At the High End Show 2016, in Munich, Germany, there were several new speaker models for the most demanding audio enthusiasts, ranging from half-a million dollar designs using the most exquisite materials and exclusive drivers, to completely new series at affordable prices. Not many of those speakers are designed and engineered by companies with the vertical capabilities that exist in a company such as Dynaudio, in Skanderborg, Denmark.
Founded in 1977, Dynaudio is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of high quality audio systems and one of the world’s most distinguished high-end audio companies, particularly recognized for its advanced driver technology designed, engineered, and continuously developed in-house, and its furniture-grade, handcrafted Danish cabinetry.
Dynaudio’s Contour is one of its most recognized loudspeakers series, positioned at the lower-intermediate level of its extensive speaker catalogue in terms of price range, while offering quality levels comparable to loudspeaker designs costing much more. For 2016, Dynaudio decided to jump forward in innovation and reach into the future with its latest generation of Contour; an evolution of a classic, but also a perfect example of its capabilities to generate excitement in home audio, a market segment much in need of a boost.
The presentation of the new Dynaudio Contour series was one of the highlights at the 2016 High End show and, even with the listening sessions centered on the Contour 20, the simplest and most affordable model in the new range, it managed to surprise very positively. audioXpress attended the launching event and we returned for further listening throughout the show, just to confirm our original impressions that this was, without a doubt, one of the best sounding systems we’ve heard in Munich - and certainly the most affordable of the living room solutions. For the auditions, the Dynaudio Contour 20 setup was complemented with NAD new Masters Series integrated Direct Digital Amplifier M32 and M50.2 High-Res Audio Digital Music Player.
All designed and manufactured at Dynaudio’s newly expanded state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility, applying leading-edge technology, production methods and genuine craftsmanship, the new Dynaudio Contour series features new drive units optimized in their symmetrical behavior through Finite Element Method, ensuring the best possible performance.
All models combine new Dynaudio MSP diaphragms with varied thickness and optimized geometry for improved mechanical stability, dispersion and radiation pattern, with new extremely light and longer aluminum voice-coils with glass-fiber former, able to maintain high current capabilities and efficient heat dispersion. The new purposely designed drivers are complemented with carefully selected crossover components and improved internal wiring, while a heavily braced, curved multilayer enclosure is combined with a solid aluminum front baffle for significantly reduced mechanical resonances.
As Dynaudio described, all the design effort lead to an improved soundstage with better imaging, better defined and deeper bass, plus a significantly wider dynamic range. As we could attest, even while listening to the most compact loudspeaker model, the result was efficient with different types of music, generating much more excitement and emotion than many of the systems available at the show - costing many times the price of the Contour series.
No doubt, the new woofer and midrange drivers with single-piece cone and dust-cap, new spider suspensions, rubber-surround geometry, magnets and aluminum baskets, matched by a high-performance tweeter - the renowned Esotar2, Dynaudio’s finest tweeter - are the reason why these speakers sound so detailed and balanced and serve to show the company’s superior abilities as a driver manufacturer.
Aesthetically speaking, the new Contour series is also enriched with a more contemporary design, with a beautiful aluminum baffle that compliments Dynaudio’s renowned high-quality handcrafted cabinetry. The new Contour models are available in Walnut Satin, White Oak Satin, Piano Black and Piano White finishes. Available on special order, also Rosewood High Gloss and Bubinga High Gloss finishes.
Recommended Retail Prices for the Contour 20 model is €4500/pair, with the Contour 30 costing €7000/pair, the Contour 60 announced for €9000/pair and the (not yet unveiled) Contour 25C center speaker announced for €3250/each. There is a 10% premium for Piano Black and Piano White finishes, and a 15% premium on the special order finishes.
New R&D Facility and Expansion
Following the acquisition of the company by GoerTek, Dynaudio announced the opening of a new research and development center, a three-story, 17200 square foot building, featuring some of the most advanced measuring facilities in Europe. Built next to Dynaudio’s headquarters in Skanderborg, Denmark, the construction began in January 2016 and the new building is expected to open its doors in December 2016.
“Dynaudio is following the strategy we have agreed with our owners, Goertek. In 2015, we have tripled the number of employees in our research and development department and strengthened the organization on a number of key areas, which means our foundation for growth is in place. Expanding our physical space was naturally the next step in our journey and we have put our money where our mouth is with the new R&D center, as it offers the optimal working conditions for our research and development department. They need space and a creative atmosphere to create the future reproduction of sound. This will secure that we always have top technologies” says Lars Prisak, CEO.
The new R&D center is designed and engineered in collaboration with the local architecture firm, Frost Larsen A/S, and engineering firm, Niras A/S respectively. Alectia A/S is the responsible advisor for the project while Raunstrup A/S is the main contractor for the construction.
“As a Danish company, we have our roots deeply anchored in our local community. Moving into the future, it is, therefore, essential for Dynaudio to secure our development, production, and support functions are kept in one single location. This offers us the best working conditions and establishes the foundation for growth we are aiming for over the coming years,” Lars Prisak adds.
www.dynaudio.com
