Audio T Verdict
The DALI RUBIKORE 2 are premium standmount speakers that produce a surprisingly spacious and authoritative performance from relatively compact cabinets.
Each speaker combines a 6½-inch paper and wood-fibre Clarity Cone driver with DALI's Soft Magnetic Composite motor technology. The cone profile and SMC system are designed to reduce resonance, distortion and magnetic losses, helping voices and instruments sound clear and natural.
A newly developed 29mm soft-dome tweeter uses an ultra-low-loss, ferrofluid-free design. Its lightweight diaphragm contributes to an open and detailed treble without requiring the separate planar element fitted to the larger RUBIKORE models.
The rear Continuous-Flare bass-reflex port helps the RUBIKORE 2 deliver generous, controlled bass, with a specified response extending down to 50Hz. Careful stand choice and room positioning remain important, particularly with the speakers' rear ports and 4-ohm impedance.
Handcrafted, assembled and tested in Denmark, the RUBIKORE 2 combine high-quality cabinet finishing with technology inspired by DALI's flagship KORE loudspeaker. They are an excellent choice for a refined stereo system in a small or medium-sized room.
DALI RUBIKORE 2 Standmount Speakers
The DALI RUBIKORE 2 are premium 2-way passive speakers designed for use on suitable stands, shelves or substantial furniture.
They require connection to a compatible stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier or AV receiver and do not contain built-in amplification, Bluetooth or network streaming.
Each cabinet contains a 6½-inch Clarity Cone SMC bass and midrange driver, a 29mm soft-dome tweeter and a rear Continuous-Flare bass-reflex port.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The RUBIKORE 2 are passive loudspeakers and cannot play music directly from a phone, television, turntable or computer.
- No built-in amplifier
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- No network streaming services
- No HDMI or digital audio inputs
- No built-in phono stage
DALI recommends amplifier power between 40W and 150W. The amplifier should also be suitable for the speakers' 4-ohm nominal impedance.
6½-Inch Clarity Cone SMC Driver
The bass and midrange driver combines DALI's paper and wood-fibre diaphragm material with its Clarity Cone profile and Soft Magnetic Composite motor system.
The cone geometry is designed to control unwanted resonances while retaining the lightweight and well-damped qualities of DALI's familiar wood-fibre material.
The driver handles bass, voices and much of the instrumental range before handing over to the tweeter at 2,800Hz.
Soft Magnetic Composite Technology
Soft Magnetic Composite is used within the driver motor to reduce electrical conductivity, eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis.
Reducing these unwanted effects helps the voice coil follow the amplifier signal more accurately, particularly through the midrange where small distortions can affect vocal and instrumental clarity.
The RUBIKORE driver technology is inspired by developments created for DALI's flagship KORE loudspeaker.
29mm Ferrofluid-Free Soft-Dome Tweeter
A DALI-designed 29mm soft-dome tweeter reproduces the high frequencies.
The lightweight textile diaphragm uses a ferrofluid-free, ultra-low-loss construction intended to improve responsiveness and preserve fine musical detail.
The RUBIKORE 2 use this single soft dome rather than the hybrid soft-dome and planar tweeter module fitted to the larger RUBIKORE 6 and RUBIKORE 8.
Continuous-Flare Bass-Reflex Port
The rear-facing Continuous-Flare port gradually changes shape along its length rather than using abrupt transitions.
This is designed to encourage smoother airflow and reduce turbulence, compression and audible port noise.
The reflex system is tuned to 44Hz and contributes to the RUBIKORE 2's specified 50Hz lower frequency limit.
Rigid Danish-Made Cabinet
The internally braced cabinet provides a rigid and stable platform for the drivers and crossover.
Reducing cabinet vibration helps prevent the enclosure from adding unwanted sound that could obscure detail or soften bass definition.
Each RUBIKORE 2 is handcrafted, assembled and tested at DALI's production facilities in Denmark.
Stand and Shelf Placement
A suitable speaker stand will normally provide the greatest positioning freedom and place the tweeter reasonably close to seated ear height.
The speakers can also be used on sturdy shelves or furniture, provided that the rear bass-reflex port remains clear.
DALI recommends positioning the cabinets between 20cm and 120cm from the wall behind them. Moving them closer to the wall will generally increase perceived bass, while moving them further into the room may improve definition and soundstage depth.
Begin with the Speakers Facing Straight Ahead
DALI's Wide Dispersion Sound Principle is designed to work with the speakers facing broadly forwards rather than being angled sharply towards the listener.
Small adjustments can still be tried to suit the room, listening distance and preferred stereo presentation.
Bi-Wire and Bi-Amplifier Connections
Two pairs of binding posts provide separate connections for the high-frequency and bass or midrange sections.
For conventional single-wire use, the supplied terminal links remain fitted. Bi-wiring uses two cable runs from the same amplifier channel, while passive bi-amplification uses separate compatible amplifier channels.
Remove the Terminal Links Before Bi-Amplifying
The metal links must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected. Leaving them fitted could connect the amplifier outputs together and cause equipment damage.
Amplifier Matching
The RUBIKORE 2 have a sensitivity of 87dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.
They benefit from an amplifier with dependable current delivery and sufficient clean headroom, rather than being selected by wattage alone.
A well-matched amplifier will help maintain bass control, dynamic freedom and composure as listening levels increase.
RUBIKORE 2 or OPTICON 2 MK2?
Choose the OPTICON 2 MK2 When
- You want the more affordable Danish-made option
- A compact 2-way standmount suits the system
- The established OPTICON presentation is preferred
- You want to reserve more budget for amplification
Choose the RUBIKORE 2 When
- You want newer KORE-inspired driver technology
- Clarity Cone construction is important
- You want the ferrofluid-free low-loss tweeter
- Premium cabinet finishes and crossover refinement take priority
The DALI OPTICON 2 MK2 provide an excellent route into Danish-made DALI standmount speakers at a lower price.
The RUBIKORE 2 add newer driver, tweeter, port and cabinet technologies for a more ambitious system.
RUBIKORE 2 or RUBIKORE 6?
Choose the RUBIKORE 2 When
- The room is small or medium sized
- Standmount proportions are easier to accommodate
- A single 6½-inch driver provides sufficient scale
- You prefer a simpler 2-way design
Choose the RUBIKORE 6 When
- You want a floorstanding loudspeaker
- Greater bass depth and output are required
- Twin 6½-inch drivers suit the room
- You want DALI's hybrid tweeter module
The DALI RUBIKORE 6 provide greater scale, deeper bass and increased output for medium and larger rooms.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Small and medium-sized listening rooms
- Premium standmount stereo systems
- High-quality integrated amplifiers
- Streaming amplifiers with strong current delivery
- Turntable, CD and network-streaming systems
- Systems using an active subwoofer
Check Before Buying
- A separate amplifier is required
- The nominal impedance is 4 ohms
- Suitable speaker stands are not included
- The rear bass-reflex ports must remain clear
- 20cm to 120cm rear-wall distance is recommended
- Bi-amplification requires removal of the terminal links
DALI Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Premium passive standmount speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- 2-way crossover design
- 6½-inch Clarity Cone driver
- Paper and wood-fibre diaphragm
- Soft Magnetic Composite motor technology
- KORE-inspired driver design
- 29mm soft-dome tweeter
- Ferrofluid-free low-loss tweeter construction
- Continuous-Flare bass-reflex port
- 50Hz to 26kHz frequency response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 40W to 150W recommended amplifier power
- Bi-wire and bi-amplifier terminals
- Handcrafted and tested in Denmark
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the DALI RUBIKORE 2 sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains two speakers.
Do they contain an amplifier?
No. They require a compatible external stereo amplifier, streaming amplifier or AV receiver.
What size is the bass and midrange driver?
Each speaker uses one 6½-inch Clarity Cone paper and wood-fibre driver.
Does the RUBIKORE 2 use the hybrid tweeter?
No. It uses one 29mm soft-dome tweeter. The hybrid soft-dome and planar module is fitted to larger RUBIKORE models.
What is the frequency response?
DALI specifies 50Hz to 26kHz within plus or minus 3dB.
What amplifier power is recommended?
DALI recommends between 40W and 150W.
What is the nominal impedance?
The nominal impedance is 4 ohms, so amplifier compatibility should be checked.
Can they be bi-wired or bi-amplified?
Yes. Two pairs of terminals are provided. Remove the terminal links before connecting separate amplifier channels.
Can they be placed on a shelf?
Yes, provided that the shelf is strong and the rear bass-reflex port remains unobstructed.
How far should they be from the rear wall?
DALI recommends between 20cm and 120cm.
Are speaker stands included?
No. Suitable stands are available separately.
Which finishes are available?
High Gloss Black, High Gloss Maroon, High Gloss White and Natural Walnut are available, subject to stock.
Where are they made?
They are handcrafted, assembled and tested at DALI's production facilities in Denmark.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily, although an active subwoofer can add greater extension and scale where required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable stereo and streaming amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other premium standmount speakers
- Amplifier power and 4-ohm compatibility checks
- Speaker-stand and cable-matching advice
- Room-positioning and system-setup guidance
- Subwoofer matching and integration advice
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the DALI RUBIKORE 2 to your amplifier, stands and listening room.