Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Dynaudio Emit 20 ranks #133, rated 3.6/5, at $1,049, $2,581 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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.
The GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding choice. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. Watch for: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $2,581 with the Dynaudio Emit 20 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Emit 20 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #133 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 87dB |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm) | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.22 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.92 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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