Dynaudio Special Forty

State-of-the-art acoustic technology in the classic Dynaudio design

The new anniversary speaker Special Forty represents 40 years of cutting-edge research - and brings it up to date with Dynaudio's best-known techniques and technologies.

Laurels are not for resting

Sometimes Dynaudio surprises itself. After 40 years of constant innovation, some would probably be content to sit back and look back with satisfaction at what has been achieved. Not so Dynaudio. In fact, they are downright hungry for new processes and technologies.

That's why they developed the Special Forty: They wanted to look at the innovations again from a different perspective and find out what could be done differently.

You won't find anything revolutionary here. Instead, you can discover Dynaudio's past - and at the same time get a first glimpse of the future.

The Special Forty is a classic Dynaudio product: it impresses with the craftsmanship, the attention to detail and the unconditional love for authentic sound that you have always come to expect from Dynaudio. This is the connoisseur's choice - a pair of passive Hi-Fi speakers; no more and no less. But this is not about tearful reflection on past glories - and above all not about being satisfied with what has been achieved. No - we see what has been achieved as the basis for the next breakthrough.

Greatest hits... reimagined

Dynaudio has always known compact speakers. And as a reference to classics such as the Special One, the Special Twenty-Five, the Crafft and the Contour 1.3SE, they opted for an unadulterated, clear concept for the Special Forty - at the highest technical level.

But of course, this wouldn't be an anniversary speaker if it didn't boast some of the biggest hits. Of course, Dynaudio could have made it easy for itself - sort of got the old band together and played the old numbers, without any trouble, without any changes. Instead, Dynaudio rearranged, mixed and mastered the classics. As they should sound in 2017 - and far beyond.

The Special Forty uses the classic crossover design with unique phase alignment and impedance alignment technologies. The crossover distributes the input signal confidently to the woofers and tweeters. In this way, each driver only receives the frequencies intended for it and can make the best of it. Their carefully selected components ensure impedance optimization. And since both drivers, with their extended frequency ranges, allow for even better overlap and integration, the result is overwhelming.

The song remains the same

The Special Forty uses MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) for the main chassis; a material patented by Dynaudio. MSP features the optimal combination of rigidity, damping and stability required for pristine sound reproduction. And unlike other membrane materials, it doesn't change over time. And that means that the Special Forty will stay true to itself (and you) at the next Dynaudio anniversary.

The membrane itself is characterized by a carefully designed symmetrical deflection, which ensures an even better reproduction of the mid-frequency range. Behind it is the asymmetrical centering spider; de passive harmonic rectifier. It minimizes resonances in the upper frequency range. This makes it possible not only to perceive the contours of a composition even more precisely, but also to hear individual instruments in an orchestra. (And with that, finally, the third violins are heard and recognized.) And like all MSP cones, this one is one piece (as evidenced by the special equalizing ribs around the central dust cap). This creates an incredibly reliable connection to the voice coil and stabilizes the shape - which is what matters when things get really loud.

All of this is contained in the special AirFlow basket – the component that keeps the entire driver system in place in the speaker. Developing this basket was one of those "Eureka!" moments that the developers at Dynaudio Labs seem to have every few days. Dynaudio asked them for a solution that would increase the amount of air moved and reduce internal reflections, without sacrificing the rigidity and stability of the basket. And so they came up with a really brilliant solution.

King of the air (streams)

The new Esotar tweeter is in a class of its own. First, it vibrates the air in front of the precision-coated fabric dome in a way only a tweeter made according to Dynaudio's secret recipe can. But technically remarkable things also happen behind the scenes.

Let's take a look at the new pressure line. This is a specially shaped ventilation module behind the hybrid magnet system, which gives us more free space in the housing. We can now accommodate more damping material there and reduce the back pressure, while the shape ensures optimized air circulation behind the membrane.

Let's get to the air coupled pressure relief system. Located under the voice coil, it reduces the build-up of unwanted pressure that could restrict its movement. By preventing air bubbles from forming here, resonance is reduced - and of course, less resonance means more accurate, more detailed reproduction.

Magnetic flux optimization and signal routing

Dynaudio loves to play with the laws of physics. Of course, physics wins out in the end—but Dynaudio actually almost always manages to tip the outcome in its favor. It is the same with the magnet systems.

The magnet converts the electrical energy flowing from your amp to the voice coil into mechanical energy; the movements of the chassis membrane in both directions. These are (especially with the tweeter) very small and very fast movements. A lot of finesse is required here to ensure that all the subtle details and emotional power of the music being played finds its way to the ear.

Behind the woofer

In the case of the woofer, this finesse manifests itself in two ways: through the play with the magnetic energy and through the magnets placed inside the voice coil.

Other manufacturers typically place the magnet around the voice coil, leaving it hollow inside. By placing the magnet inside the voice coil, the magnetic energy (or magnetic flux) stays in the optimal position to steer the voice coil the way it's supposed to. This allows Dynaudio to use the given mass in the best possible way. At the same time, internal reflections are reduced because there are fewer elements within the chassis that could reflect the sound waves.

Second, they use a hybrid magnet that allows even better control of magnetic flux and voice coil movement. An incredibly powerful neodymium magnet ensures enormous deflection. It is supported by a ferrite magnet that directs the magnetic flux to where it is most needed. The result? Symmetrical deflection, reduced frequency doubling - and an even more precise, authentic sound.

Beautiful box

Of course, all this remarkable technology belongs in an extraordinary housing. And whether you choose 'Black Vine' or 'Ebony Wave', your eyes will be as pleased as your ears. Something special was always achieved with the anniversary loudspeakers. Think of the Contour 1.3 SE's case made of fine birdseye maple, the wonderfully grained birch of the Special Twenty-Five and the beautiful mocha, bordeaux and ivory veneer variants of the Sapphire. The Special Forty goes one step further. Dynaudio has motivated its design team to look ahead and try something completely new. And they have done so with great success. It should be unconventional, emotional and striking. The Special Forty should also look as authentic and honest as the music it plays.

Special versions as standard

The new Special 40 veneer "Black Vine" combines the clashing contrasts of a dark veneer streaked with vibrant orange tones, while "Ebony Wave" captivates with an enchantingly curved classic wood veneer. Both finishes are as striking as they are beautiful - and unique to each speaker.

1st order crossover

With Phase Alignment and Impedance Alignment technologies, this crossover in classic Dynaudio topology presents itself as best in class.

17 cm woofer

This is the best 17 cm woofer yet. It is based on the corresponding chassis from the Confidence and Evidence product lines. Here, a sophisticated hybrid magnet system ensures lower distortion and higher performance.

Esotar Forty

The new Esotar Forty tweeter maximizes airflow. So you can enjoy even more precise sound reproduction. And its low resonant frequency provides a seamless transition to the woofer frequency range.

characteristics

State-of-the-art acoustic technology in the classic Dynaudio design

Made in Denmark

Designed and engineered at Dynaudio Labs and manufactured across the street in our own factory… all in Skanderborg.

Aluminum connection plate

Five-way binding posts and our 40th anniversary logo: Dynaudio pays attention to details where you don't look that often.

Special versions as standard

Black Vine / Ebony Wave? Either way, your eyes will be delighted.

Classic Dynaudio crossover

This is a variant of the first-order crossover found in the other classic two-way speakers - and its performance borders on the fantastic.

Our best 17 cm woofer yet

This is the ultimate incarnation of our legendary 17W75 MSP woofer - with an AirFlow basket and a hybrid magnet system.

The Esotar Forty tweeter

This precision-coated 28 mm fabric tweeter is only available on the Special Forty.

Technical specifications

Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V/1m)
IEC power handling: 200 watts
Impedance: 6O
Frequency Response (±3dB): 41Hz - 23kHz
Version: bass reflex on the back
Crossover: 2-way
Crossover frequency: 2000 Hz

Crossover typology: 1st order
Woofer: 17 cm MSP speaker cone
Tweeter: 28mm Esotar Forty
Weight: 8.1kg
Dimensions (W x H x D): 198 x 360 x 307 mm
Dimensions with feet / speaker cover (W x H x D): 198 x 360 x 322 mm
Finishes / Speaker Cover: Black Vine / Ebony Wave