The wireless connection between the Sound Hub and the speakers is an extremely stable digital connection, made on either the 2.4 GHz or the 5.8 GHz band depending on location and quality of the connection. The proprietary 30 bit protocol transfers an uncompressed I2S audio signal in 24 bit 96 kHz, utilising the remaining bits to control volume, speaker ID and other control data. Because it works on a less trafficked band, and the protocol is specially designed for transporting an audio signal, the connection is highly stable introducing next to no packet loss.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is built into the DALI Sound Hub as standard, offering the possibility to transfer sound to the CALLISTO C, RUBICON C or OBERON C system from almost any device - supporting AAC and Apt-X HD quality. AAC is an improved audio protocol that despite still being lossy, supports a larger amount of audio data to be transferred via the Bluetooth connection. It’s the highest quality of Bluetooth transfer for an Apple product. Apt-X HD is a well-known audio protocol, allowing for compression of up to 24 bit 48 kHz audio streams and a wider bandwidth transfer than Apt-X. This allows for high quality playback of not just traditional audio files, but also HD quality music over Bluetooth, along with full backward compatibility with Apt-X.
Optical
The Sound Hub features two optical inputs that are controlled differently - with a clear focus on TV and audio use. The TV input is activated by the carrier signal. This enables the Sound Hub to power up the speaker system the second the TV is turned on. The audio input is activated by an audio signal, and by analysing the audio signal, the Sound Hub can determine if audio is played back, and if not, will automatically power off the system, turning it back on again when a signal is detected.
The optical input accepts any data rate from 16 bit / 32 kHz to 24 bit / 192 kHz. The signal will be converted to work optimally with the 24 bit / 96 kHz wireless transfer audio protocol before being passed on to the connected speakers.
Coaxial RCA
For direct digital connection between an audio device and the Sound Hub. Like the optical input, it will accept from 16 bit / 32 kHz to 24 bit / 192 kHz.
Analogue (RCA and mini/jack)
The high-quality ADC samples the analogue signal in 24 bit / 96 kHz using the system master clock for optimal wireless transfer to the CALLISTO C, RUBICON C or OBERCON C speakers.
Outputs
Sub-out
LFE type subwoofer output. When a subwoofer is connected, everything below 100 Hz is sent through this output to a connected subwoofer.
Pre-out
Line level RCA output. This output allows you to use the DALI Sound Hub as a pre-amplifier for your existing setup, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of the modular extensions and the auto source sensing capabilities. The Pre-out can also be used to connect to the speakers via a cable in cases where wireless transfer is not preferable.
USB Power
The built-in USB A port delivers a 5V 1A output to power connected devices like a Google Chromecast Audio, or charge a mobile device whilst playing. It is also used to update the Sound Hub’s firmware. The built in USB port does not offer the ability to playback audio stored on a connected device.
Expansion Ports
One of the most innovative features of the DALI Sound Hub is actually hidden away from view. The two modular expansion ports on the back panel open up the hub to a world of possibilities. Via the DALI designed open standard connector, any type of audio module can integrate 100% with the Sound Hub system.
This enables a total seamless addition of extra hub functions - allowing for streaming, multi-room or even multi-channel expansions, but also future proofing the Sound Hub. This includes any connected speakers by separating the quickly evolving music delivery technologies from the more robust and time durable speaker technology.
MQA Certified
The wireless CALLISTO C, RUBICON C and OBERON C systems are now MQA Certified by MQA Ltd. This applies to all the products in the mentioned ranges, when the optional BluOS NPM-1 plug-in module is installed.
DALI BluOS NPM-2 Wireless Module
The NPM-2i BluOS expansion module for the SOUND HUB allows multi-room connection to compatible devices.
DALI HDMI Module
The HDMI expansion module for the DALI SOUND HUB lets you stream up to 7.1 channels of Dolby & DTS wireless surround sound from your TV to DALI EQUI active speakers.
