DALI S-80 User Manual

DALI PHANTOM S

WHITEPAPER

INTRODUCTION

The enjoyment of music is the cornerstone of everything
that DALI does. From manufacturing speakers to our
engagement in the music scene, our mission is to bring
a high quality audio experience to you no matter what
the circumstances.

We know that finding space for traditional boxed
speakers in a living room, in certain cases, is almost
impossible. We also understand the need for enjoying
music even if the speakers have to be discreetly hidden
away. Our aim is to offer the possibility of having the
traditional DALI boxed speaker sound without having to
give up valuable living room real estate.

DALI’s Custom Install speaker range, the DALI PHANTOM,
now offers more ways than ever to place speakers
discreetly in ceilings or walls. The PHANTOM E series
is the perfect choice for in-ceiling use, the PHANTOM H
series offers the best in compact in-wall speakers, and
the brand new DALI PHANTOM S series is the choice for
no compromise in-wall audio.

The woofer used in the PHANTOM S series is a specially
developed 8” woofer optimized for both bass and mid­range performance. To ensure the best possible bass
performance, we paired a 10” passive radiator with the
primary woofer(s) in the two larger models in the series.
This ensures the full frequency response of a traditional
box floor standing speaker from the comparable
compact in-wall speakers.

Combining the latest advances in loudspeaker
technologies with the well founded knowledge of
traditional speaker design, DALI has produced an
amazing range of high performance in-wall speakers.

Each model in the range features a slim cabinet that
fits into almost any standard wall, proven speaker
technologies like solid MDF front baffles, wood fibre
cones, low-loss surround and magnet design.

Combining these elements with our latest advances,
such as the SMC pole piece and best in class hybrid
tweeter module, the PHANTOM S series stands out from
the crowd in more ways than one.

It is with great pleasure and immense pride that we
introduce you to the DALI PHANTOM S series.

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PRODUCTS

The DALI PHANTOM S series consists of three models for
maximum flexibility. The compact PHANTOM S-80, the
full-size PHANTOM S-180 and the power-house of the
family, the PHANTOM S-280. All models are built around
a rotatable hybrid tweeter module, enabling both vertical

PHANTOM S-180 and PHANTOM S-80.

and horizontal mounting. This makes them easy to install
for any audio use: stereo, centre channel, surround
speakers and even hight positions if placed close to or
in the ceiling.

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PHANTOM S-80

The most compact model in the range, offering the
optimal balance between audio performance and
flexibility in placement. With its 8” bass/mid-range
woofer working in combination with the rotatable
hybrid tweeter module, it delivers a clear and very well
defined audio reproduction including a surprising bass
performance. The relative compactness of the PHANTOM
S-80 makes it perfect for any placement in your audio
system. Front, centre, rear or hight positions.

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PHANTOM S-180

The S-180 takes all qualities of the S-80 one step further
by adding a massive 10” passive radiator to work in
combination with the 8” bass/mid-range driver. This
combination enables the PHANTOM S-180 to reach even
deeper down in the lower frequencies and reproduce
the audio signal on par with a traditional floor standing
speaker. Despite this, it is still a compact speaker that
is perfect as front left or right, or centre speaker in your
audio system.

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PHANTOM S-280

Taking everything to a new level, the S-280 is true
flagship in-wall speaker. Combining an improved
rotatable hybrid tweeter module, two 8” bass/mid-range
drivers and no less than two 10” passive radiators, this
152 cm powerhouse of an in-wall speaker needs to be
heard to be believed. Clean, coherent, detailed, powerful
and room filling sound is what this speaker is all about. If
you are looking for a no compromise performance in an
in-wall speaker, the PHANTOM S-280 delivers, and then
some.

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The woofer magnet penetrates the back of the cabinet
allowing for long-throw 8” woofer.

DESIGN GOALS

Before the first lines were drawn on the PHANTOM S
series, we set out a handful of fixed goals we wanted
to meet.

• Sealed cabinet for optimum control of the audio
reproduction

• Very shallow cabinet for maximum flexibility when
installing

• Full range frequency response minimising the need
for a subwoofer

• High quality, high performance look and feel of the
entire speaker, not just the front

• Seamless integration with the wall and room

The drivers are mounted in a black painted solid
MDF front baffle.

To meet these goals we had to deliver our very
best every step of the way, coming up with multiple
ingenious solutions and striking the perfect balance
between construction and performance.

In the following we will describe the decisions and
solutions used to fulfil the goals we set out, touching
on every aspect of the design, from cabinet layout to
the driver construction.

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CABINET

Constructing a shallow back cabinet for the PHANTOM S series was
a challenge in more ways than one. With a depth of only 103 mm (4
inches) getting the perfect inner volume for the woofer(s) had to be
found both in the height and width of the speaker, but also internally.
The visual appearance of the speaker had to be both pleasing in form,
small enough to blend in with the room and made for optimum listening.

The rear chamber is constructed from a solid MDF frame that holds the
dogleg mounting system and the terminals. The back of the cabinet, like
the frame, is made from MDF and is entirely clad in a high quality black
vinyl to complete the look from the front of the speaker. On the front, the
drivers are mounted in a large, black painted MDF front baffle.

The front baffle and the back of the cabinet are designed with a careful
eye on getting the thickness solid enough to not resonate, yet thin
enough to allow for the precise inner volume. Using accelerometer
measurements to analyse the different combinations helped to get the
thickness just right and locate the best placement for the inner bracings
used in all three models.

The front of each speaker integrates elegantly with the wall via the
extruded aluminium frame. The frame forms the connection with the
wall, and its picture frame design helps to ensure a large termination
point between speaker and wall without a visually dominating footprint.

The easy to use dogleg
system secures the
speaker to the wall and
the aluminium frame
ensures integration
with the wall or ceiling
extending the front baffle.

The magnet mounted, floating front grille forms the visual presence
of the PHANTOM S series speaker. The discreet, simple, but modern
design is nonintrusive and at the same time pleasing to the eye.

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WOOFER

With the aim of generating a high frequency span and
obtaining optimum sound pressure from all models,
it was decided to design an 8” bass/midrange driver
specifically for the PHANTOM S series. Offering 70%
more surface area, the 8” woofer is able to move more
air and deliver a higher sound pressure at very low
frequencies compare to a traditional 6½” woofer. All this
whilst still delivering detailed information and rich mid­range sound.

Limited by the 103 mm depth of the cabinet, every
trick in the book was used to minimize the depth of
the woofer. A special aluminium chassis was created
based on our RUBICON series, and the magnet system
was constructed to be as flat as possible without losing
strength. Despite all our best efforts shortening the
woofer enough while keeping the wanted excursion

range, simply was not possible. Going back to the
drawing board, the idea to let the magnet system
penetrate the back of the cabinet was formed. A soft
rubber gasket surrounds the magnet and keeps the
cabinet completely airtight, whilst ensuring the woofer
movements are decoupled from the cabinet, keeping the
construction strong and resonant free.

Optimising an 8” woofer for optimal integration with
the hybrid tweeter module took numerous adjustments.
Giving the needed superior precision and minimal
distortion, the SMC based EPICON 8 magnet system was
chosen as the base for this woofer.

SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) has the unique ability of
delivering very high magnetic conductivity and very low
electrical conductivity, thereby dramatically lowering the

The 8” woofer is designed and optimized specially for the

PHANTOM S series using the EPICON 8 magnet motor system.

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POLE PIECE DISTORTION SPECTRUM

POLE PIECE DISTORTION SPECTRUM

Iron pole piece

Amplitude

h2

h3

SMC pole piece

h5

h4

h6

h7

h8

h9

h10

500 1k 10k 20k

effects of hysteresis and eddy currents around the pole
piece. While at the same time delivering all the wanted
qualities of a good magnet system.

Utilising the SMC pole piece surrounded with aluminium
rings and the 1.5” four-layer voice coil, optimal control,
low distortion and high power handling was achieved.
The low loss surround and the cone structure is
optimised for midrange performance, and likewise the
dust cap. The smaller than usual dust cap has been
arched outward as part of the woofer depth optimisation.

Every single part combines to deliver a high
bandwidth reproduction with amazing detailing
and the ability to deliver well-controlled
bass and midrange reproduction.

The fine grain SMC

material is an important

building material in

the materialization of

the high performance

magnet system.

Hz

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AIR SPEED

PASSIVE RADIATOR

True low frequency performance in a
small cabinet is almost impossible to
achieve, and the remedy is usually
the integration of a bass port. Using
a bass port in a shallow installation
cabinet serves up two big challenges,
getting the bass port the correct
length, and controlling airflow
through the front grille. By integrating
a passive bass reflex woofer the above
challenges were eliminated without losing
the ability to generate true bass.

AIR SPEED

Utilizing a passive driver reduces

air flow woofer excursion dramatically.

8” Excurtion - Slave
8” Excurtion - Ported

mm m/s

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

Slave Speed

Air Speed

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

2

0

10 100 1.000 10.000

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1

0

Hz

Building on the passive radiator used in our high-

PORTED (BASS REFLEX) SYSTEM

end subwoofer SUB P—10 DSS, the passive radiator
for the PHANTOM S series was created. Using the
same aluminium chassis, soft surround and very well
behaving carbon fibre cone, the passive radiator lets
the PHANTOM S-180 and PHANTOM S-280 reach deep
down into the lower frequencies to deliver a believable
large boxed speaker sound.

PORTED (BASS REFLEX) SYSTEM

The woofer and the passive driver integrates

perfectly for a smooth frequency response.

dB SPL

120

100

80

60

40

20

Woofer Slave Sum

0

10 100 1.000 10.000

Hz

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TWEETER

DALI has a long and well proven tradition for the use of
hybrid tweeter modules. This is the combination of a soft
dome tweeter working together with a ribbon tweeter
for an amazing rendering of the high frequencies, and
dispersion of high frequency sounds that outperforms
other tweeter technologies.

DOME

Low resonance frequency, high power handling, and
exceptional headroom for high sound pressure levels and
extreme excursions, are all characteristics of the soft
dome tweeter. It is rolled in carefully around 2.8 - 3.0
kHz, depending on the model, and the dome is allowed
to operate up to its high frequency limit of well beyond
20 kHz, without being rolled off in the crossover.

Incorporating an ultra-thin magnetic fluid for cooling,
which has a very high flux saturation point for greater
power handling. This also means superb control of coil
movement - even at very high sound pressure levels.

Enclosed in a separate
chamber the planar
ribbon diaphragm
supports the soft dome
way above the audible
limit of the human ear.

The dome material itself is very lightweight, and actually
so thin that a coating has to be applied to hold the
material together and uniform.

RIBBON

The ribbon part of the hybrid module is a magneto-static
type tweeter. Four bands of conductive material make­up the active diaphragm that is controlled by a strong
magnetic field formed around it. Equipped with a rear
chamber fitted with rigid bracing, the ribbon is shielded
from the disruptive influence of the woofers. The DALI
ribbon tweeter is a true master in horizontal distribution
of high frequencies, and a superb partner for the soft
dome tweeter’s unique ability to reproduce frequencies
from 2 kHz upwards.

In our view, the hybrid tweeter module is the perfect
high frequency solution. Both the soft dome and the
ribbon tweeter are free of artefacts, e.g. resonances
and high Q peaks within their working range. The hybrid
tweeter module features an extremely smooth and
wide horizontal dispersion - one of our sound design
trademarks. Even the detailing of the faceplate for
the tweeter module is designed for optimal horizontal
dispersion.

The rotatable hybrid tweeter module makes it possible
to use the PHANTOM S series as either the left or right
channel, or as a centre speaker.

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DALI’s wide dispersion technology fill every corner of the room with high quality audio
and let the listener experience the music even if he is not placed in the sweet spot.

WIDE DISPERSION

By designing our drivers for wide dispersion, we make
our loudspeakers easy to integrate into any room,
delivering a smooth and well integrated sound for a
wider listening position.

This technology is perfect for the PHANTOM S series,
since they are always mounted flush against a wall.
Working with the off-axis optimisation ensures that
the listener will have a large sweet spot where the
soundstage is perfect, but also that the sound received
when away from the sweet spot is still of a very high
quality.

By optimising the audio signal for off-axis distribution,
both the signal reaching your ear directly and the signal
reflected off the room surfaces will have the same high
quality. This means a consistent high quality of sound,
across a much wider listening area.

The uniform dispersion over a wide range of listening
angles ensure a smooth, uniform energy distribution
within the listening room, which is another crucial factor
for a coherent and well balanced tonality.

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The magnet mounted, floating front grille forms the visual presence of the PHANTOM S series speaker.
The discrete, simple, but modern design is nonintrusive and at the same time pleasing to the eye.

APPLICATION

The PHANTOM S series delivers true Hi-Fi performance,
elegantly integrated into any room. Delivering high
quality audio previously only achieved through large
boxed speakers, the PHANTOM S sets new standards for
in-wall performance.

The three models offer full flexibility when integrating
audio into any situation. The high quality performance
of the PHANTOM S series makes them perfect for
everything from office installations that demand only the
best in audio quality, to living room installations and the
ultimate in home cinema experience.

The shallow depth of the PHANTOM S series makes it
possible to install them in many standard walls without

the need for special rework. The larger models will in
some situations need extra support and wall bracing to
eliminate wall vibration.

The PHANTOM S series enables you to get the
experience of true high-end Hi-Fi or home cinema,
without giving up precious floor space.

The rotatable hybrid tweeter adds the flexibility to mount
all of the models in either landscape or portrait aspects,
and the full range performance of all the models will in
most cases eliminate the need for a subwoofer when
listening in stereo.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PHANTOM S-80 S-180 S-280

Frequency Range +/-3dB [Hz] 59 - 25,000 49 - 25,000 44 - 25,000

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) [dB] 88 89 89

Nominal Impedance [ohm] 6 6 8

Maximum SPL [dB] 108 109 112

Crossover Frequency [Hz] 2,800 / 15,000 2,800 / 15,000 3,000 / 15,000

Recommended Amplifi er Power [Watt] 40 - 200 40 - 200 40 - 350

High Frequency Driver 1 x 28 mm soft dome

1 x 17 x 45 mm ribbon

Low Frequency Driver 8" Wood Fibre Cone 8" Wood Fibre Cone 2 x 8" Wood Fibre Cone

Connection Input Single Wire Single Wire Single Wire

Enclosure Type Closed Box Passive Radiator Box

Recommended Placement Front/Centre/Rear/

Surround

Dimensions (H x W x D) [mm] 648 x 403 x 110 898 x 453 x 110 1,527 x 527 x 110

Dimensions (H x W x D) [inches] 25.5 x 15.9 x 4.3 35.4 x 17.8 x 4.3 60.1 x 20.7 x 4.3

Cut-out Dimensions (H x W x D) [mm] 615 x 370 x 103 865 x 420 x 103 1,495 x 495 x 103

Cut-out Dimensions (H x W x D) [inches] 24.2 x 14.6 x 4 34.1 x 16.5 x 4 58.9 x 19.5 x 4

Weight [kg/lbs] 13.5 18.5 35.0

Finish White Lacquer Grille White Lacquer Grille White Lacquer Grille

Accessories Manual, Cut-out

Template, Allen Key

All technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 x 28 mm soft dome

1 x 17 x 45 mm ribbon

10” Slave

Front/Centre/Rear/

Surround

Manual, Cut-out

Template, Allen Key

1 x 29 mm soft dome

1 x 17 x 45 mm ribbon

Passive Radiator Box

2 x 10” Slave

Front/Centre

Manual, Cut-out

Template, Allen Key

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