Thanks for taking the time and make this video. I got the Dali Spektors 2 as a gift to myself last Black Friday. I'm no audiophile but they sound great to me. Enough bass unless you want your neighbors to hate you. Heavy metal, rock, blues sound great through these. I spent hours on YT and audio forums trying to make up my mind about what speakers to get. Wish I had watched this video before :)

Ok. Just picked up a couple of these on account of you. Thanks so much for starters. Your channel is next level. Love it. I seriously had to check that my high end center was not on. These are impressive!

An engagement stereo system is sheer brilliance! I agree with you... that should be a new tradition! Now, we just have to figure out who to contact about making that official!

Love the way you reviewed the speaker. I realized that not many youtubers does your style, very down to earth, not many retakes etc. It felt like I was talking to a friend how was explaining the ins and outs of this Dali speaker. I just bought one today, I am sorry but I will actually use them as a surround speaker to complement my B&W dm303, Spektor center speaker and XTZ 10 inch sub. Thank you again, I will keep coming back to your channel! =)

I love Dali speakers, I have heard three different lines from them never heard one I didn't like. I have this pair on my desk but if you put them in a decent room and a amp better than the small you will be blown away even more.

Cheers. Looking forward to the Spektor 2 review 👍

Man, just want to say that you bring some much-needed funny and smart knowing to these tough times.

Just picked up a used set of these in white for 100 euro's to replace a Logitech set on my desk based on this review and from the first notes I knew I now have something special on my desk. The level of detail is amazing and I wholeheartedly agree that these make for an awesome set of desktop speakers! I paired them with a stereo 2x50 watt Yamama amp and I love what I'm hearing. Thank you for this review!

@Gefrce

6 ай бұрын

Greetings! Which Yamaha amp do you use with these? I'm thinking about pairing these with a Yamaha A-S301 which I've heard several people describe as a little too forward in the upper mids or even bright. I'm thinking these little guys might balance it out. Mostly I've settled for the 301 for versatility. I listen to vinyl, cd, tape and streaming at a wide desk. I also do some home taping / dubbing, so rec out is a must. Best regards / Nils

Just connected these (got them based on your Saturday morning Q&A a couple weekends ago) and changed out my Moukey 20s on my desktop. For a few minutes, I felt like I was missing bass. Then...I played Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening" followed by "Redemption Song". And I was just grinning from ear to ear. "Three Little Birds" played right after, and wow, the bass went was all there - musical, bounce and happy. I was hearing these songs so differently. Because I use an adjustable standing desk, I'm definitely relying on the off-axis experience, and man, it's consistent. Nailed this one!

True story: My best friend bought his girlfriend-now-wife an engagement ring to distract her and hide the fact that he had also bought himself a new HIFI system. :-)

First off, the sound you get out of such a small box is insane, the rear ports do such a wonderful job on the lows! I have these on a bookshelf in my office for music and they are 100% killer for low level listening. I don't feel they need a sub at all and off axis listening is actually wonderful, which is another plus for them. My opinion of them overall is that they are warm and laid back, mids and treble are less prominent, so if you compare speakers that are very forward and detailed in the mids and highs these might seem rolled off, it's all relative I suppose, but a warmer speaker in my opinion does better at lower volumes and is less fatiguing. If I compare them to my german speakers (which have detailed highs and are vocal forward), these seem to lack some detail, but overall I prefer the sound of these, they are the opposite of fatiguing, they are so smooth you want to listen for hours and you can always use tone controls to bring some highs back in if needed (but they are absolutely fine flat as well). I have several pair of $2000+ speakers and what blows me away is how good these measure up to those for a fraction of the cost in such a small form factor, would recommend these to anyone, a fabulous speaker, I'm blown away! At the sale price these are a total steal!

Randy, top. Keep up the good work. Enjoying every minute of your videos!

10.3K subscribers! Outstanding Randy! Keep the train rolling!

I don't care what you compare, just compare! Perfect idea for content; your approach in explaining is great with a dab of beginners info as well as in depth evaluations and explanation. Its never over my head and we get a reminder of some things. Thanks for doing with audio what I cannot afford to but want to

With a sense of humour like that, how are you not British?! Loved everything about your review. It has given me much confidence after ordering these today. Thanks!

Would be great to see a nearfield/desktop shootout with the Dali, the Micca RB42, JBL Stage A120, etc.

Thanks Randy for another great review. Sounds like a cute little speaker punching outside its weight class.

I laugh every time I hear the 1980's game show music for the intermissions. So kitschy it matches your sense of humor perfectly. LOL!

Thanks! Really enjoy your reviews and ive been waiting for a Dali review :D i have the last generation of those called Zensor 1, with a Dali zensor 1 vokal center speaker. Music is just amazing on those speakers, so can imagine how great the spektors are. So thanks, and keep up the good work.

@leeh4722

3 жыл бұрын

I have zensor1’s that have been relegated to surround duty’s since I got some triangle BR02’s. Similar but better!

You should step up to Dali’s next speaker line. The Oberon’s - would love to get your thoughts on them! Keep up the good work! Just discovered your stuff a few months back and have been watching since. 🔊

You answered all my doubts about this Spektor. Gonna buy this for Christmas and pair them with my Marantz.. Thanks Randy 🙏

Thanks for this review Randy! Followed your advice... Last week I bought a pair of these fellas for on my desk, and I really happy with them! Clear, detailed 'centered' sound, very enjoyable. Compared to my Q Acoustics 3050i's they are little bit 'clean' & analytic. But those 3050i's are quadruple the price of the Spektor's and ten times bigger. For this size and price (190 euro / 230 US Dollar with tax incl.) I rate this speakers 9 out of 10.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

yeah. I love the Spektors

Thank you, great vide. Would the newer Spektor 2 make a good TV speaker for movies/games/music? The room is big but the couch is only about 5 feet away from the TV.

Hey man! Great review! One thing folks might want to try with Dali is face forward, no toe-in as if I remember, how they are designed. Granted, this could come down to listener preference but something with trying if you find them bright or a bit sparky! Also - idea... audiophile pomade? We could sell it on the podcast? Get rich... Buy some Ferraris and ride off into the sunset?

That intro and sponsor were "golden Jerry!". I love when a speaker sounds like it looks :) Another job well did RandALL! :)

Great review! I am buying these tomorrow. :)

You are a Legend!! I love your way of explaining things. A question : Can I mount them on Wall as Surround Rear Speakers with Dali Oberon 3's. Confused between the Spektor 1's and ELAC DOW4.2 and Polk Audio OWM3.

Bought a pair based on your recommendation, and it was good to be able to buy "locally" here in Denmark. They sound great. Thanks.

Indeed they are great for a desk setup. In my case a home office deluxe desk. As I am limited due to a sloping wall and recently upgraded to a height adjustable table, everything needs to be very tiny that is close to the slope. I previously used Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 on the desk (its a big desk). I tried the Dali Spector 1 and Q Acoustics Concept 20. At the time of writing, that is 150€ vs. 450€ here. I actually kept the Spector due to their perfect size and great sound. Of course the QA sound different (better?), and the Monitor Audio did as well, but as you also noticed, the Dali are a small miracle and perfect for my personal setup.

@gianlucabassi8853

Жыл бұрын

I think I'm doing the same

I'm looking at new speakers (bookies) for my living room. Spektor 2, 3020i, 3030i or any elac at same price. Gonna be on the wall and actually has to be in corners. What would you say? Probably gonna pair with smsl ad 18 or loxjie a30.

Hi there. Love love love the channel and your reviews. I'm really hoping u get a pair of dali ob1's to review.

Would you recommend these Dali speakers or a pair of q acoustics 3020 for an allround speaker pair. They will be placed on a desk, but will be used to provide music throughout the whole room. They will be paired with an NAD amp1. Hope you can help me!

Heck, that makes me want to get married again so I can get another stereo system... I need to check with my wife first though.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

let me know what kind of feedback you get on that.

@lucv13

3 жыл бұрын

Easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!

@HansProbs

3 жыл бұрын

feedback... i imagine very harsh sibilant treble, with unmistakable imaging on top of an extremely present “in the room” soundstage

What’s the best way to connect the Topping BC3 optical to the Emotiva TA-100 ? Optical from BC3 to optical on receiver or optical to usb or Rca

The Spektor 2 is another affordable gem as well.

@NeilBlanchard

3 жыл бұрын

Slightly larger cabinet and slightly larger woofer - seems like a very good thing!

@miikasuominen3845

3 жыл бұрын

I have been thinking to get them as Atmos speakers... Front ceiling.

@teglath-phalasariii4025

3 жыл бұрын

I confirm, i use them with smsl sa 300 for desktop use and music listing and they are pretty awesome. Great soundstage, they are very good with soft music, classic rock, blues ect.

@mtayfur83

8 ай бұрын

I have been using Dali Spektor 2 for a week and I am very pleased with it. I definitely agree with you. I am considering purchasing a Dali Spektor 1 with more suitable dimensions for my Desktop Computer in my office.

congrats on how quickly your channel has grown. I'd love to see some turntable recommendations for us newbs. I finally decided the AT 120x was the right fit of budget and performance and its discontinued it seems. Give me a cheap audio man Turntable approach to early 2021.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

It's happening soon. Been talking to Uturn and Fluance

Would these 2 be ok for a TV stereo setup? I would just put them left and right beside my flatscreen and run them with my stereo receiver in PCM Stereo. I know bigger would be better but I wanna keep it as small as possible… Thank you

Be interesting to see what you think of the B and W 607s. For me these are right at the top for speakers between £300-£250. Fairly low sensitivity (84db), but otherwise fantastic.

Dali is awesome. I use the Dali Oberon 1 btw. The over dimensioned tweeters are not very critical in placement height nor with, have great soundstage near field AND IN a room combined with for example 2 small emotiva subs.

@82ivaylo

3 жыл бұрын

I have the Oberon. But this week i will order the Oberon 1 for my small room. Great speakers!

Great! 🙌🏻 Dali spektor 1 vs Jamo s803. which do you think is better for a small room?

100% agree with the engagement stereos. Need to get my wife to pay up now....

This channel is so rad. Would happily buy you a beer to chat audio stuff.

I have the bigger brother Spektor 2! Awesome speakers for £199 ($276)! By the way, the manufacturer does recommend to ideally place them in front of the listener, not toed in.

We’re all asking Randy, how would these compare to the 11.2’s, the RB 61 II, Kef Q150, or the Emotiva B1+? Great review Randy!

@mocomike01

3 жыл бұрын

That would make a great comparison video

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

These are a lot smaller a lot lot smaller than the others. They’re great for their size but don’t compete in a larger room with the others.

Cambridge Audio SX50 or Dali Spektor 1? I want them for desktop speakers driven by a nobsound ns-01g pro usb (temporarily). I prefer flat response and listen to classical, electronic music mostly in low levels. Thank you!

Hey great review, could you review the Polk Audio RT 2000’s. My dad said they were around 1000 each and now run about 200-300 a pair.

Currently swaying between these and the spektor 2. They're for a fairly small room so dont think the extra expense is worth it versus these? Unless anyone has other opinions?

Thanks for a great review on a speaker I wasn't familliar with. If you need something slightly larger to fill a room but still do nearfield I wonder if the Oberon 1 is too big.

Loved the review as always. Thanks to your reviews, I got Edifier 1850 for my computer but now I needsomething for my Hi-Fi. I watched your other video qit q350, and I have to decide to go either with Dali Oberon 1 or KEF Q350 - to be paired with Marantz Melody 612 in a room 4mx4.5m (12'x15' ish). Price wise excatly the same, not a penny difference. What do you guys think?

Just Received Dali Spektor 1 Pair for my rear surround with my current front of DALI ZENSOR 3 I am Excited 👍

I tried them, really liked them. Not the most dynamic and somewhat laid back compared to what I am used to but I'd be very happy with these as well. Didn't try the Spektor 2 but guess they'd be better by size. Oberon 1s take that to the next level a bit but both provide good sound. Oberon vinyl wrap is premium, thick with texture. Didn't try Zensor series but some people say a bit brighter. Dalis are a seriously good speaker, at the top for under $400 budget. Kefs have more detail, a more forward sound. Out if the two I think I'd go with Dalis, next size up if nothing else for looks alone. NOTE: 83 db...so they need a little power and don't expect party level sound but the size is great.

Great and entertaining Review as the norm ! Thanks Randy👍🏻👊🏻

I am currently living in Europe, and saw some Dali wireless over ear headphones, bought them, and they were EXCELLENT. Dali make good products, they are a Danish company, so many are manufactured in the EU, some in China, but very good design. Excellent sound.

Nice review, which one is better, JBL stage A130 or this one

Got these as I have very limited space in my home office and cannot squeeze anything bigger, very nice speakers, I run them through a smsl sa300 and I'm pretty satisfied, it's the ultimate compact combo

I'm using two sets as Atmos/heights speakers with my Yamaha RX-A2070 and I'm very happy with them (crossed at 90Hz cutoff)

After your review I found a pair on Amazon open box for $160, figured that was too good to pass up for my computer desk. Thanks!

lovely speakers for nearfield/desktop use... i was amazed when i first fired them up :)

Great job again! Think you would like the little more expensive Dali as well. Try to get the Oberon 1 or even better the 3 it’s next class up in the line.

Cheapaudioman got a question: my Cambridge axr100 receiver volume reads in negative numbers. The lowest volume displays at -79db. As I increase volume the numbers decrease -78db,-77db etc... Around -38db is where i find it comfortably for my hearing enjoyment. What does -38db equate to in watts ? Is there a way figure how many watts i’m listening to ? Thx.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

watts is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to volume. There is a pretty cool calculator that one can use. The majority of the time people are only using a couple watts even at loud volumes. I'm not sure. For your original question check out this article hub.yamaha.com/why-are-the-numbers-on-my-avr-volume-control-negative/#:~:text=When%20you%20turn%20up%20the,to%20indicate%20the%20volume%20output.

Got these and they are phenomenally good.

Wich ones are better? The dali's or the Jamo S803's? They are in the same price range here.

This José, are these better than the Fluance speakers signature speakers ?

Hey Randy, thanks for the review! Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on a pair of speakers from a different price category (say, around $1k) - just curious how much difference/improvement you would hear compared to the more budget ones you've heard, and if you'd think it worth the jump in price. Also, maybe an active vs passive speaker shootout?

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

Eventually I think that will happen

@neilfox4626

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman If you are going to do a comparison powered vs passive try the PSB Alpha series. Cheap, good and available both ways. Full disclosure, I sell PSB at the store where I work. Also DALI, KEF all the initials.

These look so nice. Are you checking out “Demon Fire” through any these? I’d love to hear how that bass sounds.

Love the channel. If you love these, why didn't they make the recommended speakers list?

I live in a tiny house (or 'hoose' if you prefer) in Scotland, where we tend not to have very big rooms, and have been looking for a good sounding compact speaker to pair with a yet-to-be-bought Denon RCD-N11 mini system, and I think these might just fit the bill. Thanks for the great review!

I'm considering these for my bedroom. Dalis are great for the price. My Oberon 5 floorstanders are an end point for me, considering they'll hopefully be with me for the next 30~40 years, €799 is cheap.

Randy, you think these would go well with the Aiyima A07?

Bought this speakers few days ago and to my ear the bass mostly is there but it's laid back. You need to listen loud to get/hear more bass which is not my fav way of listening (higher frequencies then are too loud and fatiguing). I've EQued to bump the lows but still not there. I would recommend add sub to this speakers if you like music witch needs decent lows (or for movies and games). The Dali Spektor 2 is much better speaker which don't need sub for music to my ear and is great all arounder, gives more excitment. If you have more space to get Spektor 2 this is my recommendation. Thanks!

@micknorthyard815

9 ай бұрын

I should have seen your comment sooner. I bought the Spektor 1 based on this review but I will return them due to the lack of bass and exaggerated highs

Would these work with a sub woofer in a small room for desk but on stands . I'm running Sony SSCS5 are these Dali an upgrade ?

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

these are a lot smaller. Personally, I think that the dalis are way better but I'm not sure if you'll notice a huge performance upgrade because the sonys are so much bigger. They would work in a small room but they're small speakers.

I have vintage Nikko rcvr Power output: 18 watts per channel into 8Ω. Can I run these speakers with it? or will there be a problem? thanks!

That intro though , great stuff :)

LOL, Audio engagagement.. I Iove your Mexa-mug. Hey have not seen any of your videos talking about automatic-room-correction, id like to know what are the cheap versions how they compare to Onkyo's, Pioner's, Yamaha's, NAND's etc etc. or at least your opinion about them.

Your introductions are hilarious

is there anyway you can wall mount these speakers or the Spektor 2? I guess you could create a shelf for them if not.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure about the Spektor 2's but these didn't have anything on the back for mounting. They're also rear ported so that may be a design consideration. They're quite small though so a small shelf would work

I like this dude! He's funny and gets his message across simply and in and entertaining way. I have owned these speakers in a while and what he says is very accurate. And I think I have a similar duvet cover. Not sergio's for sure, but looks almost the same. :-D You're good man, I like you.

I see that IOTAVX stack in the background...Hell yes!

So these or the Fluance Signature Bookshelf speakers?

I've had these about a week, bought them bundled with the denon pma-600ne for what I would consider a bargain price. It's changed my life, they sound unbelievable

@aaronkon

3 жыл бұрын

Where did you find the bundle?

@ChristopherJones-ou4eo

3 жыл бұрын

@@aaronkon I'm in the UK so hope it's still relevant. Bought the bundle from Peter Tyson. Was £449, so not like dirt cheap but I was pleased. The amp retails at £369 generally and the Dalis are around £159 new so I was pleased all in for £449. They also gave speaker cable and extended warranty in the bundle. I saw the Dalis go for £100 on ebay and home av direct have em for £129 ex demo. So there's further bargains to be had out there

7:28 "Bass drum... kick drum, I hate that word." The term' kick drum' is a layman's term hi-jacking the original term-- Kick. Kick is the first thing a sound engineer calls for when laying down a mix. All mixes are built around the bass drum which is the first sound captured as a foundation. Whether in the studio or 150' back at FOH position the engineer calls out "single shots Kick" No engineer says Kick Drum-- that's an audiophile term adopted to be in the know. Fun fact: When I first starting mixing Reggae the singer said, "make the foot drum sit on my nose, mon" My response: "Yes mon, me the loudest soundman in the world... thief me a splif and me sound even louder!"

i was looking to start with all that vinyl stuff cause i really wanted to just be able to physically have the albums i love, and im was looking for a good -looking, well sounding speaker. this helped me a lot, thanks!

Excellent review. Thank-you. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Nice. You have to try the 2s now!!!

What amp do you recommend for these? i need them. Their look alone turns me on.

I'm building my 5.1 system atm.. have both the spektor 1 and 2s with centre... bud now looking at a budget av receiver... would the denon x550bt do a good job? Nice vid by the way.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

that would probably work just fine.

@davevti9

3 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman great thanks

I think the opposite party should get a gift at least 3x the value ;)...Jeez, I still have my Dali Piano Agile's from 2005. Heavy as hell but I love them to bits :). Keep up the good work CheapAsAudioMan :)

I am looking at the dali specktor 1 and 2 . Which is best for desktop nearfield listening ? I have an onkyo a9010 amplifier , ifi zen dac and a suca m1 tube buffer pre amp . Thank you kindly

@mtayfur83

8 ай бұрын

Spektor 1 👈

Ik got dali speakers glad you test it

How would you compare to emotiva b1+?

I just bought these and an Aiyima A07 for my desktop. Replaced the EDIFIER 1700bt. For the first time in my life I m listening music the right way. 🔥

I've had these speakers a couple of years, powered by my Marantz amp, these speakers are little miracles, they are punchy, precise and very musical... play 2112 and you'll be impressed... I play movies through them too in stereo... watched a Sergio Leone movie and the sound was really projected. If you are on a budget or just don't want to waste money try these... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Any eta on you getting the 12 series wharfedale? Cant wait for your review on them as being in the UK there isnt alot of speakers I can get.

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

Their distributor has been kind enough to send me a pair and they should be here soon.

@shiivu1873

3 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Sick mate, Cant wait to hear what u say about them. Good or bad!! Narrowing down options would actually help me hahaha

spektor 1 or the sony css5s ? your thoughts?

How do they compare to the Wharfedales? I'm debating whether to get the 11.1 or the Dalis.

@Missionmtman

3 жыл бұрын

I’m curious about that too.

randy, great review!! you were really gushing....LOL. you didn't mention it, but i'm guessing you liked them more than the Emotiva B1+ and the Wharefedale diamond 11.2 ?? wonder what dali's next in line like Oberon's or Zensors will bring to the table!

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

I like them more than the 11.2's for a desk top setup. For medium rooms I'd choose the Emos but for their specific application they're pretty awesome. however, the emos can fit on a desk too but don't have the vertical imaging that these do. 11.2's are a much different speaker. I'd say the dalis lean neutral, the 11.2's are warm warm warm, and the emos lean lively. 3 different but equally awesome speakers in their own way

@themastroiannis

3 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Awesome!

I realize this is the cheap audio channel but do you think you could borrow a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs to do a shootout with against the Dali Spektor 1?

I bought the 2 because of u cheapaudioman! Were on sale here "au Québec" @500cdn.... 😲💥🌟 Si tiny, so clear powerful and complete sounding. Thx⛩️

What about whaferdale d310? Are they sound better than this?

This makes me want to consider more stuff after settling on Wharfedale 11.2s. I have a return window until the 31st. haha

@cheapaudioman

3 жыл бұрын

these are small small speaker. I'd say they're more neutral out of the bunch but these won't push nearly as much air as the others and may struggle in a bigger room. On a desktop or nearfield scenario then it's a more difficult discussion.