We have already briefly introduced them, and we have also reported on the High End. Now it is time to introduce the Dali RUBICON in more detail. Because this loudspeaker series comprising five models is already one of the hi-fi highlights of the year! To properly appreciate RUBICON, you first have to think back two years. When Dali presented the EPICON series in 2012, the Danish loudspeaker manufacturer set a real milestone in the market for high-quality loudspeakers. Extremely lavishly built and elegantly designed on the outside, it was primarily technical innovations that were invisible from the outside that helped the EPICON series speakers to achieve exceptional performance.
Hitech in the drive
Chassis construction of the RUBICON series In addition to many small detail improvements, for example on Dali's almost traditional hybrid tweeter module, it was above all the new drive technology of the chassis that caught the attention of the trade press and hi-fi fans. Dali used the so-called SMC ("Soft Magnetic Compound") as a magnetic material for the first time. This powdery, magnetic material is pressed into shape under high pressure and enables a considerable reduction in the distortions that inevitably arise in the magnetic drive of a conventional woofer / midrange chassis. This works very linearly even with a very strong deflection of the membrane, so that Dali has given the technology the name "Linear Drive System". "Linear Drive System" of the Dali RUBICON series This complex and expensive technology is now also used in the much cheaper RUBICON series. This was made possible by a discovery that the Danish engineers made during a few experiments on chassis development. They found that drive distortion in a loudspeaker can be significantly reduced if only the pole piece of the magnet system is made from SMC and it is also packed in a slotted copper jacket. Since this part inside the drive coil is much smaller than the main magnet outside, you save a lot of effort and costs in the production of the RUBICON chassis compared to the EPICON series transducers, where the entire magnet system consists of SMC .
Newly developed hybrid tweeter module
Hybrid tweeter module specially matched to the RUBICON A real in-house development is also the hybrid tweeter module of the RUBICON loudspeakers. As is usual with Dali (with the exception of the small RUBICON 2) a conventional fabric dome and a magnetostatic ribbon tweeter share the reproduction of high frequencies. Since the four metal ribbons take care of the frequency range from approx. 14 kHz, the conventional tweeter can be tuned in such a way that it starts working from around 2.5 kHz. This in turn facilitates the coordination of the woofer / midrange chassis, but ensures a smooth and brilliant reproduction, especially in the high-frequency range that is so important for directivity and spatiality. The hybrid module of the RUBICON series is based on the same technology as that of the EPICON series and even uses some of the same parts, but has been developed from scratch and adapted for use in the RUBICON models.
Stable housing
Stable housing construction of the RUBICON 8 Even the best chassis in the world can only show its strengths if the housing in which it is used allows it. That is why Dali puts a lot of effort into the RUBICON models, which the construction of the housing allows. All boxes are made of low-resonance MDF material, which measures a full 25 mm on the baffle. Thanks to stable subdivisions inside, each individual chassis has its own, precisely calculated volume, and all woofers / midrange drivers are supported by their own bass reflex tubes. A number of internal struts also serve to stiffen the housing and prevent unwanted housing resonances. This high-quality workmanship can also be seen from the outside of the RUBICON housings. Both the two available high-gloss versions (High Gloss Black and High Gloss White) and the real wood veneers Rosso and Walnut look great on all models and testify to the care with which the loudspeakers are manufactured.
Video: DALI RUBICON - Designed and Crafted in Denmark
RUBICON series at a glance - The models
RUBICON 2
Dali RUBICON 2 // real wood veneer walnut The RUBICON 2 is designed as a shelf box, but can also be set up on a stand. It is the only model in the series that does not have a hybrid tweeter module, but the ultra-light, 29 mm fabric dome has been optimized to reproduce a wide range. In combination with the 165 mm diameter woofer / midrange speaker, despite the small housing size, it provides an impressive sound with a surprisingly powerful and precise bass. This makes the RUBICON 2 ideal for stereo or multi-channel playback in small rooms and as surround speakers in larger home theaters.
RUBICON 5
Dali RUBICON 5 // High Gloss Black The RUBICON 5 is a particularly slim floorstanding speaker. Compared to the RUBICON 2, it sounds a bit more grown-up in all respects thanks to the hybrid tweeter and the larger housing. In the high frequency range, the speaker sounds even more spatial and more detailed, and it gives the bass more depth and emphasis. The RUBICON 5 are perfect for listening to stereo music or as front speakers in a medium-sized home theater.
RUBICON 6
Dali Rubicon 6 // Real wood veneer Rosso Like the RUBICON 5, the RUBICON 6 is a graceful floorstanding speaker, but has a second 165 mm bass-midrange speaker. Thanks to the additional chassis, the speaker sounds more powerful and controlled. And thanks to the larger membrane area, the RUBICON 6 is able to fill larger rooms with a voluminous and deep bass.
RUBICON 8
Dali RUBICON 8 // High Gloss White The RUBICON 8 is the largest model in the series. With its three 165 mm bass-midrange drivers, it produces an extremely deep bass with an impressive sound pressure. Above all, it is surprising how playfully the RUBICON 8 converts even the most violent low-frequency impulses. You should experience this, in the truest sense of the word, stunning quality in person to see for yourself how good the speaker sounds.
RUBICON LCR
Dali RUBICON LCR // Real Wood Veneer Walnut The RUBICON LCR is an extraordinary, particularly versatile loudspeaker. This box, which is only 14 cm deep, is designed for both wall mounting and shelf installation and can therefore not only be used as a sound transducer for the stereo channels of a hi-fi system, but also as a front or surround speaker in home theaters. So that the RUBICON LCR, which can be used either vertically or horizontally, always sounds identical, its hybrid tweeter unit can be rotated 90 degrees in just a few simple steps. This guarantees an even radiation of all medium and high frequencies all around.
Have a listen!
With every loudspeaker, it is important to have heard it for yourself. Of course, we have all RUBICON models ready for demonstration at our locations in Hamm and Münster, our loudspeaker experts will be happy to advise you. So, why don't you listen to us? Further information
