DALI Rubikore 8 Review
When a speaker has a legendary predecessor, succession planning is complicated. The Rubikore series is now intended to transfer the cutting-edge technology of the Kore and Epikore models into affordable regions.
by Tom Frantzen
The exceptionally attractive DALI Rubikore 8, presented as a test sample in slightly blue shimmering, high-gloss black, is a full-grown yet slim floor-standing speaker friendly to any environment, standing over 110 centimeters tall and weighing a solid 30 kilograms each. Stately but not bulky, one could say. Appealing to the majority. And with a pair price of $7,700, it’s certainly not cheap, but this sum doesn’t make the connoisseur flinch. Because it seems appropriate. As we will see—and above all hear—it’s even rather affordable. Well, almost.
Luxurious Features
The Danish beauty is equipped with everything the parts shelf in North Jutland has to offer in top performance. At the top of the speaker, we find the already legendary hybrid arrangement of fabric dome and ribbon tweeter, which guarantees an exquisite high-frequency range and uniquely combines the dynamics of the fairly large 29-millimeter dome with the detail resolution and brilliance of the almost massless ribbon. Redesigned as an inheritance of the Kore series, it now operates without ferrofluid cooling in the air gap of the dome, allowing it to play even more freely and quickly without compromises in load capacity.
Directly below this proven duo, a midrange driver with a wood fiber-reinforced paper cone membrane (Clarity Cone), embossed with new patterns for resonance damping, becomes active. It’s so fast that it seamlessly integrates technically with the high-frequency dream team, yet plays so pleasantly smooth that it contributes to the practically fatigue-free, pleasant, and open sound of the DALI.
For the same reason—namely, responsiveness and rise time—two additional, synchronously vibrating 6.5-inch woofers work for the lower registers instead of a single very large, possibly sluggish driver, again with the new embossed pattern. A total of three such drivers is a hefty package for powerful reproduction from bass to midrange, favoring and facilitating a powerful kick bass and bass. So much ahead: the DALI lacks nothing in bass pressure, yet remains unusually precise.
Another advantage of this division of labor is the virtually halved excursion; each driver operates in its particularly low-distortion, linear comfort zone, mostly far from its mechanical limits.
Complex Crossover
A hardwired crossover with precision components from Mundorf and special SMC-Kore coils handle the division of labor among the five drivers, following the unusual scheme of 2 2½ +½+½-way. We need to explain that: A classic 2½-way system works as if a two-way bookshelf speaker handles the full frequency range, and below that, additional bass drivers—like a subwoofer—support only the lower registers.
That’s also the case here, but the ribbon tweeter contributes upwards only from 14 kilohertz, just as the last woofer contributes downwards only from 80 hertz, effectively a further division, partially supportive. Thus, there is a complex and accordingly elaborately equipped crossover for the division of labor.
In the cone drivers, particularly powerful dual magnets made from the company’s own soft magnetic composite (SMC) material provide corresponding reserves. Over 40 years of experience from DALI engineers in speaker construction become impressively noticeable in every detail.
We Listened With
Joe Jackson: Night and Day
The inventive Brit hit the mark with this versatile album—top-notch!
Bonnie Raitt: Luck of the Draw
A beautiful voice, a top album: It doesn’t get more emotional than this!
Magnificent Performance
The Rubikore 8, thanks to its relatively high efficiency of around 90 dB, is suitable for larger listening rooms and doesn’t require monstrous power to unfold its sound. As an efficient sound transducer, it responds well even at low volumes. However, it immediately reveals the quality of the electronics used and relentlessly exposes any limitations.
One should not skimp on the wrong end here, as the DALI scales almost unlimitedly proportionally with the electronics well into the top class. On the other hand, it doesn’t pose enormous technical demands on the driving amplifier. It should just be sonically “good.” At least. A tired conductor unnecessarily slows down the ensemble.
Harmonious and Dynamic
The size and depth of the DALI cabinets ensure plenty of punch. That’s pure physics; bass needs volume, and that’s provided here—the three bass reflex openings on the back support this vigorously and prevent port noise even at very high listening levels. The focus is intentionally more on fast, crisp bass reproduction, but there’s also plenty of “low pressure.” And that’s good.
The textures, i.e., background details of the bass structures, are unusually transparent in tracks like Supertramp’s “School,” making them easy to follow. The DALI always appears effortless and natural. This results in a lively, agile, detailed, and almost rhythmically buoyant music reproduction that spontaneously excites and captivates. The energy balance of the Rubikore is exemplary, very balanced and natural.
The offered detail resolution is very high across the entire bandwidth and is never lost even in more complex, orchestral structures. The DALI projects a fantastically wide, deep stage that, with good electronics, extends beyond the speakers. Timing and depth gradation are unusually good and cleanly executed, regardless of the five drivers. One gets the impression that this speaker never fully explores its limits, no matter how much you push it. Whether it’s volume, complexity, or hefty impulses: there always seem to be sufficient reserves left. Nothing compresses or becomes opaque.
This is even the case with outrageously brutal demo software like “TriCycle” by Flim & the BB’s, whose bass attacks are confidently and completely unimpressed hurled into the room. DALI itself states a maximum undistorted sound pressure level of 112 decibels. That’s enormous in an indoor space, believe us.
Conversely, the DALI Rubikore is capable of extracting the finest micro-details and even barely perceptible moods of the protagonists, such as in Joe Jackson’s “A Slow Song” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt.
Whether blues or chamber music in small ensembles or even big band with Michael Bublé up to seating-pressing tutti with Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9” under Mariss Jansons—admittedly a classical favorite of the author—the DALI plays with seemingly great joy. This is more than music; it’s audible emotions. You can tell we’re truly enthusiastic about this speaker!
Completely Satisfied—Recommendation!
In terms of sound, the Rubikore 8 reminds us very much of the much-loved and at the time more expensive Epicon 8 and Epicon 6 from the company—the latter being one of our listening room references for years, a higher-positioned series.
One can’t give a nicer compliment to the flagship of the new Rubikore series. The new DALI is so outrageously good that it can be audibly pushed even further with small to large tunings like bi-wiring or even bi-amping—the terminal makes all this possible. This is an absolutely outstanding speaker!
Especially for the money, but certainly beyond that as well. And this dream is not prohibitively expensive like the “Formula 1” of high-end audio but is at least realistically achievable as a savings goal for some. Completely breathtaking. Therefore, and for that: Congratulations to Denmark!
Phono Preamp: Brinkmann Edison MKII
CD Player: T+A MP 3100 HV
Integrated Amplifier: Symphonic Line RG14 Edition, T+A PA 3100 HV
Preamplifier: Accustic Arts Preamp V
Power Amplifier: Accustic Arts Amp VI
Speakers: B&W 801 D4
Cables: Audioquest, In-Akustik, Silent Wire, Supra Cables
Measurement
DALI Rubikore 8 Specs
Category: Floorstanding Speaker
Price: ~$7,600 per pair (converted from 6,998 EUR)
Website: www.dali-speakers.com
Dimensions: 22 cm (W) × 110 cm (H) × 44 cm (D)
Weight: 23 kg
Design: Dynamic, 2.5 + 1/2 + 1/2-way, Bass Reflex
Terminal: Bi-Wiring
Recommended Placement: Straight or slightly angled towards the listener
Performance Ratings
| Category | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality (60%) | 9.8 / 10 | Very good, balanced, natural, and three-dimensional sound |
| Measurements (10%) | 9.2 / 10 | Good frequency response and minimal distortion |
| Features & Handling (25%) | 8.5 / 10 | Well-built, easy setup, and good accessories |
Detailed Technical Performance
- Frequency Response: Good
- Sound Pressure Level (dB): 88.2 dB (Good)
- Impulse Response: Very good
- Minimum Impedance: 3.8 Ohm at 135 Hz (Very good)
- Distortion (at 63 Hz / 3 kHz / 10 kHz): 0.89% / 0.13% / 0.12% (Good)
- Amplifier Compatibility: Good
Build & Usability
- Setup: Easy to align
- Manual Quality: Detailed with extra information
- Initial Setup: Simple, with easy-to-mount foot stabilizers
- Sound Adjustment Available: No
- Cabinet Finish: Excellent
- Accessories: Includes front cover, spikes, tools, and Bi-Wire bridges
- Build Quality & Feel: Excellent
- Upgradeable: No
- Warranty: 5 years
Verdict
The DALI Rubikore 8 delivers a balanced, natural, and immersive soundstage, making it an excellent high-end speaker with solid construction and ease of setup.
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