Dynaudio Special Forty
A lovely but prestige-priced legacy design. Owners and forum comparisons show rivals like the Evoke 20 and Harbeth match its musicality without the pedigree surcharge. Buy the AE300 Mk2 or Monitor Audio Silver 100 8G.
Consolidated from 11 cited sources across 9 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 9 positive sources
- 1 mixed source
- 1 unconvinced source
1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
A 2017 anniversary model still trading on prestige: an owner who moved to a Harbeth SHL5+ preferred the rival on coherence and bass, and forum comparisons conclude much of the premium buys finish and pedigree rather than musicality.
Flagged 10 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Built from better components than its rivals, per forum discussion
- ✓ A bit tighter, faster bass was its owner-reported plus
- ✓ First product linked - top billing - in 10BestOnes' "BEST Bookshelf Speakers Of 2026"
- ✗ A 2017 anniversary model still trading on prestige
- ✗ An owner moving to a Harbeth SHL5+ preferred the rival on coherence and bass
- ✗ Much of the premium buys finish and pedigree rather than musicality
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link.
Evidence 1 article, 8 video reviews and 2 community sources
9 positive sources
Studio Incar mojo2382 · owner · Nov 2020 Agree should play some music for comparison in future suggest Clannad Banba ,Some Led Zepplin Your choice, And Some NightWish Ghost Score from Decades Album WOW they are an Incredible Sounding Speaker I have a Vintage McIntosh Integrated Tube Amp mated to Bowers and Wilkins 805 Ds also have a totally appropriately Refurbished Kenwood 9600 Reciever with LEDS (which was done right with appropriate oWatch A
Audio Thiên Hà- 0983834646 Audio Thiên Hà- 0983834646 · 83.3K subscribers · Jul 2022 Để kỷ niệm 40 năm thành lập công ty, Dynaudio đã giới thiệu một model loa đời mới.Watch D
Dynaudio escanor9920 · owner · May 2017 I have perhaps some of the very best speakers IN THE WHOLE WORLD : Infinity kappa 9.2.i Those who are truly passionate about HIFI will know 😏 But one day I went into a store and I’ve heard these Dynaudio special forty and OMG ! 🤯🤩 It’s been years since I’ve heard such a good sound ! These speakers are just out of this world !Watch S
Studio Incar Studio Incar · 11.3K subscribers · Aug 2021 This is Dynaudio new finish for the Special Forty and it’s bloody wonderful in my opinion.Watch A
Acoustic Gallery Hi-Fi haut de gamme à Paris Acoustic Gallery · reviewer Au-delà de la célébration du 40e anniversaire, la Special Forty a imposé un standard dans le monde des enceintes bibliothèque haut de gamme. Elle incarne ce que Dynaudio sait faire : des enceintes sobres, mais techniquement avancées, capables de restituer la musique avec une justesse rare.Read 이 이흥덕 juandv930722 · owner · May 2021
fantastic sound, I have the moon ace and was thinking about getting the special forty as I find my bowers and wilkins 706 s2 a bit bright.Watch I Instagram Instagram post
➕Pros: Bold, dynamic and detailed sound Pleasing bass weight and agility Surefooted rhythmic drive Excellent build and finishView post S
Studio Incar jamesbaranowski8755 · owner · Aug 2021 Damn looks great and thanks for the awesome camera work. Really shows what they look like which pics don’t!Watch E
Erin's Audio Corner YouTube review · Jul 2023 Dynaudio Special Forty Looks and Sounds Pretty Awesome!Watch
1 mixed source
1 unconvinced source
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #26 of 31 on our bookshelf speakers tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 11 cited sources across 9 outlets.
1 of the 11 sources with a clear view is critical of it: r/audiophile. A 2017 anniversary model still trading on prestige. An owner moving to a Harbeth SHL5+ preferred the rival on coherence and bass. Much of the premium buys finish and pedigree rather than musicality.
Ranked nearby in Bookshelf Speakers
D tier #21 1 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20
D tier #22 3 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Wharfedale Super Denton
D tier #23 2 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sony SS-CS5M2
D tier #24 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Polk Signature Elite ES15
F tier #25 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
F tier #27 2 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sony SS-CS5
F tier #28 2 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Edifier R1280DB
F tier #29 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Bose 301 Series V
F tier #30 3 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Klipsch RP-600M II
F tier #31 1 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.