DALI Opticon 2 MK2 Bookshelf Speaker, Black (Pair)

The DALI Opticon 2 MK2 in Ash Black is a 2-way bookshelf speaker with a 16.5 cm wood-fibre woofer, a 29 mm fabric dome tweeter and DALI's SMC magnet system.

It's the larger of the two compact models in the Opticon MK2 range, developed and built in Denmark. Ash Black is the most understated of the three finishes: against a dark wall the cabinet almost disappears without looking cheap – the black-lacquered, 25-millimetre-thick baffle blends seamlessly into it in colour.

Why the Opticon 2 MK2?

Because the 16.5 cm driver packs real foundation into a cabinet of around ten litres without booming. The patented SMC magnet system noticeably lowers midrange distortion, and the 29 mm fabric dome – a new development based on the Callisto tweeter – adds sparkle on top instead of piercing. The Dual Flare bass-reflex port on the back is flared at both ends: less turbulence noise, cleaner low end.

What you hear

Voices with body, string plucks with edge and a bass that comes across as dry rather than fat. Between 59 Hz and 25,000 Hz the Opticon 2 MK2 stays composed; the crossover at 2,000 Hz sits where it does so vocals come entirely from the large driver rather than falling apart between two drivers. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, with speakers like this we listen to the midrange first – and it delivers there.

Who is the Opticon 2 MK2 suited to?

Straight talk: it wants to breathe. Squeezed between binders, the rear port loses its effect and the bass turns mushy. Free-standing on a stand, with a bit of distance from the wall, it plays well beyond what its size suggests. It's right for rooms of about 15 square metres and up; if you want to fill a terrace with sound or mount it flush against a wall, you're better served by a different concept. And with 4 ohms and 86.5 dB, it likes an amplifier that delivers current.

Our verdict

A compact speaker that doesn't sound like a compromise: almost as rich in the bass as a small floorstander, yet still sideboard-friendly – provided you give it the air it needs behind it. In Ash Black it's the understated variant. Visually. Acoustically it does pretty much the opposite.

Specifications

• Principle: 2-way, bass reflex with Dual Flare port (rear-firing)
• Frequency range: 59 – 25,000 Hz (±3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 86.5 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ω
• Maximum SPL: 107 dB
• Woofer/midrange: 1 × 16.5 cm (6½ inch), wood-fibre cone with SMC magnet system
• Tweeter: 1 × 29 mm fabric dome
• Crossover frequency: 2,000 Hz
• Recommended amplifier power: 30 – 150 W
• Bass reflex tuning: 46 Hz
• Cabinet volume: approx. 10 litres
• Baffle: 25 mm, black lacquered
• Connection: single-wire, two screw terminals (no bi-wiring)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 19.5 × 35.1 × 29.7 cm
• Weight: 7.7 kg per piece
• Finish: Ash Black
• Scope of delivery: speaker pair incl. front covers, rubber feet, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

How far from the wall does the Opticon 2 MK2 need to stand?

Allow for about 20 to 30 centimetres of clearance to the back wall. The bass-reflex port sits at the rear, it needs air. Placed closer, the upper bass gets thick and the soundstage flattens. More distance adds definition but costs a bit of low-end level – find the point in between.

Which amplifier suits the Opticon 2 MK2?

One that handles 4 ohms cleanly. DALI recommends 30 to 150 watts; the 86.5 dB sensitivity is average, so headroom is welcome. A solid integrated amplifier with a stable power supply is entirely sufficient – more expensive doesn't automatically mean better here, but power helps.

What's the difference between the Opticon 2 MK2 and the Opticon 1 MK2?

The larger woofer. The Opticon 2 MK2 measures 16.5 centimetres, the Opticon 1 MK2 around twelve. Accordingly the 2 reaches deeper at 59 instead of 62 hertz, crosses over at 2,000 instead of 3,000 hertz, and plays with more authority. The 1 remains the choice for truly small rooms.

Why buy the DALI Opticon 2 MK2 in Black from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you what suits your room before you order. As an authorised DALI specialist dealer we sort out placement, amplifier and cabling with you; our technician Mauri handles delivery and installation on site. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

More compact speakers can be found under Bookshelf Speakers, the matching drive under Integrated Amplifiers. Without stands there's potential left on the table here – take a look at Speaker Stands. The brand's whole range is available in the DALI overview.