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 Special Forty ranks #148, rated 3.5/5, at $3,600, $3,599 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, 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 measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.73 for the Dynaudio Special Forty. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 54Hz for the Dynaudio Special Forty. 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).
The case for the Dynaudio Special Forty: Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet. The catch: A glaring, sometimes sibilant quality around 3-4kHz was the most noticeable issue in listening, the one thing the reviewer would want notched out with EQ.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,599 saving on the Dynaudio Special Forty is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full 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.
Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet.
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 Special Forty | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $3600 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #148 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 14.1”H x 7.7”W x 12.1”D (358.1 x 195.6 x 307.3 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 5.9” MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cone woofer, 1” Esotar soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 6.74 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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