In this review, we will be comparing SONIK 1 and Opticon 1 MK2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by DALI
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK 1 and DALI Opticon 1 II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI SONIK 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer
- 51-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:4.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 275.0" x 6-3/8" x 8-13/16"( 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm )
DALI Opticon 1 II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 4.75" Wood Fiber Woofer
- 62-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:4.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 254.0" x 6" x 9-1/4"( 254.0 x 153.0 x 235.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK 1 and DALI Opticon 1 II 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 SONIK 1 and Opticon 1 MK2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK 1 |
DALI Opticon 1 II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4.75-inch
|
SONIK 1 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Opticon 1 MK2 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.75" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz.
Frequency Response
SONIK 1 has a frequency range of 51-26k Hz whereas Opticon 1 MK2 has a frequency range of 62-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the SONIK 1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
SONIK 1 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Opticon 1 MK2 which has a nominal impedance of 4 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 1 MK2 can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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.
SONIK 1 and Opticon 1 MK2 has the same power range of 25-100 watts.
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
SONIK 1 features Post type posts and Opticon 1 MK2 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
DALI Opticon 1 II's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SONIK 1 and Opticon 1 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.
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 SONIK 1's and DALI Opticon 1 II's external dimensions. DALI SONIK 1 has external dimensions of 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm ( 10-13/16inch x 6-3/8inch x 8-13/16inch ) whereas DALI Opticon 1 II has external dimensions of 254.0 x 153.0 x 235.0mm ( 10 x 6 x 9-1/4inch) .
DALI Opticon 1 II is 9mm narrower and 21mm shorter than DALI SONIK 1 but it is also 11mm deeper.
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 SONIK 1 is approximately 362.9cm2 / 56.2inch2 and base area of the DALI Opticon 1 II is approximately 359.6cm2 / 55.7inch2. The SONIK 1 requires 1% more surface area than the Opticon 1 MK2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 SONIK 1 weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the DALI Opticon 1 II weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs. This makes the Opticon 1 MK2 10% heavier than the SONIK 1.
Here is a comparison of how SONIK 1 and Opticon 1 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 SONIK 1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SONIK 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Sef-adehsive rubber feet 8 Rubber bumpers Quick Start Guide Online Registration Card
What's in the Box of DALI Opticon 1 II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon 1 MK2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
51 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
1099USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
254mm
vs
275mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
359cm2
vs
362cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
DALI SONIK 1 |
DALI Opticon 1 MK2 |
| Brand |
DALI |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-26k Hz |
62-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.75" |
| 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 |
n/a |
3000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
275.0mm (10.8") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Width |
162.0mm (6.4") |
153.0mm (6") |
| Depth |
224.0mm (8.8") |
235.0mm (9.3") |
| Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain laminate |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Natural Oak,White,Walnut |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
Fixed keyhole mount |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
26-28" |
| 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 |