When it comes to high-fidelity sound systems, Dynaudio resonates with audiophiles worldwide. Their Evoke series has garnered attention for its blend of cutting-edge technology and exceptional craftsmanship. This article compares the Dynaudio Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 in great detail to assist you in selecting the model that best meets your needs.
Overview of the Dynaudio Evoke Series
The Dynaudio Evoke series has earned a reputation for delivering audiophile-grade sound in a package that balances functionality with style. Positioned as part of Dynaudio’s mid-tier lineup, the Evoke series aims to bridge the gap between casual listeners and dedicated sound enthusiasts. While the series includes several models, the Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 are standout performers due to their distinct roles in creating immersive audio experiences.
The Evoke series is crafted using the latest innovations from Dynaudio’s cutting-edge R&D facility in Denmark. These speakers incorporate technologies in the company’s higher-end lines, including Contour and Confidence, at a price point that appeals to a broader audience. These models are crafted with precision, clarity, and longevity, ensuring reliable sound quality for years.
Dynaudio also takes aesthetics seriously, offering sleek designs and premium finishes. The Evoke 50 stands tall as a modern, floor-standing speaker that fits seamlessly into contemporary homes, while the Evoke 51 is compact yet powerful, ideal for a home theater setup. Both models are equipped with Esotec+ drivers and Cerotar tweeters, ensuring the sound quality is as sophisticated as their appearance.
Whether you’re an audiophile seeking a robust music system or a movie enthusiast building a surround sound setup, the Evoke series has something for everyone. With attention to detail and versatile performance, these speakers continue to set benchmarks in their classes.
Dynaudio Evoke 50: The Floor-Standing Performer
Key Features
The Dynaudio Evoke 50 is a three-way floor-standing speaker designed to impress visually and sonically. Its slim profile belies the power it houses. At its core are two 18 cm MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) woofers, which precisely handle low frequencies. Including a 15 cm midrange driver ensures smooth transitions across frequencies, providing lifelike vocal reproduction and rich instrumental clarity. Its 28 mm Cerotar tweeter, inspired by Dynaudio’s flagship Esotar designs, delivers stunningly accurate high frequencies without fatigue.
Beyond technical specifications, the Evoke 50 is all about versatility. Its frequency range of 35 Hz to 23 kHz means it reproduces every note, from the deepest bass to the highest treble. Whether you’re listening to classical symphonies, jazz ensembles, or action-packed movie soundtracks, the Evoke 50 captures every nuance.
Sound Quality Expanded
The Evoke 50’s soundstage is expansive and immersive, ideal for large rooms. Bass reproduction is deep and impactful, while the midrange remains crystal clear. The Cerotar tweeter shines by producing detailed highs that are neither harsh nor overly bright—this combination of drivers results in a natural and balanced sound signature.
The Evoke 50 maintains clarity and detail even at higher volumes, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience. It’s especially adept at creating a realistic soundstage, allowing listeners to pinpoint instruments and vocals precisely.
Dynaudio Evoke 51: The Center-Channel Maestro
Key Features Expanded
The Evoke 51 is the unsung hero of any home theater setup. Unlike floor-standing or bookshelf speakers, the center channel plays a pivotal role in anchoring dialogue and ensuring that spoken words are crisp and intelligible. The Evoke 51 excels in this regard, thanks to its advanced driver technology. It houses two 14 cm MSP woofers, which accurately handle low-to-mid frequencies, and a 28 mm Cerotar tweeter, ensuring smooth and distortion-free
high-frequency performance.
The Evoke 51 delivers full-spectrum audio with a frequency range from 40 Hz to 23 kHz. While the dual woofers ensure warmth and depth, the tweeter brings precision to spoken dialogue and sound effects, making it indispensable in any surround sound configuration.
Sound Quality Expanded
The Evoke 51’s strength lies in its ability to render dialogue accurately. The center channel handles most vocals in movies, and the Evoke 51 excels in reproducing natural and lifelike voices. Whether it’s an intense conversation in a drama or the dynamic exchanges in an action movie, every word is delivered with clarity.
Additionally, the Evoke 51 integrates seamlessly with other speakers in the series, creating a cohesive surround sound experience. Paired with Evoke 50 speakers or Dynaudio’s subwoofers, it ensures a balanced sound field that immerses viewers in the action.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Evoke 50 vs. Evoke 51
Let’s compare these models based on their specifications and ideal use cases to make the decision easier. The Evoke 50, with its more significant drivers and higher power handling, is geared toward users looking for a standalone solution capable of filling large rooms with rich sound. In contrast, the Evoke 51 is more specialized, serving as the centerpiece of a home theater system where dialogue clarity is critical.
Performance Breakdown
- Evoke 50: Its three-way design and more significant drivers provide a more dynamic and full-bodied sound. It can render complex music tracks precisely and offers a wide soundstage that envelops listeners.
- Evoke 51: The smaller form factor keeps its performance intact in reproducing dialogue and vocals. It complements larger systems by focusing on the mid-to-high frequency range.
Best Use Cases
- Evoke 50: Perfect for standalone systems or setups where music listening takes precedence.
- Evoke 51: Essential for home theater enthusiasts who want precise and clear dialogue reproduction.
Ideal Use Cases
Consider each speaker’s role in your setup when choosing between the Evoke 50 and 51. The Evoke 50 is a versatile option that delivers music and movies. Its large drivers and wide frequency range make it suitable for music lovers who prioritize sound quality.
The Evoke 51, on the other hand, is designed to shine as part of a home theater system. Its focused sound signature ensures that vocals are crisp and intelligible, even in action-packed scenes with heavy background effects. The Evoke 51 is an indispensable centerpiece for those building a surround sound system.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table for the Dynaudio Evoke 50 and Dynaudio Evoke 51:
Feature | Dynaudio Evoke 50 | Dynaudio Evoke 51 |
Type | Floor-standing, 3-way | Center-channel, 2-way |
Drivers | 2 x 18 cm MSP woofers, 15 cm midrange, 28 mm Cerotar tweeter | 2 x 14 cm MSP woofers, 28 mm Cerotar tweeter |
Frequency Range | 35 Hz – 23 kHz | 40 Hz – 23 kHz |
Power Handling | Up to 260 watts | Up to 200 watts |
Sensitivity | 87 dB (2.83 V/1 m) | 89 dB (2.83 V/1 m) |
Best Use Case | Music and movies in large spaces | Dialogue clarity in home theater setups |
Dimensions | 1,145 x 215 x 307 mm (H x W x D) | 166 x 730 x 267 mm (H x W x D) |
Weight | 26.9 kg per speaker | 14.5 kg |
Design Finishes | Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut, Blonde | Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut, Blonde |
Placement | Freestanding | On a center-channel stand or below the TV |
Price Range | Higher | Moderate |
This table illustrates the most significant differences and similarities to assist customers in making well-informed decisions that are customized to meet their unique needs.
Setup and Placement Tips
The performance of your speakers depends heavily on their placement and the acoustics of your room. Setting up the Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 ensures you get the best out of their capabilities. Both models are designed to work in various environments but benefit from careful positioning.
Evoke 50 Setup Tips
Room Size and Placement
- The Evoke 50 thrives in large to medium-sized rooms. Its powerful bass output and expansive soundstage need space to breathe.
- Position the speakers at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from the walls to reduce bass reverberation and avoid the muddy sound.
Toe-In for Imaging
- Angle the speakers slightly toward the primary listening position. This toe-in arrangement enhances stereo imaging and creates a more cohesive soundstage.
Use Spikes or Stands
- Floor spikes or isolating pads help stabilize the speaker and reduce vibrations, which can muddy the sound.
Acoustic Treatment
- Soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and cushions can help tame high-frequency reflections in bright rooms. Consider adding acoustic panels to improve sound clarity if your room has hard surfaces.
Evoke 51 Setup Tips
Central Positioning
- Place the Evoke 51 directly beneath or above the TV screen. This ensures that dialogue and on-screen action remain synchronized.
Sturdy Mounting
- Use a dedicated center-channel speaker stand or a stable surface. Avoid placing it on unstable furniture, as vibrations can distort the sound.
Height Alignment
- When seated, the speaker’s height should align as closely as possible with the ear level. This enhances vocal clarity and creates a natural listening experience.
Integration with Surround Sound
- Pair the Evoke 51 with other speakers in the Evoke series or similar high-quality models for a seamless home theater experience.
Compatibility with Amplifiers
The Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 require quality amplification to reach their full potential. Their sensitivity ratings and power handling specifications demand amplifiers that provide clean, consistent power without distortion.
Evoke 50 Amplifier Requirements
- Power Output: The Evoke 50 performs best with amplifiers capable of delivering 100–260 watts per channel. Underpowered amplifiers may struggle to drive the large woofers, compromising performance.
- Recommended Amplifier Brands: Consider brands like NAD, Marantz, and Rotel, known for their synergy with high-end speakers.
- Bi-Wiring/Bi-Amping: The Evoke 50 supports bi-wiring, which can improve sound separation and detail. If your amplifier supports bi-amping, it’s worth exploring for enhanced performance.
Evoke 51 Amplifier Requirements
- Power Output: The Evoke 51 requires a minimum of 100 watts per channel. It pairs well with AV receivers for home theater systems like Denon or Yamaha.
- Surround Sound Integration: For a more immersive experience, ensure your AV receiver supports surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS: X.
Investing in a high-quality amplifier enhances the performance of your speakers and ensures a long-lasting audio setup.
Price and Value
Understanding the price-to-value ratio is critical when investing in high-end audio equipment. The Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 are in different price brackets but offer excellent value for their respective roles.
Evoke 50 Pricing
The Evoke 50 is priced higher as a flagship model in the Evoke series. However, its robust construction, premium materials, and advanced driver technology justify the cost. The investment is worthwhile for music lovers and audiophiles, especially if you have a large room to accommodate its expansive sound.
Evoke 51 Pricing
The Evoke 51 is more affordable than its floor-standing counterpart. As a center-channel speaker, it’s a more specialized purchase aimed at home theater enthusiasts. Despite its lower price, the Evoke 51 delivers exceptional clarity and seamlessly integrates into a surround sound system, offering great value for those prioritizing dialogue clarity.
Long-Term Value
Both models are built to last, with high-quality components and timeless designs. They are affordable for dedicated listeners because the initial outlay is recouped over many years of reliable service.
FAQs
What is the primary difference between the Evoke 50 and Evoke 51?
The Evoke 50 is a floor-standing speaker ideal for music and movies in large rooms, while the Evoke 51 is a center-channel speaker designed for dialogue clarity in home theater setups.
Can the Evoke 51 be used as a standalone speaker?
No, the Evoke 51 is best used as part of a surround sound system.
Do I need a powerful amplifier for these speakers?
Yes, both models perform best with high-quality amplifiers. The Evoke 50 requires up to 260 watts, while the Evoke 51 handles up to 200 watts.
Are the finishes the same for both models?
Yes, both come in Black High Gloss, White High Gloss, Walnut, and Blonde finishes.
Which speaker is better for music?
The Evoke 50 is better suited for music due to its wide frequency range and dynamic soundstage.
Can the Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 be paired together?
Absolutely! The Evoke 50 can serve as the front speaker, while the Evoke 51 is perfect as the center-channel speaker in a surround sound setup.
Are these speakers suitable for small rooms?
The Evoke 51 works well in small to medium spaces, but the Evoke 50 is better for larger rooms to avoid overpowering the space.
Conclusion
The Dynaudio Evoke 50 and Evoke 51 are exceptional speakers, each catering to distinct needs. The Evoke 50 is a versatile, floor-standing powerhouse perfect for music and movie enthusiasts who crave dynamic, room-filling sound in larger spaces. On the other hand, the Evoke 51 excels as a center-channel specialist, delivering crystal-clear dialogue and seamlessly integrating into home theater setups. Both models share Dynaudio’s renowned craftsmanship, innovative technology, and timeless design, ensuring a premium listening experience. Whether building a stereo system or a cinematic surround sound environment, choosing the right speaker from the Evoke series will elevate your audio experience and provide lasting value.