Denon RCD-M41DAB HiFi System + Dali Oberon 3 Bookshelf Speakers

Denon RCD-M41DAB 

"Denon has bettered itself in a field it was already leading. The D-M41DAB is impressive proof that great pound-for-pound hi-fi sound need not always mean several separate components."

Overview

Building on the multi-award winning D-M40DAB, the new D-M41DAB features improved sound, style and facilities. The newly-developed discrete analogue amplifier circuit reduces signal paths for greater clarity and impact, while the new Bluetooth implementation combines convenience with an off switch to reduce its influence on the sound of other sources when not in use. Meanwhile the new cosmetic design echoes that of Denon's flagship 'NE' separates. The RCD-M41DAB centre unit also has two digital optical inputs to hook up a TV, set-top box or other digital gear that deserves improved audio quality, and has built-in CD plus FM radio DAB/DAB+, while the new SC-M41 speakers are European Sound Tuned to complement the CD receiver's performance.

High power output with newly designed full discrete analogue amplifier circuit

Denon’s engineers have completely rethought the design, from the styling and facilities right through to the audio circuitry, to offer even more performance and value. The new amplifier circuit delivers 2x30W, so the RCD-M41DAB has more than enough power to drive either the matching SC-M41 speakers or other popular choices (the CD receiver can be bought separately), and there’s also a dedicated headphone amplifier section for personal listening.

Simple & Straight circuit design for sound purity

Denon’s popular M series gives you high sound quality based on the “simple & straight” concept. Circuitry is uncomplicated, signal paths are short, and all adverse influences on sound quality have been minimised. The circuit design and the way the chassis is built ensure that the sound you hear is utterly faithful to the original performance.

Triple Noise Reduction Design (T.N.R.D.) to preserve signal purity

In an audio component where various circuits, boards, and wire layouts can influence each other, it is not possible to obtain satisfying specifications or sound simply by strengthening the power amp circuit. Denon has therefore eliminated three sources of noise to ensure that the sound is as clean as possible. Distortion from the input selector, electronic volume and power amp has been suppressed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and produce an even smoother, dramatic sound.

Bluetooth for instant wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets

Bluetooth is integrated to allow instant wireless connectivity with smartphones, tablets and computers, as part of a package of input choices designed to offer optimal flexibility. The Bluetooth circuitry has been designed complete with an on/off selector, offering convenient wireless connection when required, plus enhanced sound from the other sources like CD, DAB/DAB+, FM or digital in when it’s not in use.

Enjoy premium sound in your home office, bedroom, or any other room

The compact size of 210mm width and just 310mm depth (plus speakers) allows for an easy setup of the D-M41DAB on a bookshelf, in a bedroom or in the home office. With several colour combinations, it easily blends into your lifestyle, delivering impeccable performance at the same time.

New cosmetic design

The style of the RCD-M41DAB has been updated and refined, echoing the industrial design of Denon’s flagship New Era Hi-Fi separates like the award-winning PMA-2500NE/DCD-2500NE or PMA-1600NE/DCD-1600NE amplifiers and CD Players.

Dali Oberon 3 Bookshelf Speakers

The OBERON 3 brings the best of both worlds. The cabinet size enables an optimal balance between inner volume for bass performance, and a compact appearance for small rooms, discreet audio setups or wall mounting. Combining the large sound of a floor-standing speaker with the compact design of a stand-mount, the OBERON 3 is the perfect fit for any stand-mount or shelf solution.

With the launch of the DALI OBERON loudspeaker series, we have picked the best elements from our current speakers and brought them together in a series that delivers on audio quality, looks and versatility. The 29 mm ultra light-weight soft dome tweeter integrates seamlessly with the 7” wood fibre (SMC based) woofer for impressive highs, detailed and crisp mids and a surprising coherent and well-timed bass.

Design

The OBERON 3 is easy to integrate into any room. Both the driver materials and geometry applied in the OBERON 3 have been selected to achieve a wide dispersion pattern in the listening area. The same principles have been applied in the design of the crossover.

As result, you will experience a well-integrated sound, even when listening at a significant off-axis angle. This is important as you are rarely seated directly in front of your loudspeakers when listening to music. An added benefit is seriously reduced harmonic distortion and diffractions causing frequency distortion, as these will always be stronger in an on-axis response. This is also the reason why all DALI speakers are not designed to be toed-in. 

 

 

Woofer

The OBERON 3 features a 7" low-loss woofer - the same featured in the OBERON 7. The woofer has been optimised with a new wood fibre structured cone which is dedicated to reproduce the delicate midrange and bass frequency area - like every other driver made by DALI. It is constructed from a blend of fine grain paper pulp and reinforced with wood fibres, which creates a stiff, light-weight and well-behaving structure. In combination with a low-loss surround and spider suspension, this cone reproduces the micro details in the signal - unfiltered and with high accuracy. 

We chose a 7" driver, as its membrane has a 15% larger dimension than the common 6½ market standard. The larger cone area allows a lower voice coil excursion at the same sound pressure level compared to a 6½ woofer. It also allows a higher maximum sound pressure level, which leads to an effortless reproduction of the dynamics in the music. 

The membrane terminates in a rubber surround that is chosen for its soft and very flexible properties. This gives the membrane free movement with a very low dampening effect, and leaves the magnet motor to control the membrane movement.

 

 

Cabinet 

The cabinet housing of the OBERON 3 is constructed from high-density CNC machined MDF board - dressed in carefully selected high-grade vinyl. The OBERON 3 cabinet employs a very rigid construction, with solid bracings across the inside of the cabinet for reinforcement. This contributes to the stiffness and practically eliminates resonance within the cabinet. 

To optimise timing, the speakers are fitted with acoustic damping material internally along the sides, top and bottom. This creates a more direct contact between woofer and bass port. The audible result is a more precise bass and increased ‘attack’ in the midrange. 

The bass ports are placed on the rear of the OBERON 3, optimising room integration by utilising the wall for improved bass performance. 

With the OBERON range, DALI introduces a brand new front grille design. The new rounded front grille adds a lighter and more contemporary visual look to the speaker series. 'Mountain Grey' is the standard grille supplied with the light finishes (White and Light Oak), while 'Shadow Black' is standard on the dark finishes (Black Ash and Dark Walnut). For an all white look, 'Marshmallow White' is also available as an accessory.

 

 

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

The rounded edges and rustic fabric of these new DALI front grilles add a lighter and more contemporary visual look to the OBERON series. This look is enhanced by the elegantly shaped aluminium base mounted on the two floor-standing models.

PATENTED SMC

The iron pole piece of the OBERON woofer magnet is crowned by a patented SMC disk - minimizing the negative effects of the iron. The use of the SMC disk greatly reduces mechanical distortion, which lowers third order distortion. This allows for a longer listening pleasure, a relaxed midrange and a surprising amount of detail for its price class.

 

WOOD FIBRE CONE

The OBERON woofer features a wood fibre cone with a blend of fine grain paper pulp, reinforced with wood fibres, which creates a stiff, light-weight and well-behaving structure. In combination with a low-loss surround and spider suspension, this cone reproduces the micro details in the signal - unfiltered and with high accuracy.