Block OPUS L black
Specifications and features
Block Opus L champagne, connected speaker with a round screen
A large disc resting on three wooden legs, with a 19-inch round screen at its centre: the silhouette catches the eye before the first note. Behind this screen is a 220 W three-way active speaker that plays music over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, scrolls song lyrics and displays photos or videos sent from a smartphone. The champagne finish, a bright, pale gold, complements light interiors.
A 19-inch round screen at the centre of the speaker
The LCD screen occupies the centre of the front panel and does much more than indicate the current track. During playback, it displays lyrics synchronised with the music, against an animated background and with font effects selected from the menu. It also receives photos and videos from a phone, and screen mirroring reproduces everything displayed on the smartphone. For this, the phone and speaker must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On iPhone, the feature is launched from Control Centre using “Screen Mirroring”. On Android, it uses the screen casting option in the settings. When the music stops, the screen displays a standby clock with a choice of faces. The Opus L thus maintains a visual presence in the room even when you are not listening.
Three ways and 220 W shared between five drivers
A three-way speaker assigns each part of the frequency spectrum to dedicated drivers: bass, midrange (where vocals and most instruments are found) and treble. The Opus L combines a 25 cm bass driver, two 10 cm midrange drivers and two 5 cm tweeters. As this is an active speaker, each driver receives its own amplification: 120 W for the bass driver, 30 W for each midrange driver and 20 W for each tweeter, for a total of 220 W. The 25 cm bass driver gives the Opus L the foundation of a large living-room speaker, something a small connected speaker cannot achieve. Block asks that at least 10 cm be left between the cabinet and the wall, and that the ventilation openings be kept clear.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4 and built-in streaming services
The HiSounds app, on iOS and Android, controls the speaker once it is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer are built in, as is Internet radio via vTuner. UPnP/DLNA compatibility provides access to music stored on a computer or network drive (NAS) in the home. With Bluetooth 5.4, any phone, tablet or computer can stream music without using the app. Thanks to the UNDOK multiroom protocol, the Opus L can stream the same music to other compatible devices around the home. All sources connect wirelessly: the Opus L has no analogue input, optical input or HDMI socket. This needs to be taken into account for a turntable or a CD player, which will require a Bluetooth transmitter.
Assembly on three wooden legs and settings
The three wooden legs screw into the underside of the cabinet, two at the sides and one at the rear, in the order specified in the manual. At 73 cm wide, 90 cm high and 26 cm deep, and weighing around 21 kg, the Opus L requires a stable, level floor and a little distance to enjoy the screen. The controls consist of a single rotary knob: a long press switches the speaker on or off, a short press opens the menu, and turning it adjusts the volume or scrolls through the on-screen options. The language, time zone, Wi-Fi connection (with the password entered directly on the screen) and Bluetooth pairing are configured this way, or from the app.
Opus L or Opus S, and stereo pairing
The Opus range comes in two sizes built around the same 19-inch screen and the same streaming features. The more compact Opus S (63 × 82 × 22 cm, around 18 kg) tops out at 170 W. The Opus L has more power for each frequency range, particularly the bass. A single Opus L forms a complete system. Two Opus L speakers can also work together in stereo (TWS function): a primary speaker and a secondary speaker are designated from the Bluetooth menu, then both restart and connect automatically. Pairing, which arrives via a software update, only works between two identical models, never between an Opus L and an Opus S.
Technical specifications
Product type and screen
- Product type: smart speaker with screen
- Screen: LCD with a 48.26 cm diagonal
Audio specifications
- Speakers: 3-way system
- Total output power: 220 W
Connectivity and control
- Wireless audio streaming: Bluetooth
- Wireless network: Wi-Fi
- App control
Power supply
- Supply voltage: 100–240 V
- Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
- Maximum current: 2 A
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (width × height × depth): 730 × 900 × 260 mm
- Weight: 20 kg
Frequently asked questions
Can the Opus L be connected to a TV?
Not by cable, since the speaker has neither an HDMI port nor an optical input. If the TV can transmit via Bluetooth, it can send its audio to the Opus L, but a slight delay between picture and sound may occur depending on the TV model. For everyday use with a TV, a soundbar or home theater amplifier remains more suitable.
What's in the box?
The speaker, the mains power cord and the three screw-in wooden legs.
How does the Opus L receive its updates?
Via the Internet (OTA update), from the “Info” section of the menu. This also includes a factory reset and separate resets for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, useful when changing routers or phones.
What is the white noise function for?
The speaker can play several continuous background sounds, selectable from the menu. This type of sound masks outside noise and helps you concentrate or fall asleep. Combined with the large size of the Opus L, it also makes it a source of ambient sound for a living room or spacious bedroom.
Do you need the app to use the speaker?
No. The Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth pairing, clock selection, language and display effects are all configured on-screen using the rotary knob. HiSounds controls network playback and provides a more convenient interface than entering text with the knob, particularly for the Wi-Fi password.
What power supply precautions should be taken?
The Opus L accepts a voltage of 100 to 240 V and draws a maximum of 2 A. Block recommends plugging it directly into a wall outlet without an extension cord, keeping the plug accessible, and unplugging the speaker during thunderstorms or extended absences.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: OPUS L NOIR
- GTIN / EAN: 721688881803
