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 Special Forty ranks #148, rated 3.5/5, at $3,600, $3,400 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Dynaudio Special Forty: Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet. Watch for: A glaring, sometimes sibilant quality around 3-4kHz was the most noticeable issue in listening, the one thing the reviewer would want notched out with EQ.
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. 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.
Buy the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $3,400 with the Dynaudio Special Forty does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Premium bookshelf speakers with strong output, wide dispersion and fairly deep bass from a compact rear ported cabinet.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Special Forty | Dynaudio Heritage Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3600 per pair | $7,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #148 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 7.7”W x 12.1”D (358.1 x 195.6 x 307.3 mm) | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 5.9” MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cone woofer, 1” Esotar soft dome tweeter | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.73 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.74 | 6.33 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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