search expand
View Specifications >>

Dynaudio Special Forty Bookshelf Speakers Review

First Impressions

The moment I laid my eyes on my new Dynaudio speakers, I was hit with a wave of excitement. I’d heard so much about these special edition 40s, and I was thrilled to finally have a pair of my own. My previous desktop speakers, the generally well-reviewed KEF LS50, were good, but I knew from the outset that I wouldn’t be 100% satisfied until I owned the Dynaudio Special 40 speakers. These sleek bookshelf-sized speakers make an impressive visual statement, but to me, the sound they promised was the real selling point.

Navigating the Setup

Despite my enthusiasm, setting up the speakers was a bit of a struggle. For a few months, I tried configuring the speakers in two rooms with three different high-quality amplification setups. Their performance occasionally impressed me; they delivered a good amount of bass for their size, but overall, the speakers left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.

Their imaging strangely seemed to be indistinct unless pulled far into the room. I was looking for space-saving monitors, yet I had to sacrifice that space for ideal sound quality. The soundstage felt narrowed unless the speakers were pointed directly at me — a factor I knew wouldn’t be practical in the long run.

A Review of the Sound Quality

Once powered up, I found that the sound of these speakers was as clear as a bell, though a bit thinner and narrower than I was used to. A reviewer on a forum I frequent had warned me that bookshelf speakers, in general, can tend to deliver a less robust sound when pitched against floor-standing speakers and that seemed to be the case with these Dynaudio Special 40s as well.

Although they certainly can carry a tune, perhaps just not to the extent that I had expected. Despite this, when I paired them correctly with a class-A amplifier, I did manage to coax an impressive performance out of them.

The Impact of Amplifier Pairing

What surprised me was how much of a difference the type of amplifier you pair with these speakers can make. I got the best results from a Luxman 590 AXII class A amp, which provided the required current for a rich, detailed sound. I also tried them out with a tube amp and a PS Audio Sprout 100, and both seemed to pair decently with the Dynaudio speakers, though their performance was not on par with the Luxman.

Thus, it’s safe to say that if you decide to make these speakers part of your setup, you should also be prepared to invest in a suitable amplifier.

Dynaudio Special Forty Bookshelf Speakers

High-Quality Cables and Appearance

Another factor to consider is the cables. When I swapped out my usual wires for higher-end cables, I was amazed by the improvement in the sound. In my opinion, the quality of cabling is something not to skimp on when using these speakers.

The Red and Grey versions also have a professional yet fun aesthetic that can make a statement in any room. Even beyond their appearance, they are nicely put together. A lot of attention to detail has been paid to these special edition speakers.

Pros:

  • It delivers a good amount of bass for bookshelf speakers
  • Clear sound quality
  • High-quality construction
  • Attractive aesthetic

Cons:

  • It is more expensive than other similar bookshelf speakers
  • Setup can be complicated and time-consuming
  • The sound sometimes feels thin and narrow
  • Requires high-quality amplifier for optimum sound

Final Verdict

My review of the Dynaudio would be that while these speakers may not be perfect, they are an impressive addition to any music lover’s setup. The speakers had a magical midrange, solid bass foundation, and sweet, extended treble. They produced an air-filled, rich, detailed sound that was never harsh or fatiguing.

They offer an enjoyable, room-filling sound experience when set up and powered correctly. However, I believe that their performance would have been elevated if they were easier to set up and were better value for money.

View Full Specs >> Check Price >>
Bass Response
7
The Dynaudio Special Forty does not disappoint when it comes to bass. Granted, it won't fool you into thinking they're larger speakers, yet delivers a solid amount of bass for its size, making it fairly adaptable to different genres.
Treble Detail
7.5
The speakers have a well-regarded treble response. Highs are sweet and extended but never harsh. Some reviewers praised the system for its superb treble and air, provided that one uses good cabling and amplifiers.
Midrange Clarity
6
Midrange, where most vocals and instruments lie, is a mixed bag. There's definitely clarity, that's for certain. But some users found themselves let down, calling them narrow and thin, although others found satisfaction with them.
Design
8.5
In terms of design, the Dynaudio Special Forty clearly shines, with reviewers often applauding the aesthetic appeal of the unit. The two color options are flexible for a variety of decors.
Sound Quality
7.8
The overall sound quality of these speakers, when set up and powered properly, is actually quite remarkable, producing a pleasing room-filling big sound that is detailed and rich. Paired with the right equipment, it has been compared to much more expensive units.
Value for Money
5.5
For its price, we found the Dynaudio Special Forty not entirely convincing in terms of value. Many voiced disappointment or regret, usually those coming from more cost-effective options. That being said, the others mentioned they are satisfied and felt a respectable amount of gratification post-purchase.
7.1
Total Score
Rating Summary
Our survey of the Dynaudio Special Forty's user experiences reveals a range of opinions. While it's clear that some people regretted their purchase, believing the sound to be narrow and thin, or less satisfying than cheaper options, a larger contingent of reviewers praised the product. They were particular fans of the bass delivery for a speaker of its size, its detailed treble response, and its general capacity to reproduce sound in a pleasant, accurate manner. However, the satisfaction did not always extend to the midrange, clarity remained dicussable amongst evaluators. Aesthetic appeal, though, was high and about everyone admired its design. For us, the main conclusion is that these are finicky speakers requiring a foundation of high-quality cabling and power sources. When paired well, these speakers really shine, while lesser setups expose weaknesses and the value for money becomes questionable.