Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special for better sound quality, the JBL HDI-1600 for the lower price. The Dynaudio Heritage Special ranks #26 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $7000. The JBL HDI-1600 ranks #39 at $1980, $5020 cheaper.
What the Dynaudio Heritage Special offers: One of the rare cases where the reviewer measured a speaker as flawed but still genuinely enjoyed listening to it. Watch for: 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.
On the JBL HDI-1600 side: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. The tradeoff: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance.
Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL HDI-1600 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Heritage Special | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,000 | $1980 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #26 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.2"H x 8.2"W x 12.6"D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs / 11 kg (24.25 lbs) each | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes (limited run of 2,500 pairs) | Yes |
| Country of Origin | Denmark | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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- KEF R3 vs Dynaudio Heritage Special
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio Heritage Special: $7,000 Safe and Sound HQ
Pros: One of the rare cases where the reviewer measured a speaker as flawed but still genuinely enjoyed listening to it. A massive 4” voice coil on the midwoofer gives it exceptional output capability for a bookshelf speaker - averaged 100dB at 3.5 meters with no audible mechanical noise, port chuffing, or woofer bottoming even when deliberately pushed hard. Bass is very robust and doesn’t noticeably give up output as volume increases, staying solid at both low and high listening levels. Big, well-proportioned soundstage - wide without losing image focus. Limited run of 2,500 pairs with genuine collectible/heritage value; the tweeter (Esotar 3) and midwoofer both use premium Dynaudio-made drivers with an unusually wide, stout voice coil.
Cons: 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. A degree of “softness” in the upper mid-range. Selective sibilance in the 4-6kHz treble region that shows up on some tracks but not others, which the reviewer found mildly aggravating and would want to EQ down given the choice. Neither the tweeter nor the woofer is fully flush-mounted to the baffle, likely intentional as part of the heritage-styled look, but the reviewer wonders how much this affected linearity. At $7,000/pair MSRP (and a discontinued limited run, so used/open-box pricing around $5,000/pair is about the best you’ll do now), this is a serious investment for a bookshelf speaker.
Full Dynaudio Heritage Special review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country of Origin | Denmark |
| Dimensions | 15.2"H x 8.2"W x 12.6"D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes (limited run of 2,500 pairs) |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs / 11 kg (24.25 lbs) each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs Wharfedale Linton 85
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs Wharfedale Super Linton
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs Arendal 1528 Monitor 8
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs Revel M126Be
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs ELAC VELA BS 403
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs KEF R3
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs ELAC DB63
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs Wharfedale Aura 2
- See all 10 comparisons
JBL HDI-1600: $1980 Discontinued Crutchfield
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve.
Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons