You may say I am a Dynaudio fan since this is already the 4th Dynaudio article, so read all about these great speakers in a new Dynaudio Evoke 10 Review text.
Intro
Contents
Dynaudio is a name that commands respect and reputation among high-end loudspeaker makers. Dynaudio has a long history that dates back to the late 1970s and has established itself as a force in a variety of areas, including professional audio, home audio, automotive, and bespoke installation. Their dedication to precision, accuracy, and invention has won them a fantastic reputation among audiophiles as well as industry professionals.
In this review, I will delve deeper into the sonic characteristics, performance, and overall listening experience offered by the Dynaudio Evoke 10. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or an enthusiast looking to upgrade your sound system, join me as I explore the capabilities and sonic prowess of this remarkable loudspeaker.
Dynaudio Evoke 10 Specifications
- Type: Bookshelf
- Sensitivity (dB @ 2.83V/1m): 84
- Lower Cutoff (Hz @ +/- 3 dB): 47
- Upper Cutoff (kHz @ +/- 3 dB): 23
- Box Principle: Bass reflex rear-ported
- Crossover: 2-way
- Crossover Frequency (Hz): 1400 Hz
- Crossover Topology: 2nd Order
- Tweeter: 28mm Cerotar soft dome with Hexis
- Midrange/Woofer: 14 cm MSP
- Weight kg: 6,7
- Weight lbs: 14 6/8
- Width mm: 180
- Height mm: 315
- Depth mm: 266
- Width inches: 7 1/8
- Height inches: 12 3/8
- Depth inches: 10 4/8
You can download & view the manual here->Dynaudio Evoke 10 Manual
Construction & Design
In terms of design, the “ten” follows the style outlined by larger models. This implies Dynaudio’s recognition in the form of sides that taper slightly towards the back, creating a trapezoidal base of the cabinet and making the speakers visually smaller, which is even more noticeable in larger boxes. However, more significant than that is the reduction of standing waves in the interior, which is the main reason why Dynaudio has been using this solution for generations.
The notched vertical edges of the front, by which the Danish manufacturer was also recognizable earlier, have now given way to rounded edges, so the Evoke 10, with its compact dimensions, looks gentle and modern – especially in Blonde Wood, as were the specimens in my test. In addition, the Evoke 10 is available in Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, and Walnut Wood with a wax-coated matte finish.
Due to the modest area of the front, the two-system topology occupied almost the entire available space, and the small gap in the lower part was used to accommodate the company logo. Here we come across a tweeter unit called Cerotar, which was specially developed for Evoke speakers and is used in all models in the series. It is equipped with a dome membrane with a diameter of 28 millimeters with the use of advanced technologies taken from more expensive series, such as a special coating that enables reproduction without distortion and over 20 kilohertz. Dynaudio also highlights the internal dome called Hexis, which is located behind the tweeter membrane and optimizes the airflow inside, and a ferrite-ceramic magnet is used to drive it.
- MADE IN DENMARK
- Frequency response (±3dB): 47Hz–23kHz
- Woofer: 14cm MSP cone - Tweeter: 28mm Cerotar with Hexis
- Dimensions with feet/grill (W x H x D): 7.1x12.4x10.9 in
- Matching Magnetic Grill Included
In the lower part of the front, partially overlapped with the large metal frame of the tweeter, there is an Esotec+ mid-bass driver. It also features a new design, and in the case of the Evoke 10 model, it is equipped with a membrane with a diameter of 140 millimeters, an aluminum coil with a diameter of 38 millimeters, and a ferrite ceramic magnet. The membrane is made of Dynaudio’s well-known MSP material (Magnesium Silicate Polymer), and the manufacturer particularly emphasizes its thickness of only 0.4 millimeters, which makes it very light for a quick response, and at the same time rigid enough to prevent twisting and, consequently, distortion in the sound. In addition, it is noticeable that the membrane is made together with the central part, which actively participates in the suppression of sound waves, while the perimeter has slits for airflow.
On the back side of the cabinet made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), only the most basic things are placed. In the lower part, on the sunken metal panel, one pair of high-quality and sufficiently spaced speaker terminals is placed, while in the upper part, there is an opening for the bass-reflex port. Behind the terminal, inside the cabinet, there is a second-order crossover with a cut-off frequency of 1.4 kilohertz.
All the listed technical solutions of the Scandinavian experts translated into numbers say that the Evoke 10 has a frequency range of 47 hertz to 23 kilohertz with a nominal impedance of six ohms. The sensitivity is relatively low and amounts to 84 decibels, which indicates that, despite the small dimensions, the tested speakers will receive more powerful amplification. This is also confirmed by the manufacturer, stating that the Evoke 10 can be used with power amplifiers of up to 160 watts per channel.
Sound Test
The dimensions of the tested speakers are such that, despite the bass-reflex opening on the back, they do not require too much space for optimal positioning. I found the ideal position about 30 centimeters from the back wall with a little more than the one-meter distance from the side walls and with the speakers slightly directed towards the listening position (toe-in). If the space is tight, the Evoke 10 can be moved even closer to the rear wall by inserting the factory-supplied sponges into the ports.
However, this should only be done if you have no choice, as the extension of the low-frequency range is further reduced. When you meet their requirements in terms of positioning and sufficiently stable amplification, the Evoke 10 will repay you with a presentation that is precise to the limit with an amount of detail that reveals tones that we had not heard before in certain tracks. This was also confirmed by my housemates because with Dynaudio you don’t have to be an experienced audiophile with hardened hearing to notice that a special kind of magic is at work. Another thing that is also very noticeable is the stage: its size is in complete disharmony with the dimensions of the boxes, and the front formed by the music is stretched more than the distance between the speakers. Along with the aforementioned precision comes excellent tonal separation, so individual notes can be distinguished quite clearly with lavish detail.
However, what fascinated me the most and what I did not expect at all from such small and, by Dynaudio standards, affordable speakers, is the depth of the scene. During the tracks that allow it, the instruments were precisely arranged in space – a battery of drums behind the line of speakers, guitars on the sides, and vocals in the foreground – with constant maintenance of the layout even at high volumes. The spatial effect is even more pronounced with electronic music when the Evoke 10 creates a very spacious ambiance with plenty of air.
When it comes to color, the Evoke 10, in the best tradition of the Danish company, are quite neutral speakers. The tones balance on a fine line that separates sharp precision from unpleasant, metallic sharpness and warm, velvety notes from the darkness that suffocates the music. The reproduction is therefore very faithful, and the tested boxes are capable of equally convincingly presenting a wide range of diverse tones, which will make them truly versatile members of any audio system.
After the test with the integrated amplifier Exposure 2010S2, I used the Trafomatic Audio Elegance Evolution in the second part of the test to start. More than twice as expensive as the tested speakers, the tube power amplifier easily powered the Evoke 10 and in some segments raised these speakers to even greater heights. The tones got an even finer texture and almost infinite depth, which was especially pronounced in the middle part of the spectrum. The vocals were given a presentation on the border of the tangible, with a clear display of the smallest details, such as the intake of air, which are incorporated so that they do not disturb the basic flow of the music and do not draw attention to themselves.
The only aspect of reproduction in which Trafomatic did not bring audible improvements is the lowest part of the range, and the reason for this lies in the small volume and modest diameter of the woofer units of the tested speakers. The only aspect of reproduction in which Trafomatic did not bring audible improvements is the lowest part of the range, and the reason for this lies in the small volume and modest diameter of the woofer units of the tested speakers. Make no mistake, as low as they go the Evoke 10s do a great job of delivering bass that’s perfectly in line with the rest of the presentation – precise, detailed, and neutral. The Esotec+ unit also perfectly copes with the most complex sections of the upper bass with a speed of response and reaction that even Formula 1 drivers would envy. The hint of the deepest bass is presented very well and expressed sufficiently to put the reproduction on a solid foundation, so the music leaves an impression of wholeness. . In the end, it is positive that the Evoke 10 are quite sharply cut off at the bottom end and do not try to play what they cannot, so unwanted distortions and interference are not introduced into the reproduction – which would be deeper, but poorly defined and insufficiently massive bass.
Dynaudio Evoke 10 Video Review
Final Verdict
Like true professionals, the Evoke 10 doesn’t ask any questions during playback and doesn’t need special tuning, and all they’re looking for is equally high-quality teammates. Fill them with this and you will get system leaders that radiate authority despite their modest dimensions, regardless of musical direction – they will reproduce everything at the maximum of their capabilities and with a dose of calm, mature enthusiasm. Therefore, if you are looking for very capable small boxes with a neutral appearance, but also a top-quality finish, the Dynaudio Evoke 10 has all the recommendations from me.
Dynaudio Evoke 10 Pro & Cons
Pros
- Great build quality
- Undemanding positioning
- Precision and 3D scene
- Neutral color
Cons
- Absence of the deepest bass
Crackling Sound was created to provide straightforward, unbiased reviews of audio products, catering to those who want excellent sound without delving into complex audiophile terms. I aim to simplify the decision-making process for my readers.
As an audio enthusiast and self-builder for over 20 years, I ensure my reviews are honest, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages. I conduct sound tests to deliver comprehensive and reliable information about various audio devices. My extensive experience in DIY projects, experimenting, installing, and using high-end audio gear helps me provide thorough and comparative reviews.