DALI ZENSOR 5 AX

The ZENSOR 5 AX is based on the technology of the ZENSOR 5. They share the same passive crossover, which is paramount for getting the characteristic ZENSOR sound quality. The build-in amplifier is integrated in the left speaker, while the right speaker is a passive ZENSOR 5 speaker.

FULLY DIGITAL AMPLIFIER

The DALI ZENSOR AX has a build-in 2 x 50W stereo all digital class D amplifier that delivers the audio signal to both loudspeakers and is designed to bring out the best from its passive ZENSOR host regardless of the signal type.

CONNECTIVITY

Easy connectivity through a variaty of sources e.g. Bluetooth and analogue input.

WOOD FIBRE CONES

This mix paper pulp and wood fibre makes the cones stiff and light which ensures that every micro detail in the signal is reproduced unfiltered.

SOFT DOME TWEETER

With a clear heritage from our high-end series, the lightweight dome tweeter offers best in class resolution.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Imagine a world where music just flows, where all you needed was a set of loudspeakers. No complex electronics, no unwanted cables, no jumble of remote controls, nothing but pure uncomplicated enjoyment.

DALI ZENSOR AX series set you free from the electronics traditionally associated with a high quality audio experience. Both the stand mount and the floor standing model come complete with all you need. They require nothing extra, just connect the mains and you are ready to play.

The build in 2 x 50W stereo all digital amplifier delivers the audio signal to both loudspeakers and is designed to bring out the best from its ZENSOR host regardless of the signal type. You can use Bluetooth and Apt-X if your device supports it, you can connect an analogue source with a mini-jack or an optical via TOSLink.

Place the ZENSOR 5 AX just where you would a traditional floor standing speaker and start playing music via Bluetooth. Connect your TV via the optical input or any type of traditional audio player via the analogue input.

The ZENSOR AX series has all of the virtues of a traditional stereo system with none of the down sides.

• HI-FI quality audio without the hassle of bulky electronics
• Classic DALI trademarks – Wood Fibre cones and large Soft Dome tweeter
• 2 x 50 Watts fully digital amplifier
• Bluetooth (Apt-X), Optical and Analogue inputs
• Subwoofer output

DALI ZENSOR 5 AX SPECS
Product series    ZENSOR
Frequency Range (+/-3 dB) [Hz]    43 - 26,500
Maximum SPL [dB]    106
Crossover Frequency [Hz]    2,400 Hz
Crossover Principle    2-way
High frequency driver, Quantity    1 x 25 mm
High frequency driver, Diaphragm type    Soft Textile Dome
Low frequency driver, Quantity    2 x 5.25"
Low frequency driver, Diaphragm type    Wood Fibre Cone
Enclosure type    Bass Reflex
Amplifier Type    Fully digital class D (Open loop type)
Input Impedance [ohms]    12.6k
Connection Input    3.5 mm Mini Jack
Optical (Toslink)
Connection Output    SUB Out
Wireless Input(s)    Bluetooth™ Apt-X
Max. Digital Resolution [bits/KHz]    24 / 96
Magnetic Shielding    No
Recommended Placement    Floor
Bluetooth
Recommended Distance From Wall [cm]    20 - 80
Max. Power Consumption [W]    160W
Standby Power Consumption [W]    <0.5W
Dimensions With Base (HxWxD) [mm]    825 x 162 x 282
Accessories Included    Manual
Mains Cable
Remote Control
Speaker Wire (For Right Speaker)
Spikes
Rubber Feet
Weight [kg]    11.0
Analogue Input Sensitivity [mV]    300
Continous IEC Amplifier Output [RMS watt]    2 x 50W
Input Mains Voltage [Volts]    Universal mains 100 - 240V

Dali Zensor 5 AX review

Take care with set-up and Dali's excellent powered speakers will shine... Tested at £800

By What Hi-Fi? February 06, 2017

OUR VERDICT

All of the hi-fi with fewer of the boxes, the Zensor 5 AX are a neat and convenient solution that sound superb

FOR

• Excellent sound
• Rhythmic and well timed
• Convenient functionality

AGAINST

• Need careful positioning and partnering
• Remote is small and fiddly

Sometimes in hi-fi, you need perseverance to get the best results. But like most things that take a little effort, the rewards you’ll reap when you do are absolutely worth it.

The Dali Zensor 5 AXs are a bit like that. A powered pair of floorstanders, it’s in their nature to be plug and play – to be up and running with minimum fuss.

In many ways they are, but take care with set-up and these speakers will shine.

Build

This master speaker holds the brains of the setup, including the 50W-per-channel Class D amplifier, a choice of physical inputs and the wireless components for Bluetooth.

Just this speaker needs to be connected to mains power, and then to the right speaker – essentially a standard Zensor 5 – by a single speaker cable, which is included.

Since the crossover remains passive, they’re a powered set-up rather than truly active, splitting the amplified signal to the 13cm wood fibre cone woofer and 25mm soft dome tweeter in each cabinet.

At a glance, the speakers themselves look just like their passive siblings save for a small LED on the left master speaker that informs you of what input is selected.

It’s a traditional form factor for what is ultimately a very modern solution. For a similar price, you could buy the Naim Mu-so – a much smaller and less obtrusive option, but also less capable of reproducing the sound and stereo image a set-up like the Dalis can provide.

There isn’t the biggest choice of inputs – just 3.5mm aux, digital optical and apt-X Bluetooth – but that’s probably enough.

It means you can hook up portable devices or a laptop via the mini jack, and a CD player or even your TV via the optical. One thing’s for sure – you won’t find a soundbar that comes close in terms of sound.

Compatibility

We set them up, connect our Cyrus CDi CD player and place them in our standard speaker position, well away from the rear wall of our testing room.

They are unmistakably Dali. Fast, detailed and enthusiastic, they offer a bigger, better sound than any one-box solution at this price. But there are niggles – the bass lacks some punch and definition and the treble isn’t the most refined either.

We try them close to the back wall of our testing room, with no toe-in. Immediately the previously soft bass shapes up and sounds more solid. Leading low notes have more definition to their edges and there’s more confidence in the lower register overall.

There could still be a touch more kick to the lower bass notes, but it’s a huge improvement to our first listen, and one that helps to deliver improved solidity and richness across the rest of the frequency range.

One grumble fixed, we address the next one. Though the treble is calmer with the new placement closer to the wall, we still find it a touch too lively over longer listening sessions, and less than forgiving with coarser recordings and Bluetooth.

We switch out the included speaker cable for a better quality one – we’d recommend the Award-winning Chord Clearway at £10/m – and the difference is undeniable. The White Stripes song that had previously sounded hard and unrelenting still sounds suitably manic, but is better expressed.

It’s a credit to the 5 AXs just how transparent they are to every single component in your system, but also a consideration. You’re going to want to feed them the best source you can to get the best from them, and consider your cabling too.

Sound

With the 5AXs sounding better balanced and more assured, we settle back for further listening and continue to be impressed. It’s a clean, thoroughly articulate performance, with voices sounding warm, natural and filled with expression.

There’s loads of detail to go at, and while they aren’t the biggest sounding floorstanders we’ve heard at this level, they’re still plenty spacious and handle scale and dynamics with verve.

Toning down that treble hasn’t taken away any of their ability to entertain either, with a fun and lively tone and a strong sense of timing, even with complex rhythmic patterns.

The improved bass has helped with this too, and its more convincing presence here delivers a much fuller bodied and authoritative presentation across the board.

We take a listen over Bluetooth and notice some expected compromises – it’s a smaller sound with some loss of detail and refinement – but it’s still a hugely enjoyable listen that holds true to the 5 AXs’ cohesive and engaging musical character. We wouldn’t think twice about using it.

Verdict

The Dali Zensor 5 AXs are a strong reminder that you can’t always judge hi-fi by its first listen.

Running in and system matching are both very important, but also taking care with placement and accessories can make all the difference too.

We liked the Zensor 5 AX when we first heard them, but by the end of our time with them, we loved them.

They’re a real success, delivering all the convenience of a one-box solution in something altogether more hi-fi. Spend some time getting them just right, and the best of both worlds is well within reach.