Audio T Verdict
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition takes the proven cabinet and aluminium-baffle foundation of the Contour 20i and upgrades the areas that most directly influence its acoustic performance.
The most obvious change is the Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter, derived from Dynaudio’s flagship Confidence range. It is joined by a substantially revised 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver, a larger dual-flared bass-reflex port and a completely redesigned second-order crossover using premium Mundorf components.
The Esotar3 incorporates Dynaudio’s Hexis resonance-control inner dome, an enlarged rear chamber, improved internal damping and a powerful neodymium motor. Its coated 28mm diaphragm is intended to combine fine high-frequency resolution with the controlled, natural presentation associated with Dynaudio’s soft-dome designs.
The 18cm mid/bass unit uses Dynaudio’s one-piece MSP cone, an aluminium voice coil, an extended winding, a glass-fibre former and a neodymium magnet system. The extended coil is designed to improve linearity as the cone moves, while the compact motor leaves more space for controlled airflow behind the driver.
A new, larger rear port is flared at both ends. This allows more air to move through the port with less turbulence and compression, supporting cleaner bass, improved dynamic behaviour and fewer audible port artefacts.
The crossover has been rebuilt around a deliberately simple second-order topology. Mundorf capacitors and resistors, a large air-core inductor and high-quality internal wiring are used without additional correction networks.
Although the Black Edition’s revised mid/bass driver is more sensitive than the unit it replaces, the complete loudspeaker remains rated at 86dB. It is therefore not an especially efficient design and should be partnered with an amplifier that combines sufficient output with good current delivery and control.
Dynaudio specifies a 4-ohm nominal impedance and a 4.6-ohm minimum. This is a relatively consistent electrical load, but the speaker’s transparency and bass capability still justify high-quality amplification rather than choosing solely from the published wattage.
The Black Edition should not be interpreted simply as a Contour 20i with a different finish. The Esotar3, revised motor, larger port and simplified crossover substantially change the engineering between the amplifier terminals and the sound reaching the room.
It is also important not to compare the two models using one bass figure alone. Dynaudio publishes different response figures for the Contour 20i and Black Edition, while describing the Black Edition’s port and driver changes in terms of improved airflow, precision, sensitivity and dynamic range rather than merely claiming a lower cutoff frequency.
The speakers require rigid, correctly positioned stands. The dedicated Dynaudio Stand 20 is the natural visual and mechanical partner, but the stands are sold separately and should be included when planning the complete system cost.
The rear port means wall clearance remains important. Moving the speakers closer to a wall will normally increase bass output, while bringing them further into the room can improve definition, timing and soundstage depth.
Compared with the Confidence 20, the Contour 20 Black Edition is smaller, less expensive and easier to accommodate, but the Confidence model includes its own acoustically integrated stands, a down-firing port, greater sensitivity and a more ambitious overall cabinet-and-stand system.
For customers who want much of Dynaudio’s flagship tweeter technology in a more manageable two-way standmount, the Contour 20 Black Edition is an exceptionally serious proposition. It can deliver convincing weight, precise imaging and revealing detail, but it will also expose weaknesses in amplification, source quality and positioning.
Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition Standmount Speakers
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition is a premium two-way passive standmount loudspeaker, handmade at Dynaudio’s factory in Skanderborg, Denmark.
Each speaker combines:
- One 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter
- One 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver
- A redesigned second-order passive crossover
- A thick aluminium front baffle
- A larger dual-flared rear bass-reflex port
- A dense curved cabinet
- A single pair of loudspeaker terminals
The Contour 20 Black Edition is supplied as a stereo pair. Suitable speaker stands, amplification, speaker cables and source equipment are required separately.
The Apex of the Contour 20 Design
The Black Edition builds on the cabinet format introduced with the modern Contour 20 and later refined as the Contour 20i.
Rather than replacing the proven enclosure, Dynaudio retained its strong foundation and concentrated development on:
- The tweeter
- The mid/bass motor system
- The voice-coil winding
- The bass-reflex port
- The crossover
- The internal components and wiring
- The external detailing
The result occupies a position between the standard Contour 20i and the flagship Confidence 20.
28mm Esotar3 Soft-Dome Tweeter
The Contour 20 Black Edition uses Dynaudio’s 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter.
Esotar3 was originally developed for the Confidence range and is Dynaudio’s most advanced passive home-audio tweeter.
Its principal elements include:
- A precision-coated fabric dome
- Dynaudio’s Hexis inner dome
- An enlarged rear chamber
- Improved internal damping
- A powerful neodymium magnet
- A lightweight aluminium voice coil
- Carefully shaped internal airflow paths
Dynaudio DSR Diaphragm Coating
The Esotar3 fabric dome is treated with Dynaudio’s proprietary DSR coating.
Dynaudio formulates the material by hand before applying it robotically. This allows the coating density to be controlled accurately across the diaphragm.
The treatment is intended to provide the required combination of:
- Low moving mass
- Controlled damping
- Consistent production
- Stable diaphragm behaviour
- Smooth high-frequency response
Dynaudio refers to DSR as its “Dynaudio Secret Recipe”, and does not publish the precise material formulation.
Hexis Resonance-Control Inner Dome
Directly behind the Esotar3 diaphragm sits Dynaudio’s Hexis.
This small dimpled inner dome shapes the air moving behind the soft diaphragm and guides it towards the tweeter’s internal conduit and rear chamber.
The Hexis is designed to reduce standing waves and unwanted resonance that could otherwise reflect towards the main dome and colour its output.
Its contribution includes:
- Smoother high-frequency response
- Improved transient control
- Reduced internal resonance
- Cleaner decay
- More consistent integration with the mid/bass driver
Enlarged Tweeter Rear Chamber
The Esotar3 uses a large and carefully damped rear chamber.
Rearward energy from the dome enters this chamber rather than reflecting immediately towards the diaphragm.
The chamber works with the Hexis and internal vents to reduce pressure, standing waves and compression behind the tweeter.
Neodymium Tweeter Motor
A powerful neodymium magnet provides the magnetic field for the Esotar3 motor system.
Its compact size leaves more space for the rear chamber and airflow system while providing the magnetic strength required for sensitivity and control.
Dynaudio also states that the Esotar3’s higher sensitivity helps reduce the voltage and heat required for a given output level.
18cm NeoTec MSP Mid/Bass Driver
A single 18cm NeoTec driver handles the bass and midrange up to the 3600Hz crossover point.
It must therefore reproduce deep bass, vocals and much of the instrumental range before handing over to the Esotar3.
The driver incorporates:
- A one-piece MSP diaphragm
- A neodymium magnet system
- An extended aluminium voice-coil winding
- A glass-fibre voice-coil former
- Moulded balance ribs
- Optimised rear ventilation
- A substantial rubber surround
One-Piece MSP Cone
The mid/bass 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 piece rather than assembled from separate parts.
This 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 create another resonance
Extended Aluminium Voice Coil
The aluminium voice coil uses an extended winding to improve excursion linearity.
As the cone moves forwards and backwards, the extended coil is designed to maintain more consistent interaction with the magnetic field.
This helps the driver preserve control and dynamic behaviour as bass level and cone movement increase.
Glass-Fibre Voice-Coil Former
The voice coil is wound around a glass-fibre former.
This provides a stiff and relatively light support while helping to reduce unwanted eddy-current effects.
The former must remain stable as the driver moves and as the voice coil changes temperature during demanding playback.
Neodymium Mid/Bass Motor
The Black Edition replaces the Contour 20i driver’s conventional motor arrangement with a more powerful neodymium system.
The compact magnet provides additional room for controlled airflow behind the cone and around the voice coil.
Dynaudio states that the revised motor improves driver sensitivity while maintaining the low-frequency behaviour required by the cabinet.
Optimised Driver Ventilation
Air must move freely behind the cone and around the voice coil as the driver travels.
The Black Edition’s motor and basket are designed to reduce:
- Air compression
- Turbulence
- Mechanical noise
- Heat build-up
- Changes in behaviour during prolonged playback
Larger Dual-Flared Bass Port
The Contour 20 Black Edition uses a larger rear-mounted bass-reflex port than the Contour 20i.
The port is flared at both its internal and external openings.
This shape helps air accelerate and decelerate more gradually, reducing turbulence and audible port noise.
The larger opening is designed to support:
- Greater airflow
- Improved dynamic range
- Cleaner low-frequency transients
- Reduced compression
- Fewer audible port artefacts
Rear-Port Positioning
The rear port makes the speaker’s distance from the wall an important part of setup.
Positioning the speakers closer to the wall will normally increase perceived bass output. Moving them further into the room can reduce reinforcement and improve definition.
A sensible initial setup is to provide generous space behind the speakers, then adjust both channels in equal increments while listening to familiar recordings.
The correct distance will depend on:
- Room size
- Wall construction
- Speaker spacing
- Listening-seat position
- Amplifier control
- The amount of low-frequency energy in the room
New Minimalist Crossover
The crossover was redesigned specifically for the Contour 20 Black Edition.
It uses a second-order topology for both drivers and the smallest practical number of components.
Dynaudio selected:
- Mundorf capacitors
- Mundorf resistors
- A large air-core inductor
- High-quality internal speaker cable
No additional frequency-response correction network is required.
Second-Order Crossover Topology
The electrical crossover operates with second-order filter behaviour.
The crossover frequency is 3600Hz, considerably higher than the 2200Hz point used by the Contour 20i.
The Esotar3 tweeter, revised mid/bass driver and crossover were engineered together so that the final acoustic transition remains controlled through the listening area.
Mundorf Components
Mundorf capacitors and resistors are used within the crossover.
The components were selected for their electrical consistency, power handling and suitability for the simplified network.
Premium components cannot compensate for an unsuitable crossover design, but they can help the finished circuit perform consistently when chosen as part of a properly engineered network.
Large Air-Core Inductor
The crossover includes a substantial air-core inductor.
An air-core design avoids the magnetic saturation associated with an iron or ferrite core, although it normally requires more wire and occupies more space.
Its value and construction are matched to the mid/bass driver and the crossover’s required second-order behaviour.
High-Quality Internal Wiring
The crossover and drivers are connected with upgraded internal cable.
Internal wiring is one part of the complete signal path between the rear binding posts, crossover and drive units.
Dynaudio selected it as part of the wider effort to remove unnecessary restrictions between the amplifier and drivers.
Thick Aluminium Front Baffle
The drive units are mounted into a substantial aluminium front baffle.
The baffle is considerably thicker than its visible front edge suggests and provides a rigid mechanical foundation for the tweeter and mid/bass driver.
It also helps:
- Control vibration around the drivers
- Reduce diffraction from conventional cabinet edges
- Maintain precise driver positioning
- Strengthen the front of the enclosure
- Create the distinctive Contour appearance
Dense Curved Cabinet
The Contour cabinet uses thick panels and a curved form designed to reduce unwanted vibration and internal standing waves.
The sides taper gently towards the rear, avoiding a simple parallel-sided rectangular enclosure.
The cabinet’s mechanical stability is especially important because the single 18cm driver must produce substantial bass energy from a relatively compact volume.
Black High Gloss Finish
The Contour 20 Black Edition is available only in Black High Gloss.
The all-black treatment extends beyond the lacquered cabinet to include:
- The anodised aluminium baffle
- The tweeter front plate
- The mid/bass basket
- The bass port
- The rear terminal plate
- The external hardware and detailing
The combination of gloss lacquer and matt or anodised elements provides contrast while preserving the model’s deliberately understated appearance.
Single-Wire Binding Posts
Each speaker uses one pair of high-quality rear binding posts.
The Contour 20 Black Edition is therefore designed for conventional single wiring rather than passive bi-wiring or bi-amping.
The amplifier should be switched off whenever speaker cables are connected or removed.
Correct Speaker Polarity
Connect the positive amplifier terminal to the positive loudspeaker terminal and the negative amplifier terminal to the negative loudspeaker terminal.
If one speaker is connected with reversed polarity, the system can lose bass weight, central focus and stereo-image stability even though both channels still produce sound.
The left and right cable runs should be approximately the same length.
86dB Sensitivity
Dynaudio specifies a sensitivity of 86dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is a moderate figure rather than an especially efficient design.
The required amplifier output will depend on:
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Preferred volume
- Music dynamics
- Amplifier current delivery
- The required headroom above average listening level
4-Ohm Rated Impedance
The rated impedance is 4 ohms.
Dynaudio publishes a minimum impedance of 4.6 ohms, indicating that the load remains relatively consistent across its operating range.
The amplifier should nevertheless be designed for 4-ohm speakers and provide sufficient clean output for the room and listening distance.
180W IEC Long-Term Power Handling
Dynaudio specifies IEC long-term power handling of 180W.
This is not a requirement to use a 180W amplifier and does not guarantee that the speaker cannot be damaged by an amplifier with the same rating.
A lower-powered amplifier driven into clipping can produce harmful distortion, while a more powerful amplifier used within sensible limits may provide cleaner dynamic headroom.
Reduce the Volume if the Sound Becomes Distorted
Hardness, compression, crackling or obvious distortion can indicate that the amplifier or loudspeaker is being overloaded.
Reduce the volume immediately rather than continuing at the same level.
Amplifier Matching
The Contour 20 Black Edition should be partnered with an amplifier capable of controlling its 18cm driver while preserving the resolution of the Esotar3 tweeter.
Important factors include:
- Clean output into 4 ohms
- Current delivery
- Power-supply capacity
- Noise performance
- Pre-amplifier quality
- Room size and listening distance
- The required dynamic headroom
The published wattage should not be used as the only measure. Two amplifiers with similar power ratings can behave very differently when driving a real loudspeaker.
Audio T has successfully demonstrated Contour models with high-quality Naim, Hegel, Chord Electronics and other suitable amplification. The final choice should be established through listening.
Browse integrated amplifiers and separates at Audio T to explore suitable options.
50Hz to 23kHz Frequency Response
Dynaudio specifies a frequency response from 50Hz to 23kHz within a +/-3dB tolerance.
At the wider -6dB tolerance, the published response extends from 43Hz to 33kHz.
The difference between these figures demonstrates why frequency-response specifications must always be read with their stated tolerance.
Actual in-room bass will also depend on:
- Distance from walls
- Room dimensions
- Listening-seat position
- Stand rigidity
- Amplifier control
- Floor construction
- Room modes
Using the Speakers Without a Subwoofer
The Contour 20 Black Edition can provide substantial bass for a two-way standmount and will not automatically require a subwoofer in every music system.
Its suitability without additional bass support depends on the room, preferred music, listening level and desired low-frequency extension.
A subwoofer may be useful where the customer requires:
- Deeper low-frequency extension
- Greater bass headroom
- More flexibility in controlling room modes
- Additional scale at lower listening levels
- Film and home-cinema effects
Adding a REL T/9x Subwoofer
Audio T Brighton has demonstrated the Contour 20 Black Edition with a pair of REL T/9x subwoofers.
The REL T/9x provides High Level connection and adjustable analogue filtering for integration with a conventional stereo amplifier and passive loudspeakers.
Correct subwoofer integration requires careful adjustment of:
- Level
- Crossover frequency
- Phase
- Room position
- Relationship with the main speakers
A properly integrated subwoofer should extend and support the system without becoming obvious as a separate sound source.
Dynaudio Stand 20
The Dynaudio Stand 20 is the natural matching support for the Contour 20 family.
It provides:
- A rigid aluminium construction
- A sand-filling compartment
- Internal cable management
- Top-adjustable floor spikes
- Rubber rings for hard floors
- Non-slip top-plate pads
- Model-specific adapter-plate options
The stands are sold separately. Audio T can confirm the appropriate current adapter-plate and fixing arrangement for the Contour 20 Black Edition.
Speaker Stands Are Not Included
The published price is for the loudspeakers unless the individual Audio T listing or quotation states otherwise.
Include the stands, adapter arrangement and any filling material when planning the complete installation.
Correct Stand Height
The stands should position the Esotar3 tweeter close to the seated listener’s ear height.
A stand that is too low or too high can alter the tonal balance and weaken integration through the crossover region.
The complete assembly must remain level, rigid and stable.
Stand Mass and Filling
The Stand 20 includes a compartment that can be filled with suitable clean, dry material.
Additional mass can improve stability and reduce resonance within the stand column.
Filling also increases the total installed weight, so the speakers should be placed close to their final position before the process is completed.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with the speakers positioned symmetrically and with generous clearance from nearby walls.
The distance between the speakers should normally be similar to, or slightly less than, the distance from each speaker to the listening position.
Move both channels in equal increments while assessing:
- Bass balance
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Soundstage depth
- Image stability
- Integration through the midrange and treble
Toe-In and Listening Angle
There is no single correct toe-in angle for every room.
Greater toe-in can strengthen central focus and reduce some side-wall reflection. Less toe-in can broaden the soundstage and produce a more relaxed balance.
Adjust both speakers by the same amount and establish the final position through listening rather than appearance alone.
Symmetrical Room Placement
Where possible, the immediate surroundings of the left and right speaker should have similar acoustic properties.
Placing one speaker next to heavy curtains and the other beside a bare reflective wall can affect tonal balance and stereo imaging.
Large windows, fireplaces, alcoves, open doorways and substantial furniture should all be considered.
Running-In Period
Dynaudio advises that its loudspeaker drivers require several hours of normal use before reaching their full movement and performance.
The speakers can be used immediately after unpacking, but their balance and bass behaviour may continue to develop with normal listening.
Special test tones or prolonged high-volume playback are unnecessary.
Cabinet and Driver Care
Use a soft, clean cloth to remove dust from the cabinet and aluminium baffle.
A very slightly damp cloth can be used where necessary, but liquid should never be sprayed directly onto the speaker.
Do not use:
- Abrasive cleaners
- Furniture polish
- Solvents
- Aerosol sprays
- Excessive water
Never touch the Esotar3 soft dome. Dust on the cone or grille should be removed gently with a clean, soft brush.
Protecting the Black High Gloss Finish
The Black High Gloss lacquer should be cleaned carefully to reduce the risk of fine surface marks.
Avoid prolonged exposure to:
- Direct sunlight
- Strong uneven artificial light
- High humidity
- Extreme temperature changes
- Heat-producing equipment
Contour 20 Black Edition or Contour 20i?
Choose the Black Edition When
- The Esotar3 tweeter is a priority
- The revised NeoTec motor is wanted
- The larger dual-flared port is preferred
- The simplified Mundorf crossover is important
- The all-black finish suits the room
- Maximum Contour 20 performance is required
- The higher investment is justified by the system
Choose the Contour 20i When
- The lower purchase price better balances the system
- The Esotar2i tweeter provides sufficient performance
- Walnut or Piano Black finish choice is preferred
- The established Contour 20i presentation is wanted
- The available amplification is more modest
- The additional Black Edition upgrades are unnecessary
The Dynaudio Contour 20i remains a highly capable standmount, but it uses an Esotar2i tweeter, different mid/bass motor, smaller port and a different crossover arrangement.
Contour 20 Black Edition or Confidence 20?
Choose the Contour 20 Black Edition When
- A smaller cabinet is preferable
- The lower purchase price better suits the system
- A conventional rear-ported design suits the room
- Separate stand choice is useful
- The all-black Contour styling is preferred
- A 4-ohm loudspeaker is suitable for the amplifier
Choose the Confidence 20 When
- Dynaudio’s flagship passive standmount is required
- The dedicated stands and port system are preferred
- Greater sensitivity is useful
- A more benign impedance is advantageous
- Deeper published bass extension is required
- The complete system justifies the greater investment
The Dynaudio Confidence 20 includes dedicated matching stands and uses a down-firing port integrated into the complete speaker-and-stand system.
Contour 20 Black Edition or Contour 30i?
Choose the Contour 20 Black Edition When
- A premium two-way standmount is preferred
- The Esotar3 tweeter is important
- The room is unsuitable for a floorstander
- Precise standmount imaging is the priority
- The Black Edition engineering is preferred
Choose the Contour 30i When
- A floorstanding design is required
- Two 18cm drivers are more appropriate
- Greater bass output and scale are wanted
- Separate speaker stands are undesirable
- The room can accommodate the larger cabinet
- The lower purchase price is attractive
The Dynaudio Contour 30i is a 2.5-way floorstander with an Esotar2i tweeter and twin 18cm MSP drivers.
Award-Winning Design
The Contour 20 Black Edition received the EISA Best Product 2025–2026 award in the Premium Standmount Loudspeakers category.
The award recognised the scale of the changes over the standard Contour 20i, including the Esotar3 tweeter, revised NeoTec driver, larger port and reconfigured crossover.
Awards can provide useful independent recognition, but they should not replace a demonstration with the intended amplifier, room and listening preferences.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- High-quality integrated amplifiers
- Separate pre-amplifier and power-amplifier systems
- Small, medium and suitably arranged larger rooms
- Premium vinyl, CD and streaming sources
- Listeners prioritising imaging and detail
- Systems requiring serious bass from a standmount
- High-quality single-wire speaker cables
- Optional carefully integrated subwoofers
Check Before Buying
- The amplifier is suitable for a 4-ohm speaker
- Suitable stands are included in the budget
- The speakers can be positioned away from the rear wall
- The room can accommodate the stand footprint
- The tweeters can be positioned near seated ear height
- The Black High Gloss finish suits the room
- The rest of the system matches the speakers’ resolution
- A demonstration has been arranged where possible
Related Dynaudio Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Premium passive standmount loudspeaker
- Supplied as a matched stereo pair
- Handmade in Skanderborg, Denmark
- Two-way driver configuration
- 28mm Esotar3 soft-dome tweeter
- Robot-applied DSR diaphragm coating
- Dynaudio Hexis inner dome
- Enlarged tweeter rear chamber
- Improved tweeter damping
- Neodymium tweeter motor
- Aluminium tweeter voice coil
- 18cm NeoTec MSP mid/bass driver
- One-piece MSP diaphragm
- Extended aluminium voice-coil winding
- Glass-fibre voice-coil former
- Neodymium mid/bass motor system
- Optimised driver ventilation
- Large dual-flared rear bass port
- New minimalist passive crossover
- Second-order crossover topology
- 3600Hz crossover frequency
- Mundorf capacitors and resistors
- Large air-core inductor
- Upgraded internal wiring
- No additional correction network
- Thick aluminium front baffle
- Dense curved cabinet
- Black High Gloss cabinet
- Black anodised aluminium baffle
- Black driver and terminal detailing
- Single-wire binding posts
- 86dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm rated impedance
- 4.6-ohm minimum impedance
- 180W IEC long-term power handling
- 50Hz to 23kHz response at +/-3dB
- 43Hz to 33kHz response at -6dB
- 14.6kg weight per speaker
- EISA Best Product 2025–2026
- Up to eight-year total warranty after registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Contour 20 Black Edition sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product is supplied as a stereo pair.
Are the speaker stands included?
No. Suitable speaker stands are required separately unless an individual Audio T quotation specifically includes them.
Which stand is recommended?
The Dynaudio Stand 20 is the natural matching support. Audio T can confirm the correct adapter and fixing arrangement for the Black Edition.
Is the Black Edition just a different finish?
No. It adds an Esotar3 tweeter, revised NeoTec mid/bass motor, larger port and completely redesigned Mundorf crossover.
What tweeter is fitted?
Dynaudio’s 28mm Esotar3 coated soft-dome tweeter with Hexis inner dome, enlarged rear chamber and neodymium motor.
What is the Hexis?
It is a dimpled inner dome behind the tweeter diaphragm that guides airflow and reduces internal standing waves and resonance.
What does DSR mean?
Dynaudio calls it the Dynaudio Secret Recipe, its proprietary coating applied to the Esotar3 fabric dome.
What is the main driver?
One 18cm NeoTec mid/bass driver with a one-piece MSP cone, extended 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 large rear-mounted port flared at both its internal and external openings.
How does the port differ from the Contour 20i?
The Black Edition port is larger and is designed to provide greater airflow, improved dynamics and fewer audible artefacts.
What crossover components are used?
The crossover uses Mundorf capacitors and resistors, a large air-core inductor and high-quality internal wiring.
What is the crossover frequency?
3600Hz.
What is the crossover topology?
Second order for both drivers, without an additional correction network.
What is the frequency response?
Dynaudio specifies 50Hz to 23kHz at +/-3dB and 43Hz to 33kHz at -6dB.
What is the sensitivity?
86dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the rated impedance?
4 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
Dynaudio specifies 4.6 ohms.
Is the speaker difficult to drive?
The impedance is relatively consistent, but the moderate sensitivity and revealing performance justify a high-quality amplifier with good output and control.
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 need a 180W amplifier?
No. The 180W figure is its IEC long-term power-handling specification, not a compulsory amplifier rating.
Can the speakers be bi-wired?
No. Each speaker uses one pair of binding posts for conventional single wiring.
How far should the speakers be from the wall?
The rear port benefits from free space. Begin with generous clearance where practical, then adjust both speakers equally according to the room and bass response.
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 focus and soundstage width.
Do the speakers need running in?
Dynaudio advises that the drivers require several hours of normal use before reaching their full movement and performance.
Can a subwoofer be added?
Yes. Audio T has demonstrated the speakers successfully with REL T/9x subwoofers, but careful level, crossover, phase and positioning setup is required.
Which finish is available?
Black High Gloss only, with black baffle, driver, port, terminal and hardware detailing.
What are the cabinet dimensions?
The cabinet measures 215 x 440 x 400mm (W x H x D).
What are the dimensions including the grille?
Dynaudio specifies 215 x 440 x 403mm (W x H x D).
How much does each speaker weigh?
14.6kg.
Has the Contour 20 Black Edition won any awards?
Yes. It received the EISA Best Product 2025–2026 award for Premium Standmount Loudspeakers.
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 terms and proof of purchase.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition demonstrations
- Comparisons with the Contour 20i and Confidence 20
- Amplifier power, current and system-matching advice
- Comparisons between suitable integrated amplifiers and separates
- Dynaudio Stand 20 and adapter guidance
- Stand assembly, filling and levelling advice
- Room-size and listening-distance assessment
- Speaker positioning, spacing and toe-in setup
- Rear-port and wall-clearance guidance
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- REL subwoofer demonstrations and integration
- Black High Gloss finish-care advice
- 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, stand, room, cable and system matching for the Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition.