Short answer: the Perlisten S4b for better sound quality, the Dynaudio Contour 20i for the lower price. The Perlisten S4b ranks #2 of 130 bookshelf speakers at $8000. The Dynaudio Contour 20i ranks #60 at $5750, $2250 cheaper.
What the Perlisten S4b offers: Reference-grade directivity and output from a compact sealed monitor. Erin called its radiation behavior the smoothest he had measured: Perlisten’s DPC array (beryllium tweeter between two midrange domes) shapes vertical output while transitioning cleanly to the 7-inch woofer. Harmonic distortion remains below 1% at 86dB and, above 100Hz, also below 1% at 96dB; compression is exceptionally low. The response is highly linear, the midrange was a listening highlight, and the sealed F10 of 40Hz provides a predictable slope for subwoofer integration. Watch for: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification. Its 78Hz F3 means a subwoofer is effectively mandatory for full-range listening despite the 40Hz F10. A roughly +3dB feature around 10kHz appears on-axis, though Erin did not find it objectionable. Price is extreme for a stand-mount and the tightly managed vertical radiation makes correct stand height important.
What the Dynaudio Contour 20i offers: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. A shallow bass rolloff profile lets it sit closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet worked best in testing) without becoming boomy, and makes subwoofer integration comparatively easy. Very wide horizontal radiation (about ±70° through the midrange) gives an enveloping, spacious sound in a suitably sized room. On-axis response holds within about ±3dB overall and ±1.5dB through the midrange. Attractive build quality with a distinctive metal front baffle and gloss finish options. Long-term compression stays good up to 96dB, and short-term compression is within about 0.5dB at that same level. Watch for: 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. A roughly 2dB lift in the lower treble combined with wide dispersion means more energy reflecting off sidewalls than some listeners will prefer. Relatively low sensitivity (about 82.5dB measured). Unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance - high-output-impedance amps like tube or SET designs introduce up to a 2dB dip in the midrange, making the sound more mellow rather than “warmer,” the opposite of what many tube-amp buyers expect. Elevated harmonic and multitone distortion around 700Hz, which the reviewer attributes to typical cone-edge/surround behavior common across many driver brands, though it stands out on the measurement graphs. An upper-midrange dip around 2kHz can reduce attack and clarity on vocals and brass instruments. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow (roughly -20° to +30°) - moving outside that range causes a noticeable tonal shift, unlike coaxial designs that tolerate more vertical movement.
Buy the Perlisten S4b if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Dynaudio Contour 20i if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten S4b | Dynaudio Contour 20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,000 per pair | $5750 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 56Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Impedance | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Drivers | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7" woofer | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 9.4"W x 7.3"D | 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 |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 | - |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Perlisten S4b: $8,000 per pair Perlisten Dealer Locator eBay
Pros: Reference-grade directivity and output from a compact sealed monitor. Erin called its radiation behavior the smoothest he had measured: Perlisten’s DPC array (beryllium tweeter between two midrange domes) shapes vertical output while transitioning cleanly to the 7-inch woofer. Harmonic distortion remains below 1% at 86dB and, above 100Hz, also below 1% at 96dB; compression is exceptionally low. The response is highly linear, the midrange was a listening highlight, and the sealed F10 of 40Hz provides a predictable slope for subwoofer integration. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.5dB.
Cons: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification. Its 78Hz F3 means a subwoofer is effectively mandatory for full-range listening despite the 40Hz F10. A roughly +3dB feature around 10kHz appears on-axis, though Erin did not find it objectionable. Price is extreme for a stand-mount and the tightly managed vertical radiation makes correct stand height important.
Full Perlisten S4b review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 9.4"W x 7.3"D |
| Drivers | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7" woofer |
| Impedance | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Dynaudio Contour 20i: $5750 per pair Safeandsoundhq eBay
Pros: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. A shallow bass rolloff profile lets it sit closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet worked best in testing) without becoming boomy, and makes subwoofer integration comparatively easy. Very wide horizontal radiation (about ±70° through the midrange) gives an enveloping, spacious sound in a suitably sized room. On-axis response holds within about ±3dB overall and ±1.5dB through the midrange. Attractive build quality with a distinctive metal front baffle and gloss finish options. Long-term compression stays good up to 96dB, and short-term compression is within about 0.5dB at that same level. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. A roughly 2dB lift in the lower treble combined with wide dispersion means more energy reflecting off sidewalls than some listeners will prefer. Relatively low sensitivity (about 82.5dB measured). Unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance - high-output-impedance amps like tube or SET designs introduce up to a 2dB dip in the midrange, making the sound more mellow rather than “warmer,” the opposite of what many tube-amp buyers expect. Elevated harmonic and multitone distortion around 700Hz, which the reviewer attributes to typical cone-edge/surround behavior common across many driver brands, though it stands out on the measurement graphs. An upper-midrange dip around 2kHz can reduce attack and clarity on vocals and brass instruments. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow (roughly -20° to +30°) - moving outside that range causes a noticeable tonal shift, unlike coaxial designs that tolerate more vertical movement.
Full Dynaudio Contour 20i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.4"H x 8.5"W x 14.2"D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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