Dynaudio LYD-5 Nearfield Studio Monitors
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Dynaudio LYD-5 Nearfield Studio Monitors

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I think it is safe to say that the new LYD series of studio monitors from Dynaudio is going to be the most usable range of speakers they have ever produced for the home studio. There are a few tricks that are included in these monitors that will make them ideal for most of our readers. So, let’s have a listen to the LYD-5 nearfield active studio monitors and see what they’re made of.

 

LET THERE BE LIGHT

The first thing that got my attention when these came out of the box was that they were not in the big, black and ominous casing that many Dynaudio speakers come in. In a refreshing change, these compact speakers feature a white front fascia, with black trim and black drivers. When it comes to the sonic quality, the LYD-5 feature one inch soft dome tweeters with the tri-angled diffuser bar that splits the sound and stops a direct path to your ears that might create harshness in the top-end. It’s a simple enough idea, but well executed to deliver a crystal clear high frequency response without fatigue to the listener.

 

THE RIGHT SPACE

What sets these monitors apart from so many other smaller nearfield speakers is that Dynaudio have designed these to work in two very different environments. The rear porting has a flanged design to allow the air to be relieved naturally and with a balanced low frequency control. On the rear of the unit, alongside the EQ preset switches for high and low frequency controls is the real hidden beauty of these monitors. There is a switch that you can set between Free and Wall. This is designed to take into account the space you are working within and where your monitors will be placed. The Free setting is used for when you monitors are set up in a larger space, away from any walls, most likely on stands behind a desk. The Wall setting is what makes these ideal for the home studio, as it changes the tuning of the speakers for when they are used within 50 cm of a wall. As is so often the case in home studio environments, monitor speakers have to be set up right in front of a wall as space is at a premium and the low frequency response suffers greatly from this. The LYD-5 monitors offer a very natural, flat response when this setting is engaged in small spaces.

 

I was able to test these with a couple of Primacoustic RX7 Recoil Stabilizers. Both in the standard flat version and the up fire angled model. Now, these are not just a piece of foam that softens the vibrations, these are heavy duty recoil pads that firmly hold your monitors in place, but also allow for the natural movement of the drivers and cabinet as the air is pushed from them. On the lower desk I was using, the up fire models were ideal, allowing the LYD-5 monitors to be aimed more toward my ears, rather than into my body, greatly improving the listening position and stereo imaging. If you are going to invest in some Dynaudio nearfield monitors, you’ll get the most from them with a pair of Primacoustic stabilizers to allow them to operate at their best.

 

For more information, visit ambertech.com.au