hardening or screeching (silk dome tweeter).

Conclusion

The KUPIDs don't defy the laws of physics; they embrace them with style: leaning against the wall, they gain body; on stands, they gain air. Small in size, they have a mature sound in timbre and transparency that does not tire the listener but rather invites them to discover music—for just a handful of euros.

Features and specifications:

2-way speaker with crossover at 2,100 Hz
Response: 63–25,000 Hz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity: 83 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
Nominal impedance: 4 Ω | Max. SPL: 103 dB | Recommended amplification: 40–120 W.
Dimensions (H×W×D): 237 × 140 × 195 mm
Weight: 2.9 kg
Reflex port tuned to 53 Hz
Recommended distance from wall: 2.5–60 cm
Finishes (x5): Black Ash, Walnut, Caramel White, Golden Yellow, and Chilly Blue, with matching magnetic grilles and cones; wall brackets and rubber feet included.
Price: € 338 / pair