In this review, we will be comparing Opticon 2 MK2 and LS50 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from DALI and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI Opticon 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the DALI Opticon 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta 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 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Opticon 2 MK2 and LS50 Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI Opticon 2 II |
KEF LS50 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Opticon 2 MK2 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the LS50 Meta features a 1" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
Opticon 2 MK2 has a frequency range of 59-25k Hz whereas LS50 Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the Opticon 2 MK2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50 Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
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 2 MK2 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the LS50 Meta which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Opticon 2 MK2 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Opticon 2 MK2 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the LS50 Meta's is rated at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the DALI Opticon 2 II a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 2 MK2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 Meta 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 2 MK2 features Post type posts and LS50 Meta has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
DALI Opticon 2 II's Post terminals
KEF LS50 Meta's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Opticon 2 MK2 and LS50 Meta 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 2 II's and KEF LS50 Meta's external dimensions. 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) whereas KEF LS50 Meta has external dimensions of 303.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-15/16 x 7.875 x 11-1/16inch) .
KEF LS50 Meta is 48mm shorter and 16mm less deeper than DALI Opticon 2 II but it is also 5mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of DALI Opticon 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of DALI Opticon 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta 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 2 II is approximately 582.1cm2 / 90.2inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The Opticon 2 MK2 requires 3% more surface area than the LS50 Meta which gives it a small disadvantage 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 2 II and KEF LS50 Meta 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 2 II weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the KEF LS50 Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the LS50 Meta 1% heavier than the Opticon 2 MK2.
Here is a comparison of how Opticon 2 MK2 and LS50 Meta'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 2 II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Opticon 2 MK2:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
What's in the Box of KEF LS50 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50 Meta:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
59 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
1600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
303mm
vs
351mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2 (201x281mm)
vs
582cm2 (196x297mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
DALI Opticon 2 MK2 |
KEF LS50 Meta |
| Brand |
DALI |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86.5 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
59-25k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood Fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.125" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
351.0mm (13.8") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
196.0mm (7.7") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
297.0mm (11.7") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Polymer |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
Carbon Black,Titanium Grey,Royal Blue,Mineral White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
25-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |