After the divine Kore and the excellent Epikore, here comes the Rubikore, whose Model Dali Rubikore 2 is the smallest iteration. We listened to it a lot, enjoyed it, and we’ll explain why.
Since the release of the excellent Kore speakers reviewed in our columns (see VUmètre No. 48; Remarkable), Dali has been expanding its range and applying its technological expertise to more affordable models. The new Rubikore series logically incorporates several cutting-edge technologies, such as the new SMC Clarity Cone Technology speakers, SMC-KORE inductors, hybrid tweeters equipped with a brand new low-loss soft dome tweeter, and continuously flared decompression vents. These innovations, the result of many years of experience, ensure that the new range offers cutting-edge performance and identical sound quality across the entire range.
According to its designer, the Rubikore 2 aims to bring Kore-inspired technologies to a compact speaker designed to be installed on a stand or in a cabinet. Designed to deliver high-end sound reproduction in small rooms, Rubikore 2 combines the new 6½” Clarity Cone SMC driver with an all-new ultra-lightweight dome tweeter.
Clarity Cone Technology membranes ensure natural reproduction without any coloration. Complemented by SMC motors, these drivers deliver minimal distortion and optimal performance. The crossover circuit features high-performance Mundorf capacitors.
Inspired by the EVO-K hybrid tweeter in the Kore series, the entire Rubikore range uses a new low-loss soft dome tweeter with no ferrofluid between the magnets to eliminate any harshness in the high frequencies.
According to Dali, the new range pushes the boundaries of full-range speakers in this price segment by combining masterful technologies: Clarity Cone paper and wood fiber transducers combined with powerful SMC motors, which together deliver high-flying musical performance.
But for the Danes, design is just as important, and Rubikore reflects the national tradition of carpentry and cabinetmaking. Beyond their elegant aesthetics, the cabinets are heavily reinforced to provide an extremely rigid and inert support for the speakers. Each speaker is handcrafted and assembled by the finest craftsmen working at Dali in Denmark. Proudly Danish in its assembly, Rubikore benefits from the wealth of local component suppliers, further reinforcing its deep local heritage.
On the rear panel sits the all-new continuous flare vent to maximize efficiency while reducing turbulence and noise. Just below, four magnificent proprietary terminals allow the use of banana plugs, spades, or bare wires. The tightening torque is excellent. High-quality jumpers are provided by the manufacturer.
THE SETUP OF THE DALI RUBIKORE 2
When setting up these speakers, two precautions are necessary. The first is obviously to select stands that are worthy of them. For this test, we used our old but still excellent Partington Ultima stands. The combination proved to be excellent. As the decompression vent is located on the rear of the speaker, it is important to calculate the distance from the rear wall carefully, depending on the volume of the room and the construction of the partition (plasterboard, stone, wood, etc.). Secondly, we strongly recommend that you bi-wire the Rubikore 2.
THE SOUND OF THE DALI RUBIKORE 2
We are very fond of this Danish manufacturer’s speakers, and we were not in the least disappointed by its latest creations. From the moment you start listening, it’s important to remember that this is a pair of monitors, as the result could almost lead you to believe that they are floorstanding speakers, such is the convincing response at the lower end of the spectrum. The bass is lively, fast, enveloping, and precise enough to give the music a solid foundation and the conviction of a comprehensive listening experience across the entire spectrum. There is very little missing to make the illusion perfect. It is only with very bass-heavy music that you can tell that this is just a compact two-way system.
On the other hand, this status ensures magnificent acoustic phase alignment, guaranteeing a careful and realistic perspective of the soundscape.
The panorama unfolds with great precision along all three axes. As a result, the sound image gives the impression of a homogeneous reproduction. Whatever the type of music, the Dali Rubikore 2s are confident and express themselves at very high or very low levels, without the slightest hesitation or tendency to lose their beautiful overall coherence. We were extremely impressed by the Kore, the brand’s flagship model, and we must admit that we found the same ease of listening with the Rubikore 2, the same ability to present all types of music with equal fluidity.
OUR CONCLUSION
In a wide range from a generalist manufacturer, the high-quality two-way monitor is a safe bet, especially for music lovers who install their system in a smaller space. In this context, this type of speaker can work wonders. As part of a beautiful, well-optimized system, the Rubikore 2 will deliver high-class musical performance combining thrills and beautiful sensitivity. We are pleased to see that Dali has successfully applied the technological developments highlighted in the creation of its very high-end models. The Rubikore 2 is proof that you can purchase a high-class product with great potential without breaking the bank.
Author(s): Laurent Thorin
Technical Sheet: Dali Rubikore 2
- Origin: Denmark
- Price: €2,590
- Dimensions: 195 x 350 x 335 mm
- Weight: 9.5 kg
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 26 kHz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB/W/m
- Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
- Maximum sound level: 107 dB
- Filter cutoff frequency: 2.8 kHz
- Power handling: 40 to 150 W
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