TEST WINNER

dynaudio.com/home-audio/emit/m10/

Dynaudio Emit M10

GREAT LOOKS. GREAT PRICE. GREAT SOUND.

Versatility, transparency, energy, precision, scale and volume. You name it, the Emit 10s deliver in spades.

www.whathifi.com www.whathifi.com Reproduced from July 2016 issueReproduced from July 2016 issuewww.whathifi.com 73

STEREO SPEAKERS

There was a time when Dynaudio ruledthese parts. It was unstoppable, armedwith a great formula for lovely listening.That was years ago, however, and whilethe company has consistently put outfine products, we were accustomed tomore. Well, it looks like it is time for acomeback, because that’s what you getwith the Dynaudio Emit M10: more.

You get a bit of everything here.Versatility, transparency, energy,precision, scale and volume: you name itand the Emit 10s deliver in spades.

Transparency and detailWe begin with the impressivetransparency and bags of detail, whichhelp to provide context into theperformance’s environment. In a hall, ona stage, in a studio, with or without airconditioning (in the case of The Sopranossoundtrack) – it’s quite apparent whatsort of setting and acoustic you’relistening to, with productiontechniques laid bare.

It’s a lively listen. The Emit 10shave a masterful grasp of rhythm,and what you get is more precisethan anything offered by the B&W685 S2s or Quad S�1s. Give themsomething challenging and they justlap it up. Major Lazer’s Pon De Floor isa messy obstacle course for mostspeakers at this price, littered as it iswith varying rhythms and dynamicshifts. But these Dynaudios breezethrough it with agility and panache.

Model of inclusivityThey’re versatile too, capable of slowingright down without missing a beat, thenramping things up again with apparentlyeffortless enthusiasm and verve. Weswitch between Dusty Springfield, NinaSimone, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana andPrince. Whether you want mischief,melancholy or menace, the Emit 10sdemonstrate an impressive ability tomould themselves for any occasion.

These speakers are not afraid toexpress themselves either. The detailand precision help with theirenunciation, but you also get strong,free-flowing dynamics. If it’s a hard-hitting, passionate sound you’re after,then you’ve got it. If you want volume,you’ve got that too. You don’t necessarily

need it, though – the sense ofenergy is always there, even atlower volumes.

The Emit 10s have a compactdesign. At 29cm tall they are barely

bigger than the Quad S�1s, and yetthey have the scale, power and dynamicsto rival the larger B&W 685 S2s.

It’s not just scale, but organisation too.Not only do all the instruments getplenty of space, they are also impeccablyarranged in a way that gives theperformance a convincing sense ofdepth. And despite the wide and deepsoundstage, everything works togetherin a cohesive unit.

Second natureAll of this comes naturally, like a mathsprodigy bashing out trigonometry: we’renot sure how Dynaudio has done it,but we are astonished at the ease withwhich spectacular results have beenachieved here.

Is there a catch to all of this? Notreally. In terms of sheer scale we thinkthe bigger B&W 685 S2s still have theadvantage, but that is of little concernwhen the Dynaudios are really not thatfar behind and ahead in every othersonic department.

MISCHIEF, MELANCHOLY OR MENACE

FOR Versatile, detailed,subtle, entertaining sound

AGAINST Nothing atthis price

DynaudioEmitM10£500★★★★★

It’s not just the sound, either. We reallylike the look and build quality of the Emit10s, which make the B&Ws look a littlecheaply made. They are also easy to setup (just give them some space) andunfussy with partnering equipment.We’re struggling to say anything negative.

All-round talentIt may have taken a few years, but it looksas if Dynaudio is back in great shape. Putit all together and you have sometremendously talented all-rounders,capable of giving out layered, intricate,versatile sound that we cannot believecosts only £500. Whether you’re startingout in hi-fi or looking to upgrade, theDynaudio Emit 10s should be on your list.

says

Rating ★★★★ ★

VERDICT A confident and outstandingreturn to form for Dynaudio

SOUND

COMPATIBILITY

BUILD

a stage, in a studio, with or without airThe Sopranos

soundtrack) – it’s quite apparent what

something challenging and they justPon De Floor is Pon De Floor

design. At 29cm tall they are barely bigger than the Quad S�1s, and yet

they have the scale, power and dynamics

Give them some spaceand the M10s will makeyou question whetheryou paid only £500

KEY FEATURES

Impedance: 6ohms

Weight: 5.6kg

Dimensions (hwd):

29 x 17 x 24cm

TESTWINNER

www.whathifi.com 75

STEREO SPEAKERS

W e never knowwhat toexpect in a group test ofspeakers, but this one

was full of surprises. We certainlycouldn’t have foreseen the fate ofthe Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2s: notonly did they not win the test, theylost a star as well.

For now, they remain entirelycommendable: they offer a big,powerful sound that has no problemengaging and entertaining you.

Differing strengthsIt takes a lot to knock a doubleAward-winner off its perch and intofour-star territory, but that’s exactlywhat’s happened with these twonew challengers. They have verydifferent priorities, however.

The Quad S�1s excel in treble andmidrange, and their handling of vocals issublime. There is an intimacy here that’shard to beat. They’re not themost flexible

speakers, though; their compact size andsmall mid/bass drivers restrict low-endreach. But in smaller rooms they shine.

That’s where the Dynaudio Emit M10scome in. They are not quite as sweetwith vocals, but they’re as good (if notbetter) at rhythmic precision, and that’sbalanced with power, dynamics,

HOW THEY MEASURE UP

B&W685S2 DynaudioEmitM10 QuadS-1

Weight 6.8kg 5.6kg 5.2kg

Sensitivity 87dB 86dB 84dB

Impedance 8 ohms 6 ohms 8 ohms

Dimensions (hwd) 35 x 19 x 32cm 29 x 17 x 24cm 29 x 16 x 24cm

Finishes Black ash, white Black satin, white satin Black, mahogany

Biwirable Yes No Yes

SYSTEMBUILDER

STEREO AMPLIFIERRega Elex-R ★★★★★ £900

Awonderfully musical amp that complementstheM10s’ precision with fine rhythmic ability

CD PLAYERNaim CD5Si ★★★★★ £1080

The Naim has a winningly enthusiasticdelivery and a real feel for the music

SPEAKER STANDSCustom Design FS104 Signature

★★★★★ £200These will allow the Dynaudios’ vibrancy,transparency and rhythm to really flourish

Totalbuild£2680

YourM10swill need quality partners – try these

FOR A FU L L L I S T OF SPEC I F I CAT IONS ANDOTHER USE FU L IN FO V I S I T WHATH I F I .COM

TESTWINNER

“It takes a lot to knock a double Award-winner off its perchand into four-star territory, but that’s exactly what’shappened in the shape of these two new challengers“

flexibility and energy. Layers of musicare stripped back to their emotional core,and the experience is hard to resist.

These are terrific all-rounders, and offerthe sort of performance that we mightexpect from something much higher upthe food chain. That they are availablefor £500 is little short of astounding.

DynaudioEmitM10£500Nevermind their rivalshere, theseDynaudioscould takeonmuchpricier rivals andstill prevail