In this review, we will be comparing Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Opticon VOKAL MK2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Elac and DALI. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Dali Opticon VOKAL II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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 Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Opticon VOKAL MK2 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the Opticon VOKAL MK2 features a 17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz and 14.000Hz.
Frequency Response
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a frequency range of 34-50k Hz whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Opticon VOKAL MK2's min frequency of 47Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
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
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Opticon VOKAL MK2 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the Opticon VOKAL MK2's is at 88 dB.
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 Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a bottom firing port whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a front firing ports. Dali Opticon VOKAL II's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB with its rear-firing port.
Dali Opticon VOKAL II slot 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 Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's and Dali Opticon VOKAL II's external dimensions. Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has external dimensions of 190 x 500 x 248 mm ( 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches) whereas Dali Opticon VOKAL II has external dimensions of 202.0 x 435.0 x 313.0mm ( 7-15/16 x 17-1/8 x 12-5/16inch) .
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is 12mm shorter and 65mm less deeper than Dali Opticon VOKAL II but it is also 65mm wider.
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 Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is approximately 1240.0cm2 / 192.2inch2 and base area of the Dali Opticon VOKAL II is approximately 1361.6cm2 / 211.0inch2. The Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB requires 9% less surface area than the Opticon VOKAL MK2 which gives it a small advantage 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 Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs and the Dali Opticon VOKAL II weighs 9.23kg / 20.3lbs. This makes the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 30% heavier than the Opticon VOKAL MK2.
Here is a comparison of how Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB and Opticon VOKAL MK2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
What's in the Box of Dali Opticon VOKAL II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon VOKAL MK2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille6 Rubber bumpersQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
 Max Input Power |
160 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
34 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
190mm
vs
202mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1240cm2 (500x248mm)
vs
1361cm2 (435x313mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
Dali Opticon VOKAL MK2 |
| Brand |
Elac |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 160 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
34-50k Hz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
AS XR cone |
Wood Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" |
| Tweeter Type |
JET 6 AMT |
Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
2400Hz and 14.000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Width |
500.0mm (19.7") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Depth |
248.0mm (9.8") |
313.0mm (12.3") |
| Weight |
12.00kg (26.4lbs) |
9.23kg (20.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |