Dynaudio Elevates Contour 20 with the Black Edition
Dynaudio has elevated its acclaimed Contour 20 bookshelf speakers with the introduction of the Contour 20 Black Edition. Building on the success of the Contour 20i, which was celebrated as the best bookshelf speaker in 2017 and 2018, the Black Edition incorporates significant technical enhancements inspired by the higher-end Confidence series. Priced at £5,960 per pair, this model bridges the gap between the Contour 20i and the Confidence 20, offering audiophiles a refined option without the premium cost of the flagship range.
A standout improvement in the Contour 20 Black Edition is the transition to the Esotar 3 tweeter, previously exclusive to the Confidence series. This upgrade enhances high-frequency clarity, delivering a more detailed and open soundstage. The mid-bass performance benefits from a new neodymium magnet in the magnesium silicate polymer driver, paired with an extended voice coil winding. These advancements result in increased sensitivity and precision imaging, ensuring accurate placement of instruments and vocals within the soundscape.
The speaker's internal architecture has been meticulously refined, featuring a newly designed crossover that utilizes high-end Mundorf capacitors and resistors, a larger air coil, and Van den Hul cables. This second-order crossover at 3.6kHz facilitates a seamless handoff between drivers, maintaining phase accuracy and minimizing distortions. Additionally, the dual-flare port design optimizes airflow, improving bass response while reducing unwanted resonance.
Aesthetic refinements are equally notable, with the Black Edition sporting an all-black finish across the cabinet, woofer basket, tweeter front plate, and aluminum baffle. This sleek design not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes to the reduction of vibrational artifacts, ensuring a cleaner auditory experience. The incorporation of the Hexis dimpled dome further smooths the tweeter's frequency response, mitigating potential resonances.
For those seeking a high-performance speaker that integrates seamlessly with premium audio systems, the Contour 20 Black Edition stands out as a compelling choice. Its blend of advanced components, refined craftsmanship, and competitive pricing positions it as a formidable option in the luxury bookshelf speaker market.
