Short answer: the Dynaudio Contour 20i for better sound quality, the Infinity Reference R162 for the lower price. The Dynaudio Contour 20i ranks #45 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $5750. The Infinity Reference R162 ranks #51 at $500, $5250 cheaper.
What the Dynaudio Contour 20i gets right: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. The catch: Notably room-dependent: sounds too bright in the lower treble in smaller rooms with close sidewalls, needing sidewall absorption to sound neutral.
What the Infinity Reference R162 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. Watch for: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point.
Buy the Dynaudio Contour 20i if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Infinity Reference R162 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Contour 20i | Infinity Reference R162 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5750 | $500 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.4"H x 8.5"W x 14.2"D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs / 14 kg each | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio Contour 20i: $5750 Safeandsoundhq
Pros: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. A shallow bass rolloff profile lets it sit closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet worked best in testing) without becoming boomy, and makes subwoofer integration comparatively easy. Very wide horizontal radiation (about ±70° through the midrange) gives an enveloping, spacious sound in a suitably sized room. On-axis response holds within about ±3dB overall and ±1.5dB through the midrange. Attractive build quality with a distinctive metal front baffle and gloss finish options. Long-term compression stays good up to 96dB, and short-term compression is within about 0.5dB at that same level.
Cons: 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. A roughly 2dB lift in the lower treble combined with wide dispersion means more energy reflecting off sidewalls than some listeners will prefer. Relatively low sensitivity (about 82.5dB measured). Unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance - high-output-impedance amps like tube or SET designs introduce up to a 2dB dip in the midrange, making the sound more mellow rather than “warmer,” the opposite of what many tube-amp buyers expect. Elevated harmonic and multitone distortion around 700Hz, which the reviewer attributes to typical cone-edge/surround behavior common across many driver brands, though it stands out on the measurement graphs. An upper-midrange dip around 2kHz can reduce attack and clarity on vocals and brass instruments. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow (roughly -20° to +30°) - moving outside that range causes a noticeable tonal shift, unlike coaxial designs that tolerate more vertical movement.
Full Dynaudio Contour 20i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.4"H x 8.5"W x 14.2"D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs / 14 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs ELAC DBR62
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Danley SH50
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Revel Concerta2 M16
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- See all 10 comparisons
Infinity Reference R162: $500 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity.
Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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