Great review. Just bought the Evoke 10. Its right on par with the review. Very smooth, rich & warm sound, with great details and dynamic. Definitively a keeper !
Thanks for the video. I just bought a pair of walnut Evoke 10s here in Germany, and really dig their sound and looks. Just a small heads up for anyone thinking about buying Evokes and expecting that all Evoke speakers are still fully made in Denmark. They’re not. When I unboxed mine, I noticed that they have “Made in China” stickers and writing on the back above the binding posts. I checked directly with Dynaudio, and they confirmed that (except for the drivers, which they claim are still made in Denmark) production of the Evokes was moved to China as demand grew. So check with your dealer before ordering if this is important to you.
Totally agree with your entire review. The 10s are great, but I went with the 20s. They are simply fantastic for the price and their capabilities. The minor bass critique you had about the 10s doesn't apply to the 20s. The 20s give you a little more meat on the bone and you keep all the benefits of the 10s. At this price point, Dyn hit it outta the park with the Evoke series! Oh, and yes, the best crescendo execution I've ever heard from a bookshelf! I love classical and film scores. They are the king of dynamics in the bookshelf size, which makes them so much fun! I never get tired of listening to the Star Wars theme song on these lil guys :-)
I am considering the 20s myself, heard them with Rega Elex R and Cambridge CAX81 and with both I was impressed but I wonder if the musical fidelity m3si will make them sound even better. Unfortunately the dealer doesn't stock MF so will have to get it from another dealer. What amp are you using?
Regarding the port noise you mentioned; I've addressed this in the past via sound absorption in the area behind the speaker. As with many non-linearities, once discerned, they become easier to hear over time. It took experimentation, but a targeted approach, with purpose built, 2'x2' diy panel that aggressively "caught" the HF component (deep wedge foam) atop 2" O.C.703 ... this damped it down sufficiently. Interestingly, none of my current rigs in use are bass reflex. Dig the content, thanks for all the effort!
I guess I’m older. Love forward midrange but I also love my buddy’s Special 40. I also like more than one kind of wine. There is so much good but different sound.
Love their speakers. Owned C1 Signatures (tons of bass for a stand mount speaker) and C4 MKII and still one of my favorite speakers I have ever owned. Amazing imaging and huge soundstage. Their customer service on the other hand is a different story.
It feels like you've been tightening up your review scripts - this flowed really well. Hopefully that reads as a compliment. Also, your description of the Dyn sound matches my experience - A/Bing them with other makes might leave you thinking they're dull, but if you keep listening to them you realise nothing ever sounds wrong or out of place.
The bro3 targets a lower market segment and is good, but less 'precise'. The R3 are more ambitious: full range, three way, deeper bass, bigger size, well balanced, great speakers. The Evoke 10 should be compared with LS50, Wharfedale Diamond 12, B&W 706/7, even Elac UBI52.. That sort of speaker: "top class, but compact". (careful, each of these has a different sound signature. Choose the one that sounds best to you. They are all good)
I have the biggest Evoke which has a lot more weight in the sound. I was hearing the port on those too, but after I just plugged the port the sound balance became much better. I can enjoy music also at very low volume. The little lean treble was the sole reason why I ended up with Dynaudio speakers. I love my Evoke 50 and my plan is to keep them for a very long time.
@Jroc R I auditioned the Evoke 10s, 20s, and Special 40s. I couldn't tell a difference between the Evoke 20s and Special 40s, but the 20s are more modern in appearance at $400 less, so that's what I went with. They're champs at everything I throw at them.
I don't know if ur a musician but ur the only presenter to ever talk about tone! Therefore I seem to understand & trust ur observations the most. Thank u for all ur chering 👌✌
One very important thing to notice: Dynaudio is know for the long long time they need to break in to. I had this experience several times with Dynaudio. They just get better and better even after several months of listening.
I just bought some audience 42 s from a wealthy guy in town who had them in his closet and hadn't really used them. They're like brand new. For $200 I thought what the heck I remember people liked these a lot. I've been playing them for a week and they are changing in sound quite a bit. For the better. I'm wondering where they're going to end up! Did you have these speakers? How would they compare to the new models in your opinion like the excite. Thanks for any comments.
McgarickWAstate I haven’t listened to this specific model but as far as I know and in comparison to a contour 3.0 the sound of dynaudio has become a lot more „lifely“ over the years meaning more transparent, much more dynamic and present. It’s not as leaned back and „cosy and tucked in“ any more. I like it. But both have something to it.
If you like these try the DynAudio Xeo 10 powered guys...I use them on my desktop system on isoAcoustic stands connected to a Mytek Brooklyn Dac+ with upgraded SBooster power. They have way more bass from the separate internal amps driving the drivers separately and go down to 40htz. This makes them rock man! They have a lot more tech in them for the same exact price as these you are reviewing
@@ld4974 I have the Evoke 10s, they are imo the best small room standmounts on the market, provided you pair them up with a high current amp like Rotel to get their midbass woofer moving.
I think you'll struggle to find a more complete, coherent and honest review of a pair of speakers on the internet. Of the ones I've watched, this is your best review yet Sean. Great effort. One thing I may have missed regarding the Evokes is the sensitivity rating? Historically Dynaudios have a low 4ohm rating and require decent current to get the best out of them. Is this still the case with the Evoke?
I bought these recently and was initially running them on a Naim Uniti Qute 2, which is only 30W (although Naim amps generally vastly exceed their specified watt ratings on transients). That actually works OK, but I just added a Naim NAP 200 power amp (nominally 70w) to the Qute and that has definitely improved both the bass and overall presence even at low volumes. So I would suggest you use something with some reasonable clout, as they are not very sensitive - same thing ZF says in the review, which is spot on about these speakers.
@@roqsteady5290 Yes i agree you need about 60W + to get the best out of Dynaudio speakers in general. Funnily enough i also have a Naim Unitiqute 2 and have used it with separate power amps to great affect; NAP100 and Meridian 557. I'm now going back to separates as digital audio seems to be evolving at such a fast pace!
@@jamesdwright My thoughts exactly. I only bought the Qute back in about 2015, if I remember rightly, and Naim are no longer supporting it with the latest firmware updates for Quobuz, Roon etc. (although there may be other solutions to get these on the Qute). Consequently I'm reluctant to upgrade to something like the Nova one box system. I would like to keep my box count down though, so... decisions, decisions :).
Wow this must be quite a real deal for dynaudio fans. It's the first time i hear dynaudios are easy to drive. I went as far as getting a Plinius Hiato 300W/450W integrated amp to drive my Contour 1.3SE effortlessly. I do understand the 'dryness' you've mentioned. But there's this addiction listening to them that dynaudio drown you in, when a half an hour diversion turned into hours of late night unboxing your music collection. Thank you for the suggestions on great system matching. I'm sure many would be pleased to own a dynaudio with a well matched system right from the start. It took me 2 years to find good synergy for my various Contour models.
I wouldn't call them easy to drive, at least when compared to Klipsch, Triangle, Tekton, etc.. But they do seem a touch less demanding than older generations of speakers. I like that.
Haven’t heard these but I happened to listen to a pair of Evoke 20s while demoing a Hegel H90. Granted, they were well in the centre of a large floor and the surfaces were all lively - but I was floored by the 3D imaging and dimensionality that seemed to give everything a ‘hanging in the air’ quality. The woofers aren’t really quite up there with the Harbeth Radial 2s though, in terms of midrange, but they are definitely well accomplished.
Nice review Sean. I've owned the Dynaudio DM 2/6 and the Focus 260. I currently have the KEF Q150 and I hear you comment often that the Focal and KEF speakers have a similar sound. I auditioned the Focal Chorus 706 and they are, to my ears, very different than the KEFs. I found the Focals to be harsh and distorted (in the midrange) and unlistenable. I enjoy the KEFs and they are really nice but they lack the "meat on the bones" in the midrange. I am currently auditioning the Polk LSiM703s. A lot of different bookshelf speakers passing through here lately and the Triangle Borea BR03 will be here on Monday. Thanks again for your thoughts on the new Evoke series from Dynaudio!
Focal. B&W. KEF. Paradigm. Monitor Audio. Along with a whole host of other products usually feature the same kind of vvoicing... which includes a tilted up top end and a somewhat (to outright) thin sounding upper midrange. People love it because you can "hear" your investment while enjoying a sensation of enjoying more detail. This is where my comments come from. Now obviously people can point to specific models where this isn't always true (B&W's PM1 is a good example)... but by and large, this has been the trend with the aforementioned manufacturers.
@@ZeroFidelity This is why I'm a fan of 3-way setups, just not a ton of reviews exist, and it's more challenging to find well executed 3-ways that are still affordable. I settled for some cheapo M-Audio M3-6's paired with 2 SVS PB1000's tied to an Emotiva DC-1 + tons of GIK panels = decent all around setup, but have my eyes on the lookout for the next upgrade.
Hi Sean, thanks for the great review. Recently I was able to listen to the slight bigger Evoke 20 they were very engaging as well. Wondering if you had a chance to listen to them
Great insight into this line. Last Fall I picked up the larger Evoke 20 bookshelf's with a modest Moon 240i integrated for small, weird room where I'm about 8 feet from the speakers. I listen for hours a day at low and modest volumes with no fatigue, but they can crank too, to the point where they are uncomfortably loud, but never do they waver. I'm delighted with this new gear.
Simaudio is at top of my list but honestly I've never heard them. Do they have a house sound? Anything popular you could compare to? Currently I'm considering a hegel, dena frips hyperion , musical fidelity and a naim unit that uses dirac live
@@t.j.bennett6454 Honestly, I can't be of of any help with brand comparisons. The best I can do is pass along the reviews which made be bring it home and gladly keep it. hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/integrated-amplifiers/moon-simaudio-240i-integrated-amplifier-review/ www.whathifi.com/us/moon/240i/review www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1156-simaudio-moon-240i-integrated-amplifier-dac www.hifichoice.com/content/simaudio-moon-neo-240i www.stereonet.co.uk/reviews/review-simaudio-moon-neo-240i-integrated-amplifier
Great video! Thanks for the review. Can you please review the KEF LS50s. I am really interested to know the difference between them and the Dynaudio you just reviewed. Thanks!
We REALLY need a dena frips vs hegel vid. I can guarantee a lot of people are torn between your solid recommendation of a $2k-2.5k recommendation and the other youtubers arriving about hegel. I know its tearing me apart
As I understand it the Evoke range cabinets are now made in China. The drivers are still made in Denmark and then the speakers are assembled in China. The range from the Special 40s upwards are still all made in Denmark. Very interesting review. Keep them coming. Stay well. Daniel
Great stuff Sean. Thank you. I brought these in for another audition based partly on yours and Steve Guttenberg’s reviews. You commented that they sounded best to you pointed at your shoulders. I’m a rookie so may be misreading plots, but the only plots I could find suggest significant roll off north of 7KHz at 30 deg. Do you suppose you thought they sounded better toed in due to narrow dispersion?
Your description of the sound from the Evoke 10 sounds a lot like my Vienna Acoustics Bach. The difference is the Bach is a floor standing two way speaker that also has a natural uncolored sound. Build quality is exceptional with real wood cabinets finished in a black piano finish. Vienna Acoustics has unfortunately since discontinued the Bach.
As usual. Great detail review. Recently I listened Ocean way audio eureka speakers at Florida audio expo. Spectacular dynamics and clarity. Can you mention what is your impressions on these . Thank you
Hi. Great review as always. I just got these speakers! In black, its just a beauty. Love the sound character, that was the main point. Currently have the Iotavx sa3 :) I cant seem to get the speakers to disappear, even with using LOTS technique. Did you also encounter this with them or is it because of the sa3? Looking for the next upgrade - the amp. Thought about the pm8006 for a small bass and detail boost. Does it increase the low bass compared to the sa3?
Hi Sean. Have you listened to the larger Evoke speakers? I'm curious if they all have the same warmth and lack of forwardness. I'm slowly realizing that I don't really appreciate forward speakers, and perhaps metal dome tweeters aren't my cup of tea either. Maybe it just took some solid state gear and LS50's to figure that out...plus I listen to a LOT of metal (ouch). I would agree with your sentiment - I'd rather listen to the music than the gear. The evoke 50s would be in the price range of floorstanders that I'm considering as an upgrade.
Love the videos. Have you had a chance to compare these Evoke 10 to the Sonus faber Lumina II's? Seem to be similar category and I have been seeing a lot of rav reviews of the Sonus for the price.
you mentioned class D not being a good match, which class D amps did you try them with? My experience of class D (Hegel and Gato) would suggest they would be the perfect match being ultra smooth.
Hegel doesn't make class D amps. They use a technology they call "Sound Engine" in their amps. It's still a class A/B, but instead of using feedback to control distortion. They use a proprietary type of feed forward technology. Like a pair of noise canceling headphones basically. That sort of thing. Gato does use class D, and class A/B also. Either way. I can't say I'm a fan of class D myself. Want to buy a lightly used Hypex amp? 🤣🤣🤣
You say class-D can be a bad match for these speakers. Can you elaborate a little on why? How do you think the Dynaudios would sound with the xtz amplifier you recently reviewed?
Many Class-D amps have a somewhat cool/dry sound. While the Evoke 10's have a richer character than many Dynaudios in the past, they are still a Dynaudio - so this pairing will result in a controlled and highly resolving sound... but that richness will begin to go away in the process. Its something you need to try for yourself.
Well, the Paiyons have a fuller sound due to their being quite a bit larger. You'll get more bass. A bigger sense of scale along the mids. The Paiyons can also rival the Evoke 10's in terms of overall clarity. BUT... the Evoke 10's sound more natural, sport superior driver integration, are easier to work with in terms of equipment matching, and also feature superior build quality.
Hi Sean realy love your videos thanks for your hard work. Any recomendations for nearfield desktop speakers under 1K. I currently havea pair of Kef R300 but they are to big for desktop near field and because my desk is in a corner makes it worse. I use a Parasound 275 V2 90W 2 channel amp to drive them. Thanks
Hey Sean, How do you compare these with Totem Sky? What I don't like about the Skys is that upper mid range dip you mention. I very briefly owned a pair of Excites and other than the smooth sounding tweeter they didn't do it for me. What I didn't like about them was that they were thick and BORING. PS - you should try and get your hands on some Proac DB3.
The Sky has a lighter, more agile, more forward sound. Its off-axis performance is nearly unrivaled and when you set them up right, they have a sense of realism that the Danes do not have. The problem is.. they are picky. Get it wrong and the sound will be forward, thin, and very discriminating about the kinda music they will sound good with. The Evoke 10's, by contrast, are easier to work with, smoother along the top end, fuller in the midrange, and more focused within the soundstage.
I've had the Walnut version of the 10 for a few weeks. They're for my PC gaming/music setup. Also have an Avantone Pro CLA200 A/B power amp, Topping D90, and SVS SB2000. I'm kinda lukewarm about the 10, be honest. I listen to a lot of industrial and electronic rock, like NIN. The 10 plays some of it very well and some kinda meh. I think you're right about them not being at their best in near field. I've got a pair of the new KEF LS50 Meta on the way to try as well. Love your work, mate!!
@@india1843 I like them better than the Evoke 10. The KEFs sound really good in a near field set up. If you have a big room, the KEFs might not be the best choice. A subwoofer definitely helps them a lot, too.
I have the Evoke 20, which I’m liking more and more, but the bass takes over on some recordings and is even distorted on a few. I’m wondering if the Evoke 10 sounds more balanced. What dose it mean to hear the port?
@@cmessi I don’t know if I’m the most objective about them because I don’t like bright speakers, for instance I hate the KEF LS50s. I view the top end of the Revels as impressively balanced between transparent and warm.
Those are two good brands you mention, but Evoke 10 beats them both - deeper bass and smoother treble than the ATC and higher resolution than the Dali's. Nobody can touch Dynaudio in small standmount speakers when they put their mind to it.
Hello ZF! i´m thinnking of buyinng new speakers because i moved and my actual speakers are too big for my new room (old hitachi from the 70s). are you going to review the new elac debut reference? would be really interesting! keep on the good work! greetings from vienna! cheers thomas
@@rizalahmad4207 I agree, PMA would be better, but check also Primare I15 or Hegel H90 (or higher models if you have money), they both sounds good with Dynaudio. I also really like how Dyns sounds with Parasound separates.
Another nice review, saw steve's review too,and thanks for reviewing it, asked for it and got it XD. Can you tell me in what songs and hertzs, you could hear the port? What if you put the thingy in the port? Will that work?
I’m thinking of buying the Evoke series ( Evoke 50 - Evoke 20 - Evoke 25C ) for my HT. Would it be wise to pair them with a ANTHEM MCA 525 GEN 2? Do the speakers like the AB natural sound from the Amp?
Hey Sean Zero😊. I just got gifted a pair of these🎉🎉🎉, but I don’t have hestia/hyperian money😢. I have max $1500. Any suggestions for a quality integrated amplifier that would have good synergi with the 10s? Thanks. Hope you are doing well ✌🏼
It's been too long since I heard the Fritz Morel 6 to say for sure. That said, Fritz is a TOP NOTCH guy and the idea of supporting him is appealing in its own right.
I had the 3/1s back in the day, I didn't keep them very long & I am a fan of British speakers. I haven't kept up with current pricing lately so don't know if they are in the same league but the Harbeth M 30.2s are my go to small monitor. I would also add that I had terrible customer experience with Spendor about 7 years ago that was so over the top that I sold the speaker's.
Can anyone comment on the difference between the new Emit 10 vs the Evoke 10? IS the difference in price worth it for performance or mainly because of better cosmetics?
That’s where I recognise the name from…my VW Tiguan. Best speakers for old school hip hop…the fat bottom plug ins so many producers used in the 90’s just boom!
A special thanks goes out to The Audiphiliac for encouraging me to check out the Evoke 10's and getting me connected with the US boys. He's da man!
@@dilbyjones Except Be tweeters seem to still be in vogue. Plus, KEF, Klipsch, etc.
Try sticking a bit of stiff card in the port the full length so overlaps on both ends adjusted vertically or horizontally plane
@@johnsweda2999 to reduce vent resonance ? a bit like stuffing a bunch of straws to improve laminar flow ?
You gonna credit Gordon Lyn from HifiReport too? Or did he steal from you? Which is it?
I get sad every time I remember you were thinking of quitting, dude you're so good to leave us alone :(
UA-cam wouldn't be the same!
Great review. Just bought the Evoke 10. Its right on par with the review.
Very smooth, rich & warm sound, with great details and dynamic.
Definitively a keeper !
You still have it? Which amp?
Thanks for the video. I just bought a pair of walnut Evoke 10s here in Germany, and really dig their sound and looks.
Just a small heads up for anyone thinking about buying Evokes and expecting that all Evoke speakers are still fully made in Denmark. They’re not. When I unboxed mine, I noticed that they have “Made in China” stickers and writing on the back above the binding posts. I checked directly with Dynaudio, and they confirmed that (except for the drivers, which they claim are still made in Denmark) production of the Evokes was moved to China as demand grew. So check with your dealer before ordering if this is important to you.
The Evoke 10 have for some time been on my radar for my bedroom system, so 👍 for another great review, Sean.
@Fat Rat The SA sound is usually not my cup of tea but thanks for the suggestion 👍
Totally agree with your entire review. The 10s are great, but I went with the 20s. They are simply fantastic for the price and their capabilities. The minor bass critique you had about the 10s doesn't apply to the 20s. The 20s give you a little more meat on the bone and you keep all the benefits of the 10s. At this price point, Dyn hit it outta the park with the Evoke series!
Oh, and yes, the best crescendo execution I've ever heard from a bookshelf! I love classical and film scores. They are the king of dynamics in the bookshelf size, which makes them so much fun! I never get tired of listening to the Star Wars theme song on these lil guys :-)
I am considering the 20s myself, heard them with Rega Elex R and Cambridge CAX81 and with both I was impressed but I wonder if the musical fidelity m3si will make them sound even better. Unfortunately the dealer doesn't stock MF so will have to get it from another dealer.
What amp are you using?
What amp are you running the evoke 20s?
I have the Emit10s that are just fantastic, but… would love to have the extra cash to lay my hands over the Evoke20s.
I’m looking g at a pair too , that or demo pair of special 40s
Regarding the port noise you mentioned; I've addressed this in the past via sound absorption in the area behind the speaker.
As with many non-linearities, once discerned, they become easier to hear over time.
It took experimentation, but a targeted approach, with purpose built, 2'x2' diy panel that aggressively "caught" the HF component (deep wedge foam) atop 2" O.C.703 ... this damped it down sufficiently.
Interestingly, none of my current rigs in use are bass reflex.
Dig the content, thanks for all the effort!
I still have 2 pairs of the old Contour 1.8 mkII's, and I still love them even after nearly 25 years.
I also have a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.8 mkll, also between 20 to 25 years old.
Rosewood.
Still love them!
V curve forever!
When you get a bit older that will change Thomas.
@@jamesdwright V curve until I am older!
I guess I’m older. Love forward midrange but I also love my buddy’s Special 40. I also like more than one kind of wine. There is so much good but different sound.
@Fat Rat It is because we eat rice every day🤣
@@jamesdwright you'll want more highs as you get older. Because your ears are dying 🤣
Love their speakers. Owned C1 Signatures (tons of bass for a stand mount speaker) and C4 MKII and still one of my favorite speakers I have ever owned. Amazing imaging and huge soundstage. Their customer service on the other hand is a different story.
It feels like you've been tightening up your review scripts - this flowed really well. Hopefully that reads as a compliment.
Also, your description of the Dyn sound matches my experience - A/Bing them with other makes might leave you thinking they're dull, but if you keep listening to them you realise nothing ever sounds wrong or out of place.
I'll def. take it as a compliment. There are still no scripts over here... I simply turn the camera on and awayyyy we go.
Great review, hope you now get to review other Dynaudios as well!
Great review! I have the Special 40s and they sound amazing!!
Yea, like the Evokes on steroids, the imaging and center image on those is just stellar, amazing.
Worth every penny?
@@fatherlandchild2780 Yes!!!
good review. I want to hear these 10's , the Bro 3's, and the KEF R3 before deciding ugh no audio stores
The bro3 targets a lower market segment and is good, but less 'precise'.
The R3 are more ambitious: full range, three way, deeper bass, bigger size, well balanced, great speakers.
The Evoke 10 should be compared with LS50, Wharfedale Diamond 12, B&W 706/7, even Elac UBI52.. That sort of speaker: "top class, but compact". (careful, each of these has a different sound signature. Choose the one that sounds best to you. They are all good)
Great review mate love to hear more reviews on Dynaudio would be great 👍
I have the biggest Evoke which has a lot more weight in the sound. I was hearing the port on those too, but after I just plugged the port the sound balance became much better. I can enjoy music also at very low volume. The little lean treble was the sole reason why I ended up with Dynaudio speakers. I love my Evoke 50 and my plan is to keep them for a very long time.
Congrats!
As always good review. Wonder what the 20's bring to table. Nice if Dynaudio would sent you a pair of their Special 40's to review.
Great and helpful review, many thanks. I've been looking at the Evoke 10s and 20s.
Dynaudio is one of the best trade marks!! I own the old DM 2/6 and they sound great with muy Onkyo TX 8130!!!!great review!!
The bigger evoke 20 look interesting. It directly competes with buchardt s400 and kef r3 which would be an interesting comparison.
Count me in on thisone. In fact S400 and Evoke20 are on top of my shortlist.
Jroc R yes that’s also an interesting comparison. I think the special forty have overall better parts but how much better actually are they.
juliangst wouldn’t the s300 be a more equal comparison?
@@Reluctantaudiophile design wise they are, but I thought price wise the s400 are a better comparison
@Jroc R I auditioned the Evoke 10s, 20s, and Special 40s. I couldn't tell a difference between the Evoke 20s and Special 40s, but the 20s are more modern in appearance at $400 less, so that's what I went with. They're champs at everything I throw at them.
I don't know if ur a musician but ur the only presenter to ever talk about tone! Therefore I seem to understand & trust ur observations the most. Thank u for all ur chering 👌✌
One very important thing to notice: Dynaudio is know for the long long time they need to break in to. I had this experience several times with Dynaudio. They just get better and better even after several months of listening.
I just bought some audience 42 s from a wealthy guy in town who had them in his closet and hadn't really used them. They're like brand new. For $200 I thought what the heck I remember people liked these a lot. I've been playing them for a week and they are changing in sound quite a bit. For the better. I'm wondering where they're going to end up! Did you have these speakers? How would they compare to the new models in your opinion like the excite. Thanks for any comments.
McgarickWAstate I haven’t listened to this specific model but as far as I know and in comparison to a contour 3.0 the sound of dynaudio has become a lot more „lifely“ over the years meaning more transparent, much more dynamic and present. It’s not as leaned back and „cosy and tucked in“ any more. I like it. But both have something to it.
this "break in" myth is getting a little too old
If you like these try the DynAudio Xeo 10 powered guys...I use them on my desktop system on isoAcoustic stands connected to a Mytek Brooklyn Dac+ with upgraded SBooster power. They have way more bass from the separate internal amps driving the drivers separately and go down to 40htz. This makes them rock man! They have a lot more tech in them for the same exact price as these you are reviewing
Swapped my B&W 606S2 for these and am happy with these little puppies. Much more balanced
Your post is my exact situation. I have the 606's and like them, but was wondering if the Evoke 10s would be a step up. Are you still happy with them?
@@ld4974 I have the Evoke 10s, they are imo the best small room standmounts on the market, provided you pair them up with a high current amp like Rotel to get their midbass woofer moving.
I think you'll struggle to find a more complete, coherent and honest review of a pair of speakers on the internet. Of the ones I've watched, this is your best review yet Sean. Great effort. One thing I may have missed regarding the Evokes is the sensitivity rating? Historically Dynaudios have a low 4ohm rating and require decent current to get the best out of them. Is this still the case with the Evoke?
I bought these recently and was initially running them on a Naim Uniti Qute 2, which is only 30W (although Naim amps generally vastly exceed their specified watt ratings on transients). That actually works OK, but I just added a Naim NAP 200 power amp (nominally 70w) to the Qute and that has definitely improved both the bass and overall presence even at low volumes. So I would suggest you use something with some reasonable clout, as they are not very sensitive - same thing ZF says in the review, which is spot on about these speakers.
@@roqsteady5290 Yes i agree you need about 60W + to get the best out of Dynaudio speakers in general. Funnily enough i also have a Naim Unitiqute 2 and have used it with separate power amps to great affect; NAP100 and Meridian 557. I'm now going back to separates as digital audio seems to be evolving at such a fast pace!
@@jamesdwright My thoughts exactly. I only bought the Qute back in about 2015, if I remember rightly, and Naim are no longer supporting it with the latest firmware updates for Quobuz, Roon etc. (although there may be other solutions to get these on the Qute). Consequently I'm reluctant to upgrade to something like the Nova one box system. I would like to keep my box count down though, so... decisions, decisions :).
They are only 84dB and need (and are designed for) high current amplifiers like Rotel. And then they sound truly superb.
How do these compare to the Special 40's model, granted these are half the price. Or even KEF R3's ? Great video review as always!
Love my Dyns, have Audience 52se and Focus 110a for near field.
Wow this must be quite a real deal for dynaudio fans. It's the first time i hear dynaudios are easy to drive. I went as far as getting a Plinius Hiato 300W/450W integrated amp to drive my Contour 1.3SE effortlessly. I do understand the 'dryness' you've mentioned. But there's this addiction listening to them that dynaudio drown you in, when a half an hour diversion turned into hours of late night unboxing your music collection.
Thank you for the suggestions on great system matching. I'm sure many would be pleased to own a dynaudio with a well matched system right from the start. It took me 2 years to find good synergy for my various Contour models.
I wouldn't call them easy to drive, at least when compared to Klipsch, Triangle, Tekton, etc.. But they do seem a touch less demanding than older generations of speakers. I like that.
Haven’t heard these but I happened to listen to a pair of Evoke 20s while demoing a Hegel H90. Granted, they were well in the centre of a large floor and the surfaces were all lively - but I was floored by the 3D imaging and dimensionality that seemed to give everything a ‘hanging in the air’ quality. The woofers aren’t really quite up there with the Harbeth Radial 2s though, in terms of midrange, but they are definitely well accomplished.
Well that’s definitely a plus since I own both the Rost and H390. I plan on using them with the Rost.
@@jeffadams9699 I currently pair it with my H95, they sound pretty good but with Lumin T2 and H390 they blow me away, lol
Evokes need more power and current than the H90 can deliver.
Nice review Sean. I've owned the Dynaudio DM 2/6 and the Focus 260. I currently have the KEF Q150 and I hear you comment often that the Focal and KEF speakers have a similar sound. I auditioned the Focal Chorus 706 and they are, to my ears, very different than the KEFs. I found the Focals to be harsh and distorted (in the midrange) and unlistenable. I enjoy the KEFs and they are really nice but they lack the "meat on the bones" in the midrange. I am currently auditioning the Polk LSiM703s. A lot of different bookshelf speakers passing through here lately and the Triangle Borea BR03 will be here on Monday. Thanks again for your thoughts on the new Evoke series from Dynaudio!
Focal. B&W. KEF. Paradigm. Monitor Audio. Along with a whole host of other products usually feature the same kind of vvoicing... which includes a tilted up top end and a somewhat (to outright) thin sounding upper midrange. People love it because you can "hear" your investment while enjoying a sensation of enjoying more detail. This is where my comments come from. Now obviously people can point to specific models where this isn't always true (B&W's PM1 is a good example)... but by and large, this has been the trend with the aforementioned manufacturers.
@@ZeroFidelity Thank you for the clarification! I guess you could call it their "house sound?"
@@ZeroFidelity This is why I'm a fan of 3-way setups, just not a ton of reviews exist, and it's more challenging to find well executed 3-ways that are still affordable. I settled for some cheapo M-Audio M3-6's paired with 2 SVS PB1000's tied to an Emotiva DC-1 + tons of GIK panels = decent all around setup, but have my eyes on the lookout for the next upgrade.
Hi Sean, thanks for the great review. Recently I was able to listen to the slight bigger Evoke 20 they were very engaging as well. Wondering if you had a chance to listen to them
Great insight into this line. Last Fall I picked up the larger Evoke 20 bookshelf's with a modest Moon 240i integrated for small, weird room where I'm about 8 feet from the speakers. I listen for hours a day at low and modest volumes with no fatigue, but they can crank too, to the point where they are uncomfortably loud, but never do they waver. I'm delighted with this new gear.
Simaudio is at top of my list but honestly I've never heard them. Do they have a house sound? Anything popular you could compare to? Currently I'm considering a hegel, dena frips hyperion , musical fidelity and a naim unit that uses dirac live
@@t.j.bennett6454 Honestly, I can't be of of any help with brand comparisons. The best I can do is pass along the reviews which made be bring it home and gladly keep it.
hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/integrated-amplifiers/moon-simaudio-240i-integrated-amplifier-review/
www.whathifi.com/us/moon/240i/review
www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1156-simaudio-moon-240i-integrated-amplifier-dac
www.hifichoice.com/content/simaudio-moon-neo-240i
www.stereonet.co.uk/reviews/review-simaudio-moon-neo-240i-integrated-amplifier
Hi Sean, any chance the bigger brother, the 20s, will be reviewed too?
Great video! Thanks for the review. Can you please review the KEF LS50s. I am really interested to know the difference between them and the Dynaudio you just reviewed. Thanks!
@champer slimmerthannone Just saw his list of videos. He never did a ls50 review.
We REALLY need a dena frips vs hegel vid. I can guarantee a lot of people are torn between your solid recommendation of a $2k-2.5k recommendation and the other youtubers arriving about hegel. I know its tearing me apart
@Fat Rat sweeet! Cant wait to buy it based off your comment!
Rotel, with its custom made transformers and Ken Ishiwata inspired design, beats them both.
As I understand it the Evoke range cabinets are now made in China. The drivers are still made in Denmark and then the speakers are assembled in China. The range from the Special 40s upwards are still all made in Denmark. Very interesting review. Keep them coming. Stay well. Daniel
Hey Sean, while you still have the Evoke, let's kick it up and get yourself the 20XDs. Would be interested in your thoughts should they come your way.
Evoke 10 v Focus 110?
Great review
Great stuff Sean. Thank you. I brought these in for another audition based partly on yours and Steve Guttenberg’s reviews. You commented that they sounded best to you pointed at your shoulders. I’m a rookie so may be misreading plots, but the only plots I could find suggest significant roll off north of 7KHz at 30 deg. Do you suppose you thought they sounded better toed in due to narrow dispersion?
One thing l notice about PMC is how great they sound at low volume
Hey Sean can you review XTZ M6 or M8.
Your description of the sound from the Evoke 10 sounds a lot like my Vienna Acoustics Bach. The difference is the Bach is a floor standing two way speaker that also has a natural uncolored sound. Build quality is exceptional with real wood cabinets finished in a black piano finish. Vienna Acoustics has unfortunately since discontinued the Bach.
So... is there any speaker that has the same character but is designed for nearfield desktop usage (1-2 ft away)?
How these can be compared to S400? Which is more natural/balanced?
Evoke 10... by far.
Back in 1999 I bought a pair of Totem Forest .To this day one of the best sounding speakers I have owned. Wish I still had them.
@Fat Rat I know Right
I was wondering how would they sound on desktop setup.
Forget the review Tell me who did this song you used for the intro
Nice speakers. This walnut veneer looks a lot better than the white ones.
As usual. Great detail review. Recently I listened Ocean way audio eureka speakers at Florida audio expo. Spectacular dynamics and clarity. Can you mention what is your impressions on these . Thank you
Hello! I own a pair of Evoke 10. Would you consider a the Heed Elixir a good match for these speakers? Thanks!
Hi. Great review as always. I just got these speakers! In black, its just a beauty. Love the sound character, that was the main point.
Currently have the Iotavx sa3 :)
I cant seem to get the speakers to disappear, even with using LOTS technique. Did you also encounter this with them or is it because of the sa3?
Looking for the next upgrade - the amp. Thought about the pm8006 for a small bass and detail boost. Does it increase the low bass compared to the sa3?
Rad T shirt!! Rep the Gonz!!
Hi Sean. Have you listened to the larger Evoke speakers? I'm curious if they all have the same warmth and lack of forwardness. I'm slowly realizing that I don't really appreciate forward speakers, and perhaps metal dome tweeters aren't my cup of tea either. Maybe it just took some solid state gear and LS50's to figure that out...plus I listen to a LOT of metal (ouch). I would agree with your sentiment - I'd rather listen to the music than the gear. The evoke 50s would be in the price range of floorstanders that I'm considering as an upgrade.
Love the videos. Have you had a chance to compare these Evoke 10 to the Sonus faber Lumina II's? Seem to be similar category and I have been seeing a lot of rav reviews of the Sonus for the price.
you mentioned class D not being a good match, which class D amps did you try them with? My experience of class D (Hegel and Gato) would suggest they would be the perfect match being ultra smooth.
Hegel doesn't make class D amps. They use a technology they call "Sound Engine" in their amps. It's still a class A/B, but instead of using feedback to control distortion. They use a proprietary type of feed forward technology. Like a pair of noise canceling headphones basically. That sort of thing. Gato does use class D, and class A/B also. Either way. I can't say I'm a fan of class D myself. Want to buy a lightly used Hypex amp? 🤣🤣🤣
@@amb3cog yes you are correct.
I used class D amp to drive my Dynaudio Audience 40, it brings my speakers to higher level performance, fantastic!
Do they need a sub woofer with them?
Impossible for me to say. Depends on your room. Tastes. Music. Etc. You'll have to listen for yourself.
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks
Hi Sean. Do you think about Evoke10/CambridgeCax81 combo, sinergy?. Good video.
Cool video! One Question, have you listened to a pair of DALI RUBICON 2s?? Just wondering. I'm thinking of buying a pair. Anyways, thanks! 👍
I do not find the retail price on their website or on your description - ahhh, you just commented that the speakers are $800 per speaker. Delightful.
You definitely need two of them though :).
What are your thoughts on these speakers as a surround sound system setup? Particularly, as the front, surround and surround rear drivers
You say class-D can be a bad match for these speakers. Can you elaborate a little on why? How do you think the Dynaudios would sound with the xtz amplifier you recently reviewed?
Many Class-D amps have a somewhat cool/dry sound. While the Evoke 10's have a richer character than many Dynaudios in the past, they are still a Dynaudio - so this pairing will result in a controlled and highly resolving sound... but that richness will begin to go away in the process. Its something you need to try for yourself.
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks
Thanks for the review! I'm curious how they compare to the Paiyon monitor you reviewed a while ago.
Well, the Paiyons have a fuller sound due to their being quite a bit larger. You'll get more bass. A bigger sense of scale along the mids. The Paiyons can also rival the Evoke 10's in terms of overall clarity. BUT... the Evoke 10's sound more natural, sport superior driver integration, are easier to work with in terms of equipment matching, and also feature superior build quality.
@@ZeroFidelity Very conscise and precise! Thank you for taking the time to answer. Very generous of you!
Thank you for the hard work.
Any thoughts on pairing the Evoke 10s with a Parasound Hint 6 or Marantz Model 30? Thanks
Hey zero fidelity is dynaudio evoke or emit and oberon 3 better than I'll Klipsch rp600m for music
How would you compare these with the triangle eZ Titus thanks
Hi Sean realy love your videos thanks for your hard work. Any recomendations for nearfield desktop speakers under 1K. I currently havea pair of Kef R300 but they are to big for desktop near field and because my desk is in a corner makes it worse. I use a Parasound 275 V2 90W 2 channel amp to drive them. Thanks
Hey Sean,
How do you compare these with Totem Sky? What I don't like about the Skys is that upper mid range dip you mention.
I very briefly owned a pair of Excites and other than the smooth sounding tweeter they didn't do it for me. What I didn't like about them was that they were thick and BORING. PS - you should try and get your hands on some Proac DB3.
The Sky has a lighter, more agile, more forward sound. Its off-axis performance is nearly unrivaled and when you set them up right, they have a sense of realism that the Danes do not have. The problem is.. they are picky. Get it wrong and the sound will be forward, thin, and very discriminating about the kinda music they will sound good with. The Evoke 10's, by contrast, are easier to work with, smoother along the top end, fuller in the midrange, and more focused within the soundstage.
@@ZeroFidelityDo you maybe have another reccomendation about a speaker that has (like the evoke 10) smooth highs and good midrange?
Why would dynaudio make a speaker with port noise ?. You would think by now they could get that right .
Would you recommend pairing these with the Kinki ex-m1 integrated amplifier? Thanks.
Hey Sean. How would the Kinki Studios integrated pair with these speakers?
Was thinking to get evoke 10 for nearfield. If that is not great what would be a better choice? Say for a roll off treble sound
ATC SCM7
Nearfield with a high current amp like Rotel 1572 MkII will work great.
Thanks Sean, a really helpful video as I have been considering these monitors. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!
I've had the Walnut version of the 10 for a few weeks. They're for my PC gaming/music setup. Also have an Avantone Pro CLA200 A/B power amp, Topping D90, and SVS SB2000. I'm kinda lukewarm about the 10, be honest. I listen to a lot of industrial and electronic rock, like NIN. The 10 plays some of it very well and some kinda meh. I think you're right about them not being at their best in near field. I've got a pair of the new KEF LS50 Meta on the way to try as well. Love your work, mate!!
The exact 2 speakers I was looking at are the Evoke 10 and KEF LS50 Meta. How do you like the KEF?
@@india1843 I like them better than the Evoke 10. The KEFs sound really good in a near field set up. If you have a big room, the KEFs might not be the best choice. A subwoofer definitely helps them a lot, too.
How do these compare to the FOCAL ARIA 906s?
906 have larger soundstage and are very easy to drive. Evoke are more precise
Nice review.have had any experience with Markaudio Cesti b or mistral bowa4, thanks
I have the Evoke 20, which I’m liking more and more, but the bass takes over on some recordings and is even distorted on a few. I’m wondering if the Evoke 10 sounds more balanced. What dose it mean to hear the port?
Yes. The 20 is tuned to a certain warm and bassy sound. The 10 is going to be more balanced imho. Take care
Did you sell the 20? 10s are more balanced yes.
@@cmessi I did. Ended up with Revel Performa3 106, a very balanced speaker.
@@losriosprofundos2113 Nice. The Revel is on my list too. The evokes have a very smooth top end, which I like. How is the top end of those Revels?
@@cmessi I don’t know if I’m the most objective about them because I don’t like bright speakers, for instance I hate the KEF LS50s. I view the top end of the Revels as impressively balanced between transparent and warm.
Hi Sean, as usual, great review! Briefly, how would these evoke 10 compare to the Sky monitors?
How is this speaker compared to ATC SCM 11 and Dali Opticon 2 if my main desire is the nimble bass and soundstage? Thank you.
Those are two good brands you mention, but Evoke 10 beats them both - deeper bass and smoother treble than the ATC and higher resolution than the Dali's. Nobody can touch Dynaudio in small standmount speakers when they put their mind to it.
Hello ZF!
i´m thinnking of buyinng new speakers because i moved and my actual speakers are too big for my new room (old hitachi from the 70s).
are you going to review the new elac debut reference? would be really interesting!
keep on the good work!
greetings from vienna!
cheers thomas
So this bookshelf speaker are good even in low volume late night listening?
Yes. But they need a good amp.
seaglance thinking of pairing it with denon pma-1600ne or the cambridge audio azur 851a.
Denon pma1600 will be the better match. Yes, good for late night listening.
@@rizalahmad4207 I agree, PMA would be better, but check also Primare I15 or Hegel H90 (or higher models if you have money), they both sounds good with Dynaudio. I also really like how Dyns sounds with Parasound separates.
Thanks for helping guys. Really appreciate it. Glad to be in this healthy community.
Emit 20 vs evoke 10?
Evoke 10
Another nice review, saw steve's review too,and thanks for reviewing it, asked for it and got it XD. Can you tell me in what songs and hertzs, you could hear the port? What if you put the thingy in the port? Will that work?
Since when did the danish come from Denmark? Is this new? :)
i'll get 50 grams of the stuff youre having...
I’m thinking of buying the Evoke series ( Evoke 50 - Evoke 20 - Evoke 25C ) for my HT. Would it be wise to pair them with a ANTHEM MCA 525 GEN 2? Do the speakers like the AB natural sound from the Amp?
Yes Dynaudios prefer Class AB much more then Class D.
Hey Sean Zero😊. I just got gifted a pair of these🎉🎉🎉, but I don’t have hestia/hyperian money😢. I have max $1500. Any suggestions for a quality integrated amplifier that would have good synergi with the 10s? Thanks. Hope you are doing well ✌🏼
Sean ! If you had to live with but one of these pairs the Evoke 10 or the Fritz moral 6 which would it be !?
It's been too long since I heard the Fritz Morel 6 to say for sure. That said, Fritz is a TOP NOTCH guy and the idea of supporting him is appealing in its own right.
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks for the reply Sean !
Do the spark 2 pair well with these ? Thank you so much.
Time to review Spendor Classic 3/1
I had the 3/1s back in the day, I didn't keep them very long & I am a fan of British speakers. I haven't kept up with current pricing lately so don't know if they are in the same league but the Harbeth M 30.2s are my go to small monitor. I would also add that I had terrible customer experience with Spendor about 7 years ago that was so over the top that I sold the speaker's.
Zero Fidelity will help us to know more soon?
Listened to a lot of speakers during the weekend .. one of the most impressive were the JBL HDI-1600 ... make sure you get hold of a pair for review!
Borea Br02 vs evoke 10 ? What is the gain ?🤔 I'm considering the upgrade but I don't know...
Evoke 10 paired with a high current amp makes Borea run home crying for its mommy.
@@connorduke4619 it was 4 years ago, had the evoke 10, 40th anniversary , Magellan duetto and better since then.
@@yannick930 What is the favourite speaker you had?
Dynaudio pro is the better avenue to go. Get all the glow without the snow.
Can anyone comment on the difference between the new Emit 10 vs the Evoke 10? IS the difference in price worth it for performance or mainly because of better cosmetics?
Trust me the difference in price worth it!
Versus Harbeth P3?
Great speakers 🔉👍
Had 20's. Fantastic speakers!
Adidas Gonz shirt for the win!
That’s where I recognise the name from…my VW Tiguan. Best speakers for old school hip hop…the fat bottom plug ins so many producers used in the 90’s just boom!
Why does no one even consider the Canton speakers? Is Germany out of bounds? Are they too expensive?