Daní's iterative Optico series speakers differ from the previous generation not only in their more rigorous design, but also in the use of new dome tweeters in the dual tweeters. It's not entirely new – the tweeter was borrowed from the Callisto C series and differs from its predecessor by increasing the diameter of the silk dome (from 28 mm to 29 mm). This solution allows the dynamic "digestion" of large input power and improves its dispersion characteristics. In addition, the crossover frequency between the tweeter and the midrange can now be set even lower, which is 2.2kHz.
The acoustic configuration of the Opticon 6 MK2 is so interesting that Dani calls it the 2.5 + 0.5 band. In practice, this means that the high-frequency module is turned on at a frequency of 2.2 kHz and the dome unit operates at frequencies up to 14 kHz. The aluminum strip unit, which is then 17×45mm in size, then begins to work, not only allowing the frequency response to extend to 30kHz, but also making the high-frequency directivity pattern as wide as possible, thus adding gloss to the sound.
The mid- and low-frequency sections are sounded by two proprietary units whose crimson 165mm sound basins are made of lacquered wood fiber reinforced pulp. In addition, if one of them covers the entire section from the crossover frequency of the speaker to the resonant frequency, the second one is turned on only at 800Hz to provide the necessary bass pressure level.
Such a configuration may seem complicated at first glance, but in fact, it has been tested and developed by Dani engineers for a long time and has been one of Dani's "core technologies" for the past fifteen years.
Typically, the magnet system of a speaker consists of a core made of an original SMC (Soft Magnetic Complex) magnetized alloy. It consists of tiny metal particles that are coated with special compounds on the surface to improve adhesion, and its application in gaps allows to create a uniform magnetic field by reducing the number of hysteresis and stray currents. In addition, this solution reduces third-order harmonic distortion and improves thermal stability at high power levels.
The unit uses a die-cast aluminium baseplate specifically designed to optimize airflow. The bass reflection port located on the rear wall of the cabinet has a proprietary double-inverted phase configuration and is tuned to a frequency of 43.5 Hz. The speaker terminals can be connected to two cables.
The DALI Opticon 6 mk2 speaker system has a nominal sensitivity of 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m), a nominal impedance of 4 Ohm, an operating frequency range of 49 Hz to 30 kHz, and a level of +/- 3 dB. Each speaker weighs 19.3 kg; in terms of installation, the kit includes sharp metal feet and soft shock pads for use in situations where floor protection is required.
Listen
Our auditions were conducted in the spacious acoustic room of the Pult.ru salon. The test system includes the combined amplifier CXA81 and CXN network player from Cambridge Audio in the UK.
Dani has been using dual treble modules in its speakers for years, and its engineers have studied its tuning work so carefully that each new model is often a clever evolution of the previous model, so we know almost in advance what the new product will bring. In fact, the DALI Opticon 6 mk2's performance at high frequencies allows it to play difficult instruments like Grigory Sviridov's Time Ahead grand piano.
We've noticed an increase in the usable volume of the new generation of speakers, as well as an improvement in subjective perception of bass – it's faster, deeper, and better integrated into the overall music picture. Not only has this had a beneficial effect on recreating low-band works by Invested Mushroom or ZAZ, but it has also raised the volume of 80s tracks that often fail to boast impressive bass.
While the ethereal and fast high-frequency range is appealing, the music slowly becomes clear with the introduction of the rhythm part of Jacques Lussier's trio Loussier Plays Bach – the Opticon 6 mk2 is not in vain, but very capable. I would also like to point out that the Opticon 6 mk2 is not only wide, but also not badly deep. It's still a no-brainer, and we need more time to give the DALI Opticon 6 mk2 a chance to demonstrate their full capabilities.
Conclusion Conclusion
As expected, the new generation of DALI Opticon 6 mk2 continues the strengths of the previous generation – the duo tweeter is still good, the overload capacity is higher, and the bass sounds deeper and clearer. The update of DALI Opticon 6 mk2 is remarkable.