Audio T Verdict
The Dynaudio Confidence 20 is the flagship standmount model in Dynaudio’s passive home-audio range, combining an Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter, an 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver and a dedicated stand that forms part of the loudspeaker’s acoustic design.
Although described as a standmount speaker, the complete Confidence 20 system stands approximately 1.14 metres tall and weighs around 27kg per channel when the matching stand is included. It should therefore be treated as a substantial floorstanding installation rather than a compact bookshelf speaker.
The dedicated stand is supplied as part of the package and is essential to the intended performance. Its shaped top plate controls the airflow from the downward-firing bass-reflex port, while the carefully calculated gap between the cabinet and stand effectively becomes part of the port itself.
This arrangement helps the Confidence 20 produce a quoted low-frequency cutoff of 42Hz while reducing the audibility of port noise from the listening position. It also gives the port a consistent acoustic boundary rather than allowing different shelves or generic stand top plates to alter its behaviour.
The 28mm Esotar3 tweeter incorporates Dynaudio’s Hexis inner dome, an enlarged rear chamber, optimised damping and a powerful neodymium magnet. These elements are designed to control resonance and airflow behind the soft dome, improving high-frequency clarity, timing and dynamic ability.
Bass and midrange are reproduced by an 18cm NeoTec driver with Dynaudio’s one-piece MSP cone, an aluminium voice coil, glass-fibre voice-coil former, neodymium motor and carefully machined ventilation system. The same driver must cover everything from the low bass up to the 2325Hz crossover point, so integration and controlled behaviour through the vocal range are especially important.
The Confidence 20 does not use the separate DDC Lens fitted to the Confidence floorstanders. Dynaudio explains that the lens was developed to work with the symmetrical midrange arrangement used by the Confidence 30, 50 and 60. The Confidence 20 instead uses a tweeter surround and Compex baffle developed specifically for its two-way driver configuration.
With 87dB sensitivity, a rated impedance of 6 ohms and a minimum of 5 ohms at 155Hz, the Confidence 20 does not present an unusually severe electrical load. Nevertheless, its transparency, bass capability and 250W IEC power handling mean it deserves a powerful, stable and high-quality amplifier rather than being chosen purely from the wattage figure.
Its single pair of terminals also makes the intended connection straightforward. There is no requirement for bi-wiring or bi-amping, allowing the system budget to concentrate on one high-quality run of speaker cable and the best suitable amplification.
Positioning remains important. The Confidence 20 can produce significant bass for a two-way design, and its resolving nature will reveal room reflections, asymmetrical placement and weaknesses elsewhere in the system. Careful adjustment of distance from the walls, speaker spacing, toe-in and listening position is strongly recommended.
The Confidence 20 sits above the Contour 20 Black Edition and offers the most advanced passive standmount implementation in Dynaudio’s current range. The Confidence 30 adds a dedicated midrange driver, twin woofers and the complete floorstanding DDC arrangement, but it also needs more room and places greater demands on installation and amplification.
For customers who want the scale and authority of a serious high-end loudspeaker without installing one of the larger Confidence floorstanders, the Confidence 20 is a compelling solution. It is not a space-saving shortcut, but a carefully integrated speaker-and-stand system capable of exceptional resolution, imaging and low-frequency weight when partnered and positioned properly.
Dynaudio Confidence 20 Standmount Speakers
The Dynaudio Confidence 20 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed and engineered at Dynaudio Labs in Skanderborg, Denmark.
Each channel combines:
- One 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter
- One 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver
- A second-order passive crossover
- A rigid Compex composite front baffle
- A downward-firing bass-reflex port
- A dedicated matching floor stand
- A single pair of loudspeaker terminals
The stands are included and are an integral part of the loudspeaker’s port tuning, overall height and mechanical support.
Dynaudio’s Flagship Passive Standmount
The Confidence 20 is positioned at the top of Dynaudio’s passive standmount range.
It applies technologies developed for the larger Confidence models to a two-way cabinet, including:
- The Esotar3 tweeter
- Hexis resonance-control technology
- NeoTec neodymium driver motors
- MSP cone material
- Compex composite baffle construction
- Computer-modelled airflow and venting
- A hybrid downward-firing bass-reflex system
The design was developed through computer modelling, physical prototyping, controlled listening and measurement in Dynaudio’s Jupiter facility.
Dedicated Matching Stands Included
The Confidence 20 is supplied with its own model-specific floor stands.
These are not ordinary supports selected simply to place the tweeter at listening height. They form part of the bass-reflex system and determine the controlled space beneath the downward-facing port.
A conventional flat-topped stand could obstruct the port or create turbulence and unwanted noise. The dedicated stand therefore uses a shaped, domed upper surface that distributes airflow away from the port opening.
Do Not Substitute a Conventional Speaker Stand
The distance between the cabinet and the dedicated stand top plate forms part of the effective bass-port length.
Changing the stand, altering that gap or placing the Confidence 20 directly on furniture could change its bass tuning and restrict airflow.
The supplied stands should be regarded as part of the loudspeaker rather than as an optional accessory.
Downward-Firing Bass-Reflex Port
The Confidence 20 uses a downward-firing bass-reflex port rather than a conventional rear-facing tube.
Dynaudio selected the vertical arrangement partly because the required port was too long to fit horizontally within the cabinet.
Directing the port downwards also offers several practical advantages:
- The exit is less directly audible from the listening position
- Any remaining port noise is less likely to reflect from the rear wall
- The dedicated stand provides a repeatable acoustic boundary
- The port can be made longer without increasing cabinet depth
- The cabinet rear remains free from a conventional bass-port opening
The port and stand are tuned as one system. The small space between them is calculated as part of the port’s total effective length.
Shaped Port Diffuser
The top of the stand incorporates a shaped diffuser beneath the port.
Instead of allowing the air to strike a conventional flat surface, the curved form guides it outwards around the base of the cabinet.
This is designed to:
- Reduce turbulence
- Control airflow
- Lower the audibility of port artefacts
- Maintain the designed port clearance
- Provide consistent operation on different floor coverings
The opening visible lower down at the back of the cabinet is for cable management and should not be mistaken for a second bass port.
Sand-Fillable Stand Construction
The dedicated stand can be filled with suitable dry stand-filling material.
Increasing the stand’s mass can provide a more stable and less resonant foundation, helping to reduce energy storage and mechanical ringing within the hollow stand column.
Any filling process should follow Dynaudio’s stand instructions. The material must be clean and completely dry, and care should be taken not to contaminate the speaker, terminals or floor.
Filling the stands will increase the complete installed weight and should be considered before the system is moved into its final position.
28mm Esotar3 Soft-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by Dynaudio’s 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter.
The Esotar3 builds on earlier Esotar designs with changes to:
- The rear chamber
- Internal airflow
- Damping
- Magnet strength
- Resonance control
- Diaphragm behaviour
The soft dome is designed to combine low moving mass with controlled damping rather than relying on a rigid metal diaphragm.
Hexis Inner Dome
Behind the Esotar3 diaphragm sits Dynaudio’s Hexis inner dome.
This small dimpled component shapes the movement of air behind the main tweeter diaphragm and helps reduce standing waves within the rear cavity.
By controlling these internal resonances, the Hexis is intended to improve:
- High-frequency smoothness
- Transient stopping behaviour
- Low-level detail
- Stereo imaging
- Integration with the mid/bass driver
The Hexis replaces the simpler felt damping arrangement used in earlier Dynaudio tweeter designs.
Enlarged Tweeter Rear Chamber
The Esotar3 uses a substantially enlarged rear chamber.
Rearward energy from the dome enters this chamber rather than reflecting immediately back towards the diaphragm.
The chamber, damping and Hexis work together to reduce unwanted resonance and allow the dome to follow the musical signal more accurately.
Neodymium Tweeter Magnet
A powerful neodymium magnet provides the magnetic field for the Esotar3 motor system.
Its compact size and magnetic strength support improved sensitivity and control while leaving more space for the tweeter’s rear chamber and airflow system.
The increased efficiency also helps limit heat build-up during demanding playback.
No Confidence Floorstander DDC Lens
The Confidence 20 does not use the separate aluminium DDC Lens fitted around the tweeter in the Confidence 30, 50 and 60.
Dynaudio developed that lens to work with the symmetrical driver arrangement used by the three-way floorstanders, where midrange units are positioned in relation to the tweeter as part of the complete directivity-control system.
The two-way Confidence 20 has only one mid/bass driver, so it uses a different tweeter-surround geometry that is optimised for its own configuration.
Confidence 20 and DDC
The Confidence family was developed using Dynaudio’s work on directivity and room interaction, but the physical DDC Lens fitted to the floorstanding models is not used on the Confidence 20.
This distinction is important when comparing the Confidence 20 with the Confidence 30, 50 and 60.
18cm NeoTec MSP Mid/Bass Driver
A single 18cm NeoTec driver handles both bass and midrange frequencies.
It operates from the lowest part of the speaker’s response up to the 2325Hz crossover point, where the Esotar3 tweeter takes over.
Because the driver covers the vocal range as well as the bass, its cone, surround, voice coil, motor and suspension must balance extension with low colouration and controlled dispersion.
One-Piece MSP Cone
The mid/bass cone is made from Dynaudio’s Magnesium Silicate Polymer, normally abbreviated to MSP.
The diaphragm is moulded as a single piece, including the central dust-cap area, rather than attaching a separate cap to the front of the cone.
This one-piece construction is designed to provide:
- Consistent behaviour across the diaphragm
- Controlled stiffness
- Useful internal damping
- A secure mechanical connection to the voice coil
- Reduced risk of resonance at a separate dust-cap joint
Aluminium Voice Coil
The Confidence 20 mid/bass driver uses an aluminium voice coil.
Dynaudio selected aluminium to achieve the moving mass and force factor required for this particular driver, cabinet volume and crossover arrangement.
The larger Confidence floorstanders use different voice-coil materials because their dedicated bass drivers are tuned for a different role.
Glass-Fibre Voice-Coil Former
The voice coil is wound around a glass-fibre former.
This provides a stiff and low-mass structure while helping to reduce electrical losses and unwanted eddy-current effects.
The former must remain stable as the driver moves forwards and backwards and as its temperature changes during use.
NeoTec Neodymium Motor
The mid/bass driver uses Dynaudio’s NeoTec motor system with a powerful neodymium magnet.
The compact magnet allows more space for controlled airflow around the voice coil and rear of the cone.
The motor is designed to maintain control as excursion increases, helping the Confidence 20 reproduce deep bass without compromising its midrange performance.
Machined Motor Ventilation
Airflow channels are machined into the driver’s magnetic structure.
These vents help air move away from the voice coil and rear of the diaphragm, reducing compression and turbulence during larger cone movements.
Controlled ventilation can also assist cooling and maintain more consistent behaviour during prolonged or high-level playback.
Second-Order Two-Way Crossover
The Confidence 20 uses a two-way passive crossover with a second-order topology.
The crossover frequency is 2325Hz.
The network must divide the incoming amplifier signal while maintaining suitable phase, level and dispersion through the transition between the two drivers.
Its design is matched specifically to:
- The Esotar3 tweeter
- The 18cm NeoTec MSP driver
- The Compex baffle
- The cabinet geometry
- The intended listening axis
Compex Composite Front Baffle
The drivers are mounted into a sculpted Compex front baffle.
Compex is a lightweight, rigid and well-damped composite that can be formed into the precise curves, edges and mounting surfaces required by the Confidence design.
The material is intended to absorb unwanted vibration while providing a stable mechanical foundation for the drive units.
Special gaskets and rear mounting hardware couple the drivers to the baffle while controlling the transmission of vibration between components.
Curved Cabinet Design
The Confidence 20 cabinet uses smoothly curved sides and a tapered profile rather than a basic rectangular enclosure.
The shape helps reduce large parallel internal surfaces and controls diffraction around the cabinet exterior.
The cabinet must also resist the mechanical reaction generated by the 18cm driver while remaining acoustically quiet enough not to obscure low-level information.
Current Audio T Finish Options
Audio T currently lists the Confidence 20 in the following finishes:
- Midnight High Gloss
- Raven Wood
- Ruby Wood
- Smoke High Gloss
Availability can vary, particularly with natural veneer and premium lacquer finishes. The appearance of real wood can also differ naturally between individual cabinets.
Pairs are matched for finish and should be kept together as supplied.
Black Removable Grilles
Black removable grilles are supplied.
They help protect the delicate Esotar3 dome and MSP cone from accidental contact, dust and curious fingers.
Dynaudio designs its grilles to have a limited effect on performance, although the company suggests that removing them may provide a marginal improvement for serious listening.
Handle the grilles carefully and never press on the tweeter dome or mid/bass cone while removing or replacing them.
Single-Wire Loudspeaker Terminals
The Confidence 20 uses one pair of high-quality binding posts per speaker.
The terminals can accommodate compatible:
- 4mm banana plugs
- Cable spades
- Stripped bare wire
The connection is single wired. There are no separate high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs for bi-wiring or passive bi-amping.
Correct Cable Polarity
The amplifier and speakers should be switched off while the speaker cables are connected.
Connect the positive amplifier terminal to the positive speaker terminal and the negative amplifier terminal to the negative speaker terminal.
If one speaker is wired with reversed polarity, bass weight and central stereo focus can be significantly reduced even though both speakers still produce sound.
Both cable runs should be approximately the same length.
Speaker-Cable Selection
Dynaudio recommends using good-quality speaker cable suited to the amplifier, loudspeaker and required length.
Its general guidance suggests a conductor area of at least 1.5mm² and notes that performance can begin to suffer with cable runs much longer than approximately 15 metres.
A premium system such as the Confidence 20 should be assessed with appropriately specified cable rather than assuming that the most expensive option will automatically be the best match.
Browse speaker cables available from Audio T to compare suitable terminated and unterminated options.
87dB Sensitivity
The Confidence 20 has a specified sensitivity of 87dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is a moderate sensitivity figure rather than an especially efficient design.
Required amplifier power will depend on:
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Preferred volume
- Music dynamics
- Amplifier current capability
- The amount of headroom required
A small amplifier may produce satisfactory levels in a compact room, but the Confidence 20’s dynamic and low-frequency capability will generally be better served by substantial, stable amplification.
6-Ohm Rated Impedance
The rated impedance is 6 ohms.
Dynaudio specifies a minimum impedance of 5 ohms at 155Hz, which is relatively benign compared with loudspeakers that fall towards 2 or 3 ohms.
Impedance alone does not establish amplifier compatibility. The amplifier must also provide clean output, suitable voltage swing and adequate current at the required listening level.
250W IEC Long-Term Power Handling
Dynaudio specifies IEC long-term power handling of 250W.
This is not a requirement to use a 250W amplifier, 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 powerful amplifier used sensibly may provide cleaner headroom.
Reduce the Volume if the Sound Becomes Distorted
Audible hardness, compression, crackling or obvious distortion can indicate that the amplifier or loudspeaker is being overloaded.
Reduce the volume immediately rather than continuing to play the system at the same level.
Amplifier Matching
The Confidence 20 deserves amplification capable of controlling its 18cm driver while preserving the resolution of the Esotar3 tweeter.
Suitable amplifiers should be considered according to:
- Power into 4 and 8 ohms
- Current delivery
- Stability into real loudspeaker loads
- Noise level
- Pre-amplifier quality
- Source quality
- Room size and listening distance
The published wattage should not be used as the only measure. Two amplifiers with the same nominal output can behave very differently when driving a real loudspeaker.
Browse integrated amplifiers and separates at Audio T to explore suitable partnering options.
42Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response
Dynaudio specifies a frequency response from 42Hz to 22kHz within a +/-3dB tolerance.
The 42Hz lower cutoff is substantial for a two-way standmount loudspeaker and allows the Confidence 20 to reproduce much of the musical bass range without automatically requiring a subwoofer.
Actual in-room bass will depend on:
- Distance from boundaries
- Room dimensions
- Listening position
- Floor construction
- Stand stability
- Amplifier control
- Room modes
Using the Confidence 20 Without a Subwoofer
In many two-channel systems, the Confidence 20 can be used as a full-range main speaker without a subwoofer.
Its low-frequency extension is sufficient for a broad range of acoustic, vocal, rock, jazz and orchestral material.
Customers who prioritise the lowest organ, electronic or cinema effects may still benefit from a carefully integrated subwoofer.
Adding the Dynaudio Sub 6
The Dynaudio Sub 6 includes a preset performance map for the Confidence 20.
This allows the subwoofer’s DSP, low-pass behaviour and system integration to be configured specifically for the loudspeaker model.
A subwoofer should be added for extension and integration rather than simply increasing bass volume. Level, crossover, phase, delay and room position all need careful adjustment.
Speaker Positioning
Dynaudio’s general guidance recommends positioning passive speakers as far from room boundaries as practical, with approximately 50cm from each cabinet to nearby walls as an initial target.
This should be treated as a starting point rather than a fixed rule.
Moving the Confidence 20 closer to the rear wall will normally increase bass energy, while moving it further into the room can improve definition and soundstage depth.
Stereo Spacing
Dynaudio suggests an initial speaker spacing of approximately two to four metres for conventional stereo systems.
The distance from the speakers to the listening position should normally be similar to, or slightly greater than, the distance between the speakers.
If the pair is too close together, the soundstage may lack width and scale. If it is too far apart, voices and instruments in the centre can lose focus.
Toe-In and Listening Angle
There is no single toe-in angle that will suit every room.
Begin with the speakers facing forwards or angled slightly towards the listening position, then adjust both channels in equal increments.
Greater toe-in may strengthen central focus and reduce the influence of side-wall reflections. Less toe-in may provide a broader soundstage and a more relaxed balance.
The correct setting should be established through listening rather than appearance alone.
Symmetrical Room Placement
Where possible, the immediate surroundings of the left and right speakers should have similar acoustic properties.
For example, placing one speaker next to heavy curtains and the other beside a bare reflective wall can affect tonal balance and stereo imaging.
Furniture, glass, alcoves, fireplaces and open doorways can all influence the result.
Listening Height
The dedicated stands place the drivers at the intended height for a seated listener.
The listening seat should not be so high or low that the listener is positioned far outside the speaker’s intended vertical listening area.
Both speakers must be level and at identical heights.
Floor Spikes and Rubber Feet
Dynaudio stands are supplied with floor-contact options for different surfaces.
Spikes are intended for carpeted floors, allowing the stand to reach the solid surface beneath the carpet.
Rubber feet are intended for uncovered wood, tile or other hard floors.
Spikes can damage sensitive surfaces. Protective discs should be used where required, and care must be taken when moving or levelling the stands.
Level and Stability
Adjust the feet so that each complete speaker-and-stand assembly is vertical and cannot rock.
Do not tilt the system so that its full weight rests temporarily on one or two spikes or feet.
The Confidence 20 is heavy, and installation should normally be completed by two people.
Substantial Installed Weight
Dynaudio specifies approximately 27kg for each speaker and stand assembly before any additional stand-filling material is added.
Check that the floor is suitable and plan the final position before filling, levelling and connecting the stands.
Running-In Period
Dynaudio states that a newly manufactured loudspeaker can require several weeks of normal use before its moving parts reach their optimum flexibility.
During this period, bass extension, integration and overall ease may continue to develop.
There is no need to use special test signals or leave the speakers playing continuously at high volume. Normal varied music at sensible levels is sufficient.
Warm-Up Before Listening
After the initial running-in period, Dynaudio suggests allowing the speakers a few minutes of playback at the beginning of a listening session.
The associated amplifier, source and other electronics may also benefit from reaching their normal operating condition.
Cabinet and Driver Care
Use a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth for the cabinet and other non-functional surfaces.
Do not use furniture polish, abrasive cleaner, solvents or aerosol sprays.
Never touch the Esotar3 soft dome. Dust on the MSP cone or grille should be removed gently with a clean, soft brush.
Protecting Natural and High-Gloss Finishes
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, excessive artificial light, high humidity or significant temperature changes.
Natural wood veneers can change appearance over time, and strong light may cause uneven ageing where one surface receives more exposure than another.
High-gloss finishes should be cleaned carefully to reduce the risk of fine scratches.
Confidence 20 or Contour 20 Black Edition?
Choose the Confidence 20 When
- Dynaudio’s flagship passive standmount is required
- The Esotar3 and Confidence NeoTec implementation are priorities
- A dedicated integrated stand-and-port system is preferred
- 42Hz bass extension is useful
- A 6-ohm rated load is preferable
- Premium veneer and gloss options are wanted
- The system can justify the higher investment
Choose the Contour 20 Black Edition When
- A lower purchase price better balances the system
- A separate optional stand arrangement is preferred
- The all-black finish is wanted
- A rear-mounted bass port suits the installation
- Its 4-ohm load is suitable for the amplifier
- Confidence-level tweeter technology is wanted at a lower level
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition uses an Esotar3 tweeter and upgraded NeoTec mid/bass driver, but its cabinet, crossover, port and stand system are different from the Confidence 20.
Confidence 20 or Confidence 30?
Choose the Confidence 20 When
- A two-way standmount configuration is preferred
- The room does not require a larger floorstander
- A 5-ohm minimum impedance is more appropriate
- 42Hz extension is sufficient
- A slightly more manageable installation is required
- The dedicated stand aesthetic suits the room
Choose the Confidence 30 When
- A dedicated midrange driver is required
- Twin 18cm woofers are appropriate for the room
- 38Hz extension is useful
- The full floorstanding DDC Lens system is wanted
- Higher sensitivity is useful
- The amplifier can handle its lower impedance
- The larger cabinet can be positioned properly
The Dynaudio Confidence 30 is a three-way floorstander with a dedicated midrange, twin woofers and Dynaudio’s floorstanding DDC arrangement.
Other Confidence Floorstanding Models
The Dynaudio Confidence 50 increases cabinet size, bass capability and scale with twin 18cm woofers and two dedicated midrange drivers.
The Dynaudio Confidence 60 is the flagship of the passive Confidence series, using twin 23cm woofers and twin 15cm midrange drivers.
Both require considerably more space and place greater physical, financial and amplification demands on the complete system.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- High-quality integrated amplifiers and separates
- Medium and larger dedicated listening spaces
- Systems prioritising imaging and low-level detail
- Listeners wanting substantial bass from a two-way design
- Premium vinyl, CD and streaming sources
- Systems using high-quality single-wire speaker cable
- Customers wanting a flagship passive standmount
- Optional Dynaudio Sub 6 integration
Check Before Buying
- The room can accommodate the 1.14m complete height
- The floor can support at least 27kg per channel
- The speakers can be positioned away from boundaries
- The amplifier has suitable quality and headroom
- The dedicated stands can be used as intended
- The finish can be protected from direct sunlight
- There is space for safe assembly and levelling
- Home installation assistance has been considered
Related Dynaudio Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Flagship passive Dynaudio standmount speaker
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Dedicated matching floor stands included
- Stand forms part of the bass-reflex system
- Sand-fillable stand columns
- Shaped stand-top port diffuser
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- Two-way passive design
- 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter
- Hexis resonance-control inner dome
- Enlarged tweeter rear chamber
- Optimised tweeter airflow and damping
- Neodymium tweeter magnet
- 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver
- One-piece Magnesium Silicate Polymer cone
- Aluminium voice coil
- Glass-fibre voice-coil former
- Pure neodymium mid/bass motor
- Machined motor ventilation
- Compex composite front baffle
- Curved premium cabinet
- Second-order crossover topology
- 2325Hz crossover frequency
- 87dB sensitivity
- 6-ohm rated impedance
- 5-ohm minimum impedance at 155Hz
- 250W IEC long-term power handling
- 42Hz to 22kHz response within +/-3dB
- Single-wire binding posts
- Banana-plug compatibility
- Spade compatibility
- Bare-wire compatibility
- Black removable grilles
- Carpet spikes and hard-floor feet
- Approximately 27kg per channel with stand
- Approximately 1.14m complete height
- Designed and engineered in Denmark
- Up to eight-year total warranty after registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Confidence 20 stands included?
Yes. The dedicated matching stands are included and form part of the speaker’s downward-firing bass-port system.
Can I use a different speaker stand?
It is not recommended. The supplied stand provides the shaped surface and precise clearance required by the bass port.
Can the stands be filled?
Yes. Dynaudio designs the stands so they can be filled with suitable clean, dry material to increase mass and reduce resonance.
Is the Confidence 20 a bookshelf speaker?
Dynaudio categorises it as a bookshelf or standmount model, but it must be used with its dedicated floor stand. The complete assembly is approximately 1.14 metres tall.
Is the Confidence 20 sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product is supplied as a stereo pair with matching stands.
What tweeter does it use?
It uses Dynaudio’s 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter with a Hexis inner dome, neodymium magnet and enlarged rear chamber.
Does it use the DDC Lens?
No. Dynaudio states that the separate DDC Lens is reserved for the floorstanding Confidence models because it works with their symmetrical midrange-driver arrangement.
What is the main driver?
One 18cm NeoTec mid/bass driver with a one-piece MSP cone, aluminium voice coil, glass-fibre former and neodymium motor.
What does MSP mean?
MSP stands for Magnesium Silicate Polymer, Dynaudio’s proprietary cone material.
What type of bass port is used?
A downward-firing bass-reflex port that works with the shaped top plate and calculated clearance of the dedicated stand.
What is the frequency response?
Dynaudio specifies 42Hz to 22kHz within +/-3dB.
What is the sensitivity?
87dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the impedance?
The rated impedance is 6 ohms, with a specified minimum of 5 ohms at 155Hz.
Is the Confidence 20 difficult to drive?
Its impedance is relatively benign, but its moderate sensitivity and high performance justify a powerful, stable and high-quality amplifier.
How much amplifier power is required?
There is no single correct figure. Room size, listening distance, required volume and amplifier quality all matter. Audio T recommends a system demonstration rather than matching solely by wattage.
What does 250W power handling mean?
It is the IEC long-term power-handling specification, not a requirement to use a 250W amplifier and not an absolute guarantee against overload damage.
Can the speakers be bi-wired?
No. Each speaker uses one pair of terminals for conventional single wiring.
Which speaker connectors can be used?
Compatible 4mm banana plugs, cable spades and properly prepared bare wire can be used.
How far should they be from the wall?
Dynaudio suggests beginning with approximately 50cm from nearby walls, then adjusting the position according to the room and listening results.
How far apart should the speakers be?
Dynaudio’s general guidance suggests approximately two to four metres, with the listening distance similar to or slightly greater than the speaker spacing.
Should they be toed in?
Experiment with equal toe-in on both channels. More toe-in can strengthen focus, while less can broaden the soundstage.
Do they need running in?
Dynaudio states that its new passive speakers can require several weeks of normal use to reach optimum performance.
Should the grilles be removed?
The choice is personal. Dynaudio suggests that removing them may give a marginal improvement for serious listening, while fitting them provides useful driver protection.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. The Dynaudio Sub 6 includes a preset performance map for the Confidence 20.
What is the speaker-only weight?
The established Confidence 20 specification gives approximately 15.2kg for the cabinet alone.
What is the complete weight with the stand?
Dynaudio’s current specification gives approximately 27kg per speaker-and-stand assembly before optional stand filling.
What are the current cabinet dimensions?
Dynaudio currently publishes cabinet dimensions of 233 x 520 x 414mm (W x H x D).
What are the dimensions including the stand?
Dynaudio currently specifies 368 x 1140 x 457mm (W x H x D), including feet, grille and stand.
Which finishes are listed by Audio T?
Midnight High Gloss, Raven Wood, Ruby Wood and Smoke High Gloss are currently listed, subject to availability.
What warranty is available?
Dynaudio passive speakers are covered by the applicable standard warranty and can currently receive up to eight years of total manufacturer cover when registered within 12 months of purchase, subject to Dynaudio’s terms and the original purchase documentation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Dynaudio Confidence 20 demonstrations
- Comparisons with Contour 20 Black Edition and Confidence floorstanders
- Amplifier power, current and system-matching advice
- Source, pre-amplifier and power-amplifier comparisons
- Room-size and listening-distance assessment
- Speaker positioning and toe-in setup
- Dedicated stand assembly and levelling guidance
- Carpet spike and hard-floor foot installation
- Stand-filling advice
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- Dynaudio Sub 6 setup and integration
- Finish and veneer selection
- Home demonstration or installation 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 amplifier, room, cable and system matching for the Dynaudio Confidence 20.