DALI EPIKORE 3 Review: Grand-Scale Sound Without the Size

Mention the esteemed Danish brand DALI, and for many audiophiles, a lineage of classic loudspeakers immediately comes to mind. Founded in 1983 by Peter Lyngdorf, Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries has cultivated a rich heritage spanning more than four decades. Its history is studded with iconic models that have left an indelible mark on the high-fidelity world, from the venerable DALI 40 and 40 SE of 1987 to the sensational Megaline, the distinctively styled Skyline, and the majestic Grand series. Among these classics, the compact Royal Menuet holds a special place, remaining a cherished favorite among connoisseurs to this day.

Yet, DALI's momentum has been relentless. Its product ranges are in a state of perpetual evolution, driven by continuous advancements in audio engineering. Throughout its four-decade history, the company has risen to become a quintessential representative of Danish high-fidelity, with its loudspeakers captivating listeners across the globe. In both its pursuit of sonic purity and its distinctive design language, DALI has always followed a uniquely independent vision.

From the Flagship KORE to the EPIKORE Series

In 2022, DALI unveiled its monumental flagship, the KORE. A floorstanding loudspeaker of breathtaking proportions—standing nearly 1.7 meters tall and weighing a formidable 148 kilograms—its commanding presence is more than a matter of sheer size. The KORE represents the very zenith of DALI's mastery in passive loudspeaker design.

It is built upon a sophisticated five-driver architecture, featuring two 11.5-inch woofers in a balanced drive configuration, a dedicated 7-inch midrange driver, and the celebrated EVO-K Hybrid Tweeter module, which seamlessly marries a 35mm soft dome with a 55x10mm ribbon element. This ambitious engineering allows the KORE to render music with both immense scale and exquisite control over the finest details. It is, without question, the consummation of DALI's technological artistry.

To commemorate its 40th anniversary in 2023, DALI unveiled the entirely new EPIKORE series. The collection was conceived to cascade the core technologies of its flagship KORE into a more accessible, yet still decidedly high-end, family of loudspeakers.

The first model to debut was the EPIKORE 11, a sophisticated floorstander. The lineup was then expanded in 2024 with the introduction of the EPIKORE 3 bookshelf model, alongside the EPIKORE 7 and EPIKORE 9. This has created a comprehensive series, allowing audiophiles to select the ideal solution to perfectly match their listening environment and budget.

The name "EPIKORE" itself tells a story: "EPI" is a nod to the celebrated EPICON series, while "KORE" signifies a direct lineage from the flagship. In essence, EPIKORE serves as a bridge, inheriting the refined character of EPICON while integrating the state-of-the-art technologies of the KORE. The result is a series that makes a near-flagship level of sonic performance accessible to a broader audience of music lovers.

EPIKORE 3: The Most Compact of the Series, Yet Perhaps the Most Distinctive

Our focus today lands on the most compact member of the family: the EPIKORE 3 bookshelf loudspeaker. Let its modest dimensions not mislead you, however. Every aspect of its design, from the intricate details to the choice of materials, is a pure expression of DALI's flagship philosophy.

The enclosure's construction begins with 18mm curviform MDF panels, which are anchored to a formidable 40mm thick front baffle. This robust structure is further reinforced by intricate internal composite bracing and bitumen damping layers, ensuring exceptional rigidity and the effective suppression of cabinet resonances. Aesthetically, the EPIKORE 3 is available in three stunning high-gloss finishes—Black, Maroon, and Walnut. Each is crafted with real wood veneers meticulously coated in a deep piano lacquer, offering a timeless elegance that seamlessly integrates into a wide range of interior decors.

To ensure optimal performance, DALI has also developed the bespoke EPIKORE STAND, designed specifically for this model. Crafted from aluminum alloy using a combination of casting, extrusion, and precision-machining techniques, the stand is engineered for maximum rigidity. It features adjustable floor spikes for perfect leveling and can be mass-loaded with sand to further enhance stability and vibration control. While it may seem like a minor detail, this solid foundation is critical for stabilizing the loudspeaker and ensuring the clean dissipation of unwanted energy.

Regarding its driver complement, the EPIKORE 3 utilizes a sophisticated 2.5-way design. This is composed of a 7-inch mid/bass driver, which features DALI's signature wood fibre cone and a powerful magnet system with advanced SMC technology. This is paired with DALI's renowned hybrid tweeter module, which masterfully combines a 35mm soft dome tweeter and a 10x55mm ribbon tweeter.

The high-frequency reproduction is handled by the advanced EVO-K module, a technology directly inherited from the flagship KORE. Driven by a powerful neodymium magnet system, this hybrid tweeter ensures an exceptionally linear and finely detailed treble response. The mid/bass driver, in turn, leverages DALI's proprietary SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) technology to significantly minimize distortion, resulting in a sound of remarkable clarity and purity.

The crossover network is meticulously engineered, with frequencies set at 2,800 Hz and 12,500 Hz. It features DALI’s proprietary SMC-KORE inductors—derived directly from the flagship KORE—paired with premium Mundorf capacitors. Compared to conventional inductors, the SMC Gen-2 core material reduces current-related distortion by a remarkable 12 dB, while also offering lower DC resistance and significantly less crosstalk. For the discerning audiophile, this represents the tangible infusion of DALI's "flagship DNA" into a compact bookshelf loudspeaker.

The manufacturer's specifications cite a sensitivity of 85 dB, a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, a maximum SPL of 108 dB, and a recommended amplifier power range of 40 to 250 watts. While these figures suggest a moderately demanding load for an amplifier, they also hint at the speaker's immense potential. With thoughtful system matching, the EPIKORE 3 is poised to deliver an exceptionally rewarding performance.

To begin the listening session, I selected "Now the Green Blade Riseth," a track known for its rustic, natural vocals and wide, atmospheric backdrop.

The immediate impression delivered by the EPIKORE 3 was one of utter transparency. The vocals were cast with a palpable, forward presence, rendering every breath and subtle rasp in the voice with pristine clarity; I could almost visualize the enunciation. The backdrop was anything but vacant, presenting instead an airy, atmospheric foundation that painted an expansive sonic landscape.

As the vocals soared during the chorus, the delivery remained impeccably controlled and completely free of grain or glare. There was an abundance of top-end light, yet it never approached stridency. Here, the characteristic smoothness of the EVO-K hybrid tweeter module was on full display, imbuing the entire track with a wonderfully fluid and lustrous character.

Switching gears, I turned to the audiophile classic, "Sister Drum" by Dadawa. From the very first beat, the EPIKORE 3's command of the low frequencies was arresting. This wasn't a presentation of exaggerated bass volume; rather, it was one defined by incredible tightness, focus, and speed. Each drum strike started and stopped on a dime, launching a palpable pressure wave into the room.

Bookshelf speakers are often criticized for lacking authority on such grand-scale recordings, but the EPIKORE 3's delivery of energy was far beyond expectations. It built its powerful sense of tension not by overwhelming the listener with brute force, but through exceptional control and lightning-fast transient response. The drum beats landed like crisp, precise jabs, underpinning the majestic and powerful aura of the piece.

Final Track: Bruno Mars – '24K Magic'

For the final test, I cued up "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars. A track with an infectious rhythm and rich, layered bass, it's a true workout for a system's sense of groove and separation. Here, the EPIKORE 3's performance was a delightful surprise. The bass was taut and elastic, driving the rhythm forward with tight precision and no hint of muddiness. Vocals were clearly defined in the soundstage, possessing that same smooth, lustrous quality, delivering plenty of energy without ever becoming harsh.

In the background, the complex web of electronic synthesizers, handclaps, and reverb was expertly unraveled, creating a deeply layered and intelligible mix. Even as I pushed the volume, the speakers remained utterly composed, showing no signs of strain or compression. It was clear that the EPIKORE 3 is completely at home with modern pop, masterfully balancing the music's slick glamour with its irresistible groove.

Conclusion

After listening through these three diverse tracks, a distinct sonic signature for the EPIKORE 3 emerged. This is not a loudspeaker that merely chases brightness and artificial excitement. Instead, it pursues a masterful balance of control, detail, and innate musicality. It proves equally capable of rendering delicate vocals within an expansive soundscape as it is of unleashing potent, concussive energy from kick drums and bass lines. Crucially, it achieves all this while maintaining superb clarity and rhythmic drive on even the most complex productions.

This defining character—a truly grand-scale sound from a modest enclosure—perfectly fulfills the speaker's mission: to distill the very essence of DALI's flagship DNA into a more accessible and beautifully compact bookshelf design.

The DALI EPIKORE 3 is, in the final analysis, a truly compelling loudspeaker. It successfully inherits the advanced technology of the flagship KORE, yet packages it in a commendably compact form that allows for flexible room placement. For the audiophile who may be constrained by space but is unwilling to compromise on the quality of their sound, the EPIKORE 3 provides a brilliantly balanced and deeply satisfying solution.