May 2019

Dali Callisto 2 C Wireless System: Master Of Contrasts
With their Callisto line, DALI aims to combine tradition and modernity, simple controls and sophisticated engineering. Has it worked?
Review By Julian Kienzle Of STEREO Magazine

  Having worked at a HiFi studio for some years, I have often heard sentences of the following kind: "I don't need all those bells and whistles. I just want to listen to my music." And who would blame a customer for being put off by the sheer mass and variety of modern technologies? As a result, these traditional audiophiles more often than not tend for the well-tried and well-known "source-amplifier-passive speaker combination" – following the age-old "never stop a running system"-principle. Unfortunately, this also means that it is often ignored how modern technologies are nowadays at least on the same level as old-school systems and have even clearly overtaken them in terms of "simplicity" – such as for example DALI's Callistos.

Anyone expecting complicated pairing, meager sound or unstable connections will be forced to revise their image of the "digital loudspeaker" concept after their first time setting up the Callisto 2C, which is the compact sister of the 6C.

The procedure is extremely simple. So simple, in fact, that even complete novices can wirelessly connect the speakers to the sound hub within minutes. All you have to do is press one button on the hub and one button on the loudspeaker in the correct order – that's it! The only thing missing now is the music....

The easiest way to change that is to feed the tunes wirelessly into the system via the AAC / AptX Bluetooth interface or the optional Bluesound module, which adds a full-fledged and perfectly integrated streamer to the system. In both cases, the Smartphone / Tablet or the PC / Mac become the remote control for selecting and controlling music. The connection to Bluesound was incredibly fast via the hub. Without virtually any delay you could watch the volume indicator on the front of the speaker climbing and falling, while moving the slider on the tablet back and forth.

On the Sound Hub you will find not only the classic analog and digital in- and outputs, but also the optional BluOs module (right) and the button for pairing the speakers (middle).

Don't worry, of course also traditional wired sources will find their place. These are simply connected to the hub, which then sends the signals wirelessly to the speakers. There are two optical (TosLink) inputs, a coaxial (S/PDIF), a cinch and a 3.5 mm mini jack connector. Due to the very low latency, a TV can also be connected.

In the loudspeakers themselves, the music is then sent through a DSP and subsequently converted and passed on to the Class D amplifiers with up to 250 Watts. In the Callisto 2C, these work with a single 16.5-centimetre woofer/midrange driver made of wood fiber with an SMC magnet system as well as with the hybrid tweeter module consisting of dome and ribbon tweeter.

The latter not only looks but also sounds good, because in the upper registers the 2C plays with a stunning clarity and openness. Snare and cymbals of Nils Petter Molvær's "Khmer" hovered on the back of the stage, light as a feather and with precise speed. Simultaneously the bass went very deep and featured energetic vehemence, seemingly in stark contrast to the lightness of the trebles. When the heartbreakingly lamenting trumpet started, we immediately had goose bumps!

Emotions – anyway a strength of DALI – are conveyed effortlessly by the Dane, because she is courageous and has a feeling for the musical spirit. Any criticism? Only if you're searching for it. But it hardly comes to that, as you are too busy "just listening to your music".

Test Devices
CD Player: T+A MP 1000E
Integrated Amplifier: Audionet Sam 20 SE
Loudspeaker: B&W 606
Active Speakers: KEF LSX
Cables: In-Akustik, KLEI,Lua, DALI, and KEF

With the Callisto 2C, DALI combines its refreshingly dynamic sound philosophy with sophisticated active technology. The wireless connection of any analogue or digital source ensures practicality and maximum ease of use. The fact that it is easy to handle makes the compact speaker even more attractive. The captivating sound quality completes the Callisto package.

Lab Comment
Convincing measurement results. At the limit, the electronics automatically lower the volume so that you can turn it up safely as far as you like. The loudspeakers are designed for positioning straight to the listening position.

Features
Wireless, digital, active loudspeakers with external control unit and radio remote control; analogue and digital inputs, subwoofer and pre-amplifier outputs, Bluetooth, optional Bluesound streaming module (around €500)

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Specifications
Type: Digital wireless stereo system
Frequency Range: 47Hz to 30kHz (+/-3dB)
Maximum SPL: 108dB
Crossover Frequency: 2700Hz
Crossover Principle Hybrid Full Active 24 bit DSP and Passive All Analogue
Hybrid tweeter module, Super high freq. driver, Quantity 1 x 17 x 45 mm
Hybrid tweeter module, Super high freq. driver, Diaphragm type Ribbon 
Hybrid tweeter module, High frequency driver, Quantity 1 x 29 mm
Hybrid tweeter module, High frequency driver Diaphragm type Soft Textile Dome 
Low frequency driver, 6.5"
Low frequency driver, Diaphragm type Wood Fibre Cone 
Enclosure type Bass Reflex 
Bass Reflex Tuning Frequency: 46Hz
Max. Amplifier Power Output: 250 Watts
Amplifier Type Discrete Class D (Closed Loop, Self Oscillating)
Onboard DAC Burr Brown PCM1796 (Balanced output)
Input Impedance: 5,000 Ohms
Connection Input ADC-in (RCA) 
Wireless Input(s) Full 24-bit/96kHz (No bit-loss attenuated)
Max. Digital Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
Recommended Placement Shelf or stand 
Recommended Distance From Wall: 10 to 80 cm
Dimensions With Base: 393 x 200 x 321mm (HxWxD)
Weight: 10.1 kg
Accessories Included: Manual, Rubber Feet, and Front Grille 
Input Sensitivity: 1.7 mV
Warranty: Two years
Price: €3950  (Including Sound Hub and BluOs module)

Manufacturer
DALI A/S
Dali Allé 1
9610 Nørager
Denmark

Voice: +45 9672 1155
Website: www.Dali-Speakers.com