DALI RUBICON 2

The RUBICON 2 stand speaker is the perfect blend between compact size and large sound performance. With the solid MDF cabinet, the RUBICON 2 has a perfect working environment for its ultra-light 29 mm soft dome tweeter, 6.5 inch wood fibre low-loss driver, and gold-plated terminals. It is rich on detail with an impressive soundstage and has surprisingly large bass reproduction with both precision and timing.

SMC MAGNET SYSTEM

With a pole piece constructed entirely from SMC, surrounded by a slitted copper cap, and enclosed within a large ferrite magnet, the effect of the SMC is focused and maximised, and reduces distortion as never heard before.

SOFT DOME TWEETER

With a clear heritage from our high-end series, the lightweight dome tweeter offers best in class resolution.

WOOD FIBRE CONES

Using a wood fibre cone gives the in-house build woofer a light, rigid and randomly uneven membrane. Making it easy to move ensures even piston like movements and reduces the possibility of surface resonance greatly.

CABINET CONSTRUCTION

Dividing the mid-range and basse drivers into separated chambers enables us to individually tune every driver to its specific frequency range to maximise the woofer output.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Following the design lines of the very popular MENTOR MENUET, the RUBICON series builds on a well known design language and takes it to new heights.

The RUBICON 2 stand loudspeaker is the perfect blend between compact size and large sound performance. With the solid MDF cabinet, the RUBICON 2 has a perfect working environment for its ultra-light 29 mm soft dome tweeter, 6.5 inch wood fibre low-loss driver, and gold-plated terminals. It is rich on detail with an impressive soundstage and has surprisingly large bass reproduction with both precision and timing.

Available finishes – High-Gloss Black – the RUBICON 2 comes complete with rubber feet to hold it firmly in position and, to help keep it at its aesthetic as well as acoustic best.

The RUBICON 2 can be included in different variations of surround setups, e.g. a pair of RUBICON 8, RUBICON 6 or RUBICON 5, a RUBICON VOKAL and a SUB M-10 D.

DALI RUBICON 2 SPECS
Product series    RUBICON
Frequency Range (+/-3 dB) [Hz]    50 - 26.000
Sensitivity (2,83 V/1 m) [dB]    87.0
Nominal Impedance [ohms]    4
Maximum SPL [dB]    107
Recommended Amplifier Power [W]    40 - 150
Crossover Frequency [Hz]    3,1
Crossover Principle    2-way
High frequency driver, Quantity    1 x 29 mm
High frequency driver, Diaphragm type    Soft Textile Dome
Low frequency driver, Quantity    1 x 6½"
Low frequency driver, Diaphragm type    Wood Fibre Cone
Connection Input    Single Wire
Magnetic Shielding    No
Recommended Placement    Shelf or stand
Recommended Distance From Wall [cm]    20 - 120
Dimensions With Base (HxWxD) [mm]    353 x 195 x 335
Accessories Included    Manual
Micro Fibre Cloth
Rubber Bumpers
Weight [kg]    8.0

Dali Rubicon 2 review

Blessed with breathtaking speed and agility, the Rubicon 2s are seriously entertaining Tested at £1600

By What Hi-Fi? published September 02, 2014

OUR VERDICT

Blessed with breathtaking speed and agility, the Rubicon 2s are seriously entertaining

FOR

• Superb build quality
• Wonderfully agile and nimble sound
• Excellent stereo imaging
• Expressive midrange

AGAINST

• Need a little care with positioning

Speed, agility, balance - this trio of physical facets doesn’t just apply to the sporting world, but the speaker world too. Dali’s Rubicon 2s tick all these boxes, and then some…

The new Rubicon range sits just below the company’s high-end Epicon line of loudspeakers.

The 2s, the second rung on the Rubicon ladder, use the same 29mm soft-dome tweeter found in the Epicon and also feature Dali’s trademark SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) magnet system designed to reduce distortion.

Design

Dali doesn’t seem to know how to make an ugly speaker. The company’s budget offerings always look and feel beautifully made, and at this price the Rubicons go to another level.

They’re available in four finishes: high-gloss black, high-gloss white, Rosso and Walnut. Each cabinet boasts a subtle curve both front and back, which adds to their elegant appearance.

The rear is punctuated by a bass port and chunky speaker terminals. Round the front you can see the soft-dome tweeter above a 16.5cm wood-fibre driver.

Positioning the Dalis requires a little care. You’re not going to want the Rubicon 2s hugging a rear wall – the positioning of the ports means bass does get boomy, especially at high volumes, but as long as they’re given around 30cm or more breathing space you’ll be fine.

As with all Dali speakers, the Rubicons have been designed with wide dispersion of sound in mind.

There’s no need to toe them in, as the dispersion comes with excellent stereo imaging as part of the package.

Performance

Play Nina Simone’s I Put A Spell On You and every element hangs beautifully, the piano and double bass just right of centre with percussion floating just above.

Simone’s expressive and emotive vocal blends warmly and then the sax kicks in, punctuating the relative calm with its natural rawness of tone.

The Rubicons really paint a vivid, involving picture. The speakers are as happy floating along to Nina as they are rampaging along to the track Mombasa, taken from the Inception soundtrack.

Here the Dali’s hit with force. There’s plenty of bass weight – providing you take care with positioning relative to the rear wall.

The trick is to keep those taut, precise edges. We notice the Rubicons flex more muscle and sound more robust when you crank up the volume, although they’re hardly limp or lacklustre at low levels.

But it’s the pace and dexterity of the Dalis that really makes you sit up and take notice. There’s real agility and nimbleness to the sound that makes long-standing favourites, such as the £1200 ATC SCM 11s, sound a tad ponderous and wallowing.

The Dalis never miss a beat to Lady Gaga’s Starstruck and they inject so much pace and tension into Why Do We Fall? from The Dark Knight Rises OST you’re moved to the edge of your seat despite the fact you can’t see the film. There are dynamics, scale and authority in abundance.

Verdict

The Dali Rubicon 2s are quite the standmounter. They’re an expressive and enthusiastic listen with little to fault. If you hadn’t guessed, we’re big fans.