Short answer: the Dynaudio Emit 20. It ranks #133 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $1,049. The HSU Research MFL-6 ranks #166, rated 3.3/5, at $558, $491 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Dynaudio Emit 20 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Bookshelf speakers with unusually deep, low distortion bass for a two-way design and wide, consistent dispersion. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.22 against 2.63 for the HSU Research MFL-6. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the HSU Research MFL-6. The catch: 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 case for the HSU Research MFL-6: An affordable high output bookshelf speaker with a horn loaded tweeter, easy to drive, that can sit on a wall, stand or sideways. Watch for: Its response deviation is substantial and the horn narrows dispersion, so tonal balance and seating coverage are less even than the best conventional monitors.
Buy the Dynaudio Emit 20. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $491 you would save on the HSU Research MFL-6 does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Emit 20 | HSU Research MFL-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 per pair | $558 per pair |
| Ranked | #133 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #166 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter | 1” horn-loaded tweeter, 6.5” paper-cone woofer |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 85.6dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, spinorama.org) |
| 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) | 16H x 8W x 6.25-10.375D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.22 | 2.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.92 | 4.77 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
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