Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000. The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, at $2,000, $5,000 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Dynaudio Heritage Special is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator. 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.
What the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator does well: A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. The catch: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $5,000 you would save on the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator does not close the gap.
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.
A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Heritage Special | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,000 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | Denmark | Italy (Vicenza) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | Bass reflex, ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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