Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000. The Dynaudio Contour 20i ranks #96, rated 3.9/5, at $5,750, $1,250 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Dynaudio Heritage Special is the better-sounding choice. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. The catch: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
What the Dynaudio Contour 20i does well: Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall. The catch: 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.
Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,250 saving on the Dynaudio Contour 20i is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
Beautifully built bookshelf speakers with wide, spacious sound, clean output at high volume, and bass that blends easily near a wall.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Heritage Special | Dynaudio Contour 20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,000 per pair | $5750 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #96 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) | 17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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