Dali Phantom S-180 In-Wall Speaker Review: Seamless Integration with Superior Sound

Transform your living space into a sound oasis with the Dali Phantom S-180 In-Wall Speaker. Our review explores its features, sound quality, and installation process.

Author By Glozine Staff
Updated :Jan 12, 2024
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Overview

Quick Introduction to the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker

dali-phantom-s-180-in-wall-speaker

Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker

Introduction

The Dali Phantom S-180 is a no-compromise in-wall speaker that aims to deliver as close to an identical musical experience as a true, traditional hi-fi speaker. With a powerful woofer and hybrid tweeter module taken from DALI’s high-end EPICON series, the S-180 supports a full, rich, and detailed sound, providing an unprecedented level of realism for in-wall speakers.

Its patented SMC technology dramatically reduces distortion, ensuring audio is crystal clear. The speaker is built with an easy-to-install dogleg mounting system, and its slim, discreet design fits seamlessly into any modern interior. It is a testament to DALI’s commitment to providing exceptional sound quality in the most convenient formats.

Immerse yourself in the comprehensive review of this state-of-the-art speaker and discover the magic of true, hi-fi audio.

Audio Quality

The DALI PHANTOM S-180 Inwall Speaker offers superior audio quality with its distinctive hybrid tweeter module, an 8” wood fibre driver, and a 10” passive carbon fibre radiator. The hybrid tweeter module, which is rotatable, enhances the speaker’s versatility, allowing for varied audio uses such as stereo, centre channel, or surround.

Moreover, the primary 8” wood fibre woofer is optimized for both bass and mid-range performance, ensuring clean, detailed, and room-filling sound. The added 10” passive carbon fibre radiator enhances the bass performance, setting the PHANTOM S-180 apart from its competitors.

The speaker’s innovative design and superior technologies promise no compromise on in-wall audio performance, offering a full-frequency response akin to that of a floor-standing speaker.

Design and Installation

The DALI PHANTOM S-180 is a full-size in-wall speaker that combines an 8″ wood fibre driver, 10″ passive carbon fibre radiator and a rotatable hybrid tweeter module. It delivers coherent, clean, and detailed sound in a cabinet that fits into almost any standard wall.

Its slim design, at a depth of 100-103 mm, allows this phantom speaker to fit conveniently into most standard walls. The dogleg mounting system simplifies the installation process, while the elegant, extruded aluminium frame and magnet-mounted front grille serve to integrate the PHANTOM S-180 seamlessly into any room.

Installation of the PHANTOM S-180 should be such that the planar tweeter is placed at ear height. The placement of the hybrid tweeter module at the bottom of the speaker allows for higher installation in line with larger wall-mounted TVs.

To achieve a more seamless handover between the tweeter module and woofer, resulting in better integration with the room and improved bass performance, the dome tweeter has also been rotated.

Adjustability and Customization

The DALI PHANTOM S-180 Inwall Speaker is a standout product, offering a significant level of adjustability and customization to suit individual audio preferences and spatial requirements. The rotatable hybrid tweeter module ensures easy installation for any audio use, whether that’s for a stereo, centre channel or surround sound setup.

Furthermore, the speaker can be strategically placed either vertically or horizontally without compromising the sound quality. This design simplicity supports the speaker’s integration into any room, adaptable to various mounting heights and orientations. The unique ‘upside down’ driver placement allows for traditional mounting height alignment with the TV, enhancing the audio-visual experience.

Plus, the ribbon tweeter can be positioned at ear height for optimized sound dispersion. With the DALI PHANTOM S-180, you have complete control over your home cinema audio experience.

Dali Quality

At DALI, quality is more than just a buzzword – it’s an integral part of their mission to create speakers that elevate the listening experience. Their commitment to quality is evident in the meticulous design and craftsmanship of every product.

From the selection of high-quality materials to the comprehensive testing processes, DALI ensures that each speaker delivers exceptional sound performance. The in-house development and production of their speakers allow for rigorous quality control, ensuring that every DALI product lives up to the highest standards.

In essence, when you choose DALI, you’re not just buying a speaker – you’re investing in a promise of outstanding sound quality.

Comparison and Alternatives

When it comes to premium in-wall speakers, the DALI Phantom S-180 firmly holds its ground as one of the best offerings in its segment. Its superior design and innovative technologies make it a formidable contender in the market.

Its high price point might make you consider cheaper alternatives, but when it comes to delivering an unmatched audio experience, the Phantom S-180 holds its own. The investment in this speaker is justified by its exceptional sound quality, innovative design features, and the promise of an immersive audio experience.

Despite there being a plethora of options in the market, when balancing cost and quality, the DALI Phantom S-180 stands out as a worthwhile investment for discerning audiophiles.

conclusion

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DALI Phantom S-180 Inwall Speaker represents the pinnacle of sound technology, a testament to DALI’s unwavering commitment to acoustic excellence. Its superior audio quality, coupled with its innovative design and effortless installation, sets it apart in a crowded market.

The ability to customize and adjust according to individual needs and spatial requirements reveals the speaker’s versatility, catering to a diverse range of audio uses. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the investment is more than justified by the unparalleled audio experience it offers.

The DALI Phantom S-180 Inwall Speaker is not just an audio device; it is an investment in superior sound quality and an immersive audio experience. When it comes to choosing the best product for your valuable investment, the DALI Phantom S-180 Inwall Speaker indisputably stands head and shoulders above the rest.

General Specification

Model Mission M-Mi781A
Type In-Wall Speaker
Origin Unknown
Intended Use Audio Playback
Room Compatibility Fits into most standard walls
Impedance 6 ohms
Sensitivity 89.0 dB
Frequency Response 49 – 25,000 Hz

Adjustability and Installation

Sound Configurations Features an 8” wood fibre driver, 10” passive radiator, and rotatable hybrid tweeter for high-quality sound, mimicking a floorstanding speaker’s frequency response.
Tweeter Adjustability Built with a rotatable hybrid tweeter module for flexible installation and optimal sound transition from woofer to tweeter, suitable for various audio setups.
Mounting System Designed with an easy-to-use dogleg system and a slim profile for seamless standard wall installation.
Grilles Elegantly integrate with walls using an extruded aluminum frame and magnet-mounted front grille.
Terminals Houses terminals in a solid MDF front baffle, ensuring sturdy cable connections and accurate sound reproduction.

Speaker Components

Tweeter Hybrid tweeter module, 1 x 17 x 45 mm Ribbon and 1 x 28 mm Soft Textile Dome
Woofer 1 x 8″ Wood Fibre Cone
Tweeter Orientation Rotatable hybrid tweeter module, optimized for vertical or horizontal alignment
Tweeter Level Adjustment Yes
Woofer Cone Wood Fibre
Tweeter Dome Soft Textile Dome

Additional Features

Multichannel Application Suitable for multichannel use, the PHANTOM S-180 features a rotatable tweeter for versatile audio setups, delivering comprehensive in-wall audio performance.
In-Ceiling Application Optimally designed for in-ceiling installation, the ultra-slim PHANTOM S-180 fits standard spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
TV Integration Designed for TV system integration, the PHANTOM S-180’s unique driver placement ensures enhanced audio performance aligned with the TV.
Dolby Atmos With advanced audio features like wood fibre cones and solid MDF baffle, the PHANTOM S-180 is well-suited for the immersive audio of Dolby Atmos.
DTS: X The PHANTOM S-180, with its high-end speaker technologies, is capable of handling the object-based, three-dimensional audio required for DTS: X setups.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker

Pros

  • Superior audio quality: The DALI Phantom S-180 Inwall Speaker, equipped with a hybrid tweeter module, an 8” wood fiber driver, and a 10” passive carbon fiber radiator, delivers full, rich, and detailed sound.
  • Versatile and adjustable: With its rotatable hybrid tweeter module, the speaker can be used for a variety of audio applications and can be installed either vertically or horizontally.
  • Easy installation: The slim design of the PHANTOM S-180 and its dogleg mounting system make it simple to install on any standard wall.
  • High-quality materials and design: DALI’s commitment to quality is evident in the meticulous design and craftsmanship of the Phantom S-180, from the use of high-quality materials to rigorous testing processes.

Cons

  • High price point: While the Phantom S-180 offers exceptional sound quality and innovative design features, its high price point might make it less accessible for some customers.
  • Placement considerations: To achieve optimal sound, the speaker should be installed with the tweeter at ear height, which may require additional consideration during installation.
  • Limited aesthetic options: While its slim design and aluminum frame allow it to blend into most interiors, it may not match all aesthetic preferences.
  • Unknown origin: The manufacturing origin of the speaker is not mentioned, which might matter to some consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker?

A. The Dali Phantom S-180 is a no-compromise in-wall speaker that aims to deliver an identical musical experience as a true, traditional hi-fi speaker.

Q. What is the audio quality of the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker?

A. The Dali Phantom S-180 offers superior audio quality with its distinctive hybrid tweeter module, an 8” wood fiber driver, and a 10” passive carbon fiber radiator.

Q. How easy is the installation of the Dali Phantom S-180?

A. The Dali Phantom S-180’s slim design and its dogleg mounting system make it simple to install in any standard wall.

Q. Can the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker be customized or adjusted?

A. Yes, the Dali Phantom S-180 offers a significant level of adjustability and customization to suit individual audio preferences and spatial requirements.

Q. What makes the Dali Phantom S-180 unique in terms of design?

A. The Dali Phantom S-180 combines an 8″ wood fibre driver, 10″ passive carbon fibre radiator, and a rotatable hybrid tweeter module in a slim design that fits into almost any standard wall.

Q. How does the Dali Phantom S-180 compare to other in-wall speakers?

A. Despite its high price point, the Phantom S-180 holds its own in the market due to its exceptional sound quality, innovative design features, and the promise of an immersive audio experience.

Q. What is the purpose of the rotatable hybrid tweeter in the Dali Phantom S-180?

A. The rotatable hybrid tweeter module ensures easy installation for any audio use, whether that’s for a stereo, center channel, or surround sound setup.

Q. How does Dali ensure the quality of their speakers?

A.Dali’s commitment to quality is evident in the meticulous design and craftsmanship of every product, from the selection of high-quality materials to comprehensive testing processes.

Q. Can the Dali Phantom S-180 be integrated with a TV system?

A. Yes, the unique ‘upside down’ driver placement allows for traditional mounting height alignment with the TV, enhancing the audio-visual experience.

Q. What is the origin of the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker?

A. The manufacturing origin of the Dali Phantom S-180 InWall Speaker is not mentioned.

Where to Buy?

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Author
Glozine Staff

Glozine is a platform where we review and recommend products related to health, technology and more. When it comes to purchasing decisions, our journalists combine independent research with extensive testing to save your time and money. We’ll help you get it right, whether it’s finding an amazing product or getting useful advice.

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