DALI’s latest incarnation of their ever popular Opticon range sports an aesthetic makeover as well as an internal redesign. Let’s look at what they have been focussing on for this upgrade.
The Opticon 6 marks the entry level speaker to DALI’s famous Hybrid Tweeter Module. Composed of both a planar tweeter and a dome tweeter, it can deliver a wide dispersion of usually more directional high frequencies and do so with a near unmatched level of detail. This means you don’t have to toe them in at an angle to catch the sweet spot. The tweeter module is incredibly accurate and performs particularly well at displaying the finer details in your music.
Having a good amount of bass on your speaker or somewhere in your system can help level out the power these hybrid tweeters put out in the treble. Luckily DALI have thought of that; Opticon 6s have x2 6 ½ “ woofers to boot out a hefty amount of bass for a slimline floorstander (although real bass addicts may want to look at the Opticon 8s).The most noticeable aspect of the Opticon reissue is it’s appearance. We’ve got an updated contemporary matt finish on the front panels and the choice of a nice new Tobacco Ash wood finish on the sides.
The driver magnet system is formed by a ferrite ring surrounding a pole piece constructed entirely of Dali’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC), which is a staple throughout their range. DALI developed the SMC to counter the inefficiencies iron components can cause. They claim this patented tech reduces hysteriosis (the phenomenon in which the value of a physical property behind changes in the effect causing it) which in turn reduces overall distortion and makes for a relaxed midrange. It reduces mechanical loss, without changing the magnetic properties. They’ve also added extra internal bracing to enforce panel rigidity and reduce resonance, as well as 25mm front baffle.
Expand your listening pleasure, with the DALI Opticon 6 MK2.
A benefit of choosing Opticon speakers is that they are manufactured by DALI entirely under one roof. Everything from the design, wood routing, driver manufacture and installation to testing the speakers is carried out in their production facilities in Denmark. This ensures that they are making the best possible product.
The Opticons are a popular choice at the shop for both colleagues and customers. The Hybrid Tweeter Module is able to covey the type of treble where every string bowed, cymbal smashed and reverb trail is delivered in startling detail. It’s almost like a sound bath.
You’ll get a neutral tone that errs on the side of excitement and it works well with a range of amplifiers and systems. The mids and bass are fast and agile yet warm and relaxed. For a digital listening test we set up the Opticon 6s with the Cambridge CXA81 MKII and CXN100, with Chord ShawlineX Digital interconnect and EpicXL cables.
First up is Bjork’s ‘Joga’. The opening strings are lucid, and the presence in the voice is pleasantly articulated. When the heavy electronic beats start they are handled smoothly and with relative ease. They don’t sound like they are at all struggling with the complicated soundscape. Winding it up higher with Korn’s ‘Freak On A Leash’ and the ride cymbal on the intro shimmers through the heavily distorted 7 string guitars, the harmonics of which are crystal clear. The drums shudder through and the bass drives up and down the riffs. Each instrument is well defined and clear in it’s position in the soundstage.
For a vinyl set up we switched to a Roksan K3 and a Technics SL1500C. The higher power output (140W) gives the speakers load to work with, a task they gladly accept. We test the bass capabilities with Massive Attack’s ‘Group Four’ and we’re not disappointed with it’s tone and response. Switching to Nick Drake’s ‘Riverman’ and the vastness of the string section in the back of the mx is well tracked against the contrast of the melancholy vocal and guitar in the front.
The Opticon 6 are an exceptional all rounder. Book an appointment at your local Richer Sounds store to hear how well they perform for yourself.
Author: Dan, Kingston Store
