TRICKLE-DOWN EXCELLENCE - THE NEW DYNAUDIO EMIT RANGE.
/Here in our Reading store, we have taken delivery of the recently announced Dynaudio Emit range, the latest iteration of Dynaudio’s entry-level model of two-channel and surround-sound speakers. We’ve decided to concentrate our efforts on evaluating the Emit 10 and Emit 20 bookshelf and the Emit 30 floor standers, exclusively in stereo music mode.
The recently discontinued predecessors of the current iteration of the Emits had developed an excellent reputation as high value, dynamic and musical entry-level speakers. To say we were sorry to see them go was an understatement. When the old models ceased production and their successors were inevitably delayed by the Covid -19 shutdown, there was still some pent-up customer demand for the outgoing range which we could not fulfill. The new Emit range certainly has some big shoes to fill. So let’s check them out…
The Technical Stuff
So, what do we have here that is different? Well, the new Emit range is the result of trickle-down technology developed from Dynaudio’s premium Evoke speakers. It's the same team working on all the products, so they can utilise their expertise to bring high-calibre product performance to people taking their first steps in real quality hi-fi.
The cabinets
What impresses is the attention to detail and finish. Everything is thought through and made to count. This is about look and feel, and you can’t help but be impressed at how well everything is put together. The cabinets have a stylish, clean, minimalist design, all with a selection of finishes that would sit comfortably in most domestic settings. Available in Black, White and Walnut finishes complete with detachable fabric grilles
From left to right - the Emit 30 and stand-mount Emit 20 and 10. Note the tweeder protector on the Emit 20!
Both the bookshelf and the floorstanders are solid & sturdy and sit securely on stands and the floor respectively. The speakers each have a removable yellow magnetic tweeter protector to guard against unwanted little fingers or paws pushin in the cerotar tweeter. Just be sure to take them off when listening to music, or you might wonder where all the high-end has gone!
Detail of the flared bass reflex port on the emit 20
The 2021 Emit loudspeakers all feature 18mm MDF custom laminate finished cabinets sporting a new dual-flared bass-reflex port, optimised to reduce air turbulence and minimise unwanted 'chuffing' with deep notes rifling the air outwards.
Each separate speaker in the range features a a bespoke level of acoustic dampening material to achieve the optimum level of openness without any compromising resonant frequencies.
Dynaudio Emit Drivers
It is apparent that thoughtful attention to detail has been paid at each level of the design and manufacturing process. Handling the upper-frequency range is Dynaudio's Cerotar tweeter, which has quite a lineage. As mentioned before, tech has been borrowed from the renowned Evoke series. The Cerotar is derived from the Esotar Forty tweeter developed for the renowned Special 40 speaker. Boasting a custom “AirFlow” magnet made from exotic materials and a 28mm voice-coil, formed from aluminium with a clever Hexis inner dome controlling airflow. The idea behind all this is to reduce unwanted resonances behind the coated fabric soft-dome diaphragm thanks to advanced airflow optimisation in the rear chamber. The aim is to produce cleaner, sweeter high frequencies.
The Emit's midrange units and woofers are also based on those found in the Evoke range. These are bonded directly to the copper-clad aluminium voice-coil assembly, which promises to give more control over their movement. They utilise dual-stacked ferrite-ceramic magnet systems - using more magnets is about achieving greater control over the driver's movement and excursion for increased sonic precision. It also helps to improve dynamics at lower frequencies, whilst maintaining impressive midrange performance.
Dynaudio Emit Crossovers
Dishing out the drivers’ duties are hybrid design crossovers, using varying combinations of first, second, and fourth-order topologies. According to Dynaudio, the reason for this is simply because “one size doesn't fit all”. So instead, each speaker in the range is given its own combination of crossover designs to ensure sonic unity across the series. At the same time, this approach is said to enable the company to optimise each individual speaker's performance for the job it has to do.
How do they sound?
One of the most outstanding attributes is the consistent sonic picture across the range. Given the laws of physics, you will understand that the smaller drivers of the Emit 10 will not project the same way as the floor standing 30, but the point is that there is a signature “family sound” across the range. So, all that deep and considered engineering seems to have successfully worked.
All the models get to the core of the music, its dynamics, nuances and timing clues. There is a standout agile bass, a focussed midrange and insightful treble. Altogether, they project a cohesive and deep sound field.
They certainly don’t lack excitement and are superb for long-term listening sessions, as you will find when you get delightfully lost in the performance!
What do they work with?
Whilst Hi-Fi in it’s very nature is subjective and mostly modular, you’ll find that certain configurations just gel together. During our listening sessions we found the Emit 10 worked well across a range of systems. They truly complimented our trusty go-to vinyl system comprising of a Rega Planar 3 and Brio, but also performed above our expectations in a higher-end compact digital system on the end of a Naim Uniti Atom. After this, we thought we’d mix it up a little and set-up a streaming system comprising of the Leak Stereo 130 and Bluesound Node, which was deeply satisfying. Moving on from here we placed them with several higher end streaming systems and the Emit 10 proved to be a real chameleon that responds well to system upgrades. Whatever the level, they always produced a sonically cohesive sound, with a tight but deep bass.
The emit 20’s in their element in the dem room, with the Rega/Innuos system
Next we put a pair Emit 20 on the end of a Rega Elicit- R, Innuos Zen Mini, and Rega Planar 6 with Exact MM cartridge. What we got was a rich and immersive sound that took us to the heart of the performance. We tried this combo with a range of music, from jazz to heavy dub with excellent results. What was particularly impressive was the way it grabbed the true essence of that reggae/dub sound of Lee Scratch Perry, allowing all the dynamics bass through, but keeping the mid and upper ranges under control, a well balanced mix. These speakers performed really well in our large demo room, whereas some speakers of a similar size can be easily lost.
The Emit 30 performed astonishingly well on the end of a Linn Majik DSM, proving that the Emit series are more than capable to up their game with better amplification and front-end music services. A real standout system for myself was the Emit 30, Rega Elicit-R, Innuos Zen Mini and Rega Planar 6. A setup that I can only describe as “simply epic”
In conclusion
So, a spectacular and flexible “entry” level series of products, high quality in their own right, whilst giving a taste of what is achievable higher up the Dynaudio range.
But why just take our word for it? Come and experience it for yourself in a well curated system built around your needs. Contact us to book a demonstration.
Rob & Gareth – Audio T Reading
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Music Used
You might want to try some of these…….
· Nubya Garcia – Source
· Morcheeba – Blaze Away
· Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Ghosteen
· The Orb (feat. Lee Scratch Perry) – More Tales from the Observatory
· Fun Lovin’ Criminals – Come Find Yourself
· Lee Scratch Perry – Double Seven (Red vinyl)
· Various Classical (streaming)
