Dali Rubicon 2 Review vs KEF LS50 vs Tekton Impact Monitor

[@erikakerstedt]

I own a pair of Rubicon 2's amplified via Naim Atom. Recently, I was able to compare them to Kef LS50 Metas at home. Kef LS50 Metas are incredible speakers. The sound stage is larger compared to Rubicon 2 and the sweet spot is larger. However, they also sounded a bit brighter in my system. Rubicon 2 has more bass depth, sounded more agile, and more cohesive. The level of information retrieval is almost the same but I would say Rubicon 2 is more resolving of the two. Rubicon 2 kept its entertainment value through a wider range of music genres compared to LS50 Metas. Aside from a wider sound stage and sweet spot, I could not identify any point LS 50 Meta surpassed Rubicon 2s. It is important to note the perceived differences are not huge and considering the price premium (£1600 vs. £1000) some may prefer LS50 Metas. I would have probably gone for Rubicon 2 again if I was making the purchase today as Rubicon 2s were much more entertaining to my ears (extremely subjective topic!), However, Kef LS50 Meta is definitely a worthy contender and deserves a listen.

[@slyfoxx8540]

Appreciate the thoughts👍

[@NiSHAN256]

Nice review as always. You're one of the most unique reviewers, your style and methodology are really unique and great!. Keep it up

[@TheAudiofool]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@sheerkhanful]

I have Rubicon 2’s paired with a Naim amp and I’m super pleased with the way they work together. It’s some kind of magic. In my room the Rubis offer so much bass I have yet to put the sub back into the mix. It’s wrong that Dali is so unknown here in the US.

[@MrVoayer]

Thank you for valuable details and direct comparison!

[@judsonjebasingh3679]

Which integrated stereo amp would be good match for Rubicon2? I heard its difficult to drive to loud listening levels Since its 4 ohms

[@nc3419]

I have the Opticon 1 and had the Menuet SE. The Opticon 1 for me are easy on the amp, do not require as much power as the SPL per watt exceeds what Dali published. The Menuet SE were more difficult as it drops as low as 3.5 ohms and about 4 give or take dbl less per watt than Opticons. Also, the Menuet SE was too refined for my tastes. On a sub, the Opticon 1 is a very nice speaker system for both music and movies. The Rubicon 2 falls in between the power needed to drive to higher SPLs. Don't know how they perform at lower volumes but expect it will have more bass, midrange weight and clarity over the Opticon 1 I have. By how can't say. Probably a bit brighter too. As to difficulty driving, I think they would be an easy enough load and more power by an amp with good current output will tighten and speed up the bass. Tempted myself, but I like the form factor of the smaller Opticon 1 and on a sub, I am probably close enough to Rubicon performance at the SPLs I listen at. If you want higher SPLs say for rock, etc., the Rubicons would perform better, sound larger, etc. At 14 in tall, still packs a punch in a relatively small cabinet that needs at least say 15 inches from back wall. Can't say which amp would be best for the Rubicon but I like/prefer smooth over too energetic of an amp for longer listening. Alot of options and many would work with differences in flavor. I tend to avoid amps with an over emphasis on bass that's boomy and sluggish vs tight and fast.

[@judsonjebasingh3679]

​Thank u for your insight

[@pr0jectSkyneT]

I have ordered the Tekton Double Impacts with the upgraded package (Mundorf/Cardas/ClarityCap/Jantzen/Mil-spec wiring). I will be pairing it with an ATI 6003 Signature Series amp. Am looking forward to heard it once it's set up.

[@TheAudiofool]

Should be sweet. I'm wishing I got clarity cap upgrades for the tektons now that I upgraded the Zu DWs. Makes tremendous difference.

[@blax100dk]

I have the rubicon 2 and use them also for movies and even games. Love the speakers.

[@TheAudiofool]

I love them too!

[@riefnezsketo3365]

any chance of listening to / or have you listened to the rubicon 5? question would be does it improve on the leanness of the midrange as it seems to improve on all other aspects

[@JG-gg9wk]

Rubicon's and LS/50 have different sound signiture. Love my Rubicon 2 speakers. So easy to listen to. Some would argue to sweet but I enjoy the sound. Just can't get over the looks of the Tektons.

[@TheAudiofool]

Hahah that's why I got grills for the Tektons. The Rubicons are really nice and I love listening to it.

[@bolsesolheim7469]

THE TEKTONS LOOK CHEAP AND SO BLOODY UGLY GRILLS COULD HELP OR BETTER STILL A BODYBAG

[@MrComand3r]

Very nice reviews. I seek to have a system that is easy to listen to. Do you find the highs on the rubicons to be smoother than ls50? Thank you

[@TheAudiofool]

Thanks for watching! I do find the Rubicons to be smoother and less shrill than the LS50, but the Rubicons are still bright and wouldn't exactly call them easy listening; if by easy listening, you mean something warm. For this I would recommend the Tekton Impact Monitors if you dont mind the size and looks.

[@themastroiannis]

great great review! thanks again for your insight! would love to hear your comments between the rubicons and ATC SCM11. you have owned both... which ones do you like more and why... would love to change my revel concerta 2 m16 for a more honest speaker. was never convinced by the mid lows of the revels. a bit too much on my opinion...

[@TheAudiofool]

Sorry just read this. I mentioned in another comment: Unfortunately, I have already sold my Rubicon 2, but from memory, the key issue I had with the Rubicon was the midrange which sounded a little bit too lean. The SCM11 has much better midrange, however, it does lack the bass and the treble sharpness of the Rubicon. If your music is more of mids say mostly piano and vocals, I'd suggest you go with ATC, but if you need more bass, then better to go with the Rubicon.

[@themastroiannis]

@@TheAudiofool hey, thanks for your response. it seems the ATC are more balanced overall? and since you sold your rubicons... well, that is revealing in itself! i listen to classical orchestral music (baroque and romantic repertoires, from bach and handel to schumann and brahms) and lots of jazz (particularly jazz trios but also the classic quartets with trumpet and or sax from the 60s) as well as some classic rock and the wonderful bossa nova singers like joao gilberto. not a bass head, so it seems the ATCs are the way to go.... unless you have another suggestion, of course! keep up the great work. looking forward to your upcoming speaker reviews!

[@LimePieMusic]

Where the audio test?

[@الخطواتالاثنىعشر]

I love your honesty. I need to upgrade from my diamond 225 Can’t make up my mind

[@TheAudiofool]

Thanks! What are your choosing from?

[@الخطواتالاثنىعشر]

All the speakers you’ve reviewed lol

[@الخطواتالاثنىعشر]

The Audiofool I own a small restaurant and sometimes we play music people enjoy jazz and All kind of high into music that I put for them what’s a good speaker and amp would then say $2000 to 3000. To impress customers. And make me look like an audio fool as well

[@TheAudiofool]

@@الخطواتالاثنىعشر If the restaurant isn't too big, try Rega Brio with BW606, or Schiit Rag + LS50. That said, it might be better if you install good ceiling speakers instead, so everyone will hear equally.

[@الخطواتالاثنىعشر]

The Audiofool thank you so much your loved here. You know I watch a lot of audio channels but it seems like you’re the only one I trust LOL

[@jamieslater8991]

Can you answer me one Question plz? I'm using a Yamaha A-S1100 Amplifier! And I'm thinking of buying a pair of Dali Rubicon 2s. So what do you think?? Have you heard of the Yamaha A-S1100?? I love this amp!! I recently had the Kef R3s, but they're to Revealing! Too my ears!! So, what do you think of those Rubicons? Thanks 👍👍

[@TheAudiofool]

I haven't heard the Yamaha yet, but if you like it, stick with it. By revealing, do you mean too bright and tone controls not enough? The Rubicons would definitely be less bright, and would be a good choice if you won't miss the metal tweeters of the kef. That said, I do find better value in the Tekton Impact Monitor if you don't mind the space and looks, and should give you thick luscious tones without the searing highs of the kefs.

[@jamieslater8991]

@@TheAudiofool. Thanks for replying 👍. Yeah, they sounded a bit bright for my ears! I don't usually like using Tone controls! Unless it's a really bad recording. I'm from the UK & I've never seen those Tektons over hear. Anyways I ended up buying the Dali Rubicon 2s, & what a difference it is from the Kef R3s I'm loving them so far!! & they haven't even been fully run in. Once again, thanks for replying 👍. Oh, one last Question, have you had the honour of listening to the Dali Epicon 2s?? To Expensive for me, but if I had the money, I definitely would! 👍👍

[@TheAudiofool]

@@jamieslater8991 I have heard the Epicons 2 as well and they are pretty sweet, and I do hope to own one in the future some day.

[@michaelgreco8614]

Jamie Slater I have the A-S2100 and was looking at the rubicon 2 as well. Do they pair well with your 1100?

[@LorenzoNW]

I would have loved to have heard your review of the Monitor Audio Studio speakers compared to these three.

[@daniel85444]

Hi there ! Could you tell me please what do you think between this NAD -C388 / C368 vs CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA 81 with the DALI RUBICON 2 ? Which one i a better amp ! Thank you! Regards

[@TheAudiofool]

I haven't heard the CXA81 yet, but I would probably go for the C388 to get a little bit of warmth and add some body in the mids.

[@daniel85444]

The Audiofool what about between the NAD C368 vs CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA 81 ? Its more fare comparison!!! Because in UK C388 is double the price compare to CA CXA81!!

[@ryngrne]

Listen to the R3's yet??? I'm trying to decide between DALI R2 & KEF R3's to replace my LS50's

[@TheAudiofool]

Not in my listening room unfortunately, but if you really like the sound of the LS50s and just looking to improve on the bass, then you should get the R3s. The Dalis would have less slam, doesn't punch as hard as the R3 though a more natural decay, and that rhythm that I really like.

[@pickyaudiophile]

Thank you for the brilliant review. As it comes to pricing, from a European (German) perspective it's quite the opposite of course..;-). On Tektrons individual shipping expenses (as there is no E.U. distributor) of easily some hundreds of Dollars depending on size, plus 2.3% customs rate on [speaker+shipping] and additional 19% sales tax on [speaker+shipping+customs] makes them almost incompetitive, sadly....

[@TheAudiofool]

I'm sure there are similar alternatives in Europe? I saw XTZ Divine Deltas and they look very interesting.

[@pickyaudiophile]

@@TheAudiofool well of course alternatives exist, however Tekton's 3 / 7 / 15 tweeters in a pattern you won't find anywehre else

[@TheAudiofool]

@@pickyaudiophile That is true, we have to find out what they all sounds like!

[@akyhne]

Dali is a Danish brand, so of course you can buy them in Germany. You can buy them in the German HIFI-klubben for €915,- a piece. Or in a store in the Netherlands, if that's closer to you.

[@teotuckseng7721]

Hi mate, has anyone tested both the Opticon 8 and Rubicon 8? The price of Rubicon 8 is double the price of Opticon 8. Is there any vast difference between these series? Kindly advise. Thank you

[@TheAudiofool]

I haven't tried the 8s yet, but if the 2s are any indication, the differences are signficant for me as coming from the Opticon 2, I was wanting for bit more clarity, a bit more resolution, and a bit more bass definition; and these were served by the Rubicon 2.

[@82ivaylo]

The price of Rubicon 2 in my country is around 1700 dollars. To my ears the Rubicon 2 is MUCH better sounding speaker than LS 50. I had Q300 and R300, not my cup of tea.

[@TheAudiofool]

No argument here at that price.

[@ukaszknap7544]

Hi, what do you think about pairing Rubicons 2 with Hegel H190 amp?

[@TheAudiofool]

I think all speakers would sound great with a Hegel H190. That said, what sort of sound signature are you looking for? If you like the sound of the Rubicons, this would sound great with it though you may need to watch out for the mids as it may get a bit lean... but that would depend on which amp you are coming from.

[@ukaszknap7544]

​@@TheAudiofool Thx for the answer! At the moment I'm using H190 with Dali Zensor 3. I love clarity of this speakers and the big scene. They reveal a lot even at low volume (which I love). But they lack, how can I tell it, the depth. They are rather thin, a little bit to dry. Yeah, it may be the case of the mids. So I am not sure if the Rubicons are going to be good upgrade (or maybe?). I tried KEF LS50 but they lack the clarity I like in the Zensors. So I am looking for the clarity (even at the low volume), sharpness, but with a little bit more depth. I am also considering ATC SCM11 and Elac Vela 403.2. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.

[@ukaszknap7544]

That said I heard the Rubicons (and oh lord the Epicons) with Naim Atom. I enjoyed it. But I am not sure if it will be that good with my Hegel.

[@mykeldg]

@@ukaszknap7544 Rubicons are great. I sold them and bought it back again ---theyre that good. But as audiofool states, the mids can be lean compared to other speakers especially outside the sweetspot, but what you get is lots of resolution, layering, openness and engaging rhythm. it’s a sit down and listen speaker instead of background music type. I was able to hear the ATC and I agree ATC has class leading mids and it has a much better mids than the Rubicons.

[@KanapaKnapa]

@@mykeldg Thx for the answer. At the moment I am having fun with KEF LS50 paired with H190. If I have a chance I will try to pair them with the Rubicons or Dynaudio Special Forty of the ATC. At the end of the day, these are all great speakers :)

[@jasongomez805]

what would you prefer personally? the dali's or the ls50's?

[@TheAudiofool]

The Dali's. Would like to have an Epicon in the future.

[@DaveBais]

Hi! What do u think the first upgrade after my oberon 3's?

[@TheAudiofool]

Thanks for watching. That would depend on what you like and don't like, or what you want to improve in your system. The next line up would be the new Opticon mk2s, but it might not have a significant improvement so you may need to go further up to Rubicons to have a major change.

[@raikkonenkmi]

hi! i am still not decided for my quad z2. how is against the rubicon 2? highs, medium ? amp is exposure 2010s2d. i always like dali. my deadline is 12 october. thank you

[@TheAudiofool]

I've not much experience with Exposure. With the Quad Z1s, I find them to be a bit more neutral, and the highs to be a bit more 3D. Mids are good too, but maybe more or less the same as the Rubicon. Bass is a bit lacking and perhaps the Z2s will be better, but I think the Dalis will have better extension, decay, as well as volume, though the Quads will likely be tighter. All in all, I would still go with the Dalis because I find the rhythm so unique, but the Quads aren't a bad choice either, especially if you're more after a neutral/transparent sound.

[@raikkonenkmi]

@@TheAudiofool hi! it's me again. i've listened the quads z2 and the sound at first doesn't impress me. in the long run they have a relaxing sound, sweet highs and enough bass. so all in all i think if you go high in hifi upgrade you pay more and get less

[@raikkonenkmi]

@@TheAudiofool my mind right now is to sell everything and buy marantz pm6006 cd6006 and dali opticon 2 and stay with that gear. hifi is a long journey and i'm tired of walking

[@TheAudiofool]

@@raikkonenkmi LOL! Part of the fun is the walking hahaha. If you do go that path, I'd advise against the marantz and go Onkyo A9150 instead.

[@TheAudiofool]

@@raikkonenkmi Yes, they are not the type of speakers for impressing your friends but ultimately less fatiguing and more satisfying. RE hifi upgrade, that is my problem, I'm looking for a bookshelf which can easily do 40hz as well as it does mids and highs, but not a lot of choices in the price range unless you go even higher up and get to the KEF Reference 1, Contour 20, both of which aren't really impressing me hahaha.

[@morespinach9832]

Dynaudio and Dali are quite close in that Danish soft tweeter sound. Dali’s are a bit more breathing space in general. But Dynaudio’s range now is stellar with Evoke, Contour etc. I just skipped the amp struggle and went for Xeo 20 which is fuller sound than LS50.

[@TheAudiofool]

That's great! Glad you found the right speaker for you

[@666nemeesis]

i want to pair ls50s with marantz pm7005 yay or nay?

[@TheAudiofool]

Do you already have the 7005? The LS50s sound good with any amp, though some amps would be better. If you have LS50s and planning to go with 7005, probably save up for a Rega Brio instead.

[@666nemeesis]

@@TheAudiofool yes i am driving the zensor 5s with it, 7005 has 60 watts, more than brio, listening distance is three feet from speakers, bass is too much in zensor 5s in that distance moreover i miss the aluminium tweeter of kef qs which i had.

[@TheAudiofool]

@@666nemeesis Have you tried plugging the port? BUt yes, you can get an LS50 and it will still level up your listening pleasure.

[@666nemeesis]

@@TheAudiofool not yet its front ported will still put some socks in it

[@666nemeesis]

some say schitt amp also doesnt pair well with ls50 as it has low power so was just wondering

[@Phoenix_1991]

Can you please comparethe rubicon 2s to the monitor audio gold 100? Please.

[@TheAudiofool]

The new one? I'll see, but honestly, MA doesn't really appeal to my preferences so I doubt I'll buy one.

[@kvrhifi]

Good review. If possible please including little sound demos. Just for fun. Thank you

[@TheAudiofool]

I'm just fixing my helmholtz resonators and maybe I can start re-doing the sound demos again.

[@hushpuppykl]

LS50 King of Vocals??! 😳 Just bought a pair. Very disappointed when I see how reviewers say it’s so so good. It’s only good for casual listening and HT use.

[@TheAudiofool]

You must be the first person who complained about LS50 vocals haha. But no worries, we all hear differently and have different priorities. Personally, I've moved on from the LS50 but my wife has not LOL. I'm curious though, what amp are you using it with?

[@hushpuppykl]

The Audiofool ... ok, it’s unfair to compare it with expensive speakers but the reviewers are just hyping it way too much. I’m driving them with my Audia Flight FLS10. It’s happy to drive down to 2 Ohms.

[@astralboy]

@@hushpuppykl i have a Audia Flight FLS1 preamp, love them

[@hushpuppykl]

astralboy79 ... tasty! Very tasty ...

[@zombielandiii2711]

Hello Audiofool, I didn't recall seeing the arrows and the equal signs on the "versus" graphs. I really like it, and complement the stars graph. I appreciate that you have this new ideas, and implement them once in awhile to the channel. If I may, I suggest the kef R3 bookshelf speakers as one of your next reviews. Also, personally I own a RSL CG25 bookshelf speaker which I compare a few weeks ago, versus my (ex) kef LS50. I ended up keeping the RSL G25, and selling the ls50's. So I can recommend them, BUT I will love to hear your impressions. Best regards, and please keep the good job.

[@TheAudiofool]

I just started with this but it should be on all future videos. I've been wanting to try out an RSL sub and didn't know they made decent speakers, but they do look interesting. As for the R3, I'll keep my eye out but right now I'm looking for something that can thrash the Tektons and Rubicons.

[@zombielandiii2711]

@@TheAudiofool I can't tell you anything new about the RSL Speedwoofer, everything is already told. Great subwoofer! Just got back in stock last week, so you can order one. They have one of the very best customer service, and the owner attend. He is a very nice person, more than a salesman. They have trial period, so maybe it is convenient for you. (Same goes for the speakers, so you can also try) the one thing I can share, is that besides the RSL Speedwoofer, I have a monolith thx 10" subwoofer, and I like the RSL sub more. The Speedwoofer is excellent with music. The monolith is not bad by any means, but suits the movies "almost" exclusively. The speedwoofer is more balanced if you want both music and movies, plus is significantly smaller ( I mean the box, both are 10 inch, front ported.) On the Kef R3 side, sadly, I can't help with any interesting comparison, because this speaker is the best, and most expensive I ever owned. It surely beats (to my taste and ears) the kef ls50, Klipsch RP 160M, and the likes of Q acoustics concept 20/ 3020. Hope this helps. Best regards.

[@akyhne]

Well, we pay overprice for American goods, so that makes it equal? Actually most goods from around the world are pricier here, than in the US. So we pay a bit of your part every time.

[@TheAudiofool]

Exactly. It's harder to justify a purchase if most of the cost goes into shipping and customs. Like if I were in Europe, I'd pay much less for a Rubicon and pay more for a Tekton, and I'd definitely get the Rubicon instead. Do you have any American gears?

[@akyhne]

@@TheAudiofool No, not in the HIFI world.

[@richardblaauwgeers4349]

More!

[@mozgvision]

I am sure you get this a lot, but you very much look like Jacky Chan!

[@TheAudiofool]

You should see me when I'm drunk haha

[@vtkz]

I would never buy an passive Nearfield / Bookshelf ,,Hifi,, Speaker. I dont understand the Hype arround Dali. They sound just wrong for me. The Prices are attractive but the Sound was for me awful in any of their series. The Pro / Active Audio market have so much better (Fullrange) Bookshelf Speaker to offer. Like KSDigital, PMC, Quested, Hedd Audio, K+H, Avantone...

[@bolsesolheim7469]

I HAVE GOT TWENTY ACTIVE SPEAKERS MOSTLY ADAMS THEY ALWAYS DELIVER I EXPECT EVEN MORE SINCE THE FOCUSRITE GUYS BOUGHT THE ADAM FACTORY PLEASE SEE THE FOCUSRITE LUNDAHL VIDEO I ADORE PER LUNDAHL. ALL MY AUDIO POWER LABS OIL TUBE CLASS A AMPLIFIERS USE THE FANTASTIC LUNDAHLS FROM SWEDEN!!!!!

[@TheAudiofool]

That is the problem with passives, you need to find the right combinations to make it sing, but also part of the fun for me though. I'm not really an Actives guy for that reason, I got bored easily and want to try other stuff.

[@bolsesolheim7469]

GET AN ADAM A7X Forget about these crappy products WORTHLESS AND WEAK .OR THE ADAM A77X is EVEN BETTER

[@TheAudiofool]

Hahahah Will try out actives one day, but I like swapping out stuff like an audiofool

[@bolsesolheim7469]

@@TheAudiofool FOR YOUR COMFORT I HAVE 6 AUDIO POWER LABS 50 TNT AND FOUR 833 TNT and 2 NAGRA VPA 1 KONDO M7 ONE NAGRA PRE AND 20 ADAM ACTIVE ITS ONLY 550 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!!

[@macvos]

@@bolsesolheim7469 with that money you can afford a new keyboard without a stuck CAPS LOCK! ;)