This product is sold brand new. A manufacturer warranty applies only when the manufacturer provides one for this item.
Return requests must be submitted within 14 days of delivery and approved by our RMA department before the item is shipped back. Non-defective returns may be subject to a minimum 25% restocking fee and return shipping charges. Unauthorized returns are not eligible for credit or refund. Read the full return policy.
Dayton Audio OPAL1 2-Way Hi-Fi Bookshelf Speaker PairSince its establishment, Dayton Audio has been synonymous with premier loudspeaker components, and ready-to-build designs. During our research and development process to develop new and interesting loudspeaker concepts one design reigned supreme – OPAL1. This system embodies our commitment to innovation, exclusively incorporating Dayton Audio’s technology, ensuring an audio experience that is both authentic and groundbreaking.
Thinking Outside the (Small) BoxOPAL1 can reach low frequencies unheard of for a passive speaker this size. Hoffman's Iron Law states: Of the following three loudspeaker parameters - small enclosure, bass extension, and high efficiency - you can only have two of these at any given time. The use of an MMAG high-excursion woofer means the Dayton Audio engineers started with below average sensitivity and were ready to sacrifice this in order to deliver outstanding in-room bass response down to 30 Hz, a groundbreaking achievement from a passive bookshelf speaker.
Due to the extensive venting of the woofers 4-layer voice coil, even with below average sensitivity, OPAL1 can handle 200 watts RMS, reaching output levels in excess of 100 dB and not break a sweat. Dayton Audio recommends an amplifier that delivers 75-200 watts RMS per channel at 8 ohms if you want the full output from these speakers.
MMAG Woofer: The Heart of Clarity and Power
At the heart of the Dayton Audio OPAL1 speaker lies a woofer that utilizes dual-gap MMAG (Multiple Magnetic Air Gap) technology. This motor technology combined with extensive venting allows for extreme cone excursion and control, low distortion and higher-than-average power handling. A stiff but lightweight carbon fiber cone and specifically engineered surround profile allow incredibly smooth midrange performance, something unheard of on a 5-1/2” woofer with this kind of excursion capability.
Silk Dome Tweeter
The top octaves of OPAL1 are handled by Dayton Audio's premier silk dome tweeter. It incorporates a coated silk dome mounted to a vented aluminum voice coil former for increased power handing. A copper cap and sleeve surround the gap to reduce eddy currents and reduce distortion, while a large damped rear chamber help extend the low-end response. An asymmetric crossover centered at 2,300Hz marries the tweeter and woofer together, providing a smooth, non-fatiguing, ultra transparent and huge sound that is usually only found in larger tower speakers. The sound of OPAL1 defies its size.
Passive Radiators for Room Filling Bass
The bass extension of OPAL1 comes from the use of a pair of passive radiators on the rear of the enclosure. These allow for ultra-low frequency extension in a small package, besting many 6-1/2” or 8” bookshelf speakers, or even small towers. With a footprint of less than 67 square inches, OPAL1 is capable of average in-room extension nearing 30 Hz. This means in many applications these speakers can create room-filling bass without the need of a separate subwoofer. With an RMS power handling of 200 watts, they can achieve output capability beyond most bookshelf speakers of this size.
Red Trace: OPAL1 response in sealed cabinet with no passive radiatorsGreen Trace: OPAL1 response in cabinet with passive radiators Exquisite Cabinet Design with Attention to Detail
The cabinets of OPAL1 may be small in stature but are solid as a rock. Using ¾” MDF throughout, and internally braced construction, the cabinets will not color the sound by introducing their own vibrations. The calculated addition of damping material on the inside also helps reduce standing waves which can add unwanted resonances.
Continuing the attention to detail; the inside edges of the grills have been heavily chamfered in order to reduce diffraction when in use. The grills are securely attached with hidden magnets, so when they are removed, OPAL1 has a clean, uniform appearance.
Specifications:Configuration: Passive 2-Way with dual passive radiatorsWoofer: 5-1/4" DVC Extended Range Bass Driver with MMAG Technology and carbon fiber coneTweeter 1-1/8" Reference fabric dome tweeterNominal Impedance: 8ΩMinimum Impedance: 4.3Ω @ 4,400HzFrequency Response: 32Hz - 20kHz, -3dB, Half-SpaceSensitivity: 78.5 dB SPLCrossover Point: 2,200HzPower Handling: 200 Watts RMSMaximum Output: 102dB @ rated powerDimensions (WxDxH): 7" x 9-1/2" x 14"Weight: 20.8 lbs. ea.Don't Take Our Word For It
"The OPAL1s continuously impressed me as small speakers that could recreate big-screen sound" -
"The OPAL1 by Dayton Audio blew my mind" -
"Killer bass output and power handling" -
Inside Scoop Video Review -
Let Your Ears be the Judge
This product is sold brand new. A manufacturer warranty applies only when the manufacturer provides one for this item.
Return requests must be submitted within 14 days of delivery and approved by our RMA department before the item is shipped back. Non-defective returns may be subject to a minimum 25% restocking fee and return shipping charges. Unauthorized returns are not eligible for credit or refund. Read the full return policy.