Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3. It ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Dynaudio Contour 20i ranks #96, rated 3.9/5, at $5,750, $1,449 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 56Hz for the Dynaudio Contour 20i. Watch for: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Why pick the Dynaudio Contour 20i: Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall. Watch for: Notably room-dependent: sounds too bright in the lower treble in smaller rooms with close sidewalls, needing sidewall absorption to sound neutral, while performing better in larger or more open rooms without that treatment.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,449 saving on the Dynaudio Contour 20i is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Dynaudio Contour 20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $5750 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #96 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported, rear |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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