I’ve recently bought the Evoke 50 to replace S40. For the money I think they’re very difficult to beat.
I’m not going to listen to the i series as I’m trying to stick with what I have.
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I’m frankly surprised at the difference between Contour 30/30i. What differences exactly? I’m s big fan of Contour 30. Did you audition Contour 20i as well?
C20i were brand new, sounding …brand new.
The Contour sounded only marginally better than Evoke, hence the push for the new i series.
Yes but did you audition Contour 20 and 20i? If so what differences did you hear to your ears?
would anyone be able to provide feedback on how the focus 260 compares to the evokes?
I drove Sopra 2’s with 252/250dr and my ears bled. Changed to Contour 60’s and found them to be far superior in every respect as well as beautiful top end. Wonderful, wonderful speaker with Naim. (Room 24’x12’; 9’ ceiling).
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I have set of Audience 52’s (not SE) also for use in a second system and they are fantastic little speakers the bass that comes out of those small cabinets belies belief.
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I’ve yet to hear a bad Dynaudio speaker of course as you go up through the ranges things become more refined but listened to in isolation even so called ‘budget’ ranges would keep me happy.
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Wow, surprisingly the Sopra 2 is making ears bleed although its driven by the 252 (and not 282). It must be a rather bright sounding speaker.
That was definitely my take-away in my set-up, Ryder.
Late to the party! Is the party still on?
Got my SN1 plugged into some Dynaudio DM 2/7s. Really wanted the floorstanders, but kids, apartment, and wife all disagreed. Bought them before I even owned a Naim, but the dealer (In Living Stereo here in NYC) had them plugged into a X2 when I was testing them out and I was in love. Among the test records were Kraftwerk’s Tour de France and, holy moly, did the sound blow me away. Never had that happen before. I went home with the new speakers, plugged in am, and played that record over and over and the Cambridge amp I owned at the time just couldn’t recreate that experience. I had to own a Naim.
Anyway, when I eventually ('cause who am I kidding) upgrade speakers, it will probably also be to Dynaudio. Just good synergy across the musical spectrum.
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I have been there as well, that wow factor when a dealer has the kit set up nicely. There are a few speaker companies whose products just gel with Naim. Dynaudio are not always the easiest speakers to drive, although I think that the DM series are not so bad. What I can tell you is that as you work up the Dynaudio ranges then you will find that things only get better. The treble gets even sweeter, the bass gains more definition and depth, and then you forget the hifi and just enjoy the music. I am so glad that I found Dynaudio. I am on Special 40s now, and they are a class act.
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Would you have a particular advice regarding Dynaudio Confidence 20 on a 282/250DR-combo?
TIA … (of course before deciding/purchasing I will surely be listening a pair in my own premises)
Hi Mike,
I’m really enjoying mine so far; great across the entire frequency range.
Glad to hear you’ll be trying them at home. They are big with prodigious bass, so require quite a fair bit of breathing space.
I had a 250 on the Contour 20s and upgrading to the 300 made a huge difference. That would be my only concern with the Confidence 20s. They like to be driven so would make sure to check that the 250 is up to the job.
I don’t know what your upgrade plans are but the Contour 20s are very good at half the price, and far more room friendly. In hindsight, I could have probably dropped the ND555 in and stopped very happy with the Contours.
Hope that helps,
Luke
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Very much appreciated advice, thx. Recently I’ve listened to a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova I’s: I really liked the sound, but in my room (L-shaped) to much bass pressure in the low-end! Is this why you suggest also Contour 20i might be fine with my 250DR?
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Given your experience so far, I’d try to home demo the Contours as well then. If you don’t have plans to upgrade your electronics, the Contours might be a better match for your kit and room.
If it were my money, I think I’d upgrade the pre and take the Contours over the Confidence. I appreciate some folks favour the 282 over the 252, but I’m not in that camp 
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Hi L, next week I’m going to audition both Contour 20i and Confidence 20 monitor speakers. Out of curiousitiy: was your experience based on the Contour 20 or the latest Contour 20i set? TIA
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That’s exciting!
I had the old Contour 20s, not the fancy new i version. The Confidence 20 will sound far superior in the store, so really try audition at home as well if you can. Maybe that’s already the plan
I’ll eagerly await your verdict after your audition.
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Had the review session yesterday! Major difference between Contour 20i and Confidence 20: the latter gives you a beautiful, larger stage, a better stereo image and more space. I was very pleased by the sound characteristics of both speakers, the Confidence more in particular. Unfortunately bass got a bit woolly … most likely the result of my living/listening room. No new speakers for now 
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So if you can get a new pair of Contour 20 for $3,500 (closeout deal from a dealer), a new pair of Contour 20i for $5,500 from a dealer, or a new Confidence 20 for $12,000: which do you buy?