Written by Administrator | 01 June 2011
Posted in Zensor

These speakers represent a new entry-level for the Dali. While you never expect really affordable speakers to have the sort of styling that really gets the juices flowing, the Zensor 1’s compact dimensions, unfussy styling and quality fit and finish make for a very positive first impression.

Significantly more positive than that, though, is how they sound. Play Eric Bibb’s Saucer ‘n’ Cup – an old test favorite – and what immediately strikes you is how crisp and precise these Zensors are, and how assuredly they deal with the complex, organic dynamics of Bibb’s playing. You feel every strum, and the harder plucks on his acoustic guitar really stand out. Bibb’s playing and singing is all about soul – and that’s what the Zensors give you.

An airy, spacious presentation

They provide a wide, open soundstage, and it’s worth toeing them in a little more than usual in order to focus vocals. Even then, the presentation is airy and spacious, with nice separation to instruments. Putting them against a wall increases the bass, and while that slightly diminishes the spot-on tonal balance of the presentation, the bass remains tight and punchy, so if you prefer a weightier flavor you may actually prefer them positioned in such a way, and they can in fact be wall-mounted if you so wish.

What’s also impressive is that, while the dalis are detailed and precise, they’re not so clinical and analytical that they make poor recordings sound horrible. The Strokes’ Angles, for instance, is kept well under control and remains eminently listenable at high volumes, yet the Zensors leave the essential lo-fi charm intact.

Perhaps the biggest compliment we can pay them is that they don’t sound like a pair of budget speakers- they’re more detailed and precise than that, more grown up and more downright musical – and that makes them a serious bargain.

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Ratings 5 Stars

FOR
Brilliant detail, punch and dynamics; excellent tonal balance; the compact and flexible design
AGAINST
At this price? Nothing
VERDICT
Do not buy another pair of sub speakers until you’ve heard these Zensors

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Technical Specifications

Frequency Range [+/- 3] dB [Hz]
53 - 26.500

Sensitivity [2.83V/1m] [dB]
86,5

Nominal Impedance [ohms]
6

Maximum SPL [dB]
106

Recommended Amp. Power [Watts]
25 - 100

Crossover Frequencies [Hz]
2.900

Crossover Principle
2-way

High Frequency Driver
25 mm soft dome

Low Frequency/Midrange Driver(s)
1 x 5¼”

Enclosure Type
Bass reflex

Bass Re?ex Tuning Frequency [Hz]
51,5

Connection Input(s)
Single wire

Recommended Placement
Wall/shelf/(Stand)

Magnetic Shielding
Semi shielding

Dimensions (H x W x D) [mm]
274 x 162 x 228

Weight [kg/lb]
4,2/9.3