Audio T Verdict
The DALI OPTICON 1 MK2 are compact passive speakers designed to provide a serious Hi-Fi performance in rooms and installations where larger cabinets are impractical.
Each speaker combines a 4¾-inch paper and wood-fibre bass and midrange driver with DALI's patented Soft Magnetic Composite pole-piece technology. The SMC motor system is designed to reduce hysteresis, eddy currents and uneven distortion as the voice coil moves through the magnetic field.
A lightweight 29mm soft-dome tweeter derived from DALI's CALLISTO range replaces the smaller tweeter used by the original OPTICON 1. Its larger diaphragm provides improved power handling, lower distortion and a broader operating range.
The rear Dual Flare bass-reflex port reinforces low-frequency output while reducing airflow turbulence at the entrance and exit of the vent. This helps the compact five-litre cabinet achieve a specified response extending down to 62Hz.
Placement is unusually flexible. The OPTICON 1 MK2 can be used on stands, shelves or suitable furniture and can also be mounted on a wall. DALI specifies a rear-wall distance between 2cm and 80cm, allowing the final position to be adjusted according to the room and desired bass balance.
The cabinets are manufactured, assembled and tested at DALI's facilities in Denmark. Stereo pairs are built by one technician using components from the same production batch to improve visual and acoustic consistency.
A sensitivity of 85dB and 4-ohm nominal impedance mean that amplifier quality still matters. DALI recommends between 25W and 100W, but current delivery, power-supply stability and clean headroom are more useful guides than wattage alone.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 are particularly well suited to premium compact stereo systems, smaller living rooms, bedrooms, offices and discreet wall-mounted installations. An active subwoofer can be added where deeper bass or greater home cinema scale is required.
DALI OPTICON 1 MK2 Compact Bookshelf Speakers
The DALI OPTICON 1 MK2 are compact 2-way passive loudspeakers designed for stand, shelf, furniture or wall placement.
They require connection to a suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, mini system or AV receiver and do not contain built-in amplification, Bluetooth or network streaming.
Each cabinet contains a 4¾-inch SMC-equipped wood-fibre bass and midrange driver, a 29mm soft-dome tweeter, a purpose-designed crossover and a rear Dual Flare bass-reflex port.
The cabinets are manufactured and assembled in Denmark, with matched stereo pairs built and tested by one DALI technician.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The DALI OPTICON 1 MK2 are passive loudspeakers and cannot play music directly from a phone, television, turntable or computer.
A suitable amplifier must provide both the power required by the speakers and the connections needed by the chosen source components.
- No built-in amplifier
- No Bluetooth
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- No network music services
- No HDMI ARC
- No optical or coaxial digital input
- No built-in phono stage
- No headphone output
A streaming amplifier can combine amplification, digital conversion and network playback in one component, while a conventional integrated amplifier allows separate sources to be selected and upgraded independently.
True 2-Way Compact Loudspeaker
The OPTICON 1 MK2 use a 2-way arrangement with separate drive units handling different parts of the musical spectrum.
The 4¾-inch driver reproduces bass, vocals and much of the instrumental range, while the 29mm soft-dome tweeter handles the upper frequencies.
A crossover operating at 3,000Hz divides the incoming amplifier signal between the two drivers.
The crossover also controls relative level and phase so that voices and instruments remain coherent through the transition region.
4¾-Inch Bass and Midrange Driver
Each cabinet contains one 4¾-inch bass and midrange driver designed specifically for the compact five-litre enclosure.
The driver is responsible for reproducing bass, vocals and a large proportion of the instrumental frequency range.
Its cone, suspension, voice coil, chassis and magnet system have been developed as one complete assembly rather than selected as unrelated components.
The relatively compact diameter allows the cabinet and front baffle to remain narrow while still providing useful low-frequency extension and dynamic output.
Paper and Wood-Fibre Cone
The bass and midrange cone combines fine paper pulp with reinforcing wood fibres.
The material is intended to provide a lightweight and rigid diaphragm with useful natural damping.
The irregular distribution of the wood fibres helps reduce the tendency for one narrow section of the cone to develop a strong resonance.
This contributes to an open midrange and helps bass notes retain definition, texture and pitch.
Patented Soft Magnetic Composite Technology
The driver magnet system uses DALI's patented Soft Magnetic Composite material within its pole piece.
SMC is a coated magnetic material designed to conduct magnetism effectively while offering very low electrical conductivity.
This reduces eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis within the motor system as the voice coil changes position and direction.
The intended result is lower electro-acoustic distortion, particularly third-order distortion, with a cleaner and more relaxed midrange.
SMC Is Part of the Complete Driver
Soft Magnetic Composite works alongside the ferrite magnet, voice coil, wood-fibre cone and suspension.
The speaker's performance comes from the complete driver and crossover system rather than one material operating in isolation.
Large Ferrite Ring Magnet
A large ferrite ring magnet surrounds the SMC pole piece.
The amplifier sends a changing electrical current through the voice coil, which interacts with this fixed magnetic field and moves the diaphragm.
The strength and consistency of the magnetic field influence driver control, distortion and dynamic response.
The motor system has been developed to retain accurate movement during both small musical details and larger bass transients.
Low-Loss Driver Design
DALI has designed the bass and midrange driver to minimise unnecessary mechanical and electrical losses.
The suspension must allow the diaphragm to respond to small changes in the signal while retaining control during longer excursions.
Excessive resistance can obscure low-level information, while insufficient control can allow the cone to behave inconsistently as volume increases.
The low-loss approach is intended to preserve detail, timing and musical dynamics.
Cast Aluminium Driver Chassis
The bass and midrange driver uses a rigid cast aluminium chassis.
The chassis holds the magnet system, voice coil and suspension in their correct positions while allowing air to move behind the diaphragm.
Its rigid construction helps maintain accurate alignment and reduces unwanted mechanical vibration.
The cabinet opening is shaped to avoid unnecessary restriction behind the driver.
29mm Soft-Dome Tweeter
A lightweight 29mm soft-dome tweeter reproduces upper-frequency information.
The tweeter is derived from the design developed for DALI's CALLISTO C active loudspeakers.
Its larger diameter provides a broader working range than the 28mm tweeter used by the original OPTICON series.
This allows the tweeter to operate with lower distortion and greater power handling while integrating smoothly with the bass and midrange driver.
Low-Mass Tweeter Diaphragm
The soft-dome diaphragm uses a lightweight textile material designed to respond quickly to the incoming signal.
Low moving mass assists the reproduction of percussion, vocal detail, string harmonics and recorded ambience.
The dome is partnered with a suitable motor and damping system so that its movement remains controlled as output increases.
Callisto-Derived Tweeter Technology
The tweeter design originates from DALI's CALLISTO C range and represents a significant revision over the original OPTICON tweeter.
DALI specifies lower distortion, extended low-frequency capability and improved power handling.
The same 29mm dome is used across the OPTICON MK2 range to support consistent tonal character in both stereo and multichannel systems.
Rigid Tweeter Faceplate
The tweeter is mounted within a rigid faceplate secured firmly to the 25mm front baffle.
A stable mounting surface helps prevent unwanted vibration from affecting the tweeter assembly.
The shaped front plate also contributes to dispersion and the physical integration between the tweeter and cabinet.
3,000Hz Crossover Frequency
The electrical crossover operates at 3,000Hz.
Below this region, the wood-fibre driver provides most of the acoustic output. Above it, the 29mm tweeter progressively takes over.
The precise transition is determined by the crossover filters and the natural acoustic behaviour of both drive units.
Correct integration helps voices and instruments remain coherent rather than sounding as though their upper and lower frequencies originate from separate parts of the cabinet.
Minimalist Crossover Design
DALI developed the OPTICON MK2 crossover networks to use the natural response of the drivers rather than applying unnecessary electrical correction.
The signal path is kept relatively simple and uses selected low-loss components.
The crossover is positioned close to the speaker terminals to keep internal signal paths short.
The network has been designed specifically around the impedance and acoustic response of the OPTICON 1 MK2 drivers.
DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
The OPTICON 1 MK2 follow DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
The drivers and front baffle are designed to produce a broad and even radiation pattern rather than concentrating sound into one narrow listening position.
This allows more than one person to hear a balanced presentation and helps the speakers work in real rooms where everyone cannot occupy one exact central seat.
Reflected sound from nearby walls also retains a more consistent tonal balance when off-axis response is controlled carefully.
Begin with the Speakers Facing Straight Ahead
DALI generally recommends positioning its loudspeakers parallel with the wall behind them rather than angling them strongly towards the main listening seat.
This supports the intended wide-dispersion behaviour. Small adjustments can still be tried where the room layout or listening distance requires them.
Broad and Stable Stereo Imaging
A correctly positioned pair of OPTICON 1 MK2 speakers can create a soundstage extending beyond their compact cabinets.
Vocals should appear between the speakers, while instruments and recorded ambience occupy positions across the stereo image.
Matching distances from the listening position, equal tweeter heights and sensible left-to-right spacing help preserve this effect.
Large differences between the furnishings or wall surfaces surrounding each speaker can pull the stereo image towards one side.
Rear Dual Flare Bass-Reflex Port
The OPTICON 1 MK2 use a rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex port.
The port uses air movement within the cabinet to reinforce output around its tuned operating region.
Flared entry and exit profiles reduce abrupt changes in airflow and help minimise turbulence, compression and audible port noise.
This allows the compact enclosure to produce greater low-frequency extension and output than an equivalent sealed cabinet.
60Hz Reflex Tuning
The bass-reflex system is tuned to 60Hz.
This contributes to the specified 62Hz lower frequency limit and supports the 4¾-inch driver's output at the bottom of its operating range.
The port, cabinet volume, driver and crossover have been designed to operate as one system.
Five-Litre Internal Cabinet Volume
The compact enclosure provides approximately five litres of internal acoustic volume.
Producing useful bass from such a small cabinet requires careful control of the driver's movement and the tuning of the rear reflex port.
The limited volume also makes cabinet rigidity and airflow around the driver especially important.
62Hz Low-Frequency Extension
DALI specifies a frequency range extending down to 62Hz within plus or minus 3dB.
This covers much of the bass information contained in voices, guitars, drums and many acoustic instruments.
The lowest synthesiser notes, pipe-organ fundamentals and large-scale film effects extend considerably below this point.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 should therefore be judged as capable compact loudspeakers rather than substitutes for large floorstanders or a dedicated subwoofer.
105dB Maximum Output
DALI specifies a maximum sound-pressure level of 105dB at one metre.
This provides useful output for a compact loudspeaker in a suitably sized room.
Maximum output should not be confused with a recommended continuous listening level.
If the sound becomes harsh, compressed or distorted, reduce the amplifier volume immediately.
Avoid Amplifier Clipping
A lower-powered amplifier driven beyond its clean operating range can produce a heavily distorted signal containing excessive high-frequency energy.
This can place greater stress on the tweeter than a more capable amplifier operating comfortably at the same listening level.
25mm-Thick Front Baffle
The drivers are mounted within a substantial 25mm-thick front baffle.
The baffle provides a rigid mechanical foundation for both drive units and helps resist the reaction forces created as their diaphragms move.
A stable mounting surface reduces unwanted vibration and allows the drivers to reproduce the electrical signal more accurately.
Internally Braced Cabinet
The MDF enclosure uses internal bracing to increase stiffness and reduce panel resonance.
Cabinet vibration can add sound that was not present in the recording, reducing clarity and making bass notes less precise.
The compact construction and thick front baffle are intended to provide a stable platform for the drivers, crossover and bass-reflex system.
Manufactured in Denmark
The OPTICON 1 MK2 cabinets are manufactured and assembled at DALI's production facilities in Denmark.
DALI carries out cabinet cutting, routing, surface finishing, driver installation, crossover installation and final testing within its own manufacturing process.
This allows the company to maintain direct control over construction and final quality assurance.
Pair-Matched Assembly
Each stereo pair is assembled and tested by one technician.
Components from the same production batch are used to improve consistency between the left and right speakers.
The approach is intended to provide close visual matching and balanced acoustic performance across the pair.
Removable Front Grilles
Front grilles protect the drivers and give the speakers a more discreet appearance.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can be used with or without the grilles according to personal preference.
The grille fixings are integrated around the driver surrounds, leaving the front baffle relatively clean when the covers are removed.
Handle the grilles carefully and avoid touching the tweeter dome or wood-fibre cone.
Stand Placement
A suitable loudspeaker stand provides the most flexible positioning and a stable platform away from nearby furniture.
The tweeter should ideally sit reasonably close to seated ear height.
Stand height, mass, top-plate dimensions and floor stability can all affect the final result.
The speaker should be secured or isolated appropriately so that the compact cabinet cannot be knocked from the top plate.
DALI CONNECT E-601 Speaker Stands
The DALI CONNECT E-601 stand is designed for compact DALI loudspeakers and provides a suitable height for seated listening.
Alternative stands may also be used, provided that their top plates, height and load capacity are suitable for the 4.6kg cabinet.
A demonstration can help establish whether a dedicated stand provides a worthwhile improvement over shelf or furniture placement.
Shelf and Furniture Placement
The compact dimensions allow the OPTICON 1 MK2 to fit on shelves, sideboards and other suitable furniture.
The supplied rubber feet help protect the supporting surface and reduce direct vibration between the speaker and furniture.
Keep the front of each speaker reasonably close to the front edge of a shelf where possible. Positioning it far inside a recess can increase reflections and alter the tonal balance.
Both speakers should sit at the same height and have broadly similar surroundings where stable stereo imaging is required.
Desktop and Nearfield Listening
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can be used in a high-quality desktop or nearfield system.
Listening from a shorter distance reduces the output required to achieve a useful volume and can provide precise stereo imaging.
Desk reflections and the close listening distance still affect tonal balance, so suitable isolation supports and careful positioning can be worthwhile.
Place the speakers far enough apart to create stereo width without leaving an obvious gap in the centre.
Near-Wall Placement
DALI specifies a rear-wall distance between 2cm and 80cm.
Moving the speakers closer to the wall generally increases perceived bass, while bringing them further into the room can reduce excess weight and improve definition.
The best position depends on the room, supporting surface, amplifier and preferred tonal balance.
Begin with a practical position and make small adjustments while listening to familiar music.
Keep the Bass Port Clear
Even when the speakers are positioned close to a wall, the rear ports must retain an open path for airflow.
Do not press soft furnishings against the openings or place the cabinets so deeply inside furniture that air cannot move freely.
Wall Mounting
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can be mounted directly on a suitable wall using the rear mounting provision and appropriate bracket.
Wall mounting is particularly useful where shelf or stand space is unavailable and can create a neat stereo or surround installation.
The supporting wall and fixings must safely carry the weight of each 4.6kg cabinet.
The correct installation method will depend on whether the wall is constructed from brick, block, timber or plasterboard.
Use Suitable Wall Fixings
Do not rely on lightweight fixings where the wall construction or load capacity is uncertain.
Use correctly rated hardware and arrange professional installation where necessary.
Wall-Mounted Stereo and Surround Systems
Wall mounting can be used for a compact two-channel system or for side and rear channels within a home cinema.
For stereo listening, install the speakers symmetrically at a sensible height and leave sufficient separation to create a convincing soundstage.
For surround use, placement should follow the requirements of the AV receiver layout and room rather than copying the front-speaker position automatically.
An active subwoofer can handle the deepest frequencies and reduce the low-frequency demands placed on the compact speakers.
Gold-Plated Single-Wire Terminals
Each speaker provides one pair of gold-plated binding posts.
The terminals accept common loudspeaker-cable terminations, including correctly prepared bare wire, compatible 4mm plugs and spade connectors.
Gold plating helps reduce surface oxidation at the electrical contact point.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 do not provide separate high- and low-frequency terminals for bi-wiring or bi-amplification.
Correct Loudspeaker Polarity
The positive amplifier terminal must connect to the positive speaker terminal, with the negative terminals connected in the same way.
Reversing one speaker places the stereo pair out of phase, weakening bass and making the central image unfocused.
Use the same loudspeaker-cable type and approximately equal cable lengths for the left and right channels.
Switch the Amplifier Off Before Connecting
Switch off the amplifier before connecting, disconnecting or changing loudspeaker cables.
Make sure that no loose strands of bare wire can touch the neighbouring terminal and cause a short circuit.
4-Ohm Nominal Impedance
DALI specifies a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.
A 4-ohm loudspeaker generally asks more current from an amplifier than an 8-ohm model at a comparable output voltage.
The amplifier should therefore be stable with a 4-ohm load and provided with adequate ventilation.
Nominal impedance is an overall rating rather than a statement that the speaker remains exactly 4 ohms at every frequency.
Check Amplifier Compatibility
Do not assume that every miniature amplifier, vintage receiver or lifestyle system is comfortable driving a 4-ohm loudspeaker.
Check the amplifier specification and arrange a demonstration where there is any uncertainty.
85dB Sensitivity
The OPTICON 1 MK2 have a sensitivity of 85dB for a 2.83V input measured at one metre.
This is relatively modest sensitivity, meaning that they require more amplifier output than a more efficient speaker to achieve the same sound level.
Their compact dimensions should therefore not be mistaken for an unusually easy electrical load.
A capable amplifier can provide greater bass control, dynamic freedom and composure as the listening level increases.
Recommended Amplifier Power
DALI recommends amplifier power between 25W and 100W.
The wattage range provides a useful starting point rather than a guarantee of compatibility or performance.
Amplifier current delivery, power-supply quality, distortion behaviour, room size and listening distance also matter.
A clean and controlled amplifier is generally safer than a lower-powered model driven repeatedly into clipping.
Choose the Amplifier by Listening
Two amplifiers carrying the same published power rating can behave very differently with a 4-ohm loudspeaker.
A demonstration with the intended amplifier provides a better indication of bass control, tonal balance, scale and available volume.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
A compatible active subwoofer can extend the system below the OPTICON 1 MK2's natural low-frequency range.
The subwoofer requires a suitable connection from the amplifier, such as a dedicated subwoofer output, variable pre-amplifier output or another supported method.
Careful crossover, level, phase and placement adjustment are required so that the subwoofer extends the speakers without sounding detached or overpowering them.
A subwoofer can be particularly useful in television and home cinema systems where deep effects extend well below 62Hz.
Small and Medium-Sized Rooms
The OPTICON 1 MK2 are designed primarily for compact and medium-sized rooms or closer listening distances.
Their small cabinets are easier to position away from obstructions and allow a proper stereo pair to be installed where larger speakers would dominate the room.
In a very large open-plan space, they may not provide the scale or bass authority expected from a larger standmount or floorstanding speaker.
Choose the model according to the actual room, listening distance and required volume rather than cabinet dimensions alone.
Stereo Music Systems
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can form the main loudspeaker pair within a premium compact stereo system.
Suitable sources may include a turntable, CD player, network streamer, television or computer, provided that the amplifier offers the required inputs.
A streaming amplifier can create a simple system by combining network playback, digital conversion and speaker amplification in one component.
A conventional integrated amplifier allows source components to be selected and upgraded independently.
Television Sound
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can improve television sound considerably when partnered with a suitable amplifier.
An amplifier with HDMI ARC provides a straightforward control arrangement with many modern televisions, while optical digital input is another common option.
The speakers themselves cannot connect directly to an HDMI or optical output.
Set the television to a compatible stereo audio format where required by the amplifier.
Home Cinema Use
The OPTICON 1 MK2 can be used as compact front, side or rear channels in a suitable home cinema system.
An AV receiver must provide sufficient power and remain stable with their 4-ohm nominal impedance.
Bass management should normally redirect the deepest frequencies to an active subwoofer rather than asking the compact speakers to reproduce full-range film effects.
The shared 29mm tweeter used across the OPTICON MK2 range helps maintain consistent tonal character between channels.
OPTICON 1 MK2 or SONIK 1?
Choose the SONIK 1 When
- You want the more affordable current DALI speaker
- A larger 5¼-inch driver is preferred
- You want a 51Hz published lower frequency limit
- 6-ohm nominal impedance better suits the amplifier
- 86dB sensitivity is useful
- You want current Clarity Cone technology
- The system uses entry or mid-level electronics
Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 When
- You want Danish manufacture and pair matching
- The smaller cabinet is easier to accommodate
- You want the full SMC pole-piece motor system
- A 25mm front baffle and heavier construction appeal
- You are using more ambitious amplification
- Near-wall or wall placement is important
- Cabinet and crossover refinement take priority
The DALI SONIK 1 provide a larger bass and midrange driver, deeper published extension and a more affordable route into DALI's current speaker range.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 offer more substantial Danish-made construction, a more advanced SMC motor and a particularly compact cabinet.
OPTICON 1 MK2 or OPTICON 2 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 When
- The smallest OPTICON cabinet is required
- Near-wall or wall placement is important
- The listening room is small
- Desktop or close-range listening is planned
- A 62Hz lower frequency limit is sufficient
- You want a discreet surround speaker
- The lower purchase price is important
Choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 When
- You want a larger 6½-inch driver
- Greater bass scale is required
- You want a 59Hz lower frequency limit
- 86.5dB sensitivity better suits the system
- The room is small or medium sized
- 30W to 150W amplifier matching is appropriate
- A larger standmount cabinet can be accommodated
The DALI OPTICON 2 MK2 use a substantially larger 6½-inch driver and provide greater bass scale, sensitivity and maximum output.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 remain easier to accommodate and provide greater flexibility for shelf, desktop and wall installations.
OPTICON 1 MK2 or MENUET SE?
Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 When
- You want DALI SMC driver technology
- You want Danish-made pair-matched construction
- A supplied wall-mounting solution is useful
- You prefer Satin Black, Satin White or Tobacco Oak
- You want a 29mm CALLISTO-derived tweeter
- The wider 2cm to 80cm placement range is helpful
- You want to keep more budget for amplification
Choose the MENUET SE When
- You want the premium Special Edition model
- Mundorf crossover capacitors are important
- You want silver-plated internal wiring
- EPICON-derived terminals appeal
- Matched natural walnut veneer is preferred
- You want deeper 59Hz published extension
- The complete system justifies the higher price
The DALI MENUET SE place greater emphasis on premium crossover components, internal wiring, terminals and natural veneer craftsmanship.
The OPTICON 1 MK2 offer DALI's SMC motor technology and Danish-made construction at a lower price.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Small and medium-sized rooms
- Premium compact stereo systems
- Bedroom and office systems
- Desktop and nearfield listening
- Stand and shelf placement
- Near-wall installations
- Wall-mounted stereo systems
- High-quality streaming amplifiers
- Traditional integrated amplifiers
- Turntable and CD-based systems
- Television systems
- Home cinema surround channels
- Systems using an active subwoofer
Check Before Buying
- A separate amplifier is required
- Relatively modest 85dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- The amplifier should be stable into 4 ohms
- 25W to 100W recommended amplifier range
- 62Hz bass extension cannot replace a subwoofer
- No bi-wire or bi-amplifier terminals
- The rear bass-reflex ports must remain clear
- Wall fixings must suit the supporting structure
- Speaker cables are not included
- No built-in Bluetooth or streaming
- No active or wireless version
Connection and Setup Guidance
- Switch off the amplifier before connecting or disconnecting the speakers.
- Confirm that the amplifier is suitable for a 4-ohm nominal loudspeaker load.
- Connect the amplifier's positive terminal to the positive speaker terminal.
- Connect the amplifier's negative terminal to the negative speaker terminal.
- Use the same polarity for both the left and right speakers.
- Use the same loudspeaker-cable type and approximately equal lengths for both channels.
- Secure bare wire, 4mm plugs or spade connectors correctly.
- Make sure that no loose wire strands can short the amplifier terminals.
- Begin with the speakers facing straight ahead.
- Position both tweeters reasonably close to seated ear height.
- Keep the rear Dual Flare ports unobstructed.
- Begin within DALI's recommended 2cm to 80cm rear-wall range.
- Use the supplied rubber feet on shelves and suitable furniture.
- Use correctly rated fixings when wall mounting.
- Reduce the amplifier volume if the sound becomes compressed, harsh or distorted.
- Consider an active subwoofer where deeper bass extension is required.
Finish Options
Satin Black
Satin Black provides the most traditional Hi-Fi appearance and coordinates naturally with black amplifiers, source components and television equipment.
The dark grille and understated surface treatment allow the compact cabinets to remain visually discreet.
Satin White
Satin White gives the speakers a lighter and more contemporary appearance.
The pale cabinet and coordinating grille can help the speakers blend with light walls, shelving and modern furniture.
Tobacco Oak
Tobacco Oak provides a warmer wood-effect finish while retaining the contemporary proportions and clean front-baffle styling of the OPTICON MK2 range.
All finishes use the same drivers, crossover, cabinet construction and acoustic specification. Availability may vary, so confirm the required finish when ordering.
DALI Products and Audio T Hi-Fi Guides
These Audio T links provide useful comparisons and further guidance on DALI speakers, amplifiers and compact stereo systems.
Key Features
- Compact passive Hi-Fi loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Designed for small and medium-sized rooms
- 2-way crossover design
- One 4¾-inch bass and midrange driver per speaker
- Paper and wood-fibre driver cone
- DALI patented Soft Magnetic Composite technology
- SMC pole-piece construction
- Large ferrite ring magnet
- Reduced magnetic hysteresis
- Reduced eddy-current distortion
- Low-loss driver design
- Cast aluminium driver chassis
- One 29mm soft-dome tweeter per speaker
- CALLISTO-derived tweeter technology
- Lightweight textile tweeter diaphragm
- Improved tweeter power handling
- Rigid tweeter faceplate
- 3,000Hz crossover frequency
- Minimalist crossover topology
- Selected low-loss crossover components
- Short internal signal paths
- DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
- Straight-ahead placement recommended
- 62Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 85dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 105dB maximum sound-pressure level
- 25W to 100W recommended amplification
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- Rear-facing bass-reflex port
- Dual Flare port profile
- 60Hz bass-reflex tuning frequency
- Approximately five-litre internal cabinet volume
- 25mm-thick front baffle
- Internally braced cabinet
- Manufactured in Denmark
- Assembled and tested in Denmark
- Matched stereo-pair production
- One technician builds and tests each pair
- Gold-plated speaker terminals
- Single-wire connection
- No bi-wire terminals
- Stand placement
- Shelf placement
- Furniture placement
- Desktop and nearfield placement
- Near-wall placement
- Wall mounting
- Recommended rear-wall distance from 2cm to 80cm
- Removable front grilles
- Supplied rubber feet
- 261mm cabinet height
- 152mm cabinet width
- 231mm cabinet depth
- 4.6kg weight per speaker
- Satin Black finish
- Satin White finish
- Tobacco Oak finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DALI OPTICON 1 MK2?
They are compact 2-way passive loudspeakers designed for stand, shelf, furniture or wall placement.
Are they sold as a pair?
Yes. The standard product contains two loudspeakers.
Where are they made?
They are manufactured, assembled and tested at DALI's production facilities in Denmark.
Are the two speakers matched?
Yes. DALI builds and tests each stereo pair through one technician using components from the same production batch.
Do they contain an amplifier?
No. They require a suitable external stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier, mini system or AV receiver.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth must be provided by the connected amplifier or a separate source component.
Do they have Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No. A separate network streamer or streaming amplifier is required.
Can they connect directly to a television?
No. The television must connect to a suitable amplifier, which then powers the speakers.
Can they connect directly to a turntable?
No. A turntable requires a suitable amplifier and, where necessary, a moving magnet or moving coil phono stage.
What size is the bass and midrange driver?
Each speaker contains one 4¾-inch driver.
What is the cone made from?
It combines paper pulp with reinforcing wood fibres.
What is SMC technology?
Soft Magnetic Composite is used within the pole piece to reduce eddy currents, magnetic hysteresis and uneven distortion within the driver motor.
Does the complete magnet use SMC?
The motor combines a large ferrite ring magnet with an SMC pole piece.
What size is the tweeter?
Each speaker uses one 29mm soft-dome tweeter.
Where does the tweeter design come from?
It is derived from the soft-dome tweeter developed for DALI's CALLISTO C range.
Does the OPTICON 1 MK2 use DALI's ribbon tweeter?
No. It uses a single 29mm soft dome rather than the hybrid dome and planar module fitted to larger OPTICON MK2 models.
What is the crossover frequency?
The crossover operates at 3,000Hz.
What is the frequency response?
DALI specifies 62Hz to 25kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
Is the frequency response 62Hz to 265,000Hz?
No. That figure on the previous Audio T specification was a typographical error. The correct upper limit is 25,000Hz.
How sensitive are they?
DALI specifies 85dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
Is the sensitivity 86dB?
No. DALI's current official specification lists 85dB.
Are they easy to drive?
They are compact but have modest 85dB sensitivity and a 4-ohm nominal impedance. A capable and compatible amplifier is advisable.
What is the nominal impedance?
DALI specifies 4 ohms.
Will my amplifier drive 4-ohm speakers?
Check the amplifier specification or speak to Audio T. Compatibility should not be assumed with every miniature amplifier or older receiver.
What amplifier power does DALI recommend?
DALI recommends between 25W and 100W.
Can I use an amplifier rated above 100W?
A higher-rated amplifier may be suitable with sensible volume control, but compatibility depends on amplifier behaviour, room size and listening habits.
Can a small amplifier damage the speakers?
Yes. An underpowered amplifier driven into clipping can send a heavily distorted signal to the tweeter. Reduce the volume if the sound becomes harsh or compressed.
What is the maximum sound-pressure level?
DALI specifies 105dB at one metre.
Are they bass-reflex speakers?
Yes. Each cabinet has a rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex port.
What is the bass-reflex tuning frequency?
The enclosure is tuned to 60Hz.
What does Dual Flare mean?
The port is flared at both its entry and exit to reduce airflow turbulence, compression and audible port noise.
What is the internal cabinet volume?
The enclosure provides approximately five litres of internal acoustic volume.
How close can they be placed to a wall?
DALI specifies a recommended range between 2cm and 80cm.
Can they go on a bookshelf?
Yes. Keep the rear port unobstructed and avoid placing the speaker too deeply inside an enclosed recess.
Can they be used on speaker stands?
Yes. A suitable stand provides flexible positioning and can place the tweeter close to seated ear height.
Can they be used on a desktop?
Yes. They can form part of a high-quality nearfield system when positioned and isolated carefully.
Can they be wall mounted?
Yes. The cabinet includes rear wall-mounting provision.
Should they be angled towards the listener?
DALI generally recommends beginning with the speakers facing straight ahead to support its Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
Can the front grilles be removed?
Yes.
Are rubber feet included?
Yes.
Can they be bi-wired?
No. Each speaker provides one single-wire terminal pair.
Can they be bi-amplified?
No separate high- and low-frequency terminals are provided.
Are the speaker terminals gold plated?
Yes.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily, but an active subwoofer is worthwhile where deeper bass, greater scale or more powerful film effects are required.
Can they be used for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as compact front or surround speakers with a suitable AV receiver and active subwoofer.
Are they suitable for a large room?
They are primarily intended for small and medium-sized rooms or closer listening distances. A larger speaker may suit a large open-plan space better.
How thick is the front baffle?
DALI specifies a 25mm-thick front baffle.
What are their dimensions?
Each cabinet measures 261mm high, 152mm wide and 231mm deep.
How much do they weigh?
Each speaker weighs 4.6kg.
Which finishes are available?
Satin Black, Satin White and Tobacco Oak are available, subject to stock.
Should I choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 or SONIK 1?
Choose the SONIK 1 for its lower price, larger driver, deeper published bass and 6-ohm impedance. Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 for Danish manufacture, more substantial construction and its full SMC pole-piece motor.
Should I choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 or OPTICON 2 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 for maximum compactness and wall-placement flexibility. Choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 for its larger driver, greater sensitivity and increased bass scale.
Should I choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 or MENUET SE?
Choose the OPTICON 1 MK2 for SMC technology and Danish-made construction at a lower price. Choose the MENUET SE for premium crossover components, wiring, terminals and walnut craftsmanship.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable stereo and streaming amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other compact loudspeakers
- Advice choosing between OPTICON 1 MK2, OPTICON 2 MK2 and SONIK models
- Comparison with the DALI MENUET and MENUET SE
- Amplifier power and 4-ohm compatibility checks
- Speaker-cable and termination guidance
- Stand, shelf and desktop placement advice
- Near-wall positioning guidance
- Wall-mounting and installation advice
- Television and HDMI ARC system setup
- Turntable and phono-stage system matching
- CD player and network-streamer matching
- Active-subwoofer matching and setup
- Home cinema and surround-channel guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the DALI OPTICON 1 MK2 to your amplifier, room and listening requirements.