DALI OPTICON 8 MK 2 test

DALI OPTICON 8 MK 2 testToday is an exciting day. I am testing a pair of DALI OPTICON 8 MK2 loudspeakers. And, for me, Dali manufactures a fantastic range of products. The sound from a Dali loudspeaker has its sound signature and is one that I love! I was introduced many years ago because I was working in Esbjerg, Denmark. And had a chance to visit a showroom that specialised in Dali loudspeakers. 

DALI OPTICON 8 MK2

DALI OPTICON 8 MK 2The large-scale, floor-standing OPTICON 8 MK2 is the powerhouse of the new OPTICON MK2 family. And, the only three-way system in the series. The speaker combines immense low-frequency bandwidth, volume potential and dynamic accuracy. Also, with the extraordinary detail and clarity from the dedicated midrange driver. In addition, the OPTICON 8 MK2 offers an extended low-frequency profile that suits installation in large listening spaces.

Thanks to its size and basic three-way format, the OPTICON 8 MK2 offers a level of performance unavailable from any other OPTICON model. And combines immense low-frequency bandwidth, volume potential and dynamic accuracy. Also, with extraordinary detail and clarity that arises from the use of a dedicated midrange driver. High frequencies from the hybrid tweeter are explicitly detailed and informative yet simultaneously smooth and endlessly listenable.

HYBRID TWEETER

Dali Hybrid TweeterThe new OPTICON MK2 hybrid tweeter marries the CALLISTO-derived 29 mm soft dome with a custom 17 x 45 mm ribbon. And, mounted on a cast aluminium faceplate that incorporates dispersion control detailing. This combination offers the clarity, speed and dynamics of a dome tweeter. Having the very high-frequency detail and smooth finesse of a ribbon tweeter.

REFLEX PORTS

The newly introduced OPTICON MK2 Dual Flare technique brings port design into the realm of aerodynamics. Having, exit and entry flares carefully designed to minimise turbulence. Dual Flare enables OPTICON MK2 reflex ports to remain laminar and effectively reinforce low-frequency performance. And, to a significantly higher volume level than would otherwise be possible. DALI OPTICON 8

SMC-TECHNOLOGY

In the OPTICON woofer magnet motor system, the pole piece is purely constructed of SMC. SMC’s unique ability to deliver a high magnetic conductivity and a very low electrical conductivity. And provides all the wanted qualities of a perfect speaker magnet without the traditional downsides. All elements of the DALI drivers are designed, produced and manufactured in-house in DALI. The mounting of the drivers and final tests and approvals handled directly at assembly lines in the Danish factory. DALI OPTICON 8

Extended lows

The OPTICON 8 MK2 offers an extended low-frequency profile that suits installation in large listening spaces with more distant room boundaries. And manufacture of the OPTICON MK2 remains entirely Danish – as with the MK1 series. Keeping the manufacturing of the OPTICON series firmly in the hands of DALI. And utilise the extensive and efficient woodworking facility in Denmark to handle everything from cutting out the Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) cabinet to applying the vinyl. 

ASSEMBLED IN PAIRS

Speakers used and enjoyed in pairs should also be built as pairs. And the manufacturing process is designed to ensure that stereo pairs of speakers are built and tested sequentially by a single manufacturing technician. They are using components taken in the same order from the same batch. It’s a process that helps ensure ultimate visual and acoustic pair matching.

Conclusion DALI OPTICON 8

As you can see, excellent care and attention to detail go into every loudspeaker produced. Moreover, advancements in technology have given Dali how to keep ahead of the competition in these areas. But, how do they sound in comparison to the older models?

Dali Loudspeakers series 7

Dali series 7 loudspeakersThe loudspeakers shown in the picture are from the seventies. And have new cones fitted and sound amazing. And I have written a blog entitled Dali loudspeakers and Scott amplifier. You may find this interesting reading because it shows how good Dali was in the seventies and how you can relate to the speakers today regarding performance and reliability. I will write a comparison on these loudspeakers and will use the new Matrix S singles power cables.

DALI OPTICON 8 MK 2 testing

Matrix S Loudspeaker cableI decided to test the loudspeakers with a new pair of loudspeaker cables. And, the speaker cables I chose were Matrix S singles from Perkune audiophile cables. The wires are a prototype and use two completely independent lines within a single outer casing. One feeds the positive side of the loudspeaker, and the other provides a signal to the negative side of the loudspeaker.

The Power

Music fidelity amplifier How to test XLR cablesMusical Fidelity supplied the power for the listening session. The M6S preamplifier and the M6SPRX power amplifier. The M6s PRE is effectively a preamp without limits. Its wide range of inputs, coupled with excellent performance, meaning it can form the heart of almost any system, regardless of price. It’s a pure Class A design capable of driving any power amplifier.

Listening DALI OPTICON 8

DALI OPTICON 8 MK 2 test

We decided to listen to a wide range of music as we had all the time necessary for a good evaluation. And it was undoubtedly going to be a great experience with the new Matrix S singles loudspeaker cable.

I think the first impression I observed was the depth of bass appearing as the music began. As I am a lover of bass, I have to say, the fact of hearing a bass with such depth shook me! Of course, the bass was clean without boom or bloom, but the way it reached down was the best experience during all testing we had done over the past year.

The second observation was the size of the sound stage because it was so big and full of music. The clarity and transparency were again on a new level, and I loved the sound from these loudspeakers. And the range of details, the best I had ever heard from any of our previous sessions. 

We played music from many artists but ended the session with music by Yello. And the reason was to hear just how good the Dali OPTICON 8 MK2 loudspeakers were. So we are both of sound mind and body. And I will say without a doubt, these are the best sounding loudspeakers we have ever tested.

Author: Paul A Goodwin (Perkune audiophile cables)

Date: 02/08/2021

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