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In the tradition of DALI and, in fact, the Ikon series, the speakers have a smooth, musical sound, deep bass, in addition, they absolutely do not require an amplifier. However, in the pursuit of sound comfort Ikon 8 overly smooth the fine details of timbres and speed of time transitions.
These speakers complete the vast Ikon product line, and are logically the largest member of the family.
The test: Denis Goncharov, Consumer magazine. Video&Audio
Design
Like the rest of the series, the Ikon 8 features a hybrid tweeter module, which consists of two drivers mounted on a common panel. In the range from 3 to 20 kHz works “squeaker” with enlarged cloth dome with 28 mm diameter, the frequencies from 14 kHz and above is announced by tweeter with 17×45 mm size.
The dome squeaker uses a rear damping chamber and the radiator coil is cooled by a ferromagnetic fluid. Using two tweeters allows to widen the directivity diagram of acoustic systems, this quality is considered by DALI developers as one of the most important.
Ikon 8 midrange/midrange drivers: two 200mm bass drivers and a 165mm midrange driver. The speakers are equipped with cast aluminum chassis and motors with a dual magnet system. Reverse polarity rear magnet for improved driver shielding.
Cages with narrow ribs ventilate well and do not cause noticeable air compression behind the diaphragm. The cones are made of pressed paper reinforced with wood fibers and mounted on low-loss rubber suspensions, guaranteeing low distortion at full excursion amplitudes.
In the Ikon 8, all the bass/midrange drivers are mounted in insulated chambers: the midrange driver is placed in a closed compartment, while the bass driver box has a reflex port: the port of the bottom end faces the front, the port of the second woofer faces rear.
Ikon 8 crossover is assembled by hand on two vibration-resistant boards. MF/HF crossover section is placed in the midrange driver compartment, with the filters of the LF section connected directly to the input terminals. Isolation filter circuit components are chosen for maximum linearity in the frequency response. As a result, the Danish speakers are not as demanding as the power amplifiers used.
The Ikon 8 cabinet is finished in black or light walnut vinyl.
Sound
In general, the sound of Ikon 8 retained all the positive features peculiar to the speakers of the series – in recent years, Ikon speakers participated in our tests repeatedly. Like other Ikon 8s, the model has even tonal balance, you just need to position them correctly – the speakers do not need to be turned towards the listener, you just point them in parallel.
Other pluses of the Ikon 8: A detailed, smooth top, an airy music scene with volume and good localization. Slightly warm musical mid-speakers naturally reproduces the main timbres of instruments, emotionally renders vocal parts.
Enhanced, in comparison with the “junior” floor-standing speakers, the bass equipment Ikon 8 line has led to a significant expansion of their operating range in the low-frequency range. Subjectively, the speakers capture even a part of the lower bass, while the bass is quite textured and well controlled, the bass speed degrades only at the bottom.
Although we did not notice major mistakes in the sound of the Ikon 8, small flaws still exist. For example, the localization of images in the frontal plane of the scene is better than in the depth of the stereo image, in the center of the picture – better than on the edges. Speakers somewhat obscure the layer of microamplitude information and slightly soften the sound articulation. Perhaps, with excellent sound comfort Ikon 8 loses to the best speakers of its class in the “timing” of sound.
Price: 66 100 Dollars.
Measuring
A trademark feature of the Ikon 8 – a very smooth and stable impedance in the MF/HF range from 4 to 9 ohms, not falling below 4 ohms in the entire frequency range of measurements. The bass reflex port is tuned to low frequency of 28 Hz. Judging by the “trembling” of the curve at the midrange, the Ikon 8 cabinet is not ideal in terms of acoustic inertia, but it does not lead to noticeable unevenness of the frequency response. Only strong port resonance leads to more noticeable changes in speaker sensitivity in the vicinity of 560 Hz.
In the axial direction you can notice the sensitivity uplift in the upper part of the working range, at an angle of 30° all the problems disappear and the unevenness of the AFC is brought to a normal value: +/-3dB in the whole working area with the lowest boundary at 35 Hz exactly as in the passport of the speakers .
Can anyone provide a review or personal experience with the DALI Ikon 8 speaker system? How would you rate its sound quality and performance in different settings?
I have personally experienced the DALI Ikon 8 speaker system and I must say that the sound quality is exceptional. The speakers deliver clear and crisp audio with a deep and powerful bass response. Whether I was listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games, the speakers performed admirably in all settings. The build quality is also top-notch, with a sleek and stylish design that complements any room decor. Overall, I would highly recommend the DALI Ikon 8 speaker system for anyone looking for a premium audio experience.
I read the text about testing the DALI Ikon 8 speaker system and I’m curious to know more. How does the sound quality compare to other speaker systems? Are there any specific features that make this system stand out? Does it provide a balanced audio experience across different genres of music? Is it easy to set up and use? Any insights and recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
The DALI Ikon 8 speaker system is known for its exceptional sound quality, often considered one of the best in its price range. It offers a well-balanced audio experience that accommodates various music genres beautifully. With its dual 8-inch woofers and ribbon tweeter, the system delivers clear highs, detailed mid-range, and deep bass. The overall sound signature is rich, warm, and dynamic.
One of the standout features of the DALI Ikon 8 is its outstanding imaging and soundstage, providing an immersive listening experience. The system’s high-quality build and craftsmanship contribute to its overall performance and durability. It can easily handle both small intimate rooms and larger spaces with ease.
Setting up the speaker system is fairly straightforward, and it comes with convenient connectivity options. However, it is recommended to pair it with a suitable amplifier to fully unlock its potential. The speakers themselves are quite heavy, so it’s important to ensure proper placement and support.
Overall, the DALI Ikon 8 is highly recommended for audiophiles or music enthusiasts looking for a top-notch speaker system that delivers excellent sound quality, versatility, and an immersive listening experience across various music genres.