The Sound You’ve Been Chasing? It’s Hiding in This Compact Box

When I first unboxed the DALI Oberon 1 C, I didn’t expect much more than another wireless bookshelf speaker. But within minutes of listening, it was clear that this Danish-made beauty offers something rare: the kind of effortless musicality that makes you forget about the technology behind it.

This compact active stereo speaker system sits within DALI’s lineup as part of a three-model series, alongside the Oberon 7 C floorstanders and On-Wall C. However, make no mistake, the Dali Oberon 1 C has its own charm, particularly for listeners seeking high-end sound in a compact, elegant package.

Check Out: DALI Rubicon 2 Review

Designed to Fit Real Homes

DALI clearly wanted to make a speaker that adapts to everyday life. The Oberon 1 C connects wirelessly via the Sound Hub Compact, a small control box that handles HDMI ARC, optical, RCA, Bluetooth aptX HD, and even subwoofer output.

It’s easy to hide, easy to use, and even works with your TV remote. That means you can replace your soundbar and still enjoy true stereo sound, detailed, spacious, and rich in tone.

If you crave streaming options, you can upgrade to DALI’s full-size Sound Hub, which adds BluOS for Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and full network streaming.

Elegant Danish Craftsmanship

Like all DALI speakers, the Oberon 1 C looks clean, understated, and beautifully made. Each cabinet features DALI’s signature wood-fiber cone mid/bass driver, paired with a 29mm soft dome tweeter. Inside, a dedicated 50W Class D amplifier drives each unit independently, ensuring power and control.

The build feels solid, and the finishes are black ash, dark walnut, matte white, and light oak, allowing the speakers to blend naturally into almost any interior.

Sound That Surprises

Once powered on, the Oberon 1 C shows its real strength, musical honesty. Listening to Tom Odell’s “Heal”, the vocals come through with warmth and emotion. Every piano note has texture, and the subtle reverb trails linger naturally in the air.

Switching to The Theory of Everything soundtrack by Jóhann Jóhannsson, the DALI captures orchestral dynamics beautifully. The piano feels centered and alive, the strings layered with space and precision.

Even dense mixes like Oneohtrix Point Never’s “Long Road Home” stay composed and rhythmically engaging. There’s energy, drive, and a natural flow that keeps you listening.

Bass is tight and musical, rather than overwhelming, making it perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. Up against the wall, they sound balanced, but they shine when placed about 25cm away from the rear surface.

Wireless Without Compromise

The Sound Hub transmits music to the speakers using DALI’s 30-bit proprietary wireless protocol (24-bit audio with error correction), ensuring latency below 15ms. That means no lip-sync issues, no signal drops, just clean, reliable playback.

Switching between inputs is instant, and Bluetooth performance is strong, though wired or BluOS streaming still sounds more refined.

Verdict Honest Hi-Fi for Modern Life

In a world obsessed with convenience, the DALI Oberon 1 C proves that you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality for simplicity. It’s a system built for real listeners, those who value musicality, craftsmanship, and ease of use.

Whether you’re pairing it with your TV or spinning your favorite playlists, this speaker delivers the kind of balanced, engaging sound that makes you want to listen longer.

If you’ve been searching for a compact active wireless Hi-Fi system that bridges the gap between casual convenience and audiophile fidelity, the Oberon 1 C might just be your perfect match.