Dali Sub V-16 F – 16" Powered Subwoofer

DALI's True Flagship Subwoofer
Bass plays the vital role of punctuation in movies: the sub-drop that defines a pivotal plot point, or the explosion that triggers a hero’s triumph. And in music, kick drums and bass guitars, or classical timpani and double bass, play the notes and define the rhythms upon which songs and compositions are built. But even as important: The presence of clean, well- integrated deep bass is key to recreating the sense of “being there” in any type of sound reproduction. Despite its vital role however, accurately reproducing deep bass, including both the power and the finesse, isn’t easy. It requires tremendous power, and a sharp focus on low-loss, low-distortion audio engineering in order that it doesn’t interfere with the crucial midrange of the main speakers. So bass brings some of the greatest challenges to loudspeaker engineering, and the new V-16 F delivers everything we know at DALI about reproducing bass in one signature subwoofer. Bass, for movies and music, done properly, without compromise. The V-16 F is a unique subwoofer designed for the ultimate reproduction of bass in high-end home theatre and audiophile music systems, and this white paper will describe its technology and performance. Put simply, the V-16 F is the most powerful and least compromised subwoofer we have ever built. It is capable of filling the largest of rooms with audiophile, ceiling-shaking bass, while at the same time possessing all the precision and control needed to work in any audio system context and even in small rooms. It plays lean, deep, detailed bass without any sacrifice of dynamics, pitch, speed, or tonal coloration. To begin, however, the raw numbers of the V-16 F give a flavor of its extraordinary abilities and potential. Facts and numbers, however, are sterile, where, in contrast, bass that curls your insides with its visceral impact, or tears your heart with its aching subterranean melody, is anything but. So how does the V-16 F create an emotional response with its remarkable numbers? It begins with a new and extraordinary bass driver.

Home Cinema Nirvana
Take your home cinema experience to new depths with the audiophile DALI V-16 F. Featuring a large, custom-developed, ultra-low-distortion 16 inch bass driver powered by an immense 1,500 watts of DSP amplification, the V-16 F will blow your mind with abyss-deep bass and tingle your senses with subtle details delivered with effortless control, speed and perfect integration with your main speakers.

Next Gen Subwoofer Tech
With the 16 inch bass driver's incredible 70 mm (peak-to-peak) excursion and the largest magnet motor system we've ever developed, every aspect of the V-16 F innovates to give you the ultimate full range, low distortion cinematic experience. Other innovations include Constant Surface Surround (CSS) technology, which enhances linear excursion, minimises self-resonance and reduces overall distortion for an exceptionally transparent and lifelike performance. And with the easy-access front-mounted panel you can fine tune volume, gain, phase, sound modes and more for seamless integration with your Hi-Fi setup. With its innovative technologies and exceptional performance, the V-16 F paves the way for future generations of DALI subwoofers.

Seamless Integration
The V-16 F driver sets a remarkable new benchmark for high bandwidth, low loss, low distortion performance from a subwoofer. It plays lean, deep, detailed bass without sacrificing dynamics, pitch, speed or tonal coloration. It also reaches high into frequencies outside its normal operating range with the same outstanding performance, blending seamlessly with your speakers without masking their vitally important midrange clarity. For us, this is the definition of a true audiophile subwoofer.

A True Dali Speaker
Developed and assembled entirely in-house, the V-16 F is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. From the beautifully veneered, ultra-rigid cabinet to the exceptional hand-built driver, our flagship subwoofer is a showcase of everything we've learned over 40 years of loudspeaker design, development and production. The V-16 F reflects your love of refined workmanship and your passion for high-end home cinema.

Continuous Flare Ports
DALI Continuous Flare port technology, first featured in the extraordinary DALI EPIKORE 11 ultra-high-end loudspeaker, features variable-diameter geometry throughout the length of the port to minimise port noise and turbulence, while maximising port linearity. The constant variation in diameter suppresses the formation of organ-pipe-like resonance modes that can afflict long reflex ports. It also helps to ensure laminar airflow is retained, even up to very high sound pressure levels. The reflex ports are tuned to an extremely low 18 Hz and adhere to DALI’s low-loss and low-distortion sound design principles.

3 Sound Modes
The V-16 F's front-mounted panel offers three distinct sound profiles: Cinema mode, for LFE-channel audio in audiovisual and movie content that emphasises low-frequency bandwidth and impact – Music mode, for optimal low bass in music, focusing on bass dynamics and timing – and Boost mode, for those times when you want a little extra impact or explosive depth when listening to music or watching a movie.

Details & Specifications

DRIVER
Low Frequency Driver: 1 × 16-inch long-throw
Low Frequency Diaphragm: Anodised aluminium with CSS (Constant Surface Surround) technology
Driver Excursion: 70 mm (peak-to-peak)

AMPLIFIER
Continuous Amplifier Output Power: 1500 W RMS
Maximum Amplifier Output Power: 2500 W Peak
Mains Power Rating: 550 W
Standby Consumption: ≤ 0.5 W

ACOUSTICS
Frequency Range (in-room): 19 - 200 Hz ±3 dB (Line input), 19 - 500 Hz ±3 dB (LFE input)
Crossover LP Frequencies: 40 - 200 Hz
Maximum SPL: 122 dB @ 1m
Enclosure Type: Bass reflex
Bass Tuning Frequency: 18 Hz

CONNECTIVITY
Connection Input: 2 × RCA unbalanced (Stereo, mono or LFE), 2 × XLR balanced (Stereo, mono or LFE)
Connection Output: 1 × XLR balanced (Follower out)
Input Impedance: 9 kΩ
USB-A Socket: 5V out / Service (can power DALI WSR Wireless Subwoofer Receiver)
12V Trigger In and Out: 3.5 mm mini-jack

FEATURES
Sound Modes: Cinema mode (for LFE-channel audio emphasising low-frequency bandwidth and impact), Music mode (for optimal low bass in music focusing on bass dynamics and timing), Boost mode (for extra impact or explosive depth)
Continuous Flare Bass Reflex Ports: Variable-diameter geometry to minimise port noise and turbulence, maximise port linearity, tuned to 18 Hz
Constant Group Delay Mode: Optional group delay compensation (adds 40 ms of delay, under 2 ms in/out delay without)
Room Mode Attenuation Mode: Localised attenuation at primary room resonance mode frequency (40 Hz to 120 Hz in 2 Hz steps, up to -10 dB attenuation)
Closed Box Mode: Optional closed-box configuration with supplied port plugs
Phase Adjustment: Selectable 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°
Time Delay: 0 ms to 40 ms in 1 ms steps
Link Mode: Leader/Follower configuration for dual subwoofer installations
Input Sense: Automatic switch on/off with signal detection (20 minute auto-off)
Child Lock Mode: Prevents changes to settings during operation
Front Panel Control: Easy-access front-mounted panel for volume, gain, phase, sound modes adjustment
Display Brightness: Adjustable 10% to 100% in 10% steps
Firmware Update: Via USB drive

INSTALLATION
Recommended Placement: Floor / Flush-mount
Minimum Flush-mount Installation Dimensions (H × W × D): > 590 mm × 560 mm × 650 mm (> 23.23" × 22.05" × 25.59")
Clearance Requirements: > 40 mm (1.57") from front of baffle to any item positioned in front, > 50 mm (1.97") clearance on sides
Adjustable Feet: Four height-adjustable feet (removable and replaceable with spikes, spike thread size M10)

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (H × W × D): 570.5 mm × 520 mm × 560 mm (22.46" × 20.47" × 22.04", 22.48" × 20.47" × 22.05")
Weight: 55 kg (121.25 lb)
Shipping Dimensions (H × W × D): 730 mm × 660 mm × 710 mm (28.74" × 25.98" × 27.95")
Shipping Weight: 65 kg (143.30 lb)
Finish: Black Ash (Veneer)

ACCESSORIES
Accessories Included: 4 × Optional port plugs, 1 × Mains power cable, Product Registration Card, Quick Start Guide
Optional Accessories: DALI Spike Set (M10 thread size), IRK1804C Rack Mount Kit