Dynaudio Contour 20i Review

We’ve long been fans of Dynaudio’s Contour 20i stand mounters. Their combination of a muscular and communicative sound we have a tendency toll as|plus|in addition to|let alone|not to mention} fine build created them a firm recommendation at the price. This latest Contour 20i version builds on those solid foundations while not fixing the basics of a good product.

Look past the spectacular sonic authority and scale and you’ll find that these Dynaudios capture loads of detail, quite we bear in mind for the first-generation model. they provide class-leading insight, chase delicate instrumental strands with ease, and render sonic textures super.

Dynamic nuances are resolved with appreciable skill.

 Dynaudio Contour 20i Book Shelf Speakers

We’ve long been fans of Dynaudio’s Contour 20i stand mounters. Their combination of a muscular and communicatory sound including fine build created them a firm recommendation at the price. This latest Contour 20i version aims to form on those solid foundations whereas not sterilization the fundamentals of an honest product. On the surface, very little appears to possess modified between the 2 generations of Contour 20s. Indeed, compare the headline specifications and therefore they’re just about identical. begin to seem nearer and the variations between the two emerge.

Build

One of the highlights is the revised Esotar speaker. This new twenty version still uses the corporate’s usual 28mm material dome, however abundant has modified behind it. currently, there’s a bigger chamber for the dome’s rear-firing sound to urge absorbed in, and at its entrance is what the company calls a Hexis inner dome. 

This mounted dome structure helps to manage the flow of air behind the moving diaphragm and, besides the larger chamber, is claimed to scale back distortion and provides the tweeter a smoother, blandish frequency response. different changes for this updated Contour twenty are a revised suspension for the 18cm MSP (Magnesium conductor Polypropylene) mid/bass associate degreed a neater crossover network, as a result of the improved drive units. The crossover purpose remains unchanged at 2.2 kHz, which could be a pretty typical price for speakers of this type.

The Contour’s nominal electrical phenomenon is rated at 4ohms. whereas this might build these speakers seem like a tricky electrical load, that’s not the case. Dynaudio Contour 20i tends to engineer its product with comparatively flat impedance curves, creating them kinder than the specs indicate. Even so, we’d still advocate electronic equipment with a touch of grunt if you wish to get the most effective out of them.

The 20i’s 44cm tall cupboard remains unchanged from the previous generation, and that’s no dangerous thing. Like most rivals, it uses MDF however here the rear panel is 38mm thick and is coupled to 16mm sides. There’s in-depth bracing to regulate resonances and improve stiffness.

That front panel could be a mixture of a 14mm aluminum panel lined with 16mm MDF – a mix that leads to a rigid and well-damped platform for the drive units to figure from. the sole variations from before are revised internal damping and smarter modes. There are 3 finish options; high gloss black, walnut, and high gloss gray oak.

Compatibility

Any speaker at this level demands a proficient system and also the Contour 20is isn't any different. we predict the blank minimum are a few things like Naim’s SuperNait three (£3500, $4299, AU$8000) or Rega’s Aethos integrated amps (£2999, $4000, AU$5999) with a comparable source. But, if you actually wish to listen to what these Dynaudios can do, you’ll need additional sonically capable electronics, which can price so much more.

we have a tendency to use our usual reference setup for this test. That’s Naim’s ND555/555 note DR music streamer and the SL-1000R machine from Technics, partnered with Burmester’s 088/911 Mk3 pre/power combo.

Don’t choose these speakers straight from the box. they have your time to settle, however, once they are doing you’ll be greeted with an amazingly capable performance. The character of the sound hasn’t shifted powerfully from the last generation but there are enhancements across the board. It’s a clearer, additional precise, and communicative performance.

Sound

We begin with Hans Zimmer’s densely created heavenly body OST associate degreed these Dynaudios make sense at home. Their bass output grabs our attention first. It’s imposingly powerful with means} of weight and punches that appear out of keeping with a box of this size. Yet, despite this made and tasteful approach to lows, these boxes still have enough within the way of lightness and musicalness to satisfy.

The sheer amount of low frequencies these speakers manufacture may well be a drag if you utilize them with electronic equipment that has poor bass control, or if you place the Contours while not care.

In either case, you may find yourself with overblown lows which will dominate the remainder of the frequency range. the corporate provides foam plugs for the big rear-firing reflex ports to assist with compromised placement - up against a rear wall, for instance. however victimization these are extremely abundant a fix instead of a cure.

Look past the spectacular sonic authority and scale and you’ll find that these Dynaudios search out tons of detail, quite we tend to keep in mind for the first-generation model. they provide class-leading insight, pursuit delicate instrumental strands with ease, and render sonic textures superbly. Dynamic nuances are resolved with extensive skill.

however hear a track admire Mountains and you’ll realize that these speakers are equally happy to report the massive dynamic swings, delivering every crescendo with enthusiasm and a powerful quantity of composure. you'll drive these boxes to high volume levels and that they refuse to harden up or sound stressed within the manner some rivals can. Tonally, they’re sleek and even. These are the type of speakers which will not wow on a brief listen, but offer them time and you’ll realize their formidable vary of abilities becomes additional obvious.

Stereo imaging is good. while not matching the dimensions of Bowers & Wilkins’ 805 D3s, these Dynaudios still manage to line up a pleasingly expansive and well-focused soundstage. Instruments sound stable and stay secured in position, even once the piece becomes busy, that is not any mean feat.

you'll add refinement to the list of points too. Given the demo-like quality of Bruce Springsteen’s Terry’s Song, the Dynaudio strikes a wonderful balance between showing the rough edges of the recording and still leasing North American country get pleasure from the raw emotions of the track. 

The Contours are skillful at ligature along musical strands and creating them work well together. we tend to hear a range of tracks from the likes of Kate Bush’s observation You while not Pine Tree State and Major Lazer’s Pon the ground and every time these speakers be of the music superbly.

These tracks conjointly highlight the 20i’s cadent drive and skill to convey the dynamical momentum of the music. If you wish speakers that get to the center of the music instead of simply playing the proper notes, these Dynaudios be a high place on your shortlist.

Verdict

There’s no shortage of proficient rivals for these Dynaudio's. the plain contenders are KEF’s Reference 1s and B&W’s 805 D3s. each of those are wonderful performers and be a significant audition. The KEFs are imposingly clear and deliver even a lot of within the manner of bass authority because of a passionate driver, whereas the B&Ws have sweet pretty highs and provide a powerful degree of resolution.

Yet, these Dynaudios hold their own even against such formidable opposition. They’re more danceable than either and conjointly edge ahead once it involves musical cohesion. Let’s not forget that they worth not up to every – that makes the Contour 20is a decent render of our book.

Dynaudio Contour 20i SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker terminals: Single | Frequency response: 39-23,000Hz | Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m | Dimensions (hwd): 44 x 21.5 x 36cm

Pros

Composed and muscular sound

Excellent detail resolution

Pleasing rhythm and dynamics

Cons

Needs care in positioning

Amp must have some grunt