DALI Opticon 1 MK2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black (Pair)

The DALI Opticon 1 MK2 is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker made in Denmark that combines a 29 mm soft-dome tweeter, a 4¾-inch wood-fibre driver and DALI's SMC magnet drive in a 26-centimetre-tall cabinet.

In Satin Black it disappears into a shelf, on a sideboard or on a stand without visually dominating the room – and it's still no budget model. DALI builds the entire Opticon MK2 series in its own factory in Denmark: laminate cutting, finishing, assembly and final testing all under one roof. The tweeter is said by the manufacturer to come from the CALLISTO C series, and the SMC material in the pole core reduces eddy-current distortion in the drive.

Why the Opticon 1 MK2?

Because it sounds surprisingly grown-up for such a small footprint. The pulp-and-wood-fibre cone is light and stiff at the same time – that gives fast attack and decay and an impulse fidelity you wouldn't expect from such a small cabinet. The dual-flare reflex port keeps turbulence low, so bass stays clean rather than mushy even close to a wall. A 25 mm-thick front baffle and internal bracing mean the cabinet doesn't join in.

What you hear

An open, well-sorted treble without harshness, clear voices and a bass that would rather be tight and dry than bloated. On stands and slightly toed in, the black pair builds a soundstage noticeably wider than the distance between the two cabinets. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll work out with you which amplifier and placement will actually unlock this potential for you.

Who is the Opticon 1 MK2 suitable for?

Let's be clear: this is a precision specialist for small to medium rooms, not a wrecking ball. It won't fill an open loft with deep bass – that's what the floorstanding models or an added subwoofer are for. Anyone who regularly listens very loud should also think a size up. But if you're after detail and timing over bass thunder in limited space, this is exactly right. Satin Black is the most unobtrusive of the three finishes – handy when the system shouldn't be the first thing you notice in the room.

Our verdict

The Opticon 1 MK2 is one of the most honest compact speakers in its class: impulse-accurate, cleanly tuned, without the bloated upper bass that starts to annoy after two weeks. A small box that sounds bigger than it looks – and one that can easily be reused later as a rear speaker for a larger Opticon set.

Technical data

• Design: 2-way, bass reflex (dual flare)
• Frequency range: 62 – 25,000 Hz (±3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 85 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ω
• Maximum SPL: 105 dB (1 m)
• Woofer/midrange: 1 × 4¾ inch (12 cm), wood fibre
• Tweeter: 1 × 29 mm soft-dome
• Crossover frequency: 3,000 Hz
• Recommended amplifier power: 25 – 100 W
• Connection: screw terminals, single-wire (no bi-wiring)
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 261 × 152 × 231 mm
• Weight: 4.6 kg each
• Finish: Satin Black
• What's included: pair of speakers, 2 grilles, rubber feet, wall brackets, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Can I put the Opticon 1 MK2 on a shelf?

Yes, that's what it's built for. The dual-flare port sits at the back and works with low turbulence, so it tolerates proximity to a wall better than many competitors. Still give it a few centimetres of air behind and to the side, otherwise the upper bass thickens up. On stands at ear height it sounds even more open.

Does the Opticon 1 MK2 need a subwoofer?

Not for small to medium rooms and normal listening levels. At 62 Hz it goes deep enough for voices, jazz, pop and classical. If you want home-cinema depth or high output levels, a DALI subwoofer will cleanly extend the low end – we'll set the crossover point together with you.

Which amplifier suits the Opticon 1 MK2?

25 to 100 watts at 4 Ω is the range DALI states. With 85 dB sensitivity it appreciates an amplifier with a bit of current reserve – watts alone aren't the whole story. It connects via screw terminals in single-wire operation; this model doesn't offer bi-wiring.

Is the price a price per pair?

Yes, the Opticon 1 MK2 is listed and delivered as a stereo pair – two speakers, two grilles, rubber feet and wall brackets. DALI assembles and tests the speakers in pairs from the same component batch so left and right match. If you exceptionally need a single cabinet, just ask us.

Why buy the DALI Opticon 1 MK2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a compact speaker lives and dies by placement and amplifier choice – and that's exactly where our experience lies. We're an authorised DALI dealer, our technician Mauri handles service and installation, and we deliver and set up on site. Call us: 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find more compact speakers under Bookshelf speakers, the right drive electronics under Integrated amplifiers. For the right ear height there are Speaker stands, and the whole brand is in the DALI overview.