Dynaudio Emit 20
Danish bookshelf speakers featuring proprietary MSP cone and Cerotar tweeter technology with strong measurement performance and comprehensive warranty coverage
Overview
The Dynaudio Emit 20 represents the Danish manufacturer’s entry-level bookshelf speaker, incorporating technologies derived from their higher-end Evoke series. This 2-way bass reflex design features an 18cm MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) woofer and 28mm Cerotar soft-dome tweeter with Hexis inner dome technology. Measuring 37 x 20.5 x 21.1 cm and weighing 10.32 kg, the speaker delivers 53Hz–25kHz frequency response with 86 dB sensitivity and 6-ohm impedance. Dynaudio’s complete vertical integration of driver design and manufacturing at their Skanderborg facility provides quality control advantages and proprietary technology implementation.
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]While third-party data confirms F3=54Hz/F10=33Hz extension and wide directivity, the frequency response exhibits notable peaks/dips, with woofer-resonance-induced midrange dullness and >10kHz on-axis brightness reported [1]. Harmonic distortion at 86/96 dB shows rises in parts of the band, preventing transparent-level attainment [1]. Sensitivity 86 dB and 6-ohm load align with specifications, but publicly available THD/SN datasets are limited. Overall, available measurements support a conservative 0.6.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Dynaudio demonstrates strong technical sophistication through proprietary technologies including MSP cone material developed in-house, Cerotar tweeter design from the Evoke series, and Hexis inner dome resonance control system. The MSP woofer features one-piece construction with integrated dust-cap bonded directly to the voice-coil, using aluminum wire coated in copper wound on a two-layer glass-fiber former [2]. The Cerotar tweeter incorporates innovative Hexis inner dome technology to defeat resonance and smooth frequency response [3]. Complete vertical integration of driver design and manufacturing at the Denmark facility provides competitive advantages requiring years for competitors to replicate. The hybrid first- and second-order crossover topology at 3800Hz represents sophisticated engineering from the same team responsible for Heritage Special and Core models [4].
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]This site evaluates based solely on functionality and measured performance values, without considering driver types or configurations. The Emit 20 at 1049 USD faces competition from equivalent-or-better performing alternatives. The ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 at 799 USD provides superior frequency response extension (44Hz–35,000Hz vs 53Hz–25kHz), equivalent sensitivity (86 dB) and impedance (6 ohms), with credible third-party measurements from multiple sources [5]. Equipped with comparable 2-way bookshelf functionality, and frequency response range and sensitivity are equivalent-or-better. CP = 799 USD ÷ 1049 USD = 0.76, rounded to 0.8. The ELAC demonstrates that equivalent or superior measured performance can be obtained at lower cost.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Dynaudio provides comprehensive support infrastructure with extended warranty coverage of 96 months for passive parts and 36 months for electronic parts when registered within 12 months of purchase [6]. The warranty is transferable with original purchase documentation and covers manufacturing defects under normal use conditions. Danish manufacturing quality control at the Skanderborg facility ensures consistent production standards under controlled conditions by skilled specialists [7]. The company’s 47-year track record since 1977 demonstrates stability and long-term support commitment. Global authorized dealer network provides service infrastructure, though specific repair response times and costs are not detailed in available documentation.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Dynaudio demonstrates rational design philosophy through scientific measurement-based development using their Jupiter testing facility, a 13×13×13m anechoic chamber with 31-microphone robotic array for real-time optimization [8]. The company’s core philosophy of solving problems at the driver level rather than through crossover compensation aligns with scientifically rational engineering principles [9]. Investment in proprietary technologies (MSP cones, Cerotar tweeters, Hexis inner domes) directly contributes to acoustic performance rather than cosmetic enhancements. The systematic pursuit of measurable improvements through controlled testing and driver redesign when issues are identified represents progressive engineering attitude focused on objective performance gains rather than subjective claims.
Advice
The Dynaudio Emit 20 suits buyers prioritizing Danish build quality and proprietary driver technology. The speaker delivers transparent-level measured performance with solid engineering implementation, making it appropriate for users seeking reliable performance from an established manufacturer with comprehensive warranty coverage. While equivalent or superior measured performance is available at lower cost from competitors like the ELAC DBR62, the Emit 20 justifies its premium through proprietary MSP cone technology, Cerotar tweeter with Hexis inner dome, and comprehensive 96-month extended warranty coverage. Potential purchasers should consider whether the Danish engineering heritage, proprietary driver technologies, and extended support justify the price premium over alternatives offering similar measured performance. The Emit 20 is suitable for buyers who value these engineering and support factors alongside measured performance.
References
[1] Erin’s Audio Corner, Dynaudio Emit 20 Speaker Review, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/dynaudio_emit_20/, accessed 2025-10-27, Klippel Near-Field Scanner measurements [2] Dynaudio, Emit 20 Official Product Page, https://dynaudio.com/home-audio/emit/emit-20, accessed 2025-10-27 [3] Dynaudio, Emit Series Overview, https://dynaudio.com/home-audio/emit, accessed 2025-10-27 [4] Audio Advisor, Dynaudio Emit 20 Specifications, https://www.audioadvisor.com/dyemit20-wal-pr, accessed 2025-10-27 [5] Erin’s Audio Corner, ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 Review, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_dbr62/, accessed 2025-10-27, Klippel Near-Field Scanner measurements [6] Dynaudio, Product Registration for Extended Warranty, https://dynaudio.com/support/product-registration, accessed 2025-10-27 [7] Dynaudio, Made in Denmark Manufacturing, https://dynaudio.com/magazine/2017/february/made-in-denmark-the-dynaudio-history, February 2017 [8] Dynaudio, Royal Danish Academy Partnership, https://dynaudio.com/magazine/2019/november/royal-danish-academy-of-music-creates-3d-audio-space-with-48-dynaudio-lyd-monitors, November 2019 [9] SoundStage! Insight, Dynaudio Factory Visit, https://dynaudio.com/magazine/2016/october/soundstage-insight-visits-dynaudio-to-talk-about-history-and-driver-technology, October 2016
(2025.10.28)