Dynaudio Evidence Temptation Loudspeaker
Definitive Reference, Review & FAQ
Dynaudio Evidence Temptation — Overview
The Dynaudio Evidence Temptation is a discontinued, ultra–high-end floorstanding loudspeaker from Dynaudio’s flagship Evidence Series. Introduced in the early 2000s, it was conceived as a more room-accommodating alternative to the Evidence Master while retaining much of the same engineering philosophy, driver technology, and sonic character in a single-cabinet design.
Today, the Temptation remains one of the most respected loudspeakers of its era and continues to command strong interest on the high-end used market.
Manufacturer & Series Context
Brand: Dynaudio (Denmark)
Series: Evidence
Positioning: Below Evidence Master, above all contemporary Confidence models
Dynaudio’s Evidence Series was developed without conventional cost constraints, prioritizing neutrality, coherence, and long-term reliability over marketing-driven specifications. All key components—including drivers—were designed and manufactured in-house.
Design & Build Quality
The Evidence Temptation is a tall, slender tower loudspeaker engineered to approximate line-source behavior while remaining suitable for medium to moderately large listening rooms.
Approximate physical specifications:
Height: ~200 cm / 78.5 in
Width: ~20 cm / 7.9 in
Depth: ~49 cm / 19.3 in
Weight: ~120 kg (260+ lbs) per speaker
Cabinet Construction
Multi-layer cabinet with extensive internal bracing
CNC-machined solid aluminum midrange/tweeter module to reduce resonance and control dispersion
Premium veneers and finishes, including:
Bird’s-eye maple
Rosewood
Optional high-gloss black Steinway lacquer side panels
Fit and finish are widely regarded as heirloom-grade, even by current reference-speaker standards.
Driver Configuration & Acoustic Design
The Temptation is a five-way, bass-reflex loudspeaker employing eight drivers per cabinet:
Tweeters
2 × 28 mm (1.1") soft-dome tweeters
Esotar-derived design with ferrofluid cooling
Midrange
2 × 150 mm (6") MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) drivers
Large voice coils for low compression and high power handling
Woofers
4 × 200 mm (8") MSP woofers
3" voice coils with hybrid magnet systems
This layout enables high dynamic capability, low distortion, and controlled bass output while preserving midrange clarity and coherence.
Key Specifications
Sensitivity: ~92 dB (2.83V / 1m)
Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency response: ~27 Hz – 26 kHz (±3 dB)
Power handling: Up to 600 W IEC
Original MSRP: ~USD $30,000 per pair (early-2000s pricing)
While large and revealing, the Temptation is comparatively amplifier-friendly for its class, though it clearly benefits from high-quality current delivery.
Sound Quality & Performance
The Evidence Temptation is frequently characterized as musically engaging while remaining fundamentally neutral. Long-term owners and professional reviews consistently note:
Midrange: Natural, unforced vocal and instrumental reproduction
Treble: Extended and detailed without edge or glare
Bass: Deep, controlled, and articulate with strong pitch definition
Soundstage: Wide, tall, and stable with precise center imaging
Dynamics: Effortless macro-dynamics with refined low-level detail
It performs equally well with orchestral, jazz, rock, and vocal material, maintaining composure at both moderate and high playback levels.
Compared with the Evidence Master, the Temptation trades some ultimate bass extension and modular flexibility for improved room compatibility, with a relatively small performance gap in most real-world environments.
Amplification & System Matching
The Temptation performs best with amplification that is stable into low impedances and capable of sustained current delivery, including:
High-current solid-state amplifiers
Powerful tube amplifiers with robust output transformers
Its transparency places corresponding demands on source quality, making it best suited to well-sorted analog or high-resolution digital front ends.
Used Market Value & Ownership
As a discontinued model, the Evidence Temptation appears infrequently on the secondary market.
Typical used pricing: USD $10,000–$20,000+
Value is influenced by:
Cosmetic condition
Original crates and documentation
Matched serial numbers
Location and shipping complexity
Well-preserved examples are increasingly viewed as long-term reference loudspeakers rather than transitional purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Evidence Temptation still reference-level today?
Yes. With proper setup and appropriate electronics, it remains competitive with many contemporary loudspeakers priced far higher.
How does it compare to the Evidence Master?
The Master offers deeper bass extension and greater flexibility for very large rooms. The Temptation delivers much of the same tonal accuracy and imaging in a more practical, single-cabinet format.
Is it difficult to drive?
Not unusually so for its size. While nominally 4 ohms, its sensitivity favors quality current delivery over sheer wattage.
What room size works best?
Medium to moderately large dedicated listening rooms. Ceiling height is particularly important due to the speaker’s vertical scale.
Are replacement parts available?
Many drivers share lineage with other Dynaudio designs. Factory support has historically been strong, though availability can vary.
Is it a good used-market purchase?
For listeners seeking true reference performance without current flagship pricing, the Temptation remains a compelling option—assuming room and logistics are appropriate.
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