REVIEW: Dynaudio Contour 20i speakers

Steve reviews the new Dynaudio Contour 20i speakers, here's info on the complete Contour i lineup, www.dynaudio.c...
Dynaudio Contour 20 i specs
Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V / 1m)
IEC power handling: 180W
Impedance: 4 Ω
Frequency response (± 3 dB): 39Hz-23kHz
Box Principle: Bass reflex rear ported
Crossover: 2-way
Crossover frequency: 2200Hz
Crossover topology: 2nd order
Woofer: 18cm MSP
Midrange:
Tweeter: 28mm Esotar2i
Weight: 14kg / 30 7/8lb
Dimensions (W x H x D): 215x440x360mm
8.5x17.3x14.2in
Dimensions with feet/grille (W x H x D): 215x440x396mm
8.5x17.3x15.6in
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[@GeneralLao]

Having owned several sets of Dynaudio speakers, they are all a step up from each other. I have had the S-40, the Contour 20i, the Confidence 20 and now the Confidence 30. I am done at the 30 ,Amazing floor stander.

[@FOH3663]

Back in the 80's we were DIY'ing with Dynaudio's finest drivers, and it was glorious... 30w100, D76, Esotar 330D, etc. Then ... they wised up and began offering +$5k two-way bookshelves;) The majors have their niche; Kef has their superb coax Tannoy does killer horn loaded coaxes Focal does beryllium JBL does waveguided annular poly And when it comes to soft domes, no one executes it better than Dynaudio

[@troutnut68]

You mean Dynaudio no longer sells their drivers to diyers? I had a Dynaudio kit speaker years ago but sold it. Maybe a mistake on my part.

[@khalid969]

Congratz on reaching 150k subs. You're a high roller now. Unfortunately, that's when reviewers stop answering questions. I'm glad I asked all the questions I needed to ask, and I'm glad to report that I did get a response from you to just about all of them. The good old days :D

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks

[@knobbshots]

Steve, thanks again for the work you do. But especially, in your sharing music you used as it gives me great new ideas for stuff to listen to. Stan Ghetz has become a favorite, and this album IS INCREDIBLE! So far I've only listened to it on headphones, can't wait to get it on the speakers. Thanks again

[@exmetal7918]

I love the contour series. One of my all time favorit speakers.

[@monkeypunker]

In this size contours, model 1.3 mk2 sound the best to me, provided you have a good, powerful amp. The solid price of used ones kind of proves that. Must hear those however. They sure look promising.

[@exmetal7918]

Tucson James what should I say. As Steve said, Dynaudio are 100% made in Denmark. This Country is not the cheapest in the world. Just like Germany. I like things that dont go through kids hands in China. Dynaudio is a company with tradition. Everybody should do what they like. I will always prefer Dynaudios. The Sound is just what I like.

[@dudemastermaster8944]

Contour 3.0 for life.

[@enkahhh]

@Tucson James You don't have a clue what socialism means. Please do look it up. There is no socialism in Germany or Denmark. Keep living under your US rock but don't act like you know anything about the rest of the world. And what has this video to do with a Swedish car company?

[@henriksrensen3220]

@Tucson James I live in Denmark. It's NOT a socialist country. It's Capitalist welfare state

[@petrosraptis6690]

I own the Dynaudio Contour 20i and the Gato 150, I'm thrilled and the sound is sensational

[@peterrabbitwarren]

Brilliant review Steve. I first heard Dynaudio Image 2ways in the early 90's and was blown away. I'd love to own a pair. And thanks for tha album suggestions for a rainy Saturday night. Cheers

[@robertm8518]

Nice review of a wonderfully sounding speaker.

[@bobb.9917]

I am picking up a pair of the original Contour 20s on Saturday, new-in-box at a sub 3K out-the-door cash price! Recent comparison listeners of the Contour 20 to 20i have said that they discern no difference in the sound even tho the crossovers are new and the crossover point has changed. So, I am excited about my buy! Initially hooking up to my Marantz SR6015...but I am then going to use the Marantz pre-outs and drive the speakers with my vintage Bob Carver C-500 Amp (250 WPC@8ohms) thru a Schiit Freya Tube Pre-Amp. Should all be FUN!

[@Maxiinti]

I bought a pair and for me it’s my Endgame speaker but if you wait about 2 to 300 hours The speaker will open up magically This speaker needs some burn in time but you will get rewarded in the end I just love them

[@Jimmy-js8mz]

Lol

[@gorillapancake]

Just listened to these today paired with the Naim Atom. I was surprised how perfect the combination sounded.

[@Finn-McCool]

I auditioned this speaker with Illinois Jaquet's "Swing's the Thing" and as the intro to Harlem Nocturne hit the air, I swear, I saw a glint of brass coming off of the left speaker. -✌🏼

[@kjbunnyboiler]

If you like these you’ll luv the Confidence 20! 😀

[@bunnypong64]

Try ATC SCM20

[@DGA2000]

kj bunnyboiler6353 Yeah... for $13,000 a pair you SHOULD love them...

[@kjbunnyboiler]

@@DGA2000 👍🤣

[@fioreinforma-pilates-bisceglie]

I Heard them in a HiFi show, they were the only One s which made me listen the dampeners of the piano going up and down, all the other speaker coudn"t , obviously with the same track, i was incredulous but they do are so trasparent beside their low sensivity!

[@ross5506]

Steve you still have the heart of a teenager.

[@dilbyjones]

1 inch soft domes are definitely cool to hear about ,definitely interesting. Really interested in listening at 30 percent because yes, while I enjoy listening loud. It's much more important to have listening fatigue minimised. That way one can include more music!

[@riccitone]

Maybe someday I'll be able to afford some endgame beauties like these...but I'm thoroughly enjoying your bringing out and explaining these wonderful records in the meantime! Always a treat and an education, both from the equipment AND the listening standpoint.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

You know Zero Fidelity like hmmm 😃 Thank you Steve beautiful speaker ! The more gear I get in for review the more I realize you get what you pay for !

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Diminishing returns is real though. By the way TEE-JAY I like your reviews too, very good.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@andrewforsythe7240 thank you andrew working so much now has really put me behind scheldule going to catch up this weekend Burson and Triangle smile

[@twoften]

I was gunning for these, but I got a ridiculously good deal on Special Forties along the way. No regrets, but these still look great.

[@twoften]

@Car Guy daddyo I have them hooked up to a Marantz PM8006 at the moment. Still sussing out if they work together - the combo is very in your face, and the bass is a bit more boogie than I'm used to. I'm going to give it time and see if it grows on me, otherwise I might investigate some Class D options to bring it under control (I'm just not a tubes guy).

[@Cooliewhistles]

Special 40 so good. Had them for a yearvm

[@travisylvania6730]

Hi Simon. I hope the past year has gone well for you. Are you still liking the pairing of the SP40's w/ your Marantz? I have paired my Special 40's with the Denon PMA-A110 anniversary stereo amplifier and I am thrilled with the combination. Just wanted to give you an additional suggestion for amplification.

[@shardsofcontent4829]

Once again, a great discussion. Thanks Steve 👌

[@gipstetz6720]

Great review Steve. Excellent info. Love the channel....love the passion. Thanks for posting.

[@mikelittrell6200]

Thanks for reviewing these speakers. I've been interested in them for a while. Your words hold a lot of weight as you have been in the audio biz for a long time and have the experience to place meaning behind your words. That price though...made in Denmark and end game or heirloom speakers...might be worth it.

[@geol7408]

Steve, you seem to downplay your comments about the albums you play as audition material. That's one of my favorite parts of your work. I buy many of the records that you mention without a thought and have improved my vinyl collection as a result. Thanks for that and keep mentioning vinyl please.

[@marshallhammond2010]

I agree

[@gaetancharbonneau3902]

@@marshallhammond2010 me too

[@ross5506]

Even though I have a Sony SACH player, I got get back into vinyl. Are today's albums better recorded , or are they just recopy of the master.

[@geol7408]

@@ross5506 Like everything it depends. Some new records sound good and some sound... not so good. I like to buy old records and clean them up. I get a lot of good sounding records that way. Sorry I wasn't more help.

[@angi733]

Now try the Confidence 20; just bought some after trying many others, and just delighted!

[@angi733]

Awesome! Don't have space of the money for the C30 but would love to hear them!!@@generallao1554

[@jeffkalina7727]

Congrats on the 150k+

[@jackleonard2088]

Congrats on 150k!!!

[@rolandlickert2904]

I have the Dynaudio DM 3/7 for over 6 years and they like Power to sound effortless and yes you can play them loud if you have too no distortion of any kind and I use the NAD C-388 that has plenty of power .I agree one of the best tweeter I heard so far and the bass is fast controlled,and clean .I'm sure the new speakers are a step up however Im happy with the speaker I have. Dynaudio is a great company they make all the Items you need to make a speaker in -house.

[@catire98]

You should also put a link to the record/album that you use to test the equipment. Your review of the gear is great but your review of the music is even better!

[@louisperlman8030]

Nice video, including the useful comparison with the Cornwall's.

[@philwomackmhbc]

Congrats on 150k subscribers!!! I always enjoy hearing your thoughts about the Audiophile scene!!

[@Sams911]

For a bit less, you can get the McIntosh XR50's .... I tried the 20's before side by side with them; the XR50's are 8ohms and 81dB sensitivity, and the bass response on the XR50's is just way better.. and. frankly they look a lot nicer too. And even though they're not rated down to 31 Hz, I registered a quite good -95 db at that 30Hz, and solid bass above 40Hz @ -85db ..

[@Skyshakerrrr]

If better bass was the most important thing in a speaker. Although I understand its nice to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[@themastroiannis]

jazz samba! beautiful! funny, was just listening to it last night!! what a fantastic open sound album. and of course the classic Gilberto/Getz album is mandatory if you really want to check your speakers! no one sang or will ever sing like the master joao gilberto. and .... zeppelin...well! for me it was, and still is: zeppelin III; sublime.

[@laurelhardy4064]

I have always found Dynaudio speakers to be very balance and neutral sounding, if you are in a position that you can't listen to the speakers before buying them, then Dynaudio speakers would be a safe bet, if only all the recordings in the world were neutral sounding too.

[@thhall459]

Thank you for the Stan Getz Charlie Byrd Jazz Samba recording! I would never have known about this lovely album if I weren't watching you!

[@jeffreypicciolo7706]

Hi Steve- Another great review, I'd like to add on to Andrew Forsythe's comment. It would be really interesting to hear your comments on what you get (sound refinement wise) for 9 times the price compared to (which I own) Klipsch RP600.

[@rickc661]

or, for less than half, KEF R3

[@Skyshakerrrr]

Kef r3 are only good for their price but they can not run with sp40 let alone the higher lines of dynaudio.

[@LP-gs3xj]

Stunning is an understatement. Getz record is a must have

[@jasvindersingh3234]

Thank you for the playlist great choices. Congratulations

[@liamo4]

Great review Steve. Thanks.

[@henriksrensen3220]

I auditioned this speaker against the audiovector r1 arrete. The audiovector whiped the floor with the dynaudio. The Dynaudio has more bass output and goes deeper. But the audiovector has got a beautiful open midrange, and detailed but sweet tweeter. And the audiovector has got a fantastic soundstage.

[@michaelmityok1001]

If the Dynaudio bass output is more authoritative then the Audiovector cannot be said to "wipe the floor" with the Dynaudio. I have heard both speakers and they have relative strengths and weaknesses, but just like all speakers it depends on what you prefer. One thing you rarely hear reviewers mention is resale value - and on this parameter the Dynaudio wins hands down in the North American resale market.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@michaelmityok1001 in my room the bass output of the dynaudio was too much. The audiovector definitely has a much more airy and open sound, also better transparency. Resale value here in denmark is the same for both speakers.

[@1wired4sound]

Dyns are great speakers, I used to have a pair. I’d really like to see a review of the Aerial Acoustics T series.

[@jdrakos54]

Steve you’re right that Stan Getz album sounds incredible. Really glad you helped me discover this one. Thank!

[@tomchan2559]

A Chinese company from PRC bought the majority shares of Dynaudio in 2014. They still made in Denmark. The distribution channels has changed recently. Some said the speakers are not as detailed as before.

[@berndmevers]

Love my Dynaudio Special 25 - with the Horch 3.0 amp.

[@frederickjones4185]

Loved this review. Review the speakers, review the records, review the amps! This is what audiophilia is all about. Led Zeppelin II is an interesting test case ... it is one of the most compressed records that I know of (in the original CD transfer at least) and yet sounds wonderful and is a great test for speakers because the duty factor is nearly 100%!

[@RBtoobsalot]

I have a pair of Countour 30's. And what they lack in impact they make up for in clarity. I have yet to hear a speaker that can quite capture the vocal range and feel of the Countour series. Looking forward to comparing my speakers with the updated i series.

[@morespinach9832]

Impact as in bass? Subwoofers maybe? But then Contour 20i with Sub6..

[@RBtoobsalot]

@@morespinach9832 it was more of an amp problem. Since upgrading my amp from an electrocomoaniet ecd6 to a McIntosh my speakers found that extra feeling of power and authority. The Dyns are a great speaker but they do love their power.

[@morespinach9832]

@@RBtoobsalot which mci did you go for? thanks for this.

[@RBtoobsalot]

​@@morespinach9832 No probs. I got the MA7200. 200 watts per channel.

[@scottrobertson8275]

Agree once I put a McIntosh behind my contour 30’s they really started to show their talents

[@jlmain5777]

$5250 a pair! I just grabbed my heart like Fred Sanford.

[@GrandTrunkWestern85]

🤣🤣🤣

[@rickc661]

yea, and low efficiency - hey anyone got an extra $5 thou for an amp ? oh, there goes my new M'cycle.

[@danny_davis]

You hear that Elizabeth? I’m comin’ to join ya honey! 😀

[@CheekyFest]

so did I. And I dont know who Fred Sanford is / was

[@rickc661]

@@CheekyFest Comedian Red Foxx who had a TV show for a few years, was it mid '70's

[@wilcalint]

RCA Living Stereo, Ampex 300 tape drive, Telefunken U47 mics, LPs are classic. Purchased for $1.50 sounds about right. Takes you back to that sound stage 70-years ago. It's the you are there sound.

[@Davethreshold]

Steve, you should try these with the sub that you just reviewed! I have always LOVED Dynaudio. Back in my speaker building days, a combo of their D-28-II and D-21 tweets sounded superb, and would blast! The D-21 went up to about -7 DB at 40K!

[@higurashinerd]

Steve said go big, so I did! MY first entry buy was a pair of klip. RP820Fs. You don't really need a sub in a small room with those 8" drivers!

[@walterkasper467]

Most concerts do come through high power high distortion speakers. Classical concerts do not. Most jazz comes through a pa. High power high distortion. Most recordings are electronic in nature mixing through consoles that add glue to the mix . 50 Years of playing and recording. Just my take. Love those speakers. And as usual thanks for the great reviews very informative and interesting!!!!

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

Very nice speakers, that finish would be a fingerprint and dust magnet.

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

@Fat Rat yeah, good call, the things we do for music, its worth it

[@bobb.9917]

That's why mind are white! 😎

[@Joker-ig8im]

Speaking of HIFI experiences that put you right there in the room. I have lived in New York and a few other urban environments close to street level. I presently am living on a quiet little street on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I have a second audio system in my bedroom that I watch most of my KZbin content on which consists of a laptop on the nightstand next to a California King sized bed. I have four speakers, each set equal distances from each corner of the bed and two 10" powered subwoofers set up in stereo where the right channel only plays on the right sub and the left channel only plays on the left sub under the bed. I was watching this video just now and right at the time stamp of 8:39 I heard the car horn blare from the street outside of Mr. Guttenberg's New York apartment that played out of both channels but mostly the right channel out of my system and I jumped out of bed and ran to look out of the window to see who was making such a racket outside. I had to play it back again a few times to figure out what was going on. I'm pretty sure I learned the subwoofer in stereo trick from this channel.

[@mikrophonie5633]

I think there's a big Incredible String Band influence on Their Satanic Majesties Request. Sing This All Together, for example, really sounds like what ISB were doing on things like The 5000 Spirits or The Layers of the Onion.

[@jasonvandermeer354]

I’ve got a pair of evoke 20s which work great for me although Steve has me wondering about the contour series now..

[@michaelmityok1001]

great speakers and less than 50% of the Contour 20s

[@Cooliewhistles]

Special 40 are great and can be had five around 2k. Definitely better than evoke

[@anuragmathur4358]

I understand comments about the price being an issue. Having just got a pair of Dynaudio Contour 60 hooked up to Simaudio Moon 700i, I understand everything Steve is talking about. I came from Klipsch KLF30 paired with McIntosh pre and mono block amps. The sound difference is nigh and day and so is the price. Its like comparing a Corvette to a Porsche 911.....both are fantastic but only one is the perfect drivers car....but you have to dish out more hard earned $$$$ to get that experience.

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

Nice system, congrats, dire straits played at full volume, your in the stadium I bet

[@meghasavan]

@@bhupendraparekh6225 yes everything sounds smooth

[@meghasavan]

@Car Guy daddyo it’s a fantastic paring. You would think they are from the same company.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Listen to Robert Rich - Erasing Traces at high volume, you will get chills, and transported in time and space

[@adrianegowski5012]

I think Esotar is both the greatest strength and greatest weakness of this speaker. It is smooth and pleasant but sometimes it lacks of sharpness which over long term is a bit boring for me...

[@Niels133]

Nice that you like the very underrated TTSMR of The Stones.

[@davidbishop1570]

Steve, another enjoyable review and thanks for reminding me about that Stan Getz album, I pulled mine out and gave it a listen through my new AR VSi75 tube integrated; what a truly wonderful experience! Cheers, Dave from Vancouver Island.

[@petez4608]

Always wanted to see the The Cure For Wellness. Good reminder. It’s creepy movie season.

[@darthgetoffmylawn389]

Those $5k Dynaudio bookshelfs are true Audiophiliac porn.

[@andreasmoller9798]

Never heard much of Dynaudio buy going to give them more a listen when i upgrade

[@vesnavoss2673]

Moin Andreas I had B&W CM10S2 with Arcam 39, Sudgen A21, Marantz, PS Audio mono's... Dynaudio is just a different league, they do need proper amplification - Hegel 390 makes them sing

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@vesnavoss2673 Nice i went with b&w 702 s2 and i am happy with the sound so much detail and clarity, and that was made me choise them, i have hegel h190 but planning to buy h390 in 2 years, dynaudio is also very good listen to a few in the same price range, both have their stregths and weaknesses, dynaudio was too laid back for my preferences, i like the sound little more forward, i thought dynaudio was amazing in the bass

[@toneswinger]

Some of those 50's and 60's records from artists like Frank Sinatra Ella Fitzgerald and.Nat King Cole sound so amazing better than some records that recorded today. Dynaudio is me favourite brand got a pair emit M20 and they sound amazing with a good amp with huge dynamics. A vintage nad 3300

[@hirammarquez4489]

I own the Special 40. Would the Contour 20i be a significant upgrade?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No

[@Maxiinti]

👍 it is an upgrade at least bass and the tweeter but burnin time is 200 to 300 then it’s magical time

[@dudemastermaster8944]

The 20i will be the more refined speaker. It won’t have the uncontrolled bass Problem the special40 has.

[@willbrink]

Not heard that speaker, but there's always been something about the dynauadio sound that just didn't do it for me. Always find it lean and antiseptic, and not involving. I also feel they're over priced. I listened to the Special 40 and compared to the ATC SCM 19 v2 for a little more $, I thought the ATC far better all around.

[@carlosbauza1139]

The feeling of "large image size" in Klipsch, versus small image in X alternatives may not originate in cabinet / driver size! Image size may be due to control of resonances. The Large Klipsch Box & WOOFer may be resonating more than the Dynaudio...ie- adding cabinet/driver sound to the recorded source.

[@roberte.andrews4621]

A speaker is a machine to move air and at the same time do it accurately, in terms of frequencies and dynamics. Large, efficient speakers move more air and because they do not put strain on the amplifier at high sound pressure levels, produce less distortion. An analogy might be the large displacement auto engine with many cylinders, as opposed to a small four cylinder engine. One only idles at moderate levels of speed, while the other has to crank out many revolutions to keep abreast. In amplifiers, the higher the output the higher the distortions. When you hear a live group perform they are moving a lot of air. Even my big studio monitors cannot totally replicate this "in your face" presence, but come close!

[@Maxiinti]

I just have to leave a comment don’t forget to register your Dynaudio speakers because you can get eight years of warranty

[@kabes-us]

Did you like these better than the Harbeth’s? Why/why not?

[@ReflectedMiles]

Of course, you can get sizable pro-series JBL studio monitors used for less money, and which consumer-Dyna's like these will sound silly next to if real-world accuracy and range are the highest priorities. If speakers-as-another-instrument is the ideal, then of course spending 5-grand plus on a stand-mount with a 7-inch driver will always make sense.

[@MrSathishkumar1981]

Dear Steve, I have LS50 meta with Denon PMA 600NE. Would you see much significance sound quality difference between Meta vs Contour 20i??

[@Rayradityaa]

I think you have upgrade your integrated first. Im using pma 2020ae for special 40.i use ls50 non meta version and its a different league for me. Dont have idea about contour 20i.

[@EnpuerKT]

I just listened to Explorations in space and time recommended by you. Sounds neat, I wonder if you have videos suggesting cool music?

[@peterwood2633]

It's sort of that leap of faith isn't it, to get excellent book shelves Vs a floorstander that is perhaps compromised in some way. More and more am wanting to own some Dyns!

[@exif6839]

Perfect combination with Yamaha A-S3200 😁

[@morespinach9832]

Great review. How would these sound with tube amps like Raven Audio Blackhawk?

[@Lilas_Life13]

Other reviews of this speaker and its ancestors, the Contour S1.4 (which I have) have suggested that they can be finicky with placement. I too have found that yo be the case although my room is far less than perfect. Curious how you found set-up with these.

[@Freedom89984]

I can grab a set of used (but as new) Contours of the old 20 series for $2300. I guess that’s a good price for this set, isn’t it?

[@klaymoon1]

Dynaudio Core 59 is also very appealing because it's active. Hopefully, they send you Core 59 for review as well.

[@morespinach9832]

Way too bland for most music as they are monitors. I’d recommend the Focus XD 20. Beautiful pair snd no fussing with cables and amps.

[@roymindmybusiness6908]

Satanic majesties was a favourite of mine -even bought the SACD

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

I bought Evoke 50 instead of Contour 20 (not the i model). For me the choice were between Contour 30 and Evoke 50 rather. Contour 20 sounds like a bookshelf. Which is why I turned it down.

[@jakubknapik4539]

Could I ask how big is Your room and what is your amp?

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

@@jakubknapik4539 My room is 4x5.5m2 with 2.5 meter ceiling. I have Hegel H390 as amplifier. And I also have two Rel T9i subwoofers. So the room is smallish medium sized room.

[@jakubknapik4539]

@@oysteinsoreide4323 Thank You so much! Why do I ask? I have exactly the same room size, and I did try the Evoke 50 with my Naim Unity Nova at the dealers, and in a bigger , treated room we had to cover the bass reflex totally to tone the bass down. I am super concerned about my room with Nova and Evoke. 2 questions, what do You amp it with? DO You miss the reverbs in the sound? I noticed the lovely smoothness and stage but a lot of missing reverbs with my nova.. maybe cables could help? I think the setup and Bass perception is mostly what I am trying to ask about:)

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

@@jakubknapik4539 I have used the foam on the bass ports on my speakers.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

@@jakubknapik4539 I have not a treated room, but it's well furnished so the reverbs are not very bad. The sound is very good in my room.

[@kennethward4985]

This one reminds me of the Sony SSK-30ED. similar shape and amazing sound. Plus 4 more Db than this. Sony's experiment into "high end" 15 years ago failed, I guess because nobody in big box stores wanted to pay $329. for a bookshelf.

[@ginopagnani7286]

This is off topic Steve but will you be reviewing the new Shiit turntable?

[@stephencosta6814]

💕❤️😍👍👌😞 I just love watching your video reviews Steve seriously you can review a cheeseburger and I will watch the entire 30-minute video🤔🤔 describe the sound so wonderfully I felt like I'm hearing them and know what they sound like already they are they are way out of my price budget but it's always nice to dream someday someway anyways happy Halloween we are going to have a blue moon the first in 75 years try to stay spooky tomorrow peace out lock joy and happiness always a big fan Steve Costello 🦇 👻🦉🕸️🖤🖤🎃🎃

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Steve!

[@rickybobby890]

I miss records. Way before the current cicada music. Also I miss Dynaudio... wish they still sold drivers.

[@hansv7377]

Great channel, great album (Jazz Samba) and great speakers. I am auditioning a pair in my house at the moment, paired with Accuphase E-270 and Bluesound NODE 2i. I just did a side-by-side comparison with the new Heritage Specials with my hifi guy, but I'm going for the Contour 20i. Not enough difference to justify the extra money and I didn't like the retro looks.

[@jeffkalina7727]

So which way would you personally prefer to listen- XP 30 or Cary 98?

[@soundhead18]

Love A Cure for Wellness!

[@joybrucebruce3377]

Where are they made?

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

How is this compared to the B&W 805d3? Can the dyns be powered by a 70w x 2 tube poweramp (primaluna evo)

[@hshirbiny]

Ignoring the price difference for a minute, Compared to the ls50 meta what do you get and what do you lose with each particularly in terms clarity, articulation , accurate tone , and following the rhythm of a song?

[@michaelmityok1001]

Good point, I bet the difference is marginal and driven by taste, except really only in the bass, which can be augmented by a sub.

[@yomama5785]

Less shrill, more warm, fuller bass and real imaging. There is no comparison. LS50 gets a lot of hype; anyone can go to best buy and listen, but its not a very good speaker by audiophlie standards IMO. An evoke or even excite bookshelf is a better speaker than a ls50. A contour will be a really big improvement. You need to power these speakers though, sorry ,Steve 30w is not enough, shame on you! You need at least 2-300w for most dynaudios, even bookshelfs. I've owned dozens of pairs of Dyns over the years. Outlaw audio (esp monoblocks) is a good entry level pairing.

[@klaymoon1]

Can you please demo Magico A1? I think it's the bookshelf to beat under 10k. I always liked Dynaudio, but they just never scream a value. Magico A1 on the other hand, I see the value even though Magico is more expensive.

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

Go with Sonus Faber, get yourself a legendary speakers.

[@klaymoon1]

@@bhupendraparekh6225 Personally, I never liked Sonus Faber. Across the range, too warm for me. I also find McIntosh to be too warm. I guess their brands (they are the same company) do not work for my taste.

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

@@klaymoon1 fair enough, haven't heard any magicos, very expensive and rare in the UK. But remember a while back reading about magico mini 2, they were magnificent looking monitor, with a classic style. New magicos look very much like studio monitors. Best of luck anyway, speaker hunting is fun.

[@mr.george7687]

Hey Steve, How about a video w/ recordings w/ the best soundstage. Would love to put my system to the test of soundstaging!

[@lyndonramchatesingh105]

Hi Steve would u say also dynaudio 20i evoke 10 is it better than oberon 3

[@robertm8518]

I heard these need a very long break in time. How long did you run them before your review?

[@arunhembram1859]

How was your experience?

[@kohnfutner9637]

Dynaudio is made in house in Denmark. I'm glad to know they kept the price down by selling to us fuctory direct. 😏

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I didn't buy the speaker, I reviewed them, and returned them. I do around 100 reviews a year, you think I can keep all this stuff?!?

[@kohnfutner9637]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac no sir please don't get mad just mocking the price. I have sincere respect for you. If not for you I wouldn't have my Klipsch system that I love so much.

[@noone-cf2zo]

Could you provide more detail on the Getz record?

[@awdadwadwad1723]

I had normal 20 without "i" and it is all he says, but this speaker somehow doesn't have a soul, it plays very good but there is something missing. I tried it with class A, with tubes and d amp. Plays very nice, but without character. I can think of many other brands I would get for that money

[@awdadwadwad1723]

@Car Guy daddyo I think it is about timbre and decay. Acoustic instruments like guitar, violin, contrabass etc. they all are thin walled and when you knock on them you hear a lot of "something", but when you play them it sounds just beautiful. One of highest regarded speakers on the planet are Harbeth, Audio Note, Proac, Devore. They all are thin walled. Sound reproduction through them has almost perfect timre and decay. Contours are built like a tank, you knock on them you hear nearly nothing. I could happily live with any of mentioned on the beginning, but not with Contour, Magico, B&W etc. - but I admit they are good nevertheless. So I don't think I am chasing something non-existing, because the same characteristic I mentioned above has my Odeon Otello.

[@Finn-McCool]

9:07 "Santanic request" LoL Carlos Santana asked the Queen of England to convince Charlie Watts to come play drums with himself and Neil Schon. HAHA It could happen. -✌🏼

[@d.nakamura9579]

Late to the party here - anyone know how the bass extension of these compares to the KEF Reference 1? Specs are similar

[@alexstewart8097]

Do you mean , you liked the baby version ...? I am glad that you still liked the 7.1 tweeter though. But aren't the dynas and the birds related in the first place...? And at 5250 bucks , clearly not quite Bernie's Scandinavian socialism (unless they come included when you pay your taxes...). I am glad you are relaxed , and that you listened to Getz, Mancini and those cats' great music from vintage years...For sure their music had class back then, without them being excessively puffed up. The Stones are altogether something else..."Grandpa are you Spanish...?". Love the "Malaguena" myself in many of the guitar versions out there ; including the very unique and wonderful Roy Clark's version, of course. Great stuff!!! .

[@ryousuketakahashi5038]

Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN :D

[@bobb.9917]

....but have you listened to The Contour 20is? 😎