I Tested the DALI Katch G2, and It’s the Only Portable Speaker That Sounds “Hi-Fi”
Remember when small Bluetooth speakers were all about being loud, but the music always sounded kind of muddy and flat? Then DALI showed up with their Katch speaker, which was a game-changer for people who really cared about clear, good-quality sound.
Well, now there’s a new version: the DALI Katch G2. They’re promising even better sound, a longer-lasting battery, and support for higher-quality music streaming. So, the big question is, does this new model still set the standard for awesome portable audio? Let’s check it out.
Check Out: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6
Design and Build
The Katch G2 continues DALI’s Scandinavian design tradition, simple, timeless, and beautifully crafted. It appears more mature than the first version, featuring new colors such as Iron Black, Caramel White, and Chilly Blue, along with a signature DALI coin logo on the strap.
Every curve feels intentional. The compact aluminum body houses dual 3.5-inch drivers and passive radiators, ensuring it’s not just stylish but acoustically smart too.
Connectivity: No Wi-Fi, No Problem
In a world full of “smart” speakers with Wi-Fi, voice assistants, and built-in streaming, DALI takes a surprisingly conservative approach. The DALI Katch G2 offers Bluetooth and a 3.5mm mini-jack, and that’s it.
At first, this might seem limiting. But when you think about how most people use portable speakers outdoors, at the park, or at a weekend cabin it makes sense. Wi-Fi is often unavailable, and what matters most is sound quality and simplicity.
If you really want streaming, you can plug in something like the discontinued Chromecast Audio, but honestly, Bluetooth aptX HD already does a stellar job.
Sound Quality:
Compared to the original, the DALI Katch G2 clearly evolves in character. DALI has tuned it to sound warmer and smoother, moving away from the brighter, sharper tone of the first Katch.
Vocals remain stunningly clean, the kind of midrange detail DALI fans adore, while bass is deeper yet better controlled, thanks to refined DSP tuning. Even at moderate volume, the presentation feels full, natural, and surprisingly spacious for a portable design.
The stereo trick still works beautifully: whichever side you face, you hear one direct channel and one reflected. It’s not true stereo, but DALI’s “phase illusion” makes the soundstage convincing and enjoyable.
Katch vs Katch G2: What’s Really Different?
You can even pair the old and new models wirelessly for a true stereo setup a rare treat among Bluetooth speakers. But comparing them side by side reveals something interesting:
- The original Katch is slightly brighter, with a livelier treble.
- The G2 is smoother, warmer, and more relaxed more like DALI’s Katch One soundbar.
- Battery life now stretches longer, and codec support (aptX HD + AAC) ensures better wireless fidelity for both Android and iOS users.
If you loved the clarity and sparkle of the first model, you might miss that energy a bit. But for long listening sessions, the G2’s richer, fatigue-free tone wins hands down.
Verdict:
The DALI Katch G2 proves that refinement, not reinvention, keeps great products alive.
It may skip Wi-Fi and smart features, but what it delivers is timeless: beautiful design, balanced tuning, and the kind of sound that respects your music.
If your idea of portable sound is a party speaker, look elsewhere. But if you want a piece of Danish hi-fi engineering that fits in your hand and sings with soul, the DALI Katch G2 is one of the best you can buy in 2025.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Rich, balanced sound with real stereo width
- Premium build and understated elegance
- Long battery life and improved codecs
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi or streaming features
- High price compared to “smart” competitors
Final Rating: 9/10
DALI Katch G2 Specifications
- Frequency range: 49 Hz – 23 kHz (±3 dB)
- Maximum sound pressure: 95 dB
- Crossover frequency: 2300 Hz
- Tweeters: 2 x 21 mm, soft dome fabric
- Woofers: 2 x 3.5″ aluminum cone
- Passive radiator: 2 x 73×52 mm, steel membrane
- Output power: 2 x 25W class D amplifiers
- Bluetooth: version 5.0, aptX HD, AAC
- Body material: ABS, aluminum
- Optional: DSP (Clear/Warm), possibility to create a stereo pair
- Analog input: 3.5mm
- USB port: Charge external devices, Chromecast connection (sold separately)
- Battery: Li-Ion, works for 30 hours
- Dimensions: 268x138x47 mm
- Weight: 1.1 kg
