DALI unveils its V-16 F flagship subwoofer with 16-inch driver, constant surface surround and 1,500 W amplifier.
Danish loudspeaker specialist DALI has introduced the V-16 F, its most powerful subwoofer to date. The new model is aimed at both high-end home-cinema installations and audiophile two-channel systems, where deep bass extension and tight control are equally important.
According to the manufacturer, low-frequency reproduction is “key to recreating the sense of ‘being there’” in music and film soundtracks. The V-16 F is designed to address the twin challenges of output and finesse by combining a large-format transducer with high-power amplification and a cabinet engineered for low coloration.
Hardware highlights
At the heart of the subwoofer is a single 16-inch (406 mm) driver that employs what DALI calls the “largest ever Constant Surface Surround.” The surround is said to allow ±16 mm of linear excursion and up to 70 mm peak-to-peak, figures that would position the driver among the more capable long-throw units on the market. Power comes from an in-house Class-D amplifier rated at 1,500 W RMS and 2,500 W peak.
Four continuous-flare reflex ports are tuned to 18 Hz, and the cabinet volume of 90 litres contributes to a claimed in-room response that reaches –3 dB at 19 Hz. DALI also cites ultra-low signal latency, a controlled low-pass roll-off and several DSP-based operating modes, including Room Mode Attenuation, Constant Group Delay and a Leader/Follower option for multi-sub setups.
Design focus on low distortion
The company emphasises a wideband, low-loss design strategy intended to keep both harmonic and non-harmonic distortion to a minimum, not only within the sub-bass region but also outside the primary operating band so that midrange performance in the main loudspeakers remains unaffected. These goals align with trends in premium subwoofer engineering, where designers seek to blend very high output capability with the speed and pitch definition required for music listening.
Market context
“The continued success of our home cinema range has driven demand for a flagship subwoofer to meet the needs of movie and music fans that demand the very best in low-end frequency response. We see an increase in adoption of home cinema set-ups across Europe and we’re pleased to be raising the bar in the high-end home cinema sound sector,” says Michael Munch, CI Business Development Manager at DALI.
The V-16 F weighs 53.15 kg and ships in a finish yet to be disclosed. Pricing and availability have not been announced at the time of writing. While real-world performance awaits independent testing, the specifications suggest that DALI intends the V-16 F to compete with other reference-class subwoofers in the increasingly crowded premium segment.
With its combination of a large-format driver, high-current amplification and advanced DSP features, the V-16 F signals DALI’s ambition to secure a foothold at the very top end of the low-frequency market.