Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50 for better sound quality, the Dynaudio Emit 20 for the lower price. The Buchardt Audio E50 ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The Dynaudio Emit 20 ranks #133, rated 3.6/5, at $1,049, $3,551 cheaper.
The Buchardt Audio E50 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.84 against 4.22 for the Dynaudio Emit 20. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 54Hz for the Dynaudio Emit 20. The catch: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
The case for the Dynaudio Emit 20: Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion. Watch for: A resonance around 600-800Hz gives snares and similar percussion a muffled, flat quality lacking impact: confirmed as originating in the woofer itself (isolated via measurements of the raw driver out of the cabinet), and attempts at constrained-layer damping didn’t resolve it.
Buy the Buchardt Audio E50 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dynaudio Emit 20 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion.
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
| Buchardt Audio E50 | Dynaudio Emit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4600 per pair | $1,049.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #133 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm) | 14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators | 7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | ported, rear |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz | - |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 60W - 200W | - |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 | 4.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 5.92 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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