This project was about demonstrating what’s truly possible with DALI PHANTOM, creating a fully immersive cinema experience that feels as powerful as it is discreet.”
A New Benchmark for Immersive Sound: DALI PHANTOM Home Cinema in Waalwijk
by Maja P.
March 18th 2026
Bringing the vision to life
At the DALI Benelux headquarters in Waalwijk, the team has created an entirely new showroom environment dedicated to showcasing the full potential of DALI custom installation audio. Designed as a hands-on experience centre, the facility brings together a range of solutions but at its core lies a standout feature: a purpose-built, 21-seat DALI PHANTOM Atmos home cinema.
The project was led by Daryl Tapilawatin, who played a central role in both the design and construction of the cinema. The result is a reference-level installation that demonstrates how high-performance audio can be seamlessly integrated into modern architectural spaces.
Designing for immersion
From the outset, the ambition was to create a cinema that delivers a truly immersive audio experience while maintaining a clean and elegant visual expression. The DALI PHANTOM series was chosen for its ability to combine high output and precision with discreet, in-wall and in-ceiling integration.
Every element of the system was carefully considered from speaker placement and listening angles to room layout and seating distribution. The goal was to ensure that all 21 seats offer an engaging listening experience.
DALI PHANTOM S-280
The DALI PHANTOM S-280 is a premium in-wall speaker combining slim design with powerful performance. Featuring dual 8″ drivers, passive radiators, and a hybrid tweeter, it delivers detailed, room-filling sound with low distortion and wide dispersion
From concept to construction
Built from the ground up as part of the new showroom, the cinema provided the team with full control over every stage of the process. This allowed for precise acoustic planning, optimal speaker positioning, and seamless system integration.
During construction, careful attention was given to structural details and acoustic conditions, ensuring the room could support the performance level of the system. The installation process highlights the importance of early planning in custom install projects, where technical precision and craftsmanship go hand in hand.
DALI SUB V-16 F
The DALI SUB V-16 F is a high-performance subwoofer delivering deep, powerful bass with precision and control. Equipped with a 16-inch driver and 1,500-watt amplification, it is built for demanding home cinema setups and is THX® Certified Dominus, ensuring reference-level performance in large rooms.
A fully integrated PHANTOM Atmos system
At the heart of the cinema is a complete DALI PHANTOM Atmos configuration, delivering a powerful and enveloping soundstage.
The combination of high-performance in-wall speakers, dedicated subwoofers, and overhead channels creates a three-dimensional audio experience with impressive depth, clarity, and impact.
The front is anchored by three DALI PHANTOM S-280 speakers, supported by a high-output subwoofer array consisting of four DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 and two DALI SUB V-16 F units. Surround and wide channels are handled by DALI PHANTOM S-180 speakers, with DALI PHANTOM S-80 units covering the rear, while six DALI PHANTOM M-80 A speakers deliver the overhead Atmos layer.
The system is powered by a dedicated amplification platform using one DALI CI AMP-2500 DSP for the subwoofers and four CI AMP-4750 DSP amplifiers for the remaining channels. Combined with the Lyngdorf MP-60 processor, the setup enables advanced DSP tuning, precise channel calibration, and optimal system integration, ensuring consistent tonal balance, controlled bass response, and accurate spatial reproduction throughout the room.
From subtle details to dynamic peaks, the system reproduces content with accuracy and authority, bringing films and music to life in a truly cinematic way.
The back of the amplifier racks where the cabling is neatly sorted.
Showcasing the possibilities of Custom Install
As part of the DALI Benelux showroom, the cinema serves as a demonstration space for partners and installers. It offers a tangible example of what can be achieved with the right combination of products, expertise, and design vision.
More than just a technical showcase, the installation reflects DALI’s approach to sound: delivering authentic, immersive experiences without compromising on aesthetics. It stands as a benchmark for high-end home cinema and a source of inspiration for future custom installation projects.
System specification
DALI PHANTOM Atmos Home Cinema
Location: Waalwijk, Netherlands
Seating: 21 seats
Front channels
Left, Centre, Right: 3 × DALI PHANTOM S-280
Subwoofers:
4 × DALI PHANTOM SUB S-100
2 × DALI SUB V-16 F
Surround channels
Front wide: 2 × DALI PHANTOM S-180
Surround: 2 × DALI PHANTOM S-180
Rear surround: 2 × DALI PHANTOM S-80
Top/ ceiling / Atmos channels
6 × DALI PHANTOM M-80 A
Amplification
1 × DALI CI AMP-2500 DSP (subwoofers)
4 × DALI CI AMP-4750 DSP
Processor
Lyngdorf MP-60
Building the DALI PHANTOM Home Cinema
Shaping the cinema experience
The tiered seating platform is constructed to optimise sightlines and acoustics for all 21 seats. This stage highlights the importance of room geometry in delivering a consistent and immersive experience across the entire audience area.
Constructing the seating platform
As the tiered seating platform takes shape, Daryl works on refining the structure to ensure optimal sightlines and acoustic performance. This stage underlines how precise planning and hands-on execution come together to create a consistent and immersive experience for every one of the 21 seats.
The platform is ready
With the tiered seating platform complete, the foundation for the audience experience is in place. Carefully designed for optimal sightlines and acoustics, this structure ensures every seat will benefit from the same immersive audio performance once the cinema is finalised.
Constructing the front stage
The front wall is carefully built with precise cut-outs for the LCR speakers and subs, forming the foundation of the cinema’s soundstage. This stage ensures accurate placement and seamless integration, allowing the speakers to perform optimally while remaining discreetly hidden within the architecture.
Installation in progress
With the speaker system in place, attention turns to cabling and system integration. Every connection is meticulously handled to ensure reliability and performance, while the room’s acoustic treatment begins to define the final listening environment.
Precision speaker integration
The front speaker wall takes shape as multiple DALI PHANTOM units are carefully installed and aligned. Laser-guided positioning ensures absolute precision, while integrated subwoofers and structural detailing lay the groundwork for a powerful and controlled soundstage.