Audio T Verdict
The Dynaudio Special Forty may have been created to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, but this is far more than a commemorative loudspeaker with an attractive finish.
Its Esotar Forty tweeter, specially developed 17cm MSP driver and first-order crossover combine to deliver an open, agile and wonderfully coherent performance with impressive bass from a relatively compact cabinet.
With 86dB sensitivity and a 6-ohm rated impedance, the Special Forty benefits from capable amplification, rigid stands and careful positioning. Give it those things and it will reward upgrades throughout the rest of the system.
For listeners who want a beautifully made standmount speaker with genuine Dynaudio heritage and a lively, engaging character, the Special Forty remains a very special proposition.
Dynaudio Special Forty Standmount Speakers
The Dynaudio Special Forty is a premium passive two-way standmount loudspeaker originally created to celebrate four decades of Dynaudio engineering.
Rather than reproducing an older design, Dynaudio revisited some of its most celebrated technologies and developed new versions specifically for the Special Forty.
Each speaker combines:
- One 28mm Esotar Forty precision-coated soft-dome tweeter
- One specially developed 17cm MSP mid/bass driver
- A hybrid neodymium and ferrite woofer magnet system
- An aerodynamically optimised AirFlow Basket
- A model-specific first-order passive crossover
- Dynaudio Phase Alignment technology
- Dynaudio Impedance Alignment technology
- A rear-ported bass-reflex cabinet
- Exclusive high-gloss veneer finishes
- A removable black grille
The Special Forty is supplied as a matched stereo pair. Suitable speaker stands, amplification and speaker cables are required separately.
A Modern Celebration of Dynaudio Heritage
The Special Forty draws inspiration from celebrated Dynaudio models including the Special One, Special Twenty-Five, Crafft and Contour 1.3 SE.
Its engineering combines traditional Dynaudio principles with technologies developed specifically for the anniversary project.
These include:
- The Esotar Forty tweeter
- A revised 17cm MSP driver
- An optimised hybrid magnet system
- Symmetrical driver excursion
- An asymmetrical spider suspension
- The AirFlow Basket
- A refined first-order crossover
- Exclusive matched cabinet finishes
The result is a compact loudspeaker designed to retain the simplicity and coherence of classic Dynaudio two-way models while benefiting from more recent driver and airflow research.
Designed and Engineered in Denmark
The Special Forty was developed by Dynaudio’s engineering team in Skanderborg, Denmark.
Dynaudio designs its own drive units, allowing the tweeter, mid/bass driver, crossover and cabinet to be developed together rather than assembled from unrelated third-party components.
This in-house approach gives the engineers control over:
- Diaphragm materials
- Voice-coil construction
- Magnet geometry
- Driver suspension
- Airflow through the drive units
- Crossover behaviour
- Cabinet tuning
- Pair matching
28mm Esotar Forty Soft-Dome Tweeter
The Special Forty introduced the 28mm Esotar Forty tweeter, developed specifically for the anniversary loudspeaker.
It uses Dynaudio’s precision-coated fabric soft dome and a powerful neodymium magnet system.
The tweeter’s principal features include:
- A 28mm precision-coated fabric diaphragm
- A lightweight aluminium voice coil
- A powerful neodymium magnet
- A shaped pressure conduit behind the diaphragm
- An enlarged damped rear chamber
- An aero-coupled pressure-release outlet
- Ferrofluid cooling and damping around the voice coil
- A low resonant frequency
The Esotar Forty is designed to provide fine detail and openness without losing the smooth tonal character associated with Dynaudio’s fabric-dome tweeters.
Precision-Coated Fabric Diaphragm
The Esotar Forty uses a carefully coated fabric dome rather than a rigid metal diaphragm.
The material and coating provide a useful combination of:
- Low moving mass
- Controlled internal damping
- Smooth diaphragm behaviour
- Consistent production
- Reduced dependence on a strong resonant peak
The diaphragm, coating, voice coil, magnet and rear chamber are engineered as one complete high-frequency system.
Neodymium Tweeter Magnet
The Esotar Forty uses a powerful neodymium magnet system.
Neodymium can provide a strong magnetic field from a relatively compact assembly, allowing the tweeter’s lightweight aluminium voice coil to be controlled precisely.
The magnet system supports:
- Fast transient response
- Low-level detail
- Controlled diaphragm movement
- Useful sensitivity
- Stable performance during demanding high-frequency passages
Pressure Conduit and Rear Chamber
A specially shaped pressure conduit allows air from behind the tweeter diaphragm to move into an enlarged rear chamber.
The additional chamber volume provides more space for damping material and reduces pressure acting against the rear of the dome.
Managing this airflow helps reduce unwanted resonance and allows the diaphragm to move more freely.
Aero-Coupled Pressure Release
An aero-coupled pressure-release outlet is positioned beneath the tweeter voice coil.
This helps equalise pressure around the moving assembly and reduces the risk of trapped air interfering with the coil’s movement.
Reducing unwanted pressure build-up can improve:
- Treble clarity
- Transient accuracy
- Decay and ambience
- Low-level resolution
- Integration with the 17cm driver
Ferrofluid Cooling and Damping
The Esotar Forty voice coil operates within magnetic ferrofluid.
The fluid helps transfer heat away from the coil while providing additional mechanical damping.
This contributes to:
- Improved power handling
- Controlled voice-coil movement
- Reduced unwanted resonance
- Greater consistency during prolonged listening
Low Tweeter Resonance
The Esotar Forty was designed with a relatively low resonant frequency, allowing it to operate comfortably towards the upper midrange.
This gives the crossover additional freedom when integrating the tweeter with the 17cm MSP driver.
The published crossover point is 2000Hz, which is comparatively low for a two-way standmount speaker using a driver of this size.
Specially Developed 17cm MSP Driver
Bass and midrange frequencies are reproduced by a specially developed 17cm driver based on Dynaudio’s classic 17W75 design.
The driver incorporates:
- A one-piece MSP diaphragm
- An integrated central dust-cap area
- Dynaudio Balance Ribs
- A large aluminium voice coil
- A glass-fibre voice-coil former
- Optimised symmetrical excursion
- An asymmetrical spider suspension
- A hybrid neodymium and ferrite magnet system
- An internal magnet arrangement
- An aerodynamically optimised AirFlow Basket
The driver must reproduce deep bass, voices and much of the instrumental range, so its moving system must combine useful excursion with controlled midrange behaviour.
One-Piece MSP Cone
The diaphragm is made from Dynaudio’s Magnesium Silicate Polymer, normally abbreviated to MSP.
The cone and central dust-cap area are moulded as one continuous component rather than joined together as separate parts.
This construction provides:
- Consistent behaviour across the diaphragm
- Controlled stiffness
- Useful internal damping
- A direct mechanical connection to the voice coil
- No separate dust-cap joint to introduce another resonance
Dynaudio Balance Ribs
The ribs visible around the centre of the MSP cone connect the diaphragm to the voice-coil former behind it.
These Balance Ribs help the cone and voice coil move as one controlled mechanical system.
The design transfers the motor’s force into the diaphragm while helping the cone retain its intended shape as excursion increases.
Large Aluminium Voice Coil
Dynaudio uses aluminium wire for the Special Forty driver’s large voice coil.
Aluminium allows a substantial winding assembly to be used without the complete moving mass of an equivalent copper coil.
The large voice-coil arrangement helps:
- Distribute force across the MSP diaphragm
- Control the cone during demanding bass passages
- Maintain clarity through the midrange
- Provide useful electrical and mechanical damping
- Support extended driver movement
Symmetrical Driver Excursion
The Special Forty driver was developed to move as symmetrically as possible in both forward and backward directions.
More even excursion can reduce unwanted distortion and improve the consistency of the driver’s behaviour as playback level increases.
This is particularly important because the same diaphragm reproduces low bass and critical midrange information.
Asymmetrical Spider Suspension
The driver uses an asymmetrical spider as part of its suspension system.
Dynaudio describes the design as a passive harmonic rectifier because it helps reduce unwanted upper harmonic behaviour during cone movement.
The spider also keeps the voice coil centred and controls the cone’s forward and backward travel.
Hybrid Neodymium and Ferrite Magnet
The woofer uses a hybrid magnet system combining neodymium and ferrite materials.
The neodymium magnet provides a powerful magnetic field, while the ferrite element helps shape and control the magnetic flux around the voice coil.
This arrangement is designed to provide:
- More symmetrical driver movement
- Reduced second-harmonic distortion
- Improved voice-coil control
- Consistent magnetic force through the driver’s excursion
- Greater accuracy through bass and midrange frequencies
Internal Magnet Arrangement
The magnet assembly is positioned within the voice coil rather than around its outer edge.
Keeping the magnetic system close to the coil places the magnetic flux where it can be used effectively and reduces the amount of material behind the cone.
This arrangement also leaves fewer surfaces inside the driver for rearward energy to reflect from.
AirFlow Basket
The 17cm driver is supported by Dynaudio’s AirFlow Basket.
The basket is shaped to reduce internal reflections and allow air to move away from the rear of the MSP diaphragm without compromising structural rigidity.
Improved airflow can help:
- Reduce pressure behind the cone
- Limit reflections back through the diaphragm
- Maintain clear midrange reproduction
- Support consistent driver movement
- Preserve mechanical stability
First-Order Crossover
The Special Forty uses one of Dynaudio’s classic first-order crossover topologies.
A first-order network uses comparatively gentle electrical slopes and relies on the drivers maintaining useful and controlled output beyond the nominal crossover region.
The Special Forty’s drivers were developed with extended operating ranges to create sufficient overlap around the 2000Hz transition.
Phase Alignment Technology
Dynaudio’s Phase Alignment technology manages the relationship between the tweeter and MSP driver through the crossover region.
Correct phase behaviour helps the outputs of the two drivers combine coherently rather than partially cancelling one another.
This contributes to:
- Stable central imaging
- Natural vocal reproduction
- Consistent tonal balance
- A coherent transition between the drivers
- More precise placement of instruments
Impedance Alignment Technology
The crossover also uses Dynaudio’s Impedance Alignment technology.
Selected components help manage the electrical behaviour of the drivers and maintain the intended crossover response.
This allows the first-order network to operate predictably with the specially developed woofer and Esotar Forty tweeter.
2000Hz Crossover Frequency
The 17cm MSP driver hands over to the Esotar Forty tweeter at approximately 2000Hz.
This relatively low transition is made possible by the tweeter’s extended low-frequency capability and the woofer’s controlled upper-range behaviour.
The crossover, drivers and cabinet work together to maintain a coherent presentation through the critical vocal and instrumental range.
Rear-Ported Bass-Reflex Cabinet
The Special Forty uses a rear-mounted bass-reflex port.
The port works with the cabinet volume and 17cm driver to extend low-frequency output beyond what would normally be possible from a similarly sized sealed enclosure.
The rear position preserves the clean appearance of the front baffle, but it also means that distance from the wall behind the speaker influences the final bass balance.
41Hz Bass Extension
Dynaudio specifies a frequency response from 41Hz to 23kHz within a ±3dB tolerance.
This gives the Special Forty substantial bass extension for a compact two-way standmount loudspeaker.
Actual in-room bass will also depend on:
- Distance from the rear and side walls
- Room dimensions
- Speaker-stand height and rigidity
- Listening-seat position
- Amplifier control
- Floor construction
- Low-frequency room modes
Rear-Wall Positioning
Moving the Special Forty closer to a wall will normally increase perceived bass output.
Moving it further into the room can improve:
- Bass definition
- Low-frequency timing
- Soundstage depth
- Separation between instruments
- The consistency of individual bass notes
The optimum distance will depend on the room dimensions, wall construction, speaker stands and listening position.
Begin with Clear Space Behind the Speakers
Start with both speakers positioned symmetrically and with clear space behind their rear ports.
Move the pair in small, equal increments while listening for the best balance of bass weight, definition and soundstage depth.
Compatible Foam Port Plugs
Dynaudio provides a compatible two-part foam-plug system for the Special Forty’s bass-reflex port.
A plug can be useful where the speakers must sit unusually close to a wall or where the room produces excessive bass reinforcement.
The removable centre section allows the port to be partially restricted rather than completely closed.
Physical positioning should be optimised before the port is restricted. Confirm current pack contents and replacement-plug availability with your local Audio T store.
Full-Bodied Standmount Performance
The Special Forty’s 17cm driver and 41Hz published lower cutoff give it greater bass weight and scale than many compact standmount speakers.
It can reproduce convincing body from:
- Bass guitar
- Kick drum
- Grand piano
- Cello and double bass
- Electronic music
- Rock recordings
- Large orchestral works
A subwoofer will not be essential in many small and medium-sized stereo systems, although room positioning remains important.
Adding the Dynaudio Sub 6
The Dynaudio Sub 6 includes a dedicated performance map for the Special Forty.
Its DSP can tailor the subwoofer’s roll-off to complement the known low-frequency behaviour of the speakers.
The Sub 6 also provides:
- Adjustable crossover control
- Level adjustment
- Phase adjustment
- Time-delay control
- Parametric equalisation
- Balanced and unbalanced connections
A properly integrated subwoofer should extend the system without becoming obvious as a separate source of bass.
86dB Sensitivity
The Special Forty has a specified sensitivity of 86dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is a moderate figure and means that amplifier quality, available current and listening distance should be considered alongside headline wattage.
The required amplifier output will depend on:
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Preferred playback level
- Musical dynamics
- Amplifier current delivery
- The required headroom above average listening volume
6-Ohm Rated Impedance
Dynaudio specifies a rated impedance of 6 ohms.
This makes the Special Forty compatible with a broad range of quality modern amplifiers, provided they can deliver clean power and maintain control of the 17cm driver.
The final choice should be established through demonstration rather than comparing wattage figures alone.
200W IEC Long-Term Power Handling
Dynaudio specifies IEC long-term power handling of 200W.
This does not mean that a 200W amplifier is compulsory, nor does it guarantee that the speaker cannot be damaged by an amplifier carrying the same rating.
A lower-powered amplifier driven into clipping can produce harmful distortion, while a more powerful amplifier used sensibly may provide cleaner dynamic headroom.
Reduce the Volume if the Sound Becomes Distorted
Audible hardness, compression, crackling or obvious distortion can indicate that the amplifier or speakers are being overloaded.
Reduce the volume immediately rather than continuing at the same level.
Amplifier Matching
The Special Forty rewards amplification capable of providing clean power, strong current delivery and good low-frequency control.
Important considerations include:
- Stable output into a 6-ohm loudspeaker load
- Power-supply capacity
- Current delivery
- Bass control
- Pre-amplifier quality
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Required dynamic headroom
A high-quality integrated amplifier can provide excellent results, while a carefully matched pre-amplifier and power-amplifier system can reveal further improvements in control, scale and resolution.
Browse integrated amplifiers and separates at Audio T to explore suitable options.
Single-Wire Loudspeaker Connections
Each Special Forty uses a conventional pair of high-quality binding posts for single-wired connection.
The terminals can accommodate:
- Properly prepared stripped speaker cable
- Compatible 4mm banana plugs
- Compatible cable spades
The amplifier should always be switched off before speaker cables are connected or removed.
Correct Speaker Polarity
Connect the positive amplifier terminal to the positive speaker terminal and the negative amplifier terminal to the negative speaker terminal.
If one speaker is connected with reversed polarity, the system may lose bass weight, central focus and stereo-image stability even though both speakers continue to produce sound.
The left and right speaker-cable runs should be approximately the same length.
Speaker-Cable Selection
The speaker cable should have sufficiently low resistance for its required length and should be compatible with the partnering amplifier.
Selection should consider:
- Total cable length
- Conductor area
- Amplifier compatibility
- Connector quality
- Installation route
- The balance of the complete system
Browse speaker cables available from Audio T to compare suitable options.
Rigid Speaker Stands Are Essential
The Special Forty should normally be installed on rigid floor stands rather than placed directly on the floor, a lightweight shelf or resonant furniture.
Suitable stands help provide:
- Correct tweeter height
- A stable mechanical foundation
- Improved stereo imaging
- More consistent bass
- Reduced vibration from furniture
- Greater freedom when positioning the speakers
Speaker Stands Are Not Included
The Special Forty is supplied as a matched pair of loudspeakers. Suitable floor stands are required separately unless an individual Audio T package or quotation specifically states otherwise.
Dynaudio Stand 20
The Dynaudio Stand 20 is designed to support larger Dynaudio standmount loudspeakers, including the Special Forty.
Its features include:
- Rigid aluminium construction
- A broad and stable floor base
- A compartment for suitable filling material
- Integrated cable management
- Top-adjustable floor spikes
- Rubber rings for hard floors
- Non-slip pads on the top plate
Alternative stands can also be considered, provided they offer suitable height, stability and top-plate support.
Correct Stand Height
The speaker stand should position the Esotar Forty tweeter close to the seated listener’s ear height.
A stand that is significantly too high or too low can affect tonal balance and integration around the 2000Hz crossover region.
Both speaker-and-stand assemblies should be level and set to the same height.
Stand Stability and Floor Contact
The complete speaker-and-stand assembly must remain stable on the intended floor.
Carpet spikes can help reach the firmer surface beneath a rug or carpet, while rubber contacts or protective discs may be preferable on wood, tile and other sensitive hard floors.
Any filling material should be clean, dry and suitable for the stand manufacturer’s design.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with the speakers positioned symmetrically and with clear space behind their rear ports.
Move both speakers in equal increments while assessing:
- Bass weight
- Bass definition
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Soundstage depth
- Image stability
Small changes in wall clearance, speaker spacing or listening-seat position can produce worthwhile improvements.
Speaker Spacing
The distance between the speakers should normally be similar to, or slightly less than, the distance from each speaker to the main listening position.
If the pair is positioned too closely, the soundstage may lack width and scale.
If it is positioned too far apart, voices and instruments in the centre can become diffuse or disconnected.
Toe-In and Listening Angle
There is no single toe-in angle that will suit every room.
Greater toe-in can:
- Strengthen central image focus
- Reduce some side-wall reflection
- Create a more direct high-frequency balance
Less toe-in can:
- Broaden the apparent soundstage
- Create a more relaxed tonal balance
- Provide more even coverage across a wider seating area
Both speakers should be adjusted by the same amount.
Symmetrical Room Placement
Where practical, the immediate surroundings of the left and right speakers should have similar acoustic properties.
Placing one speaker beside heavy curtains and the other beside a bare reflective wall can affect tonal balance and stereo imaging.
Windows, alcoves, open doorways, fireplaces and substantial furniture should all be considered during setup.
Exclusive Black Vine and Ebony Wave Finishes
Audio T currently lists the Special Forty in:
- Black Vine High Gloss
- Ebony Wave High Gloss
Both finishes use man-made veneers produced to Dynaudio’s specifications, helping the two cabinets within a stereo pair maintain a consistent appearance.
Availability can vary according to current UK stock and production.
Black Vine High Gloss
Black Vine combines a dark patterned veneer with vivid orange detailing beneath a high-gloss surface.
The finish gives the Special Forty a distinctive appearance while retaining the traditional proportions of a classic Dynaudio standmount speaker.
Ebony Wave High Gloss
Ebony Wave uses a flowing dark-and-light grain pattern beneath its polished high-gloss surface.
The veneer pattern is carefully matched between the left and right cabinets.
High-Gloss Cabinet Care
The lacquered surfaces should be cleaned carefully with a clean, soft cloth to reduce the risk of fine surface marks.
Do not use:
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Furniture polish
- Solvents
- Aerosol sprays
- Excessive water
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, strong uneven artificial light, high humidity or extreme temperature changes.
Black Removable Grilles
Black removable grilles are supplied with both cabinet finishes.
The grilles help protect the Esotar Forty tweeter and MSP cone from dust and accidental contact.
Never press on the delicate tweeter diaphragm while removing or replacing a grille.
Special Forty or Evoke 20?
Choose the Special Forty When
- The Esotar Forty tweeter is preferred
- A first-order crossover is important
- Greater driver and magnet sophistication are required
- Exclusive high-gloss finishes appeal
- The amplifier and source justify the additional investment
- A more distinctive anniversary model is wanted
Choose the Evoke 20 When
- A lower purchase price better suits the system
- A slightly larger 18cm driver is preferred
- The Cerotar tweeter provides the required performance
- A broader selection of conventional finishes is wanted
- The complete budget must also cover stands and amplification
- The Evoke 20 provides the required bass and scale
The Dynaudio Evoke 20 is the larger standmount model in the Evoke range, using a Cerotar tweeter and 18cm Esotec+ MSP driver.
Special Forty or Contour 20i?
Choose the Special Forty When
- An anniversary-edition Dynaudio is preferred
- The Esotar Forty tweeter appeals
- A 17cm driver suits the room
- The exclusive patterned finishes are important
- A lively and expressive two-way design is wanted
- The smaller cabinet is easier to accommodate
Choose the Contour 20i When
- The Esotar2i tweeter with Hexis is preferred
- A larger 18cm MSP driver suits the room
- Contour-level cabinet construction is required
- Greater low-frequency scale is a priority
- The amplifier and source justify the higher investment
- The larger and heavier cabinet can be positioned correctly
The Dynaudio Contour 20i is a larger premium standmount speaker using an Esotar2i tweeter and 18cm MSP driver.
Special Forty or Contour 20 Black Edition?
Choose the Special Forty When
- A more accessible special-edition model is required
- The patterned high-gloss veneers are preferred
- A compact 17cm two-way design suits the room
- The first-order crossover is appealing
- The system does not require the latest Contour technology
- The lower purchase price keeps the system balanced
Choose the Contour 20 Black Edition When
- The Esotar3 tweeter is required
- The latest Contour 18cm driver is preferred
- Black Edition crossover components are important
- A more substantial cabinet suits the room
- The partnering system justifies the additional investment
- The black-only visual treatment is preferred
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition is a higher-level standmount design using technologies derived from Dynaudio’s Confidence range.
Running-In Period
The Special Forty can be used immediately after installation, but the driver suspension may continue to settle during early use.
Bass response, integration and overall ease may improve as the moving parts reach their intended flexibility.
Special test signals or continuous high-volume playback are unnecessary. Normal varied music at sensible levels is sufficient.
Driver and Cabinet Care
Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth.
Never touch the Esotar Forty soft dome. Dust on the MSP cone or grille should be removed gently with a clean, soft brush.
Keep the speakers away from excessive moisture, strong heat sources and prolonged direct sunlight.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- High-quality integrated amplifiers
- Separate pre-amplifier and power-amplifier systems
- Premium streaming amplifiers
- Vinyl, CD and digital sources
- Small and medium-sized listening rooms
- Listeners wanting substantial bass from a standmount
- Systems prioritising rhythm, dynamics and coherence
- Carefully integrated active subwoofers
Check Before Buying
- Suitable rigid speaker stands are included in the budget
- The stands place the tweeters near seated ear height
- There is sufficient space behind the rear ports
- The amplifier provides adequate clean output
- The room suits the speaker’s bass capability
- The finish can be protected from marking and sunlight
- The complete stand footprint can be accommodated
- Subwoofer integration has been considered if required
Related Dynaudio Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Dynaudio 40th-anniversary standmount loudspeaker
- Supplied as a matched stereo pair
- Designed and engineered in Denmark
- Passive two-way configuration
- 28mm Esotar Forty soft-dome tweeter
- Precision-coated fabric tweeter diaphragm
- Lightweight aluminium tweeter voice coil
- Powerful neodymium tweeter magnet
- Shaped tweeter pressure conduit
- Enlarged damped tweeter chamber
- Aero-coupled pressure-release outlet
- Ferrofluid cooling and damping
- Specially developed 17cm MSP driver
- Based on Dynaudio’s classic 17W75 design
- One-piece Magnesium Silicate Polymer cone
- Integrated central dust-cap area
- Dynaudio Balance Ribs
- Large aluminium woofer voice coil
- Glass-fibre voice-coil former
- Symmetrical excursion optimisation
- Asymmetrical spider suspension
- Hybrid neodymium and ferrite woofer magnet
- Internal woofer magnet arrangement
- Dynaudio AirFlow Basket
- Model-specific first-order crossover
- Dynaudio Phase Alignment technology
- Dynaudio Impedance Alignment technology
- 2000Hz crossover frequency
- Rear-ported bass-reflex enclosure
- Compatible two-part foam port plug
- 41Hz to 23kHz response within ±3dB
- 86dB sensitivity
- 6-ohm rated impedance
- 200W IEC long-term power handling
- Single-wire speaker connections
- Compatible with stripped speaker cable
- Compatible with 4mm banana plugs
- Compatible with cable spades
- Black Vine High Gloss finish
- Ebony Wave High Gloss finish
- Matched man-made veneer cabinets
- Black removable grilles
- 8.1kg weight per speaker
- Dynaudio Stand 20 compatibility
- Dynaudio Sub 6 performance-map compatibility
- Up to eight-year total warranty after registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynaudio Special Forty sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product is supplied as a matched stereo pair.
Why is it called Special Forty?
It was originally developed to celebrate Dynaudio’s 40th anniversary and combines classic Dynaudio design principles with technology created specifically for the model.
Is it still a current model?
Yes. Dynaudio currently lists the Special Forty within its Editions series.
Is it a bookshelf speaker?
Dynaudio categorises it as a bookshelf model, but it will normally perform best on rigid floor stands rather than directly on a shelf or lightweight cabinet.
Are speaker stands included?
No. Suitable floor stands are required separately unless an individual Audio T package or quotation specifically states otherwise.
Which speaker stands are recommended?
The Dynaudio Stand 20 is designed to support larger Dynaudio standmount speakers, including the Special Forty.
Which tweeter does it use?
A 28mm Esotar Forty precision-coated fabric soft-dome tweeter developed specifically for the Special Forty.
Does the Esotar Forty use Hexis?
No. The Esotar Forty predates Dynaudio’s Hexis inner dome. It instead uses its own pressure conduit, enlarged rear chamber and aero-coupled pressure-release system.
Which mid/bass driver is fitted?
One specially developed 17cm MSP driver based on Dynaudio’s classic 17W75 design.
What does MSP mean?
MSP stands for Magnesium Silicate Polymer, Dynaudio’s proprietary cone material.
What is the AirFlow Basket?
It is an aerodynamically shaped driver chassis designed to reduce internal reflections and allow air to move freely behind the MSP cone.
What is the hybrid magnet system?
The woofer combines neodymium and ferrite magnets to shape the magnetic flux around the voice coil and improve symmetrical driver movement.
What type of crossover is used?
A model-specific first-order passive crossover incorporating Dynaudio Phase Alignment and Impedance Alignment technologies.
What is the crossover frequency?
2000Hz.
What type of bass port is used?
A rear-mounted bass-reflex port.
Are foam port plugs available?
Yes. Dynaudio provides a compatible two-part foam-plug system. Confirm current pack contents or replacement availability with Audio T.
What is the frequency response?
Dynaudio specifies 41Hz to 23kHz within ±3dB.
What is the sensitivity?
86dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the rated impedance?
6 ohms.
How much amplifier power is required?
There is no single correct figure. Room size, listening distance, preferred volume, current delivery and amplifier quality all matter.
Does it require a 200W amplifier?
No. The 200W figure is its IEC long-term power-handling specification, not a compulsory amplifier rating.
Can the speakers be bi-wired?
No. Each Special Forty uses one pair of binding posts for conventional single wiring.
Which speaker-cable connectors are supported?
The terminals can accommodate properly prepared stripped cable, compatible 4mm banana plugs and cable spades.
How far should the speakers be from the wall?
Begin with clear space behind the rear ports, then move both speakers equally while assessing bass weight, definition and soundstage depth.
Can the Special Forty be placed close to a wall?
Yes, although wall proximity will normally increase perceived bass output. Keep the port unobstructed and consider the compatible foam plug only after testing the physical position.
Should the speakers be toed in?
Experiment with equal toe-in on both channels. The optimum angle depends on the room, listening distance and preferred balance between image focus and soundstage width.
Does the Special Forty require a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. Its 41Hz published lower cutoff provides substantial bass for a standmount speaker. A subwoofer can add deeper extension or greater low-frequency headroom where required.
Is the Dynaudio Sub 6 compatible?
Yes. The Sub 6 includes a dedicated performance map for the Special Forty.
Which finishes are available?
Audio T currently lists Black Vine High Gloss and Ebony Wave High Gloss, subject to availability.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Black removable grilles are supplied.
What are the cabinet dimensions?
Dynaudio specifies 198 x 360 x 307mm (W x H x D).
What are the dimensions including the grille?
Dynaudio specifies 198 x 360 x 322mm (W x H x D).
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 8.1kg.
Do the speakers require running in?
They can be used immediately, but the driver suspensions may continue to settle during early normal use.
What warranty is available?
Dynaudio passive speakers receive the applicable standard legal and manufacturer warranty. Registration within 12 months of purchase can extend total cover to 96 months, subject to Dynaudio’s full terms and proof of purchase.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Dynaudio Special Forty demonstrations
- Comparisons with the Evoke 20 and Contour 20i
- Comparisons with the Contour 20 Black Edition
- Amplifier power, current and system-matching advice
- Integrated and separate amplifier comparisons
- Speaker-stand selection and height guidance
- Dynaudio Stand 20 matching advice
- Room-size and listening-distance assessment
- Speaker positioning, spacing and toe-in setup
- Rear-port and wall-clearance guidance
- Foam port-plug assessment
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- Dynaudio Sub 6 setup and integration
- Finish selection and high-gloss cabinet-care guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available by arrangement
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Dynaudio warranty-registration guidance
- Ongoing system, setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss amplification, stands, room positioning, cables and system matching for the Dynaudio Special Forty.