Audio T Verdict
The DALI OPTICON 6 MK2 are slim floorstanding speakers that combine the scale and authority of twin 6½-inch drivers with the openness and fine detail of DALI's hybrid tweeter module.
Both paper and wood-fibre bass and midrange drivers use DALI's patented Soft Magnetic Composite pole-piece technology. The SMC motor system is designed to reduce magnetic hysteresis, eddy currents and uneven distortion as the voice coils move through their magnetic fields.
The upper driver handles bass and midrange frequencies, while the lower driver reinforces the bass and lower midrange. This 2½-way arrangement increases radiating area and low-frequency output without asking both drivers to reproduce the complete midrange.
High frequencies are handled by a hybrid tweeter module combining a 29mm soft dome with a custom 17 × 45mm planar element. The soft dome provides clarity, dynamics and a smooth transition from the midrange, while the planar element adds air, finesse and very-high-frequency detail.
Twin rear Dual Flare bass-reflex ports and the larger internal volume of the floorstanding cabinet help extend the specified response down to 49Hz. With a maximum output of 110dB, the OPTICON 6 MK2 have the scale required for medium and larger rooms without becoming physically overwhelming.
The speakers are manufactured, assembled and tested at DALI's production facilities in Denmark. Each stereo pair is built sequentially by one technician using components from the same production batch to support close visual and acoustic matching.
Placement is relatively flexible for a speaker of this size. DALI recommends positioning the rear of each cabinet between 20cm and 100cm from the wall, allowing the bass balance to be adjusted according to the room.
A sensitivity of 88dB is useful, but the 4-ohm nominal impedance means amplifier quality and current delivery still matter. DALI recommends between 25W and 200W, with a well-controlled amplifier helping the speakers deliver tighter bass, clearer dynamics and greater composure.
For stereo music, television or a high-quality home cinema, the OPTICON 6 MK2 offer an appealing balance of room-filling scale, refined treble, Danish construction and manageable domestic proportions.
DALI OPTICON 6 MK2 Floorstanding Speakers
The DALI OPTICON 6 MK2 are passive floorstanding loudspeakers designed for medium and larger listening rooms.
They require connection to a suitable stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier or AV receiver and do not contain built-in amplification, Bluetooth or network streaming.
Each cabinet combines two 6½-inch SMC-equipped wood-fibre drivers with a hybrid high-frequency module containing a 29mm soft dome and 17 × 45mm planar element.
Twin rear Dual Flare ports, bi-wire and bi-amplifier terminals, cast aluminium floor supports and supplied spikes complete the design.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The DALI OPTICON 6 MK2 are passive loudspeakers and cannot play music directly from a phone, television, turntable or computer.
A suitable amplifier must provide 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 within one component, while a conventional integrated amplifier allows separate source components to be selected and upgraded independently.
2½ + ½-Way Floorstanding Design
The OPTICON 6 MK2 use a 2½ + ½-way crossover arrangement.
Both 6½-inch drivers reproduce low frequencies, increasing the total radiating area and helping the speakers move more air than a single-driver standmount design.
The lower driver progressively rolls out through the lower midrange, while the upper driver continues towards the crossover with the 29mm soft-dome tweeter.
The planar element joins at the highest crossover point to extend the upper-frequency response and dispersion.
Two 6½-Inch Bass and Midrange Drivers
Each cabinet contains two 6½-inch paper and wood-fibre drivers.
The combined radiating area provides greater bass output, dynamic capacity and room-filling scale than the single driver used in the standmount OPTICON 2 MK2.
Using two drivers also allows DALI to divide their responsibilities. The upper unit covers bass and midrange frequencies, while the lower unit concentrates more heavily on bass and lower-midrange reinforcement.
The driver cones, suspension systems, voice coils, chassis and SMC magnet motors have been designed to operate together within the OPTICON 6 MK2 cabinet.
Paper and Wood-Fibre Cones
The bass and midrange diaphragms combine fine paper pulp with reinforcing wood fibres.
The material is intended to create a lightweight yet rigid cone with useful natural damping.
The irregular distribution of the wood fibres helps reduce the tendency for one narrow area of the diaphragm to develop a strong resonance.
This contributes to an open and natural midrange while helping bass notes retain definition, texture and pitch.
Patented Soft Magnetic Composite Technology
Both bass and midrange driver motors use DALI's patented Soft Magnetic Composite material within their pole pieces.
SMC is a coated magnetic material with high magnetic permeability and very low electrical conductivity.
Its use helps reduce eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis as each voice coil changes position and direction.
The intended result is lower electro-acoustic distortion, particularly third-order distortion, with cleaner detail and a more relaxed midrange presentation.
SMC Works as Part of the Complete Driver
Soft Magnetic Composite operates alongside the ferrite magnet, voice coil, wood-fibre cone, suspension and crossover.
The speaker's final performance comes from the complete driver and cabinet system rather than one material operating in isolation.
Full SMC Pole-Piece Construction
The pole piece within each bass and midrange motor is manufactured from DALI's Soft Magnetic Composite material.
A large ferrite ring magnet surrounds the pole piece and provides the fixed magnetic field required by the voice coil.
Using SMC throughout the pole-piece structure helps reduce electrical conductivity and magnetic irregularities within the voice coil's working area.
This is a more extensive implementation than the smaller SMC inserts used by some less expensive DALI driver systems.
Large Ferrite Ring Magnets
A substantial ferrite ring magnet surrounds each SMC pole piece.
The amplifier sends a changing electrical current through the voice coil, which interacts with the fixed magnetic field and moves the wood-fibre cone.
The strength and consistency of this field influence driver control, distortion and dynamic response.
The complete motor is designed to maintain accurate cone movement during both fine musical details and larger bass transients.
Low-Loss Driver Design
DALI has designed the bass and midrange units to minimise unnecessary mechanical and electrical losses.
The suspension must allow each cone to respond to small changes in the signal while retaining control during longer movements.
Excessive resistance can obscure low-level information, while insufficient control can allow the diaphragm to behave inconsistently as output increases.
The low-loss approach is intended to preserve timing, musical dynamics and fine detail.
Open Driver Chassis
The driver chassis hold the magnet systems, voice coils and suspension components in their correct positions.
Their open construction allows air to move freely behind the cones and into the internal cabinet volume.
Reducing restriction behind the diaphragms helps limit compression and unwanted reflections as the drivers move.
The mounting points align with the chassis structure to provide a secure mechanical connection to the front baffle.
DALI Hybrid Tweeter Module
The OPTICON 6 MK2 are the first floorstanding model in the range to use DALI's hybrid high-frequency module.
The module combines a conventional 29mm soft-dome tweeter with a custom 17 × 45mm planar magnetic element.
The soft dome provides the main high-frequency output, while the planar element contributes at the top of the audible range and beyond.
Using both drivers allows the system to combine the dynamics and lower-frequency reach of a dome with the speed, openness and dispersion of a planar element.
29mm Soft-Dome Tweeter
The 29mm soft dome is derived from the tweeter developed for DALI's CALLISTO C active loudspeakers.
Its relatively large diaphragm allows it to operate comfortably towards the 2,200Hz crossover point.
This helps it integrate with the upper 6½-inch driver while retaining useful power handling and controlled dispersion.
The lightweight textile dome is intended to respond quickly to percussion, vocal detail, string harmonics and recorded ambience.
CALLISTO-Derived Tweeter Technology
The soft-dome design represents an important revision over the tweeter used by the original OPTICON series.
DALI specifies reduced distortion, improved power handling and a greater ability to operate at lower frequencies.
The same 29mm dome is used throughout the OPTICON MK2 family to support consistent tonal character in stereo and multichannel systems.
17 × 45mm Planar Tweeter
A custom 17 × 45mm planar element handles the highest frequencies.
Its extremely lightweight diaphragm can respond quickly to small changes in the musical signal.
The planar element joins the soft dome at approximately 14kHz, adding very-high-frequency extension, air and fine spatial detail.
DALI specifies an overall upper frequency limit of 30kHz.
Wide Horizontal Dispersion
The planar element has a broad horizontal radiation pattern and more controlled vertical dispersion.
This helps distribute high-frequency information across a wider seating area while reducing unnecessary interaction with the floor and ceiling.
The hybrid system allows more than one listener to hear a balanced presentation without everyone occupying one exact central position.
Cast Aluminium Tweeter Faceplate
Both high-frequency drivers are mounted within a rigid cast aluminium faceplate.
The faceplate provides a stable mechanical foundation and helps reduce unwanted vibration around the tweeter assembly.
Its shaped surface also incorporates dispersion-control detailing designed to support smooth off-axis response.
800Hz, 2,200Hz and 14,000Hz Crossover Points
The crossover network operates at 800Hz, 2,200Hz and 14,000Hz.
The first crossover progressively reduces the contribution of the lower 6½-inch driver through the midrange.
The upper bass and midrange driver hands over to the 29mm soft dome around 2,200Hz.
The planar element joins at approximately 14,000Hz to extend the highest frequencies and support wide horizontal dispersion.
Minimalist Crossover Design
DALI designs its crossovers to work with the natural acoustic behaviour of the drive units rather than applying unnecessary electrical correction.
The network uses selected low-loss components and is positioned close to the connection terminals.
Keeping internal signal paths relatively short reduces the amount of wiring through which the amplifier signal must pass.
The crossover has been developed specifically around the impedance and acoustic response of the OPTICON 6 MK2 drivers.
DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
The OPTICON 6 MK2 follow DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle.
The drivers, hybrid tweeter and front baffle are designed to produce a broad and even radiation pattern rather than concentrating sound into one narrow listening position.
This allows several people to hear a balanced presentation and helps the speakers work in real living rooms where everyone cannot occupy one exact central seat.
Reflected sound from nearby surfaces 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 speakers 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 6 MK2 speakers can create a soundstage extending beyond the physical cabinets.
Vocals should appear between the speakers, while instruments and recorded ambience occupy positions across the stereo image.
Matching distances from the listening position 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.
Twin Rear Dual Flare Bass-Reflex Ports
Each cabinet uses two rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex ports.
The ports redirect acoustic energy generated inside the enclosure to reinforce output around their tuned operating region.
Flared entry and exit profiles reduce abrupt changes in airflow and help limit turbulence, compression and audible port noise.
This allows the ports to operate effectively at higher output levels than a conventional straight-sided vent.
43.5Hz Bass-Reflex Tuning
The bass-reflex system is tuned to 43.5Hz.
This supports the output of the twin 6½-inch drivers towards the bottom of their operating range and contributes to the specified 49Hz lower frequency limit.
The ports, cabinet volume, drivers and crossover have been developed to operate as one complete acoustic system.
49Hz Low-Frequency Extension
DALI specifies a frequency response extending down to 49Hz within plus or minus 3dB.
This provides useful weight and scale with drums, bass guitars, orchestral music and electronic recordings.
The lowest synthesiser notes, pipe-organ fundamentals and large-scale film effects still extend below this point.
An active subwoofer can be added where greater low-frequency extension or physical home cinema impact is required.
110dB Maximum Output
DALI specifies a maximum sound-pressure level of 110dB at one metre.
This gives the OPTICON 6 MK2 the output capability required for medium and larger rooms and demanding musical peaks.
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 and hybrid tweeter are mounted within a substantial 25mm-thick front baffle.
The baffle provides a rigid mechanical foundation and helps resist the reaction forces generated as the diaphragms move.
A stable mounting surface reduces unwanted vibration and allows the drivers to reproduce the electrical signal more accurately.
Internally Braced Cabinet
The tall MDF enclosure uses additional 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 thick front baffle and internal support structure provide a stable platform for the drivers, crossover and twin reflex ports.
Manufactured in Denmark
The OPTICON 6 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 retain direct control over construction and quality assurance.
Pair-Matched Assembly
Each stereo pair is assembled and tested sequentially 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.
Clean Scandinavian Styling
The cabinet uses restrained surfaces, clean proportions and a removable full-length front grille.
The narrow 195mm width helps the floorstanding speaker occupy relatively little visual space despite its one-metre height.
Satin Black, Satin White and Tobacco Oak finishes allow the speakers to coordinate with a range of furniture and electronics.
Removable Front Grilles
The supplied front grilles protect the drivers and give the speakers a more discreet appearance.
The OPTICON 6 MK2 can be used with or without the grilles according to personal preference.
Removing them exposes the wood-fibre cones and hybrid tweeter assembly.
Handle the grilles carefully and avoid touching the soft-dome, planar element or bass and midrange diaphragms.
Cast Aluminium Floor Supports
Cast aluminium support bars attach to the base of each cabinet.
They widen the speaker's footprint and improve stability without requiring the complete enclosure to become broader.
The outriggers also provide secure mounting points for the supplied spikes or vibration-damping feet.
Use the supplied tools and follow the assembly instructions carefully.
Supplied Floor Spikes
Black-chromed floor spikes are supplied for use on suitable carpeted surfaces.
The spikes provide a stable mechanical contact through the carpet to the solid floor beneath.
They can damage wood, laminate, tile and other hard flooring, so protective cups or the supplied damping pads should be used where appropriate.
Protect Hard Flooring
Do not place the exposed spikes directly onto wood, laminate, tile, vinyl or another easily marked surface.
Use the supplied damping pads or suitable protective floor cups and make sure that each speaker remains level and stable.
Vibration-Damping Floor Pads
Vibration-damping pads are supplied as an alternative to the spikes.
They are suitable for hard or delicate floors where a pointed metal contact would cause damage.
The best option will depend on the flooring, stability and installation requirements.
20cm to 100cm Rear-Wall Placement
DALI recommends positioning the rear of each cabinet between 20cm and 100cm from the wall behind it.
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 distance depends on the room, floor, amplifier and preferred tonal balance.
Begin with a practical position and make small adjustments while listening to familiar music.
Keep Both Bass Ports Clear
Do not press curtains or soft furnishings against the rear bass-reflex ports.
Restricted airflow can reduce bass performance and increase turbulence or unwanted port noise.
Room and Boundary Interaction
Low frequencies interact strongly with walls, corners, floors and the listening position.
Placing the speakers close to a room corner can increase bass quantity but may also exaggerate particular frequencies.
A small movement of either speaker or the listening seat can make a noticeable difference to bass smoothness.
Final positioning should therefore be determined by listening rather than cabinet symmetry alone.
Bi-Wire Speaker Terminals
Each speaker provides separate high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs.
With a conventional single-wire connection, the supplied terminal links remain installed and one amplifier channel drives the complete loudspeaker.
Bi-wiring uses separate cable runs from the same amplifier channel to the high- and low-frequency terminals.
Any benefit will depend on the amplifier, cable, installation and complete system.
Bi-Amplifier Operation
The separate terminal sections also allow compatible bi-amplifier operation.
In a passive bi-amplified system, separate amplifier channels drive the high-frequency and bass sections while the internal crossover remains active.
The terminal links must be removed before connecting separate amplifier channels.
Remove the Terminal Links Before Bi-Amplifying
Leaving the metal links installed while connecting separate amplifier channels can join their outputs together and may cause serious equipment damage.
Check amplifier compatibility, channel gain and the complete wiring arrangement before switching on.
Gold-Plated Binding Posts
The speaker terminals are gold plated to reduce surface oxidation at the electrical contact points.
They accept common cable terminations, including correctly prepared bare wire, compatible 4mm plugs and spade connectors.
All connections should be secure without being overtightened.
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 pair out of phase, weakening bass and making the central stereo 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 a 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 design 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 floorstanding speaker.
Check the amplifier specification and arrange a demonstration where there is any uncertainty.
88dB Sensitivity
The OPTICON 6 MK2 have a sensitivity of 88dB for a 2.83V input measured at one metre.
This allows them to produce useful volume without requiring extreme amplifier power, although their 4-ohm impedance still places importance on current delivery.
Listening distance, room size, musical material and preferred volume all affect how hard the amplifier must work.
A capable amplifier can provide tighter bass, greater dynamic freedom and better composure as the listening level increases.
Recommended Amplifier Power
DALI recommends amplifier power between 25W and 200W.
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
The OPTICON 6 MK2 provide substantial bass for a slim floorstanding speaker, but a compatible active subwoofer can extend the system below their natural 49Hz limit.
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 for electronic music, pipe organ and home cinema effects.
Medium and Larger Listening Rooms
The OPTICON 6 MK2 are intended primarily for medium and larger rooms where their twin drivers and floorstanding cabinet have space to operate correctly.
They can still work in a modest room where placement and listening levels are managed carefully.
In a very small space, the increased bass output may become difficult to control and a smaller standmount or compact floorstander may be more appropriate.
Choose the speaker according to the actual room, listening distance and required output rather than cabinet type alone.
Stereo Music Systems
The OPTICON 6 MK2 can form the main loudspeaker pair within a high-quality 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 or pre and power amplifier system allows source components and amplification to be selected and upgraded independently.
Television Sound
The OPTICON 6 MK2 can provide a substantial improvement over built-in television speakers 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 6 MK2 make capable front left and right speakers within a high-performance home cinema system.
The OPTICON VOKAL MK2 or another suitably matched centre speaker can preserve tonal consistency across the front soundstage.
An AV receiver must provide sufficient power and remain stable with the speakers' 4-ohm nominal impedance.
An active subwoofer can handle the dedicated low-frequency effects channel and the deepest redirected bass.
OPTICON 6 MK2 or OPTICON 2 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 When
- A standmount speaker is easier to accommodate
- The room is small or medium sized
- You want a single 6½-inch SMC driver
- A 59Hz lower frequency limit is sufficient
- 30W to 150W amplifier matching is appropriate
- You want the lower purchase price
- You already own suitable speaker stands
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 When
- You want twin 6½-inch drivers
- Greater bass scale and dynamic output are required
- You want DALI's hybrid tweeter module
- A 49Hz lower frequency limit is preferable
- The room is medium or large
- Bi-wiring or bi-amplification is required
- You prefer a complete floorstanding solution
The DALI OPTICON 2 MK2 are easier to accommodate and offer the same full SMC motor technology within a standmount cabinet.
The OPTICON 6 MK2 add a second driver, hybrid tweeter, deeper extension, greater output and bi-wire or bi-amplifier connectivity.
OPTICON 6 MK2 or SONIK 7?
Choose the SONIK 7 When
- You want the newer and more affordable DALI range
- Dual 7-inch Clarity Cone drivers appeal
- A deeper 36Hz published response is important
- 6-ohm nominal impedance better suits the amplifier
- 88.5dB sensitivity is useful
- You want four contemporary finish options
- 30W to 180W amplifier matching is appropriate
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 When
- You want the full SMC pole-piece motor system
- Danish manufacture and pair matching are important
- You want a 25mm front baffle and heavier cabinet
- Bi-wiring or bi-amplification is required
- You prefer the established OPTICON voicing
- You are using more ambitious amplification
- Cabinet and crossover refinement take priority
The DALI SONIK 7 introduce newer Clarity Cone and SMC Essential technology with larger seven-inch drivers and deeper published bass extension.
The OPTICON 6 MK2 offer the more extensive SMC motor implementation, Danish manufacture, bi-wire terminals and more substantial cabinet construction.
OPTICON 6 MK2 or OPTICON 8 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 When
- You want the slimmer and more manageable floorstander
- Twin 6½-inch drivers provide sufficient scale
- The room is medium or moderately large
- A 49Hz lower frequency limit meets your needs
- 25W to 200W amplification is appropriate
- Satin White is the preferred finish
- You want to keep the system below flagship OPTICON cost
Choose the OPTICON 8 MK2 When
- You want the largest OPTICON MK2 loudspeaker
- Twin 8-inch bass drivers are appropriate
- You want a dedicated 6½-inch midrange driver
- A deeper 38Hz published response is important
- The room is large
- 40W to 300W amplifier matching is suitable
- The 34kg cabinet can be accommodated safely
The DALI OPTICON 8 MK2 use twin eight-inch woofers, a dedicated 6½-inch midrange driver and the same hybrid tweeter principle.
The OPTICON 6 MK2 are considerably slimmer and easier to accommodate while retaining much of the range's scale and high-frequency refinement.
OPTICON 6 MK2 or RUBIKORE 6?
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 When
- You want the more affordable Danish-made floorstander
- The full SMC driver system meets your requirements
- A 49Hz lower frequency limit is sufficient
- 25W to 200W amplification is appropriate
- You want bi-wire or bi-amplifier terminals
- Satin finishes suit the room
- You want to reserve more budget for electronics
Choose the RUBIKORE 6 When
- You want KORE-derived Clarity Cone technology
- SMC-KORE crossover inductors are important
- You want the latest low-loss hybrid tweeter
- A deeper 38Hz published response is preferable
- You want Continuous Flare reflex ports
- Premium lacquer or natural veneer finishes appeal
- The complete system justifies the higher investment
The DALI RUBIKORE 6 sit significantly further up the range and introduce technologies derived from DALI's flagship KORE and EPIKORE loudspeakers.
The OPTICON 6 MK2 remain the more accessible route to a Danish-made DALI floorstander with full SMC motors and a hybrid tweeter.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Medium and larger listening rooms
- High-quality floorstanding stereo systems
- Traditional integrated amplifiers
- Streaming amplifiers with strong current delivery
- Pre and power amplifier systems
- Turntable and CD-based systems
- Network music streamers
- Television systems
- Home cinema front channels
- Systems using a matching centre speaker
- Bi-wire speaker-cable installations
- Compatible passive bi-amplifier systems
- Systems using an active subwoofer
Check Before Buying
- A separate amplifier is required
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- The amplifier should be stable into 4 ohms
- 25W to 200W recommended amplifier range
- The speakers weigh 19.3kg each
- 20cm to 100cm rear-wall clearance is recommended
- Both rear bass-reflex ports must remain clear
- Spikes can damage hard flooring
- Bi-amplification requires removal of the terminal links
- Speaker cables are not included
- No built-in Bluetooth or network streaming
- A subwoofer may still benefit the deepest film effects
Connection and Setup Guidance
- Attach the supplied aluminium floor supports according to DALI's instructions.
- Use the supplied spikes only on suitable flooring.
- Use damping pads or floor cups on delicate hard surfaces.
- Make sure that both cabinets are level and stable.
- 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.
- Leave the terminal links installed for conventional single-wire operation.
- Remove both terminal links before connecting separate amplifier 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.
- Keep both rear Dual Flare ports unobstructed.
- Begin within DALI's recommended 20cm to 100cm rear-wall range.
- Reduce the volume if the sound becomes compressed, harsh or distorted.
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 cabinet is partnered with a Shadow Black front grille.
Satin White
Satin White gives the slim floorstanding cabinets a lighter and more contemporary appearance.
The pale cabinet is partnered with a Mountain Grey front grille and can blend particularly well with light walls and modern furniture.
Tobacco Oak
Tobacco Oak provides a warmer wood-effect appearance while retaining the clean Scandinavian styling of the OPTICON MK2 range.
The cabinet is partnered with a Shadow Black front grille.
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 loudspeakers, amplifiers and complete stereo systems.
Key Features
- Slim passive floorstanding loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Designed for medium and larger rooms
- 2½ + ½-way crossover design
- Two 6½-inch drivers per speaker
- Paper and wood-fibre cone material
- DALI patented Soft Magnetic Composite technology
- Full SMC pole-piece construction
- Large ferrite ring magnets
- Reduced magnetic hysteresis
- Reduced eddy-current distortion
- Reduced third-order distortion
- Low-loss driver design
- Open driver-chassis construction
- DALI hybrid tweeter module
- One 29mm soft-dome tweeter per speaker
- CALLISTO-derived tweeter technology
- Lightweight textile dome diaphragm
- One 17 × 45mm planar tweeter per speaker
- Extended high-frequency response
- Wide horizontal dispersion
- Cast aluminium tweeter faceplate
- 800Hz crossover frequency
- 2,200Hz crossover frequency
- 14,000Hz crossover frequency
- Minimalist crossover topology
- Selected low-loss crossover components
- Short internal signal paths
- DALI Wide Dispersion Sound Principle
- Straight-ahead placement recommended
- 49Hz to 30kHz frequency response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 110dB maximum sound-pressure level
- 25W to 200W recommended amplification
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- Twin rear-facing bass-reflex ports
- Dual Flare port profiles
- 43.5Hz bass-reflex tuning frequency
- 25mm-thick front baffle
- Additional internal cabinet bracing
- Manufactured in Denmark
- Assembled and tested in Denmark
- Matched stereo-pair production
- One technician builds and tests each pair
- Gold-plated speaker terminals
- Bi-wire connection
- Passive bi-amplifier connection
- Supplied terminal links
- Floor placement
- Recommended rear-wall distance from 20cm to 100cm
- Cast aluminium floor supports
- Supplied black-chromed spikes
- Supplied vibration-damping pads
- Removable front grilles
- 1001mm cabinet height
- 195mm cabinet width
- 330mm cabinet depth
- 19.3kg weight per speaker
- Satin Black finish
- Satin White finish
- Tobacco Oak finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DALI OPTICON 6 MK2?
They are slim passive floorstanding speakers with twin 6½-inch SMC drivers and DALI's hybrid soft-dome and planar tweeter module.
Are they sold as a pair?
Yes. The standard product contains two floorstanding 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 sequentially 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 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 is the crossover principle?
DALI specifies a 2½ + ½-way arrangement.
Why are there three crossover frequencies?
The lower woofer rolls out through the lower midrange, the upper woofer hands over to the soft dome, and the planar element joins at the highest frequencies.
What size are the bass and midrange drivers?
Each speaker contains two 6½-inch drivers.
Do both drivers reproduce the same frequencies?
They operate together in the bass, while the lower driver progressively rolls out before the upper driver reaches the main tweeter crossover.
What are the cones made from?
The cones combine paper pulp with reinforcing wood fibres.
What is SMC technology?
Soft Magnetic Composite is used within the driver pole pieces to reduce eddy currents, magnetic hysteresis and uneven electro-acoustic distortion.
Do they use complete SMC pole pieces?
Yes. Each driver uses an SMC pole piece surrounded by a large ferrite ring magnet.
What is a hybrid tweeter?
It combines a 29mm soft-dome tweeter with a 17 × 45mm planar element.
What does the soft-dome tweeter do?
It provides the main high-frequency output and integrates with the upper bass and midrange driver at approximately 2,200Hz.
What does the planar tweeter do?
It contributes from approximately 14kHz upwards, adding very-high-frequency extension, air and wide horizontal dispersion.
Is the planar tweeter a ribbon?
It is commonly described as a ribbon tweeter, although DALI's current terminology describes it as a planar element.
What are the crossover frequencies?
DALI specifies 800Hz, 2,200Hz and 14,000Hz.
What is the frequency response?
DALI specifies 49Hz to 30kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
How sensitive are they?
DALI specifies 88dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
DALI specifies 4 ohms.
Are they easy to drive?
Their 88dB sensitivity is useful, but the 4-ohm nominal impedance means a capable amplifier with dependable current delivery is advisable.
Will my amplifier drive 4-ohm speakers?
Check the amplifier specification or speak to Audio T. Compatibility should not be assumed with every compact amplifier or older receiver.
What amplifier power does DALI recommend?
DALI recommends between 25W and 200W.
Can I use an amplifier rated above 200W?
A higher-rated amplifier may be suitable with sensible volume control, but compatibility depends on amplifier behaviour, room size and listening habits.
Can an underpowered amplifier damage the speakers?
Yes. An amplifier driven into clipping can send a heavily distorted signal to the tweeters. Reduce the volume if the sound becomes harsh or compressed.
What is the maximum sound-pressure level?
DALI specifies 110dB at one metre.
Are they bass-reflex speakers?
Yes. Each cabinet uses two rear-facing Dual Flare bass-reflex ports.
What is the bass-reflex tuning frequency?
The enclosure is tuned to 43.5Hz.
What does Dual Flare mean?
Each port is flared at both its entry and exit to reduce airflow turbulence, compression and audible port noise.
How close can they be placed to a wall?
DALI recommends between 20cm and 100cm from the rear of each cabinet to the wall.
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 floor supports included?
Yes. Cast aluminium support bars are supplied for the base of each cabinet.
Are spikes included?
Yes. Black-chromed spikes are included.
Can the spikes damage hard floors?
Yes. Use the supplied vibration-damping pads or suitable protective floor cups on delicate flooring.
Can they be bi-wired?
Yes. Separate high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs are provided.
Can they be bi-amplified?
Yes, with compatible amplifiers. The terminal links must be removed before connecting separate amplifier channels.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily, but an active subwoofer is worthwhile where deeper bass or greater home cinema impact is required.
Can they be used for home cinema?
Yes. They make capable front left and right speakers with a suitable AV receiver, centre speaker and active subwoofer.
Are they suitable for a small room?
They may work in a modest room with careful placement, but their twin drivers and bass output are primarily suited to medium and larger spaces.
How thick is the front baffle?
DALI specifies a 25mm-thick front baffle.
What are their dimensions?
Each cabinet measures 1001mm high, 195mm wide and 330mm deep.
How much do they weigh?
Each speaker weighs 19.3kg.
Which finishes are available?
Satin Black, Satin White and Tobacco Oak are available, subject to stock.
Should I choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 or OPTICON 6 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 for a more compact standmount system. Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 for deeper bass, greater output, a hybrid tweeter and floorstanding scale.
Should I choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 or SONIK 7?
Choose the SONIK 7 for newer Clarity Cone technology, deeper published bass and a lower price. Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 for full SMC pole pieces, Danish manufacture, bi-wire terminals and more substantial construction.
Should I choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 or OPTICON 8 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 for a slimmer and more manageable cabinet. Choose the OPTICON 8 MK2 for its dedicated midrange driver, twin eight-inch woofers and greater large-room scale.
Should I choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 or RUBIKORE 6?
Choose the OPTICON 6 MK2 for strong Danish-made performance at a lower cost. Choose the RUBIKORE 6 for newer KORE-derived drivers, crossover technology, premium finishes and higher-end system performance.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable stereo and streaming amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other floorstanding speakers
- Advice choosing between OPTICON 2, OPTICON 6 and OPTICON 8 MK2
- Comparison with DALI SONIK and RUBIKORE models
- Amplifier power and 4-ohm compatibility checks
- Speaker-cable and termination guidance
- Single-wire, bi-wire and bi-amplifier setup advice
- Room positioning and rear-wall distance guidance
- Spike, floor-pad and hard-floor protection 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 centre-speaker 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 6 MK2 to your amplifier, room and listening requirements.