I Tested the DALI Katch G2, and It’s the Only Portable Speaker That Sounds “Hi-Fi”
When the original DALI Katch arrived in 2016, it was a revelation: a compact Bluetooth speaker that offered clarity, tonal balance, and design sophistication rarely seen in portable audio. The DALI Katch G2 builds on that legacy with subtle but impactful upgrades: improved battery life, wider Bluetooth codec support, refined DSP tuning, and new color finishes. While it maintains the understated elegance of the original, the G2 demonstrates that DALI has listened carefully to its users, evolving the speaker to meet modern expectations without compromising its audio-first philosophy.
Priced at £329 / AU$749 (or around $599 in the U.S.), the DALI Katch G2 sits at the premium end of the portable speaker market. Yet its build quality, design, and sound signature justify the investment for audiophiles who value performance over novelty features. Unlike many contemporary portable speakers, it does not rely on Wi-Fi, voice assistants, or extensive app control. DALI’s approach is simple: focus on making a speaker that sounds exceptional, wherever you take it.
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Design and Build
The Katch G2 continues DALI’s Scandinavian design tradition: minimalist, functional, and aesthetically refined. The speaker’s super-elliptical, compact form factor 269 × 128 × 47 mm) fits comfortably in hand or a backpack, while weighing 1.1 kg, giving it a reassuring heft. The metal chassis exudes durability, and the tactile surfaces, such as the recessed leather strap, gold coin branding, and rubberized feet, enhance both functionality and style.
The top-mounted controls are thoughtfully arranged, with clearly labeled buttons for power, Bluetooth, volume, and EQ mode. Each button delivers tactile feedback reminiscent of precision-engineered hi-fi equipment. Despite its portable design, the G2 maintains a premium presence, and the three color options, Iron Black, Caramel White, and Chilly Blue, offer a subtle departure from the more playful hues of the original Katch.
One key consideration is that the Katch G2 is not waterproof or dustproof. A small rubber cover protects the charging port, but outdoor use near water or sand should be approached with caution. DALI clearly positions this speaker as a high-end portable companion for home, travel, or casual outdoor listening, rather than a rugged all-weather device.
Connectivity: No Wi-Fi, No Problem
Connectivity remains deliberately streamlined. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX HD, and AAC ensures high-quality wireless audio for Android and iOS devices, with improved range and stability over the original Bluetooth 4-equipped Katch. The 3.5mm mini-jack remains for wired connections, ideal for older devices. NFC simplifies pairing on compatible smartphones, and a USB-A output allows charging of other devices on the go.
A True Wireless Stereo (TWS) mode allows two DALI Katch G2 speakers to pair for full stereo separation, although the original Katch cannot join this setup due to the Bluetooth version mismatch. Users should note that TWS is intended for two speakers in the same room and does not support multi-room audio. The only EQ options—“Clear” and “Warm”—offer subtle tuning for different listening environments, and the four LED indicators elegantly display battery status or EQ selection.
Battery life is another area where the G2 excels. The internal 3,300 mAh battery delivers up to 30 hours of playback, an increase from the 24 hours of the original model. Charging takes around two hours via the included power adapter. While there is no fast-charging option or USB-C support, the battery endurance is impressive for such a compact, high-fidelity speaker.
Sound Quality:
Sound is where the DALI Katch G2 truly distinguishes itself from competitors. DALI employs a two-way system powered by dual 25W Class D amplifiers, featuring two 3.5-inch aluminum-coned mid-woofers, twin 21mm soft dome tweeters, and passive bass radiators. The cabinet is internally divided to improve channel separation, and the proprietary DSP ensures linear frequency response and coherent timing.
The result is a remarkably balanced, natural sound signature. Vocals are clean, detailed, and emotionally engaging, while midrange instruments retain texture and nuance without harshness. The low end is controlled and articulate, offering sufficient punch for percussion and basslines without overwhelming the mix. Treble remains smooth and airy, avoiding fatigue even during extended listening sessions. The spatial effect created by the opposing drivers gives a convincing stereo impression when rotated 90 degrees, and pairing two units delivers a genuinely immersive stereo experience.
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Compared to similarly priced portable speakers like the JBL Xtreme 3 or Sonos Move 2, the DALI Katch G2 stands out for clarity, tonal balance, and refined midrange. It never attempts to overcompensate with exaggerated bass or artificially bright highs; instead, it emphasizes accurate reproduction of the music, whether streamed from Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, or via wired input.
Listening Impressions
Over extended listening sessions, the G2 consistently demonstrates refinement across genres. Jazz, classical, and acoustic recordings reveal excellent separation and transparency, while pop, hip-hop, and electronic tracks benefit from tight, precise bass and clear, defined highs. Tracks like Steely Dan’s “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” reveal nuanced background textures, while Masked Wolf’s “Pandemonium” highlights the speaker’s ability to handle complex rhythmic and percussive elements without smearing.
The EQ toggle provides subtle tonal shaping: “Clear” is ideal for open-air or desktop listening, while “Warm” adds fullness but slightly veils the high end. Audiophiles will appreciate that even at high volumes, the Katch G2 maintains composure without distortion, a remarkable achievement for a speaker of this size.
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 is a triumph of design and engineering. It proves that portable audio can retain the principles of high-fidelity sound without compromise. Its slightly higher price tag reflects both build quality and sonic sophistication, offering a listening experience that rivals much larger speakers. For those seeking portability with genuine hi-fi credentials, the Katch G2 is difficult to surpass.
However, it is not without caveats. There is no waterproofing, no dedicated app, and stereo pairing is limited to a two-speaker setup. Bass lovers seeking floor-shaking low frequencies may find it restrained. Yet for listeners prioritizing clarity, tonal balance, and overall musicality, the Katch G2 remains one of the most accomplished portable Bluetooth speakers on the market today.
In summary, DALI has refined rather than reinvented its portable masterpiece. The Katch G2 is a speaker for discerning listeners who demand elegance, durability, and real sound quality in a portable package—a rare combination in 2025 and beyond.
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
