In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and Opticon VOKAL MK2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and DALI.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-504C II and Dali Opticon VOKAL II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-504C II | Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | DALI
Denmark · founded 1983 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone | 6.5" Wood Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 50-25k Hz | 47-30k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 96 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 150 watts | 30-150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 16.50kg / 36.3lbs | 9.23kg / 20.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 32-3/16" x 15-1/8"
177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm | 7-15/16" x 17-1/8" x 12-5/16"
202.0 x 435.0 x 313.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that RP-504C II is a 2-way design whereas the Opticon VOKAL MK2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Klipsch RP-504C IIDali Opticon VOKAL II
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-504C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1950 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
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Opticon VOKAL MK2 can go slightly deeper then the RP-504C II's min frequency of 50Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-504C II is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Opticon VOKAL 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 VOKAL MK2 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-504C II sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Opticon VOKAL MK2's is rated at 88 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Dali Opticon VOKAL II, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Both handle the same maximum of 150 watts RMS, though RP-504C II is rated up to 150 watts and Opticon VOKAL MK2 30-150 watts.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-504C II features Binding post type posts and Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Dali Opticon VOKAL II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RP-504C II has a rear 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 Klipsch RP-504C II with its rear-firing port.
Dali Opticon VOKAL II slot Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch RP-504C II's and Dali Opticon VOKAL II's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-504C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm (6-15/16 x 32-3/16 x 15-1/8inch) 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).
Dali Opticon VOKAL II is 383mm narrower and 72mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-504C II but it is also 25mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-504C II and Dali Opticon VOKAL II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-504C II and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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 Klipsch RP-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2 and base area of the Dali Opticon VOKAL II is approximately 1361.6cm2 / 211.0inch2. The RP-504C II requires 131% more surface area than the Opticon VOKAL 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 Klipsch RP-504C II weighs 16.50kg / 36.3lbs and the Dali Opticon VOKAL II weighs 9.23kg / 20.3lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 79% heavier than the Opticon VOKAL MK2.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and Opticon VOKAL MK2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-504C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-504C II:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Dali Opticon VOKAL II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon VOKAL MK2:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 6 Rubber bumpers
- Quick Start Guide
- Congratulations Card
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Height |
177mm
vs
202mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
|
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
1361cm2
vs
3149cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
Dali Opticon VOKAL MK2 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Wood Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1950 Hz |
2400Hz and 14.000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Width |
818.0mm (32.2") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
313.0mm (12.3") |
| Weight |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
9.23kg (20.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
| 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 |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Dali Opticon VOKAL II digs deeper - 47Hz against 50Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Klipsch RP-504C II is more sensitive (96dB vs 88dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | Klipsch RP-504C II is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (150W vs 150W). |
| Size | depends | Dali Opticon VOKAL II is easier to place; Klipsch RP-504C II is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-504C II sits in a wider range (10 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | Klipsch RP-504C II is cheaper - $799 against $1,199, about 33% less. |
A Klipsch RP-504C II B Dali Opticon VOKAL II
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch RP-504C II has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-504C II has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Dali Opticon VOKAL II is the easier speaker to get right. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-504C II is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.