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Dynaudio Special Forty Review
Dynaudio Special Forty - Front View

Main Features

  • 1.1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" MSP Woofer
  • 41-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Weight:17.86 lbs / 8.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-3/16"x7-13/16"x12-1/16" / 360.0 x 198.0 x 307.0mm
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Dynaudio Special Forty Review
Dynaudio Special Forty Dynaudio Special For...
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Dynaudio Special Forty is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Dynaudio. It was released in 2017. It features a 1.1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" MSP Woofer.

A 2-way standmount with a 6.5 inch MSP mid/bass driver and the 28 mm Esotar Forty tweeter. 86 dB sensitive, 6 ohms, 200 W IEC long-term, 41 Hz to 23 kHz. A limited-run anniversary model with the Esotar Forty tweeter.

The speaker has a frequency range of 41-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Dynaudio Special Forty is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Dynaudio's Editions Series of Loudspeakers

Special Forty is a member of Dynaudio's Editions series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Dynaudio Special Forty Speaker

Dynaudio Special Forty has a Frequency response range of 41-23k Hz at ±3dB. With a minimum frequency of 41 Hz, Special Forty delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Special Forty's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Dynaudio Special Forty
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Dynaudio Special Forty?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 41 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Dynaudio Special Forty?

The Crossover frequency of the Special Forty is set to 2000 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Dynaudio Special Forty's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Dynaudio Special Forty
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Dynaudio Special Forty a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Dynaudio Special Forty is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Dynaudio Special Forty plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Dynaudio Special Forty need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 25–200 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? See every integrated amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Special Forty features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Dynaudio Special Forty External Dimensions and Weight

Dynaudio Special Forty has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14-3/16 x 7-13/16 x 12-1/16inch (360.0 x 198.0 x 307.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Dynaudio Special Forty is approximately 607.9cm2 / 94.2inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Dynaudio Special Forty weighs 8.10kg / 17.8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Special Forty's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Dynaudio Special Forty
Min
Average
Median

Cabinet type and Materials

Dynaudio Special Forty has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Dynaudio Special Forty is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Wall Mounting

Special Forty doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Dynaudio Special Forty come with a Grille?

Special Forty comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Dynaudio Special Forty.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Dynaudio Special Forty speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Dynaudio Special Forty

Frequently Asked Questions about Dynaudio Special Forty

What amplifier do you need for the Dynaudio Special Forty?

The Dynaudio Special Forty is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Dynaudio Special Forty easy to drive?

The Dynaudio Special Forty has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Dynaudio Special Forty need a subwoofer?

The Dynaudio Special Forty reaches down to 41Hz (full range 41-23k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Dynaudio Special Forty use?

The Dynaudio Special Forty is a 2-way design using a 1.1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 6.5" MSP woofer.

Is the Dynaudio Special Forty sealed or ported?

The Dynaudio Special Forty uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Dynaudio Special Forty be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Dynaudio Special Forty has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the Dynaudio Special Forty come with grilles?

Yes. The Dynaudio Special Forty comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Dynaudio Special Forty?

The Dynaudio Special Forty weighs 8.10kg / 17.8lbs each and measures 14-3/16 x 7-13/16 x 12-1/16inch (HxWxD).


Dynaudio Special Forty Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDynaudio
Full Model NameDynaudio Special Forty
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response41-23k Hz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionMSP
Tweeter Size1.1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Crossover freq2000 Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height360.0mm ( 14-3/16-inch)
Width198.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
Depth307.0mm ( 12-1/16-inch)
Height360.0mm ( 14-3/16-inch)
Weight8.1 kg (17.9 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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