DALI Opticon 1 MK2 Bookshelf Speaker, Tobacco Oak (Pair)

The DALI Opticon 1 MK2 is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker that fits a 4¾-inch wood fibre driver, a 29 mm fabric dome tweeter and DALI's SMC magnet drive into a 26-centimetre-high cabinet.

The Tobacco Oak finish is the warmest of the three: a mid-brown oak woodgrain that works with oak furniture, walnut and open shelving instead of against them. The Opticon 1 MK2 is built entirely at DALI's factory in Denmark – laminate cutting, finishing, assembly and final inspection all under one roof. The tweeter, according to the manufacturer, comes from the CALLISTO C series, and the SMC material in the pole piece reduces eddy-current distortion.

Why the Opticon 1 MK2?

Because the effort goes exactly where you hear it. SMC in the magnet system lowers precisely the distortions that otherwise make small drivers a struggle; the stiff paper-pulp and wood-fibre cone breaks up late and keeps the midrange clean. Add a 25 mm thick baffle and internal bracing – the cabinet stays quiet while the driver works. Small doesn't mean undemanding here.

What you hear

Timing. The Opticon 1 MK2 places notes right on the beat and lets them go right on the beat again – guitar strikes, brushes on the snare, the onset of a voice. The bass reaches down to 62 Hz and stays bone-dry rather than borrowing volume. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we listen to what you currently play and tell you honestly whether this pair is the right size for your room.

Who is the Opticon 1 MK2 suited to?

Straight talk: for rooms of roughly 12 to 25 square metres, for people who listen closely, and for anyone for whom floorstanding speakers are simply too much furniture. It's not suited to large, open-plan living spaces or party volumes – at some point it simply runs out of cone area. Tobacco Oak also makes it a piece of furniture: if you'd rather show off the technology than hide it, this is the one to go for.

Our verdict

One of the most honest compact speakers in its class. Nothing is glossed over, nothing padded out – and that's exactly why it still holds up after the third month. In Tobacco Oak it's also the version you won't want to put away: a rare case where looks and tuning pull in the same direction.

Specifications

• Principle: 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 fabric 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 per piece
• Finish: Tobacco Oak
• Scope of delivery: speaker pair, 2 front covers, rubber feet, wall brackets, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What does Tobacco Oak actually look like?

Tobacco Oak is a mid-brown, satin-finished oak woodgrain with visible grain – warmer than walnut and noticeably lighter than wenge. It goes well with light oak furniture and open shelving. If you'd like to see how the finish looks in your light, we're happy to send you a close-up photo from our warehouse.

How far from the wall can the Opticon 1 MK2 be placed?

Allow for at least five to ten centimetres of clearance at the back. The Dual Flare port vents with low turbulence, so it's less sensitive to wall proximity than many bass-reflex speakers. Still, too close to the wall and the upper bass builds up; too far away and it loses foundation – the sweet spot is usually somewhere in between.

Can I mount the Opticon 1 MK2 on the wall?

Yes, DALI includes wall brackets with the pair. For stereo listening, stands remain the better solution because you can freely choose height and toe-in. On the wall it works especially well as a rear speaker in a multichannel setup – we'll sort out the mounting surface and cable routing with you beforehand.

Is the Opticon 1 MK2 sold as a pair?

Yes, the listed price is for the stereo pair. DALI builds and measures the speakers in pairs from the same component batch so left and right are tuned identically. The box contains two cabinets, two front covers, rubber feet, wall brackets and the manual. Single-unit sale is therefore not offered.

Why buy the Opticon 1 MK2 in Tobacco Oak from HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just supply you, we place it in context: which amplifier fits, where the pair should stand in your room, whether a size up would make more sense. As an authorised DALI dealer with our own workshop, we handle service and installation on site. Reach us at 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

More compact speakers can be found under Bookshelf Speakers, stands at the right height under Speaker Stands. Amplifiers are in the All Amplifiers overview, and the brand's full range under DALI.