About a year ago, in Munich, the regular High End 2015 exhibition was held, where novelties and technological gadgets in the widest musical spectrum were presented. Among the many interesting devices following the results of the event, Dali speakers were especially distinguished. No matter how the venerable and titled participants of the exhibition tried to overshadow it, the system won extremely positive judges' opinions and was liked by many lovers of high-quality acoustics.
So, what are good Dali speakers? You will find a review, specifications, photos and expert opinions along with reviews of simple speakers in the article. Consider the advantages along with the disadvantages of the most distinguished line of OPTICON.
Positioning
"Opticon" Dali - acoustic systems from the Danish manufacturer, which is gaining more and more popularity. One of the main advantages and advantages of the brand is the careful and extremely balanced observance of the “price / quality / return” proportions. Designers did not disregard the design of the models, making the system truly attractive and beautiful.
Due to its low cost, Dali's Opticon speaker systems are positioned as a middle class, that is, the series is available to a wide range of consumers. The price tag can vary from $ 350 to $ 1,400 for each individual model, which is quite acceptable for ordinary connoisseurs of high-quality acoustics. Well, a one-piece Hi-Fi class kit can rightfully be considered an excellent option for creating a full-fledged home theater from Dali.
Acoustic systems (characteristics of the Opticon series) have a narrow range of patented developments. For example, the same LF / MF radiators using dynamic heads from 120 mm (the youngest and the smallest) to 200 mm in older models. With the exception of tweeters, all speakers are designed exclusively using Dali's proprietary technology.
Design
The emitters have a traditional reddish-brown color and are made from a mix of wood fibers. High-frequency heads (tweeters) stand somewhat apart from the overall design. In the new series, you can see two types of tweeters with different edging.
The first type is a standard radiator (almost) with a diameter of 26 mm, while similar competing systems are equipped with a completely 25 mm head. The second type has a flat design in the form of a tape driver with dimensions of 17 x 45 mm. All this provides a musical picture with a high degree of detail, filling the surroundings with a clear, light and airy sound.
Dali OPTICON 1
Dali Opticon 1 loudspeakers are the junior models of the new Danish brand line. In terms of dimensions, the "baby" does not go beyond the usual A4 sheet. The corresponding system weight is approximately 4.5 kg.
The case is equipped with two emitters: low / mid frequencies and a tweeter. LF and MF heads have a diameter of 120 mm, and a high-frequency emitter - no more than 26 mm. The range ranges from 70-26000 Hz, which is typical for the younger Dali lines. Speakers (technical specifications of the emitters do not exceed the threshold of 30,000 Hz) Opticon 1 will work perfectly with amplifiers from 25 to 100 watts, so there is no point in spending money on additional and expensive equipment.
Dali opticon 2
Opticon 2 is a slightly more powerful model when compared to the previous one. Naturally, this affected the dimensions of the device, which, albeit slightly, but still increased: 351 x 195 x 297 mm. The construction weight was also added - almost 8 kg.
The Dali Opticon 2 loudspeakers have a two-way configuration and belong to shelf devices. The low and medium frequency radiator, unlike the first model, already has a diameter of 165 mm, but with the same tweeter of 26 mm from fabric material. The range of the issued frequencies differs from the younger model for the better and ranges from 60-27 000 Hz. To power the acoustics, a conventional amplifier with a power of 40 to 150 watts will be enough.
Opticon 2 is a prime example of the quality minimalism that Dali (speaker systems) is famous for. Reviews about the models of the second series are extremely positive, so they can be recommended to people whose space is strictly calculated, but at the same time you need high-quality acoustics.
Dali OPTICON 5
The fifth series is one of the most compact floor-mounted speakers, but this does not prevent it from being powerful at the same time. Dimensions, of course, differ from the two previous models in a big way: 891 x 195 x 310 mm with a weight of almost 16 kg.
The width of the column made it possible to acquire a familiar low and medium frequency emitter of 165 mm with the usual 26 mm fabric tweeter. A little higher you can see the successfully fit tape driver.
The frequency range of the fifth series cannot but rejoice - from 50 Hz to 32 kHz. For such frequencies, the best option would be an amplifier with a power of 30 to 150 W and preferably a proprietary one, from the same Dali. Speakers (description to Optikon 5) were developed for amplifiers with a power of 30 watts or more, but judging by the reviews of the owners, buying a device below 50 watts does not make sense - the equipment will not reveal its full potential.
Dali OPTICON 6
Optikon 6 can be called the “golden mean” of the line: followed by the venerable flagship from Dali. Speakers (photo below) of the sixth series can be called two and a half-band devices with an impressive pair of emitters of low and medium frequencies at 165 mm.
The range of output frequencies has also undergone some changes and ranges from 50 Hz to 40 kHz. The amplifier should be selected with the appropriate power - from 50 and up to 200 watts, so that such good speakers do not stand idle.
Dali OPTICON 8
The eighth series is the flagship models from Dali with solid dimensions and technical characteristics. With a weight of 35 kg, the columns have the corresponding dimensions: 1410 x 241 x 450 mm.
A massive 200 mm driver at low frequencies is installed in the upper part of the system, and an identical “brother” is located in the opposite part of the column. The middle part is reserved for a fabric 26-mm tweeter, under which is another 165 mm low and medium frequency emitter. All sound is fed to a perfectly balanced phase inverter, which is located on the back of the system.
As a result, it turns out that the acoustics of the eighth series easily cope with the frequency range from 40 Hz to 50 kHz. This is a minus or a nice addition, but an amplifier for such a system needs at least 300 watts, otherwise you will just get expensive speakers without the revealed potential.
Dali Opticon LCR
The LCR series is a small and extravagant offshoot from conventional column-type systems. The solution is designed specifically for those music lovers whose space is extremely limited. The model has one of the thinnest cases of the brand line, therefore it is suitable for a small computer desk or wall space.
One of the interesting and serious advantages of the series is the ability to rotate the speaker system by changing the position of the high-frequency network, transforming the speakers into a vertical or horizontal type.
High-frequency emitters are bordered by a round and beautiful metal insert, under (or above) which is the already familiar 165 mm low- and mid-frequency speaker. The system perfectly proved to be in the range of 72 Hz - 32 kHz with the corresponding amplifier.
Numerous reviews about the model are completely positive, but with some warnings: the dimensions of the system (482 x 285 x 128 mm) allow you to place the speakers on any suitable wall, but the weight of the speakers (almost 9 kg) suggests that the device should be mounted “on the nail” not worth it. You need to approach the installation with all seriousness, otherwise at one point the speakers will be on the floor or break your monitor. In addition, a quality installation will eliminate any rattling of the body or bumps on the wall while listening to a particularly “tough” composition.
Dali OPTICON VOKAL
The last in the review, but by no means in terms of power model with the “talking” prefix “Vocal”. All the above devices have a certain zone of authority. For example, the flagship of the line produces excellent volume and depth of sound, but until the households begin to hammer in response to the walls. This is where the Vocal model, specially calibrated for such cases, comes in handy, which focuses specifically on the lower frequencies, but at the same time slightly infringing on the upper ones.
The series shows excellent detailing of the “ordinary” sound, such as that produced by the TV or most of the music, so this model can be recommended to the average user without queries such as Hardcore, Gabba or Drum and Bass.
The dimensions of the speaker system are standardized: 201 x 435 x 312 mm with a weight of 9 kg. The speakers have two phase inverters, a pair of high-frequency emitters and a 165-mm speaker for low and medium frequencies. The frequency spread is quite acceptable - from 47 Hz to 30 kHz, so an amplifier with a power of 40-160 W is quite enough.
Summarizing
The Optikon series is presented in three main scales: walnut, crystal white and black tones. Prices have a significant variation, but brand policy allows you to choose something specifically for your needs in terms of quality and wallet.
Prices ($):
- Dali "Opticon 1" - 400;
- Dali "Opticon 2" - 500;
- Dali "Opticon 5" - 970;
- Dali "Opticon 8" - 1480;
- Dali "Opticon LCR" - 600;
- Dali "Opticon VOKAL" - 700.
The above-mentioned prices are indicated per unit, that is, for one column, but, as a rule, it is preferable, and it is more reasonable to buy such things in pairs, otherwise stereo sound will be lame. In addition, one column looks somehow ugly, but this is the “taste and color" of each individual music lover.