Chario Constellation Delphinus MK2

Chario Constellation Delphinus MK2 – bookshelf loudspeaker with solid walnut cabinet and 90dB sensitivity

The Delphinus MK2 is a two-way bass reflex standmount from Chario's Constellation line — a design that has been in continuous production since 1998 and earned a reputation that few Italian loudspeakers at this size can match. At 90dB sensitivity into 4 ohms, it works with amplifiers from 30 watts upwards, which means valve amplifiers and low-powered solid-state designs are genuinely on the table. Built from high-density fibreboard combined with solid Italian walnut up to 45mm thick, laminated in bonded slats, the cabinet achieves structural rigidity without the resonances that thinner constructions introduce. Optional Chario stands, designed specifically for the Delphinus MK2, are available separately and calibrate the stand-to-cabinet distance to optimise the downward-firing port.

Chario Constellation Delphinus MK2 bookshelf loudspeaker — cabinet design and bass loading

Firing downward rather than rearward, the port couples bass energy into the room via the floor — a deliberate choice that gives more consistent low-frequency loading regardless of room placement. Supplied rubber feet establish the correct gap between cabinet and surface; without them, the port is partially obstructed and bass performance suffers. With feet correctly fitted, the result is a -3dB point of 55Hz — genuinely impressive for a cabinet of this volume. Chario also mounts the woofer at a height that keeps the first floor reflection outside the direct sound arrival window, contributing directly to the imaging precision these speakers are known for.

Drive units and crossover

A 38mm soft dome tweeter crosses over to a 160mm paper compound woofer at 1500Hz — deliberately chosen to sit below the range where the human ear is most sensitive to crossover phase anomalies. No midrange driver means no additional crossover point. Nominal impedance is 4 ohms with a minimum of 3 ohms; at 90dB sensitivity, the amplifier's current delivery matters more than its wattage rating.

Finish and provenance

Chario has built loudspeakers in Italy since 1975. All finishes use water-based, non-toxic lacquers on real walnut — available in gloss or matt. Carrying the same construction philosophy as the original 1998 series, the Constellation MK2 benefits from refined driver and crossover tuning throughout. Recommended listening rooms: 9 to 20 square metres.

Specifications

• Configuration: 2-way bass reflex bookshelf loudspeaker
• Tweeter: 38mm soft dome
• Woofer: 160mm paper compound
• Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m)
• Impedance: 4Ω (min. 3Ω)
• Frequency response: 55Hz – 20kHz (±3dB)
• Crossover frequency: 1500Hz
• Recommended amplifier: 30–70W / 4Ω
• Cabinet: HDF + solid Italian walnut
• Bass reflex: downward-firing
• Dimensions: 410 × 230 × 330mm (H×W×D)
• Weight: 12kg per speaker
• Finish: walnut gloss or matt
• Stands: original Chario stands optionally available
• Origin: Italy

Frequently asked questions about the Chario Constellation Delphinus MK2

What amplifier power does the Delphinus MK2 need?

At 90dB sensitivity, 30 watts is enough to drive the Delphinus MK2 to serious listening levels — making it genuinely compatible with quality valve amplifiers and low-powered solid-state designs. Recommended maximum is 70 watts into 4 ohms.

Why does the port fire downward?

Coupling bass energy via the floor rather than the rear wall gives more consistent low-frequency loading regardless of room placement. Supplied feet set the correct gap — without them, the port is partially blocked and bass performance suffers.

What size room suits the Delphinus MK2?

Chario designs the Delphinus MK2 for rooms between 9 and 20 square metres. Deliberately engineered for real domestic environments rather than idealised listening rooms, it performs well even without acoustic treatment.