Pocket Rocket! DALI Menuet SE Speaker Review
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- I compare the DALI Menuet SE to some of the best mini monitors available, including a version of the famous BBC LS3/5A. How did it fare?
Link manufacturer's webpage
www.dali-speakers.com/product...
Link to A British Audiophile Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
Link to Sound Artist LS3/5A Review:
• Sound Artist LS3/5A Sp...
Time Stamps:
Intro 0:00
Design & features 3:43
Technical insights 5:00
Sound quality 6:06
Setup & partnering equipment 10:17
Conclusion 14:07
I've owned the standard Menuet for nearly ten years now. It's always nice to see them get some attention because honestly, they deserve it. I've paired my Menuets with over ten different amps over the years, and to date, they've never sounded better than with a Primare i30 and better still, a Naim Supernait. I've never heard them do well with any amp under 100 watts. As stated in the review, they NEED a small room, and when paired with a REL T/5i, are...magical. Honestly, I think they're wasted when used for near field listening. Put them close to a wall, give them about six feet between and let them go. For me, they were an early and permanent success in the journey that is HiFi. Thanks for giving this great unsung speaker a little love.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences 😊
Perfect cannot wait to get my pair
Another wonderful review. Great description of the sound quality
Thank you Richard 👍😊👍
Thank you, Tarun for another informative and entertaining review. I truly appreciate the amount of work you put into these reviews. And I'm glad that my listening time is purely for enjoyment.
Some years ago, I had a small cheap nearfield set-up in a home office which I really enjoyed. B&W Rock Solid mini monitors, Dynakit 15w amp and matching pre and a Radio Shack portable CD player. The thing is, totally 3d soundstage and extreme mid-range clarity. Not only could I understand what Van Morisson was singing, one could understand the emotional message.
Thank you my friend. Sound like you put together a nice, inexpensive system 👍😊👍
It is always a pleasure to watch your CZcams videos, Tarun, and I truly enjoy learning from your particular approach to reviewing audio components. (I subscribed to your channel about two years ago.) In this episode, you are really meeting the needs (desires) of the near-field listener. This just happens to be my preference.
My present setup is simple. My Peachtree M 24 actives speakers bring so much of what you mention - and everything I need is built into them. (Phono, dac, aux inputs, and a very capable amplifier for less than $500, when I bought them.)
Now you brought suggestions for a worthy upgrade, and I am most grateful.
Thank you Robin. Very much appreciated 👍😊👍
Tarun, another enjoyable review in the book. I always like your positive vibe, keep it going. So many good speakers I want lacking the requisite funds for acquisition. Damn priorities!
Thank you Eric. Much appreciated 👍😊👍
Outstanding! Another great and thorough review.
Thank you Paul. Much appreciated 😊👍👍
Excellent review as always Tarun.
Thank you Sandeep 👍😊👍
I just love these reviews, thank you 👍🏻
Thank you Mike 👍😊👍
Thank you very much Tarun for your no nonsense reviews. Thanks to you, i ended up getting a pair of menuet se hooked up to an exposure 2010s all used for less than USD 2,000 and they sound wonderful! Thank you!
That is great. They are a fantastic combo 😊👍
I never tire of watching these ProAc 1SC's in gorgeous YEW!
Thank you Jerry. I need to take some new photos of them 😊👍
First time to your channel. Love your approach, and delighted to hear that you are so complimentary of the Dalis. I have the Epicon 2's, and together with a KEF KC62 sub and a Devialet amp (yes, much more $$$) I am totally happy. I also find the dynamics and tonal quality of the Dali's outstanding. Much better than I expected, and having had the Argon 1 as well, I am completely on board with your comparison comments. BTW, thanks for those useful comparative comments. Very helpful.
Thank you Damon. Much appreciated 👍😊👍
Another excellent review. Thank you. Love the aesthetics
Thank you J Ked 😊👍
Excellent video again Tarun.
Thank you buddy 👍😊👍
Watched because I love your reviews. I have the Sound Artist LS/35a and Willsenton R8. Both keepers:)
Thank you. That is a great combo 👍😊👍
Hi Tarun, I want to thank you for reviewing the Dali Menuet SE. I believe they are everything you said and they sound beautiful at my place. Even with a 6" Totem tiny sub, they sound extremely open and deep. I can't wait to hear how they sound with a REL T5/x! Thanks again! High five from Canada!
Thank you buddy. Great speaker. So glad you are enjoying yours 😊👍
I have these and they are outstanding. I’ve used them on my desk with a NAD d3045 as well as our tv room which is 13 x 40’ and they still rock with a lyngdorf 1120. We are now moving them up to our dining room although I haven’t chosen an amp yet. The wall kit Dali sells works great. So glad an awesome reviewer like you has put out a thorough review, hope more people can benefit from finding out about these exquisite speakers. Also had a Martin Logan Dynamo 800x sub with them in both setups.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 you bet. I keep holding back on buying a quad Vena I’ve heard a few people online say this is a great match
The finish is fabulous. Even their more budget offerings looks stylish.
Nice review again Tarun 🙂
Thank you 😊
Outstanding video m8 keep them coming .
Thank you buddy 👍
I have a pair of ls50s and a Micromega Myamp on my desktop for near field listening and it’s sublime. Thanks for another great review!
Thank you Bryan 😊
Great video, I thoroughly enjoyed watching 👍
Thank you buddy 👍
Thanks! I just enjoy knowing as I am an A/V nut. Installed 2 REL HD-1508's Monday as my repaired sub conked out again 2 weeks ago. Love the RELs
Cool
I audition dali menuet 3 month ago. Blown away by the sound. But I thought there will be better speaker for the price. But after listening to Tarun statement, I went for other speaker audition. Includes Ls50 meta, klipsch, bowers, I was surprised, nothing comes close. The romanticism, depth, clarity. So great. Dali Oberon 3 is halfway there. It is indeed, dali menuet se, the best speaker for the price. Tq again Tarun
Thank you Khalifa. Great to know 👍
I have the SE’s, sitting upon Solidsteel SS-6 stands. Source is a Bluesound Node-X, feeding my trusty Naim Superuniti Bluetooth. I initially used a pair of Tellurium Q-Black v1 cables, which were swapped over to a pair of Naim Nac-A5 cables, which sound much better. More depth, substance, and lots of other words haha. These speakers in my setup sound absolutely amazing! My front room is roughly 3m x 4m so perfect. These speakers are ‘keepers’. Awesome awesome again!!
Brilliant channel Tarun I say again brilliant. All the best.
Recently purchased these with one listen in my favorite audio salon. Got them home and knew I would not be returning them. Fabulous midrange and resolution with smooth bass output. Purchased for office and near field listening …..but threw them into my main system with 2 JL d110 subs……whoa that was fun and revelatory. Great review, wonderfully articulated and accurately described. Stay on your game….your really good.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Excellent review. My current near field/desktop system are some John Blue JB3 speakers powered by a Kingrex T20 being fed by a first edition Dragonfly Black plugged into my laptop. Your recent Rel review convinced me to add a Tzero MKII which was my first real taste of using a proper sub-woofer. Man what a difference. Of course I'm already considering upgrading to these speakers now, cheers!
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the review. I have these paired with stereo rel T-zero's - sound is excellent.
Thank you 😊
Just purchased these a while back and inserted them in my vintage system with a 1977 Kenwood 700m 170 watt amp. Incredible sound and wonderful midrange. They have great articulation and resolution……and the bass is crazy good. Friends are always looking for a subwoofer. Keep them with in 3 ft of the back wall (in my case) and they really sing. Great review as always. Thanks
Thank you 😊
Excellent review!
Thank you buddy 👍
I am not in the market, but they are a quite nice looking set, and you review and references were outstanding. Wonderfully informative review, Tarun!
Thank you Bob 👍😊👍
Hi Tarun, great review as usual. My small set up is my trusted Dynaudio 42’s paired with the NAD D3020V2…very nice sound for a small room.
Thank you Mark 😊
Coming from Denmark I am not afraid to say that I have owned a couple af Dali's trough the years and I have always thought of them as a mass market product i.a. cutting some corners here and there to meet an acceptable price point. That was until I heard the Dale Grand Coupé, a speaker nearly impossible to get hold of now a days. I am so happy to hear in this review that Dali again have used all of there engineering power to make a mini monitor that can compare with the best in its category. And thank you again for an ever so clever and well structured review.
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Beautiful speaker! Great review T
Thank you 👍
Another great revelation by you! Thanks. Hoping to see your review of the Buchardt S400 MkII soon.
Thank you. Coming soon 😊
Thank you SO MUCH for doing this review! I've been very interested in the Menuets since I first learned of them, and would love to own a pair someday. I'm currently a very happy owner of DALI Spektor 1's paired with a REL T/Zero sub. They are powered by a simple SMSL DA-9 amp, and Ifi Zen DAC Signature, and it's a desktop near-field setup. I've been very happy with it.
But my ultimate desktop setup might be the following:
- TEAC - AI-301DA-X Integrated Amplifier ($600 USD)
- DALI Menuet SE speakers
- REL T/5 subwoofer
So my "dream" setup is not much different from what you recommended, nor what I have now. The TEAC has an excellent built-in DAC, no need for an external unit, and it has a headphone amplifier as well. It was designed to live on the desktop.
I agree that matching any DALI small monitor to a Class D amp is a less than ideal pairing, but the SMSL DA-9 paired with the Zen DAC Signature has been surprisingly successful at producing a very pleasing and full midrange. No doubt the Rel T/Zero is helping warm up the sound as well. So I think the TEAC would be good enough for my needs, especially since it uses the same wonderful BurrBrown DAC chips as does Ifi.
Having the TEAC replace three components on my budget setup would be very nice, and would actually be a bit of a cost savings as well as space saving, always important in a desktop scenario.
If I were to take my dream system up one more notch, I might consider the tiny TEAC AX-505 Integrated Amplifier Integrated Amp ($2100 USD) and iFi - Neo iDSD DAC ($800 USD) in place of the TEAC AI-301DA-X, but that would be about as extreme as I would get.
My current setup (that I am very happy with)
- SMSL DA-9 Integrated Amplifier
- SMSL SP200 THX headphone amplifier
- Ifi Zen DAC Signature (balanced out to the DA-9, RCA's to the SP200)
- DALI Spektor 1 speakers
- REL T/Zero subwoofer
Thanks again for a wonderful review!
Thank you for watching and sharing Ron 👍😊👍
Great review, considering a lot of us are now full time working from home these near field setups are very relevant. My setup is mostly DIY: Macbook Pro streaming to a Pro-ject Pre box S2, Korg Nutube B1 Pre, Pass Amp Camp Amp (Class A 8w) and GR Research Desktop Minis or B&W 601 S3's.
Thank Doug 😊
Lovely in-depth review Tarun as usual.👍👍👍
As for near field suggestions I'm afraid I can't offer any, I just don't have any experience in that area.🎧🙂👍
Thank you Shane. Always great to hear from you 😊
I'm so happy now that I have watched the review. I agree with everything you have said. The only thing I would have mentioned is the fact that these tiny monsters require a moderately powered amp at around £70W.
I found the Audiolab 8300A to be a good starting point but they would shine with the likes of Quad ARTERA SOLUS, Cambridge Audio Azur range or even ROKSAN ATTESA.
I have tried the MENUET with an Audiolab 6000A and it just didn't drive them that well.
Their sensitivity is quite low and being a 4Ohm speaker, means that they will demand more from the amp.
As far as sound goes, it's worth mentioning the width and height of the tweeter and it's projection into the room. You wouldn't believe the scale of sound.
It's not sharp, it's agile and so detailed it will cause your jaw to drop.
Midrange is great indeed and voices are superb.
The only thing lacking, as you said is loudness and low frequencies, but that's in big rooms. However, if you have a very small bedroom or a small study room, these will rock by themselves.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences. They do need quality partnering equipment. Unfortunately, wattage can be misleading. I suspect a 23W Sugden A21 Signature will make a good job of driving them 😊👍
Nice and informative review as usual. As for near-field listening sessions, I'm still enjoying Epos M5, now with Naim Nait XS2 (previously with Rotel RA-03 which gave up after 16 years of service) and using Chord Mojo DAC connected to iPad as source. I really am intrigued now with Dali Menuet SE.
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experiences 👍
Gorgeous looking little speakers.
They are very pretty 😊
Great review. Dali have a nice sound and seem very under rated all considered
Thank you Martin 😊
Hi. I do the vast majority of my listening in the nearfield scenario as I like the immersive feel it provides. The system I use is an innuos zen source, Ekco EV55SE KT88 integrated valve amp a d Heko Direkt Einkling speakers. The sound stage is massively wide and deep and thoroughly engaging.
Thank you Trevor 😊
Great review Tarun, as we have come to expect 🙏 I haven’t listened to the Dalis, but I must admit I was hugely impressed by a Naim-friend’s Falcon LS35As at the end of a Supernait 3 in a 2x3 metres room. Just right and soo musical! Would be very interesting if you could do a Supernait 3 review at some point 👍🏼 All the best Peter
Thank you Peter 👍
Years ago I went to the Heathrow hifi show and most rooms were a bit of a shambles. One room that really impressed me was the Dali room. Their home cinema set up was impressive. They had a reputation of hot highs on the forums and that put me of buying a pair.
Great review 👍
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Colin 😊👍
As always Tarun, a concise and well spoken review. I have always been a Dali fan. Even at the lower end. My concept 8 surround setup with NAD 758 beats any cinema sound. Not ideal for music, but my AE300 + audiolab does the job there.
Thank you 😎
Hi tarun, thanks for another indepth review, ive always liked a mini monitor especially in my RAF Days, having a single man room space was at a premium, I still use a pair of quad A9s active speakers with a pair of subwoofers in my 14m×15m loung to great effect, my first mini monitor was the original neat petite, plus cyrus. Mission, tannoy and kef over the years, looking forward to seeing another review soon.
Thank you for watching and sharing Paul 😊👍
Near field: KEF LS 50, VMV A1 Class A, Ifi Zen DAC. MQA files ofcourse! Lovely review. Intrigued enough to consider buying these speakers.
Thank you for sharing Rohit 😊
Great review
Thank you 👍
Great video sir,grreetings from Scotland😁✌️
Thank you Adrian 👍
A textbook review. Excellent!!
Thank you Shan 👍😊👍
Loved this. I would be curious to hear your take on the next size up in the Rubicon 2.
Thank you. I hope to get to it in time 😊👍
I just ordered these based solely on your review and the comments below as they did not have any for demo. Can't wait to get them.
Wow! I am very flattered. Please let me know how you get on 👍😊👍
2 months on, how are you finding them?
@@KXP70 Hi Kurt, I have to day they are pretty impressive for their size. I upgraded from an Elac Debut reference bookshelf so i can only compare to the latter. First, the gap is not as much as I was expecting, which says a lot about the Elac which cost 1/3 the price. Clarity is slightly better. Where the gap is more pronounced is the imaging and that midrange tonality that Tarun refers to. It makes the vocals sound more live. I'm pairing them with a REL T5/X and for my small appartment (low volume listening), I think they are great. I don't think I will need to upgrade for a long time.
Another very nice job Tarun.
My current minimonitor setup starts with the Harbeth P3ESR XDs. Amplifiers include PrimaLuna ProLogue Fives, Schiit Aegirs, Parasound A23s, a Schiit Vidar, a Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ , and a Pass Labs XA 25. Preamps are a Schiit Freya and a Schiit Freya S, and an RME ADI-2 DAC fs. DACs include the ADI and several models from Schiit. Subs are a pair of SVS 2000s. A Bluesound Vault 2i provides access to my CD collection as well as internet streaming services.
Someone once said: "Variety is the spice of life."
Thank you Richard. You have some very nice components 😊👍
That’s a lot of Schiit. Shame it’s hard to get hold of any in the UK.
Gorgeous speakers and an excellent review! Thanks! I need to stick with my Amphion Helium 2's until I move in a couple of years...
Thank you buddy 👍
Hey Tarun, great review as always and love your garden wall shots! I've got a left field selection of second hand kit for my desktop setup but it might interest you. All were auction site specials and shows you dont have to spend the earth to get something revealing.
Soundblaster x-fi hd soundcard in my pc plugged straight into
1st gen audiolab 8000a running as a power amp. The sound card is able to swap out the op amps and is surprisingly good for the money.
Acoustic energy ae100i connected with solid core mains electrical cable!
Cost less than the cartridge of my main system but surprisingly enjoyable. Great soundstage but lacks definition in the treble.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
nice video with a happy ending. I considered these for a small room but went for the lsx.
Thank you Paul 😊
Just got hold of a pair for my desk Sounds great as described. Pairing it with eversolo dmp A6 ME, chord qutest and eversolo F2 AMP. Small setup with great sound.
Love finding values in the vintage market. I found a NAIT Naim (early version) and a pair of KEF 101 reference speakers, same drivers as the LS3/5A, paired with a REL T3. Digital is a Logitech Squeezebox and analog is a Technics SL7 with a Grado Gold cartridge.
I found all of them for a pittance on the used market, on the other side of the pond. They make an very enjoyable bedroom system.
That is great Warren 😊
I have the Kef 101 Reference. Great speaker. Especially after cap upgrade from Falcon Acoustics
@@ttownscott Love the KEF t27, I had the KEF 104aB for 20 years (also has the t27) loved them but wanted the smaller version. I haven't messed with the caps because one of the big selling features of the 101 REF speaker was how closely spec'ed all the parts were. If I was doing a cap upgrade I'd want to make sure the new parts were similarly spec'ed. If I could find someone I trusted to do the work I might attempt it.
I own even the first Dali Menuet, the 150..They still sound extraordinary and together with a Canton Power Sub 8 the sound is big.
Thank you 😊
Tarun, I just purchased/received a used ( from an ebay-er w/100% rating.) set of Dali Menuet SE's largely based on your review although they are also highly regarded in the audiophile community so it felt like a safe bet. And, Boom! Tarun knocks it out of the park, again!! I am using the Rel-T7i with a Kinky EX-M1 and modified staccato op-amps with either a Pontus or ADI 2 Pro Dac in a near field set up.... The Dali SE's are exquisite, splendid sound stage and voices are clearer than i have ever heard on this setup. I am so glad i decided to take a risk on the ebay seller. Speakers were in splendid condition and sound fabulous.
That’s great. Thank you for sharing 😊👍
Watching this does make me imagine what it would have been like with a passive setup but i'm happy with my active desk setup, topping a90 discrete + D90 stack with a pair of Genelec 8331a's, wondeful nearfield monitors!
Cool 😎 thanks for sharing 😊
Another really interesting review. I’ve sometimes thought of getting some Harbeth P3ESR monitors with my now spare Naim Nait xs to go on my desktop I’d probably have to get another record player maybe a Rega P3 and for DAC a RME or Denefrips…..this would cost me an arm and a leg however! And is really unnecessary as a second system, but I can dream. Keep up the great work!
Thank you buddy 😊
I have a VMV A1 and VMV D1se Dac paired with PSB A-5 speakers in my desktop setup. Couldn't be happier.
Cool 😎
I'm commenting on this without having seen the video and heating your comments but God damn I've been asking DALI to check your channel out and even mentioned to perhaps look into sending you the MENUET/MENUET SE. I cannot wait to watch this later. ❤️
I hope you enjoy the review 😊
Great review as always, considered them, ended up with LS50 META though.
Thank you Jg 👍
I use a pair of MA Radius 90s on their gorgeous MA stands, each wired direct to a REL T Zero sub, tuned to a medium sized room.
They are driven by a Marantz P8006 . Sound sources are an iFi Zen Signature v2 DAC for full MQA, the excellent value Marantz 6007 CD, a refurbished AR XB1 I have owned from new in the late 70s (US broadcast Spec) with a brilliant AT 540ML cartridge.
The stereo system also works with a Marantz N1711 AV amp, a second pair of Radius 90s on stands and a Radius centre. From Sky Q this is a great set up with the 8006 being fed by the preamp out in direct power mode. I’m aware the Radius 90s have small mid range and upper bass then roll off but their cabinet rigidity gets as good a high end and mid down to about 90hz as the much bigger MA silver 200s.
Using the REL high level cable in stereo paired mode is a perfect match as the smaller driver helps with dynamics. It isn’t a cheap set up but I prefer the tiny MAs and RELs to anything else I heard up to £1500. I don’t have the space for the MA Silver 300s which would be about the same cost.
My one hifi regret is going for my Roger’s Compact Monitors (which are still great) in preference to the LS 3/5As as I was into rock and loud classical in the late 70s. I now listen to chamber music, choirs etc so lose out a bit. I recall my Compact monitors were something like £190 and the LS 3/5As £220. However, that’s when a student earned about £40 a week and beer was 50p a pint……..
Thank you for sharing Andrew 😊
Hey Tarun, another Great video. I didn't know it but it seems I do all my listening in the near field. I'm only about 5 feet away.
I recently bought and SMSL D300 DAC to use the convenience of bluetooth mainly.
It is feeding my Marantz PM66 SE KI which I have only gotten recently. I am switching between my Wharfedale 12.1s and Dynaudio Audience 52s. This is by far the best sounding system I have ever heard and I'm still in the honeymoon phase. what I'm astounded by is the difference in the source Codec and file can make to the sound.
Currently the SMSL, PM66, combo with the Wharfedale 12.1 is disappearing in an awkward shaped small bedroom without any effort in setup. Ignorance is bliss and I'm happy to be both but I'm really enjoying music at the moment for the Tones and textures on this endless journey.
Tim
Thank you Tim 😊
Subscribed long ago, but I never fail to give ABA a Like. One of the best reviewers in the known universe. Or is it Multiverse?
Thank you Hans. I am blushing. Very kind 👍😊👍
My current listening system consists of:
1. Dali Menuet (Piano black)
2. Arcam Solo Neo
3. Arcam rPlay (streamer).
Before the Dali's, I had the Kef LS50, which I was very happy with in terms of sound, but I replaced them because I have a small room and the speakers are relatively close to the wall - and Dali's are made for this layout. They are gorgeous little speakers, but I have to admit that LS50 sonics are closer to me, so I might choose the LS50 Meta again in the future.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I own the Dali Menuets (non SE) and I really love them! And I agree, the midrange is simply gorgeous! I can only imagine that this improved version shines even more. Great review!
Thank you Rui 👍
Do they need a lot of amplification? >100w?
Me too. I picked them up a few years ago at a bargain price! I have mine on my desktop powered by an XTZ class D amp and use a REL T zero sub. They are on all day with absolutely nil listening fatigue. I have played with their positioning quite a lot but although that changes the soundscape the listening experience is always great.
@@clintondixon4828 not necessarily at lot of watts but a quality amplifier with a decent power supply is needed 😊
Count me in as well. I couldn't afford the ProAc Tablettes so these were a logical second choice. I found them on sale and will never look back!
Thanks for sharing! I used to run a nearfield desktop setup with Harbeth P3ESRs (40th Anniversary) and loved the lush midrange and vocals. However, I found the P3s very fussy with placement as it's quite easy to lose the center image if I were to move my head even slightly to the left or right. I switched to the Dali Menuet SE (your review helped a lot in sealing the deal) which provide a much wider soundstage and solid center image without needing to toe-in. SQ wise, the Dalis sound faster and seem more resolving for micro details than the P3. Perhaps its the simpler crossover network and lighter driver materials? Also, I note that most reviews recommend these with higher power amps. I'm happy powering them with a 25 watt Enleum AMP-23R and don't feel the need for a sub (at least in my room). Upstream, I'm using a Chord Hugo TT2 and Chord M Scaler. The Dalis are able to keep up with the resolution that the Chord units provide. (P.S. I highly recommend having a look at the Enleum Amp 23R integrated amplifier for your next review. They're nothing short of magical for 25 watts and feature a unique zero feedback circuit which manages to produce a liquid, lifelike sound)
Thank you for sharing and your suggestion 😊
Great review.
One of the very best standmount speakers under 10000$ is the Audiovector r1 arrete
Danish company.
Thank you 😊
I have a pair of these on my desk driven buy a PS Audio Sprout 100. I very happy with the results.
Thank you for sharing 😊
❤️❤️Tarun you got me very excited about the speakers I’m constantly budgeting in my mind for them I have the B&W 607 S2 anniversary speakers already. Steve Guttenburg it was his speaker of the year 2020 and I think they sound fantastic. BUT there’s something when you said The mid range is hallelujah that got me hooked lol 😂 😂🤣🤛🤛🤛👍👍👍👍
That you Steve. Always great to hear about you experiences 😊👍
Great video and fine explanation with regard to tonality and clarity. The first is often lacking when manufacturers try to push boundaries and I too crave that tuneful tonality where each chord and note is fully portraid. I too use ProAcs (Tablette) and LS3/5a (Falcon) but for really confined situations the NHT SuperZero2 is my go to, coupled with NVA AP10 Personal amp and QED Original speaker cable.
Thank you. That is a nice system 👍
Thanks for the review, I am glad you compared them with the PMC and ATC. Currently have the Nad Amp1, Polk r100, and the Rel t5x for my desk. I am looking for something better I wonder if the Dali will do that and hope the soundstage is better than the Oberon1.
Thank you. The Dali Menuet SE are capable of great sound but need very good quality partnering equipment to shine. I should have emphasised that more clearly in the review 😊
Nice well thought out thorough review, as usual, and great that someone is reviewing a Dali speaker. Why aren't there more Dali speaker reviews? I owned the Zensor 3, then upgraded to Opticons. Now I'm eyeing the latest Opticon MK2 and would love to have you or someone do a review on these. Really enjoy your reviews... thanks!
Thank you David. I hope to review more DALI speakers 😊
Thanks for the reply. With limited Dali speaker reviews out there a few reviewers comment about the smooth flow, timing and rythym of Dali speakers. Some call it that "Dali sound" signature. In my experience I have to agree. Do you have any additional thoughts on the rythmik quality, timing, pace and overall sound characteristics of these Dali's? Thanks again and wish you all the best and much continued success with your channel!
@@davidlima8194 the Menuet SE have great timing and rhythm for a little speaker. Thank you for your kind words of support 😊
Another interesting video. In my opinion, one of the best sounding monitors until 2000 Eur are Davis Acoustics Courbet Nº 3. You should give them a listen :)
Thank you Ricardo. I appreciate your suggestion 😊
Always a pleasure to watch a new video from you. Keep up the great work ! I’ve been looking to buy a set of speakers for near field listening and this looks like a very tempting proposition. I’d love to hear your take on Proac Tablette 10, love the look and from all accounts, looks like a great set of speakers for my purpose. Thanks !
Thank you Sylvio. Very much appreciated 👍😊👍
Superb review! B&W MM1 for me, fact is that real estate is limited on a desk
Thank you Gavin. Much appreciated 😊👍
Glad to see DALI getting some love. I'd love to see a review of their higher end floor-standers
Thank you. I hope to get to them 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi Tarun, can you please make a review of ProAc DB1 and compare them with yours 1SC.
Kind regards
@@mihaihertz1059 ProAc declined to send them to me.
Just checked LS3/5a prices online.
Can't believe I got them at $500 US in the late 70's, even considering inflation. Man did they sound good with my Rega P2, ARC SP4, and PS Audio amplifier, an amp which could sound harsh/thin with certain speakers, but had enough kick to really bring the Rogers alive.
My desktop system for while I'm working consists of a Hidizs DAP as a digital transport, IFI Zen Dac V2, NAD C316BEE V2, PSB Alpha P3. Cheap and cheerful!
Thank you Mark 😊
Budget set up. I have Adam audio t5v studio monitors (5 inch) with an Ifi zen 2 Dac. I really like the sound at about 1.5 to 2m away that these produce. For a studio monitor they are easy to listen to for long periods. A bit more forward sounding than some. Immersive is how I would describe it though with a live feeling. Good for rock and acoustic. For a 500 pound set up very impressed. I've listened to much more expensive (10x the price) set ups with similar music and never feel like mine sounds awful afterwards. This beat my previous 2k none active amp/speaker set up. Possibly due to room size but clarity of monitor was better too. I've got that in my loft listening space. But a lot of listening, mostly from CZcams videos is also done in my lounge with family so that set up was a sound bar and it just wasn't good enough! All bass and treble and no mids. Realize CZcams and TV as a source doesn't help but must be better than this! I replaced the LG sound bar with some pioneer DM40s but I still felt rather underwhelmed. Couldn't fault the sound or say what was wrong with it but didn't inspire me reminding me of a 90s mini system. Fairly poor clarity. So I got pro sonus eris 4.5 mini monitors and I'm impressed. They're hooked up to TV and good for that too. Clear for dialogue so don't need subtitles on as much, can play quieter, musical and have the essence of the Adams in that instruments start to sound realistic and good clarity. In my small lounge there's enough bass. Having a handy bass/treble control on the back allows fine tuning though flat sounds best. Given the source and content limitations not to mention the very limited positions I can put them these suit well for under 200.
Few years time I'll look at some better speakers but acoustic energy ae1 active is probably top of my list.
Thank you for watching and sharing Paul 😊👍
❤️👍Well Tarun I purchased the speakers about a month ago I’ll be quite honest I was a little shocked and
unimpressed they sounded like A $200 to $300 speaker not worth the $1800 I immediately had buyers remorse but then I said let me give them a chance and let them break in they sounded very rough out of the box after about 100 hours of breaking in I can truly say I was shocked by the change that took place they became so refined the clarity was off the charts details openness the sound strange amazing everything that you said they are about 7 feet apart from each other I’m about 7 feet from them with a slight Tow in when I close my eyes I could swear the speakers sound like they are 1 foot away from me the voices are so clear and that hallelujah mid range that you talk about thank you so much for letting me know about the speakers I truly love them now I will never sell them🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing the experience. I have a set coming soon. Having a bit of trepidation setting in as well as at that price and for a bit more, even less, there's alot of options. Here in the States, difficult to find, you pay a premium and Dali never goes on sale. Distance wise, I will be using them in similar fashion, 7 feet apart and 7-8 feet away in a 280 sq ft room. The flexibility of size, and near field also appealed as if I move, it will likely be in a bit smaller space. No longer considered larger speakers, ideally no more than 13 inches tall was the goal. Sometimes, you get 13 deep as well so little pace saving there too. Hopefully these pan out well enough. Also hoping sibilant is well controlled.
Tried MA Silver 50s and while detailed and resolving, they were a bit dry and chirped at sibilant passages. Tried their larger 100s and while exciting, they were too much. Definitely preferring a bit softer, more relaxed sound these days but still want sufficient dynamics for some excitement.
I have Triangle Zetas which sound very good but have some noticeable sibilance (more noticeable than on my Focals which are much larger) so trying to get a bit more in detail, resolution and natural tonality. The price difference is huge. So, here's hoping.
@@nc3419 I think you will absolutely love them you have to let them break in the period has ended about 100 hours 👍
That is great Steve. My review sample was a well used pair so I didn’t have to go through the process you endured. Partnering equipment is important too 😊👍
@@nc3419 at 8ft you are getting to the limit of the distance I would use them, ideally about 6ft apart from each other and yourself. Each room and setup is different though so you may be fine. Please let me know how you get on 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have the McIntosh MA 252 hybrid tube and solid-state Apple fire also the Wilsonton r8 pavin
el 34s
Since the lockdown, I've moved from Foobar on PC > USB out to KEF Egg to a Naim Unit Atom (FLAC files on NAS) driving a ProAc Tab 10 Signature. Couldn't be happier.
Nice upgrade.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks for another outstanding review. No pun intended. I thoroughly enjoy your evaluations of equipment. Honest, thorough and entertaining. Good show. I wonder how they would pair with a Naim Atom for near field? Probably too big. Perhaps a Bluesound Power node for an all in one solution?
Thank you Jim. I need to get hold of that Atom 🤔😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 and the Nait XS3 and Super Nait 3 ... we need those comparisons to the Exposure gear 😄
Fletcher, your comment about the Bluesound Power Node (2i) is what I was thinking about. I have a small place and quality compact equipment makes sense for me.
Tarun, that was an excellent review. I hadn't head of the Menuet until this review, only the Oberon 1. I am looking forward to listening to the Menuet SE.
I like the Harbeth P3ESR mini-monitors with a Cary Tube Amp....sounds so good with Jazz Vocals...
Very nice system. Thank you for sharing 😊
Hey Tarun - you got me intrigued on the DALI. I will book a listening demonstration ASAP. My gear and listening position is near-field. Quad S2 (40 cm out from the wall and significabrly toed out to increase soundstage) connected to the Audiolab 6000A, Audiolab 6000CDT and Audio Technica Turntable. High performance to price ratio.
To be honest I haven’t always been impressed with DALI speaker demos in the past but never heard the Menuet SEs. They are real jems 😊
Well they arrived today, wow there beautiful and that's just the looks.. Soundstage 10 centre image 10 Treble 9 mids 10 bass 8 rel mini sub on the way .
You were bang on Tarun .. 10 for you Sir
Thank you Shauny. They will sound even better after a month of use. A decent sub properly integrated will take them to another level 😊👍
Watched it all. Job well done! Great find. Makes you want to hear other Dali speakers. Have you heard the Sonus Faber's two new opening
price models? Roughly $900 for one and $1500 for the other. They are not the Amator Electa III but for 1/10th the price, pretty good.
Thank you Jeff 👍
Considered the Menuets for my desktop/study sys. went for Spendor 4/5 classics (sealed box, no bass ports)(think modern LS35A), front ended with Denafrips Aries 2, VMV A1 (class A 'ish). with a REL T-zero below. . Mid range smooothness can listen all day with no fatigue as long as not too much volume.
The VMV A1 might struggle to drive them 🤔
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have no experience of high end HIFI so don't know if its missing a bit of muscle but it seems to make a decent fist of it. Usual listening volume set at anywhere between 5 and 20 (max available 70) never beyond 30 for brief rock outs. Its a desktop setup in a very small room 1.8x3.4 mtrs, if the speakers were any closer they'd be classed as headphones.
Been a subscriber for quite some time in a short list of reviewers I like/trust.👍
PS. I also have a set of Proac Tablette 10 signatures and as a newbie was very surprised at the different presentation from a physically near identical speaker both with mid range focused/centric reputation. Made me think it might be nice to see you review a British heritage speaker to take on the Danish Dali/Amphion and of course the now famous Proac 1sc's.
@@andrewsmith259 thank you Andrew. I can see how that would work in the nearfield 😊
I think the burgundy fibre cones that make Dali speakers so alluring to me. I'd love to own a pair of the Helicon 400 or maybe even 800's just for the looks alone :)
Thank you Chris 😊
My desktop is composed of: Source - Mac Mini, DAC- Schiit (Original) Modi with an
Eitr (Schiit USB to SPDIF converter), Amp - Yaqin MC 10L ( with KT 77s), Speakers:
Kef Q150s. On a decent CZcams recording the sound is excellent. Same with any
music files off of the Mac Mini. I am going to up-grade my desktop and these Dali
Menuets sound like they could be the closest to what I really want (little Harbeths)
and they might be affordable. (haven't found a retailer here in Canada yet). Now,
having said all of this, my main focus over the next year is the complete re-do of
my larger room system then I'll tackle the desktop. I gotta say, if it were not for
CZcams and the product education I get from presentations such as yours. .....
Well, I'd probably have more money in the bank but a lot less fun Thanks Tarun.🇨🇦
Thank you Charles 👍😊👍
I use Audioengine A2 with Velodyne mini sub at the moment. Went with Audioengine because of much better tone and mids compared to other "computer" speakers.
But would like to upgrade, so this Dali looks very interesting!
Also considering some active monitors from Focal, would be great to see some reviews from stereo listening point of view, not mixing/mastering.
Thank you Hrvoje. I appreciate you sharing 😊
Focal XS Book (active speakers 350 eur) --> PC with good soundcard (60 cm distance to the listener)+ 2,5 m distance Kenwood KA-7100 vintage Amplifier with B&W DM 580 vintage floorstanders (emphasizing bass at low volume). All RCA cables. Amazing desktop setup. Upgrade: connecting Rega Dac by Coax.
Thank you 😊
Hey Tarun, thanks for your great reviews - Always a pleasure to watch them. I listen to my Dali Zensor 1's nearfield (end of my desk) - There's a distance of 50cm between them and me in an equal triangle. I'm using a Cyrus 82dac, blue node with tidal and good quality speaker cable - not sure of the brand, bought it used directly from Sevenoaks Audio's demo room. As much as I enjoy listening to my Zen1's - I fancy a change! The Menuet's look interesting. Any recommendations for paring with the Cyrus? Many Thanks
Thank you. I suspect the Cyrus will work well with the Menuet SE. I haven’t tried it but they aren’t fussy speakers 😊
My home is small So I use a couple of older system audio SA 705 bookshelf speakers (which sound great) wallmounted. Powered by an older Marantz pm7000 integrated amp, with a Marantz cd 6000 OSE LE player. Pro-ject *triangle * turntable, pioneer blu-ray player and a google chromecast for casting spotify music, youtube etc.
Cheers, love your channel Tarun
/ Anders D. Copenhagen
Thank you Anders 😊👍
A friend of mine has exactly these Menuet SE's placed on top of his grand piano for monitoring scores rather than using the big KEF references standing in the same room but 15 feet away. :-)
I find the Menuets overall lovely, maybe a tiny bit on the trebly side.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hey Tarun, great review as always. Do you have any plans reviewing Buchardt S400 MKii in the near future? It's your opinion I am waiting for to pull the trigger.. thank you for your great work!
Thank you. I am listening to them as I write this 😊👍
Vista Spark and NHT SuperOnes (The original Ken Kantor model not the 2.1s)
The NHT brings an easy, natural sound and the Spark provides the sweetness. Simple, compact, affordable, nice on the ears
Thank you Ryan 😊
Very good and informative video this❤. I bought these after watching your video and loving them. How long of a breaking in period on these you recon?
Merry Christmas ❤🎉
Great! Merry Christmas 😊👍