The updated Dynaudio Confidence line was first shown about two years ago, and was immediately very warmly received on the market. Now this line is the oldest in the manufacturer’s catalogue. Let's hear what this work of the famous Danish company is like.
I am familiar with this series: I listened to various models at the Munich exhibition in 2022, where these acoustics were installed in a number of systems. Then I got acquainted with the line directly at the production site in Denmark, and later listened to it several times both in showrooms and in the owners’ systems.
Thus, this is not my first acquaintance. But for those who are not yet so familiar with the new Dynaudio Confidence line, some immersion in the history and technology is necessary.
Dynaudio Confidence 30 on test system
Dynaudio released more than one line under the name Confidence. If you count, the current one is already the third updated version. And the series as a whole is decades old.
The first versions of Confidence were designed in closed enclosures - they were characterized by terribly low sensitivity and very high gain requirements. However, I myself feel very warmly about Confidence 5 from the first line - it was an excellent acoustics, with whose help I carried out a lot of tests.
In the second generation, Confidence speakers became bass-reflex in design, more models were developed (at first there were one version of bookshelf and floor-standing speakers), at the same time the use of d'Apolitto designs and a proprietary circuit with a pair of Esotar tweeters appeared.
Bass reflex down and Hexis hemisphere
And here is the third, current current line. It contains one 2-way model, which can be called conventionally a shelf model, and three models of 3-way floorstanders of different sizes.
Junior “stand-stand speakers” are not the subject of our test, but I must explain why I put the word “stand-stand speakers” in quotes - their bass reflex is located on the bottom surface, and the entire design only works in tandem with proprietary, specially designed stands. The three models of floor standing speakers, of course, do not have stands, but they do have a lower base and bass reflex ports also connected to it.
However, the solution is good - when searching for the correct arrangement, speakers of this design are somewhat easier to deal with than when the port is brought out to the rear. And the potential gain looks a little lighter than for a closed box. But about strengthening - a little later.
Esoteric pair as source and amplifier
Another important feature of the new Confidence line is that the tweeters here are no longer dual. All models have only one Esotar3 with a 28mm soft dome.
It is worth mentioning separately that in the Dynaudio concept, only soft dome tweeters are used as a high-frequency emitter and nothing else - this is the manufacturer’s rule. And different versions of Esotar over the years have been recognized by many as one of the best dome emitters in principle.
The updated Esotar3 has a number of important differences from its predecessor. Inside, under the soft dome, at some distance from it, there is a plastic hemisphere covered with recesses - it was called Hexis. The purpose of this part is to optimize air flow and stabilize the operation of the dome.
It would seem like such a small thing: the part itself costs almost nothing, but its development, and then its implementation in production, which required a lot of changes in the tweeter and manufacturing processes - for all this the manufacturer needed a lot of intellectual, time and financial resources .
Esotar3 dome tweeter
Dynaudio Confidence 30 is a 3-way acoustic system with a pair of low-frequency drivers with diffusers with a diameter of 18 cm and a mid-range driver with a diameter of 15 cm. Traditionally for the manufacturer, the diffusers are made of MSP polymer, and the speakers are equipped with powerful magnetic systems with the most sophisticated air flow system without unnecessary resistance. Crossover frequencies: 290 and 3,700 Hz.
fifth component
Initially, a routine renovation was planned for this room so that it could be used to demonstrate equipment to Alef dealers, but even before the work began, unpleasant resonances in the region of 60 Hz were revealed. Subsequent measurements revealed other artifacts - prolonged reverberations in the midrange and high frequencies, as well as a dip at 120 Hz. Therefore, it was decided, while preserving the interior as much as possible, to tidy up the room, in particular, to level the RT60 (the time required to reduce the reverberation by 60 dB) to 0.3 seconds at all frequencies. All wooden structures placed on the walls were made in Ryazan on CNC machines. All calculations were done by Vladimir Chudaikin, an experienced Ryazan installer. The modular design made the installation and final setup of the room much easier. Carpet tiles with minimal absorption are laid on the floor, and bass traps are hidden behind the curtains in front, increasing intelligibility in the lower register. When processing, we tried not to overpower the room, so even the sofa was chosen with suitable upholstery. The door is double fireproof.
Now about power and signal wiring. Each electrical point has its own line connected to the panel. Air conditioning and lighting are connected to separate phases. On the line supplying audio equipment (there is no other load on it), not circuit breakers are used, but fuses. Since it was impossible to make cable channels, so as not to reduce the floor area, we decided to run all the wiring to the ceiling. To do this, boxes were made around the entire perimeter. To avoid resonances, the walls are made of two layers of plasterboard with intermediate sizing with guerlain. The frame elements are damped with automotive vibroplast, the remaining volume is filled with sound-absorbing material. All work, including finishing, took 4.5 months.
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Acoustic lens and freedom of placement
The next major change that you need to pay attention to is the complex shaped front panel, which is especially noticeable closer to the tweeter. Essentially, this is an acoustic lens that corrects the radiation pattern.
The entire panel on which the speakers are mounted is also not simple. It partly continues the shapes given by the acoustic lens, but its main task is both the continuation of the lens and the decoupling of the mutual influence of the speakers on each other.
I have seen this panel as a semi-finished product: it is some kind of composite, sintered from powder, and then processed and painted. The material has very interesting properties - you can literally feel it with your fingers, especially if you pay attention to the behavior of the material at the moment when the acoustics are playing at a fairly decent volume.
Dynaudio Confidence 30 midrange speaker
The connection here is only two-wire - the manufacturer has not provided any other options. The terminals are of excellent quality WBT. Internal wiring is with Van den Hul cable. The grills are included: they are very elegant, thin, partly repeating the shape of the front panel with their curves. Well, magnetic fastenings come in very handy here - everything looks very good with them.
If we abstract from the details, then to me personally all the acoustics of the new Confidence line seem unconditionally beautiful and solid. And in the details you simply don’t want to find fault with anything: neither the finishing, nor the shapes, nor the quality of materials and workmanship.
A couple who had been working for some time were on the test. I can’t say exactly how the acoustics sound out of the box, but based on my experience with Dynaudio products, I’ll assume that it will definitely take some time to break in. The placement of the acoustics was a pre-tested given, and during the test I did not notice any over-criticality or a narrow directional pattern.
On the contrary, the sound is good both at the listening point and when you deviate far enough from it. Although it is clear that this is a different sound, even the “background” one does not feel in any way defective.
Dynaudio Confidence 30 top subwoofer
However, you need to pay attention to the arrangement - the acoustics will not really like being cramped or pressed against the walls. Here it is more logical to measure the model with the room.
I’ll add on my own behalf: I’m simply delighted with the junior bookshelfs of this new line, and somehow I don’t even want to talk about them as junior models. Confidence 30 can feel quite confident in rooms larger than 30-35 square meters. m. And free arrangement, as well as a sufficient reserve of reinforcement, will definitely not be superfluous here.
Gain
As part of the test, I tried several options: the Esoteric F-05 integrated amplifier, the Gryphon Essence preamplifier and the stereo version of the Essence Stereo power amplifier, with the Esoteric K-03XD SACD player as the only source.
According to formal criteria, both amplifications were sufficient in terms of power and current - no problems with acoustics control were observed. But the different presentation styles of different devices were also unmistakably guessed. And in general, using this acoustics, it would be possible to conduct almost any experiments and tests - everything was perfectly audible, noticeable and visual.
At the beginning, we launched a system with Esoteric amplification. Objectively, the precise cool analyticity in the sound, the detail, sometimes reaching the level of mathematical precision and rigor, were read. And also everything else that could be heard specifically from Esoteric in those conditions when the devices are fully revealed in their style and character - without embellishment or alteration.
Adjustable support leg and metal acoustic base
I put on Nils Landgren's "Sentimental Journey" CD. The sound is calm, balanced, precise, but not strained. Rather cool - in the sense that it is definitely not warm. But no coldness or detachment either. Neat, confident restraint and precision.
The emotionality is very natural, there is no coloration. The presentation is not imposing and certainly not sloppy - everything is very precise and neat, without fuss. The dynamics and detail were completely enough - there are no reservations or conventions here.
Using this particular recording and publication as an example, I heard everything that I was used to hearing there - and with very high-quality, detailed elaboration. There are no questions about the frequency range either - everything is smooth and seamless. If something is a little overblown somewhere, I completely attribute it to the recording, the way it's made, or even the way it's performed. Everything is conveyed accurately and accurately.
A pair of terminals for connecting Dynaudio Confidence 30 to amplification
The scene is correct, the proportions are as they are written, nothing has been added or subtracted. Some of the features that are worth mentioning are a little more rigor in the sound, a little more restraint than sometimes wanted.
Reality
The next disc is Angelo Badalamenti “Evilenko”. The sound isn't just detailed or dynamic - it's realistic. On the one hand, I hear almost all the equipment with its features in the tract, but still, first of all, I hear music and recording, although even here the plausibility of the sound of all components is very noticeable - right down to artifacts.
This is definitely not a sound for a home disco - it is too restrained and neat. But for everything else - from close listening to testing something or selecting musical material - this sound is quite suitable. And if you want to listen to the nuances and shades, but not lose the sense of integrity, this is definitely the right option.
Listening here feels like a perfect dialogue with music that you don’t want to pull towards or push away. Formally, the top is very correct, without coloring or distortions; the middle that smoothly passes into this top; solid, correct bass.
Still, we must pay tribute: given the manufacturer’s capabilities for measuring and testing prototypes, this is not surprising. Although it’s very nice, because few people can offer such an even feed and stitching along the stripes - even for a significantly higher price.
Bottom subwoofer
Another entry: Psapp “The Only Thing I Ever Wanted.” Excellent rhythm and volume of sound, and at the same time excellent detail and transparency. The features of the recording can be read at once, easily and naturally. True, it’s a little spicy and somewhat pedantic in presentation. But I wouldn't even say it's tough. And given the presence of dynamics and pressure, I did not notice any unnecessarily, artificially forced sound.
Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum
Manufacturer: Dynaudio International GmbH (Denmark)
www.dynaudio.ru
Configuration: 2 emitters, 2 bands || Acoustic design: bass reflex || Frequency range: 45 - 22000 Hz || Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 85dB || Nominal impedance: 4 ohms || Crossover frequency: 1800 Hz || Maximum Input Power (IEC): 170 W || Dimensions (H x W x D): 445 x 200 x 430 mm || Weight: 10.9 kg || Standard finishes: Mocha, Bordeaux, Mahogany and Black Piano || Price per pair: 360,500 rub.
- COMPONENTS
- CD player Naim CD5 XS (RUB 134,300)
- Network player Naim ND5 XS (RUB 128,100)
- Naim NAC282 preamplifier with external power supply (RUB 262,700)
- Power amplifier Naim NAP250 (RUB 211,100)
- External power supply HiCap DR (RUB 77,700)
- Cables:
- — interconnect Interconnect Lead 5 to 5DIN (6500 rub.)
- — acoustic NAC A5 (RUB 1,500/m)
- MUSIC WE LISTENED TO
- 1. “Paul's Picks 2, Two channel demo CD”
- 2. “The Beggars Opera. Original songs & airs". Harmonia Mundi, 2003;
- 3. The Phantom Limb, "The Pines". Naim Audio Ltd., 2011
- 4. Showcase, “Acoustic music in authentic environment.” SACD Opus 3 Records, 2000
Velvet
Then I tried acoustics with a different amplification - with Gryphon Essence. To control impressions, this is never superfluous, and from what was at hand, it was no less interesting. Changing the amplifier (with the same source in the form of the Esoteric K-03XD player) is perfectly audible. A different sound, less mathematically rigorous, more velvety, with more emphasis on aftertones and atmosphere.
But the acoustics played cleanly, accurately and neutrally, and continued in the same spirit. The emphasis in presentation has changed, but not the result. The presentation did not become obviously softer - it’s just that with both the first and second amplification options, one interesting effect was clearly manifested.
The feeling that “a lot of sound” is being produced does not arise due to large forms, but due to a very detailed presentation. Due to the amount of information, and not due to the ability of acoustics to “shout out” a certain form. However, if there is something on the recording that needs to be “shouted out”, then we will hear it. But categorically without coarsening or simplifying.
Dynaudio Confidence 30 with and without grill
Next I put on the CD “Texas Flood” by Stivie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble. The recording itself is quiet and somewhat chamber-like, although the music implies something else. However, it sounds interesting. There is no great volume or pressure, but the detail brings out a lot. You can hear the music, playing style and voice perfectly.
The stage is built very well, with all the details, and there is air. The timbre presentation is natural, definitely not dark, but it cannot be called light or warm either. Everything is smooth and neutral - only this neutrality is felt not as monitor detachment, but as naturalness, openness, in which you don’t need to make even minimal efforts to “reach” the sound. It's nice.
Anorexia Nervosa's album "New Obscurantis Order" truly surprised me. Standard intelligibility of sounds, no distortions, no mess. For all this to sound as detailed as I have heard, but at the same time for it to sound so natural, without tension and without tiresome importunity - I have seen this very rarely.
You can immediately make out and hear literally every part, and without losing the sense of integrity. Although on many systems this recording would be just a roaring mess and nothing more. And emotionally the sound does not become disassembled - everything is in its place.
If so, then something completely complex can be done. Verdi's Requiem would do just fine. This is material at the limit of recording as such, and not even at the limit of playback capabilities. But everything is fine: there is no mess, good elaboration and articulation of instruments and parts, honest timbre presentation, a good large-scale stage with a decent layout in depth. There is plenty of air, and everything is fine with the choral parts.
conclusions
Exceptionally “adult” and self-sufficient acoustics. I liked the new Confidence line even when I first met it, and during subsequent ones too, but it was only possible to evaluate its potential in detail only in a careful test mode.
What I heard at the production site in Denmark was very interesting, but behind it only great potential was discerned - because different amplification and a different harness were needed. Not so careful and neat.
In our case, we could learn a lot with different devices: both about acoustics and about devices made of pairs. With Dynaudio Confidence, there is absolutely no need to be afraid to select a system with maximum detail and dynamics. Acoustics will take it all in and let it pass, it is capable of it, and I would even say that it likes it.
But here several points arise. First, we need to give credit to the system. Not only amplification and source - absolutely everything. Even in the cabin, when listening, I noticed some effects from the same stands standing between the acoustics. That's why my equipment stands on the side of the system - a small thing, but noticeable.
But there is one pleasant quality that brings it all into balance. Over several listening sessions in a variety of conditions, I did not detect any obvious problem in the construction of the sound. This is not the case when a couple of small changes - and that's it, the system stops playing and the sound falls apart.
There is such an honest, but capricious technique. And in our case, although all the changes are clearly audible, I cannot imagine that any little thing will suddenly make you feel categorically bad. Interesting property.
And secondly, the potential owner needs to ask himself, does he want to listen to everything that is on the recordings and performances in such detail and detail? If yes, then this is indeed a good option. I myself would be happy to build a test system on such a pair of speakers.
But here, too, one caveat is needed - such a “test” system, with very high sound qualities, in practice can be listened to for hours without fatigue or a feeling of being overloaded with information. Even if there is a lot of information.
Where to buy Dynaudio Confidence speakers
In May, a new high-end class product will appear in the company's official representative offices in Russia. But now you can pre-order the new Dynaudio Confidence acoustics at.
In addition, you can contact our managers remotely - by email or phone. They will readily answer any of your questions regarding the terms of payment and delivery of equipment.
You can try Dynaudio Confidence speaker systems in the Hi-Fi Design store very soon. We are waiting for you at the upcoming test audition for Design at the Gorbushkin Dvor shopping center!
We also have a review on the website that you can read: Polk Audio Signature S60E: the European “autograph” of the brand
