DALI Rubikore 2 Stand-Mount Loudspeakers: Advanced Sound Within Reach

Experience precise audio engineering with the DALI Rubikore 2 stand-mount loudspeakers, blending flagship tech in an accessible package.

From Flagship Innovation to Accessible Excellence

A few years back, DALI unveiled its flagship ‘Kore’ loudspeaker—an uncompromising engineering marvel that set new standards, despite a price tag and design only the most dedicated audiophiles could embrace. It was more than just a speaker; it was a visionary statement, a testbed for cutting-edge tech destined to trickle down into more affordable models. Fast forward to 2023, the Epikore 11 inherited some of Kore’s DNA but still sits at a steep price point.

Enter the Rubikore range, where DALI democratises these advanced technologies. The Rubikore 2, the only stand-mounter in this lineup, offers a taste of flagship quality at a comparatively modest $3,630 per pair. It’s a smart move for those who love high-end sound but need to keep their wallets happy.

Subtle Yet Striking Design

At first glance, the Rubikore 2 strongly resembles its predecessor, the Rubicon 2 from 2014. Its dimensions (350 x 195 x 335mm) and curvy front and back panels look familiar, but that’s far from a disadvantage. The Rubikore 2 sports a purposeful and clean aesthetic with impeccable build quality and finish. You can choose from four stunning finishes: high gloss white, high gloss black, high gloss maroon, and natural walnut. The “high gloss” label really hits the mark here—each finish gleams with style and sophistication.

The striking and polished black high-gloss finish of the DALI Rubikore 2.

Craftsmanship and Features

On the speaker’s curved rear, you’ll find four hefty speaker terminals, perfect for bi-wiring or bi-amping. They accept bare wire, spades, or banana plugs, offering versatile setup options. Above these sits the assertive “Continuous Flare” bass reflex port, cleverly tuned to 44Hz for deep, controlled bass.

The front baffle hosts a 29mm soft dome tweeter inspired by the original Kore design, unusually large for this size of speaker. Notably, it operates without the typical magnetic oil used for cooling and resonance damping—DALI claims this allows for faster coil movement and better dynamic response.

Below the tweeter, the 165mm mid/bass driver shines with its distinctive ‘Clarity Cone’ made from DALI’s refined paper-and-wood-fibre blend. This cone features five asymmetric indentations, designed to reduce resonance and improve sound clarity. The driver benefits from a powerful double-magnet system and uses patented ‘SMC’ (soft magnetic compound) material in the motor to minimize braking effects and ensure smooth, precise voice-coil movement.

A Bold Yet Elegant Appearance

The driver array is quite dramatic, showcasing the engineering excellence beneath the grille. If you prefer a cleaner look, fabric grilles are available, though DALI’s physical lug attachment system might disrupt the seamless appearance somewhat. Unlike competitors using magnetic grilles, these lugs leave visible holes, a minor aesthetic quibble.

The Rubikore 2 is a two-way design with a nominal 4-ohm impedance and an 87dB/W/m sensitivity rating. It boasts a frequency response from 50Hz to 26kHz, crossing over at 2.8kHz. The crossover uses premium Mundorf components, though it lacks the SMC-Kore inductors found in its larger siblings, the Rubikore 6 and 8.

Hooked up to a Naim Uniti Star with QED XT40i cables and perched on Custom Design FS 104 stands, the Rubikore 2 makes no demands for toe-in—it’s designed to perform straight ahead. What unfolds is a diverse, well-balanced sonic palette that refuses to be boxed in by genre or recording quality.

Listening Experience: Versatile and Balanced

Whether spinning Arooj Aftab’s Vulture Price, The Smile’s Wall of Eyes, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, or indie gems like Up For a Bit by the Pastels, these speakers deliver an organized, non-judgmental sound. If you like a track, the Rubikore 2 will love it right back.

Detailed Soundstage with Neutral Tonality

The detail retrieval is impressive across the board; every fleeting note, every buried nuance emerges clearly yet naturally. The soundstage expands well beyond the physical footprint of the speakers, offering a wide and immersive left-to-right field. Tonality stays neutral, letting the recording’s character shine, whether warm or cool.

Bass impact is carefully managed—not the most thunderous in class but remarkably controlled and articulate. The bass is rich, varied, and sharply defined at the attack, driving rhythms with confidence and momentum. When the music calls for it, the Rubikore 2 can deliver real bottom-end punch without overstepping or overwhelming.

On the high end, the treble is bright and lively but always measured. It delivers the sparkle and energy that bring recordings alive without ever becoming harsh, even at high listening volumes.

Rich and Expressive Midrange

Mids are where the Rubikore 2 truly shines. The speakers reveal intricate details with flair, conveying vocal performances with emotional depth and clarity. Singers inhabit a well-defined pocket of space, clearly positioned without sounding detached or artificial. This eloquence and expressive ability make for engaging and intimate listening sessions.

Seamless Sound from Top to Bottom

The sonic journey from deep bass to sparkling treble is smooth and integrated, with the crossover point completely transparent. Dynamics breathe effortlessly, with room to highlight delicate whispers or explosive crescendos—ideal for complex compositions like Stravinsky’s works.

While some might prefer a more "exciting" or aggressive sound signature, the Rubikore 2 offers an honest, faithful reproduction that respects the music and the electronics feeding it. It’s a well-balanced partner that keeps the focus on the artist’s intent.

Technical Specs & Pricing

• Type: Two-way bass reflex stand-mount loudspeaker
• Drivers: 29mm soft dome tweeter; 165mm ‘Clarity Cone’ mid/bass driver
• Frequency Response: 50Hz – 26kHz
• Crossover Frequency: 2.8kHz
• Impedance: 4 Ohms nominal
• Sensitivity: 87dB/W/m
• Finishes: High gloss white, high gloss black, high gloss maroon, natural walnut
• Dimensions: 350 x 195 x 335 mm (HxWxD)
• Weight: 9.5 kg each
• Price: $3,630 per pair (approximate)

Final Thoughts

"The Rubikore 2 demonstrates their command over almost every aspect of music-making in a casual, unforced, and utterly direct way."

The DALI Rubikore 2 stands as a compelling bridge between flagship technology and real-world affordability. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking refinement or a casual listener wanting clarity and balance, these speakers deliver with style and substance. What’s your go-to music that you’d love to hear on these?

FAQs

• How does the Rubikore 2 compare with the original Rubicon 2?
  The Rubikore 2 retains a similar design but integrates advanced tech from the Kore flagship, offering improved sound clarity and detail.
• Are the loudspeakers easy to set up with any amplifier?
  Yes, with a nominal 4-ohm impedance and 87dB sensitivity, they work well with many mid to high-end amplifiers.
• Can I use the Rubikore 2 speakers without toe-in?
  Absolutely. DALI designs these speakers to be pointed straight ahead for optimal performance.
• What kind of music genres suit these speakers best?
  They handle all genres well—from classical to indie, jazz, and electronic—without bias or judgment.
• Do these speakers offer deep bass impact?
  While not the deepest in their price range, the bass is clean, controlled, and rhythmically precise, delivering solid performance without boominess.

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