DALI Helicon 300 Bookshelf speakers
Two-way system where silk dome and strip band are responsible for high-frequency range is an interesting decision. Apparently, the strip band helps dome tweeter only on ultra-high frequencies. Like in other speaker systems of the series Helicon the main MF/LF-speaker has the diffuser of dark red color, made of paper with impregnations of wood and is saturated with special compound.
Taking DALI Helicon 300 out of the box you immediately feel that deal with the acoustics of ultra-high class. Finishing of the body with lacquered veneer is very impressive. It is the correct idea to attach a pair of cloth gloves to each speaker in order to prevent the appearance of fingerprint on the lacquered surface. The rounded forms of the body repeat the silhouettes of the older models of the series including the traditional for DALI faceplate narrowed from two sides in the field of high-frequency speakers. The bass reflex port is located on the back wall and the tube is fixed to the chassis with screws. Despite of not the most impressive for such monitors weight (slightly less than 10 kilograms), the body is very rigid and absolutely "dead" acoustically - its contribution to the sound isn't felt at all.
One more interesting detail: the jumpers for connection of acoustic connectors, providing two-cable connection, represent two segments of the firmed DALI cable, packed in the individual plastic boxes. Naturally, to obtain maximum benefit from DALI Helicon they need to be installed on good stands.
Started the listening from classical music I could not go to the next part of firm program for a long time and listened to almost all "Peer Gynt" from the beginning to end. In the sound of DALI Helicon 300 there is something that immediately catches you attention and doesn't let it go. And all audiophile attributes are in places: excellent three-dimensional stage, perfect localization and correct separation of the instruments; all the things that must characterize cool monitors. However, the sounding impresses with its naturalness and sophistication. The acoustics is very well able to transmit the interaction of the instruments in orchestra; rhythmic pattern of a composition is traced without the slightest strain. I think that in rooms with the space up to 20 meters these monitors can fully satisfy the needs in bass of most listeners.
