Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The Dynaudio Heritage Special ranks #29, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000, $2,999.98 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Reference 1 Meta is the more accurate pick. Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.48 against 4.32 for the Dynaudio Heritage Special. Watch for: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3.
The case for the Dynaudio Heritage Special: A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. The tradeoff: 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 KEF Reference 1 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,999.98 you would save on the Dynaudio Heritage Special does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Reference 1 Meta | Dynaudio Heritage Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9999.98 per pair | $7,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm) | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.48 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.29 | 6.33 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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