In this review, we will be comparing Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by DALI Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2 are members of DALI's Opticon Mark II series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
DALI Opticon Mark II Series History
What size room are the DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI Opticon 1 II |
DALI Opticon 2 II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.75-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Opticon 1 MK2 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.75" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the Opticon 2 MK2 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Opticon 1 MK2 has a frequency range of 62-26k Hz whereas Opticon 2 MK2 has a frequency range of 59-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the Opticon 2 MK2 can go slightly deeper then the Opticon 1 MK2's min frequency of 62Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Opticon 1 MK2 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Opticon 2 MK2's is at 86.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the DALI Opticon 2 II a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI Opticon 1 II, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Opticon 1 MK2 and the Opticon 1 MK2 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Opticon 1 MK2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Opticon 1 MK2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Opticon 2 MK2.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Opticon 1 MK2 features Post type posts and Opticon 2 MK2 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
DALI Opticon 1 II's Post terminals
DALI Opticon 2 II's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
DALI Opticon 2 II Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI Opticon 1 II's and DALI Opticon 2 II's external dimensions. DALI Opticon 1 II has external dimensions of 254.0 x 153.0 x 235.0mm ( 10 x 6 x 9-1/4inch) whereas DALI Opticon 2 II has external dimensions of 351.0 x 196.0 x 297.0mm ( 13-13/16 x 7-11/16 x 11-11/16inch) .
DALI Opticon 2 II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 97mm taller and 62mm deeper than DALI Opticon 1 II.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II in scale.
Comparison image of DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the DALI Opticon 1 II is approximately 359.6cm2 / 55.7inch2 and base area of the DALI Opticon 2 II is approximately 582.1cm2 / 90.2inch2. The Opticon 1 MK2 requires 38% less surface area than the Opticon 2 MK2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of DALI Opticon 1 II and DALI Opticon 2 II on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The DALI Opticon 1 II weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs and the DALI Opticon 2 II weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Opticon 2 MK2 72% heavier than the Opticon 1 MK2.
Here is a comparison of how Opticon 1 MK2 and Opticon 2 MK2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI Opticon 1 II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Opticon 1 MK2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
What's in the Box of DALI Opticon 2 II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon 2 MK2:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
254mm
vs
351mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
359cm2 (153x235mm)
vs
582cm2 (196x297mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1099USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
59 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
DALI Opticon 1 MK2 |
DALI Opticon 2 MK2 |
| Brand |
DALI |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
62-26k Hz |
59-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.75" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood Fiber |
Wood Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.125" |
1.125" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
254.0mm (10") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Width |
153.0mm (6") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
235.0mm (9.3") |
297.0mm (11.7") |
| Weight |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |