In this review, we will be comparing HTM6 S3 and Dymension DM30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of BW HTM6 S3 and Definitive Dymension DM30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
BW HTM6 S3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer
- 72-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:7.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 160.0" x 18.9" x 11.2"( 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm )
Definitive Dymension DM30 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 8" Polypropelene Woofer
- 5.25" Midrange
- 41-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:24.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 190.0" x 31.5" x 15.9"( 190 x 800 x 403 mm )
What size room are the BW HTM6 S3 and Definitive Dymension DM30 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
BW HTM6 S3 |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the BW HTM6 S3 and Definitive Dymension DM30 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that HTM6 S3 is a 2-way design whereas the Dymension DM30 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
BW HTM6 S3 |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
4 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
HTM6 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Dymension DM30 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
HTM6 S3 has a frequency range of 72-28k Hz whereas Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Dymension DM30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM6 S3's min frequency of 72Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM30
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
HTM6 S3 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Dymension DM30 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Dymension DM30 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. HTM6 S3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Dymension DM30's is rated at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM6 S3 , hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
HTM6 S3 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM6 S3 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 180 watts less than the Dymension DM30.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
HTM6 S3 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Dymension DM30 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
BW HTM6 S3 's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Definitive Dymension DM30's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare BW HTM6 S3 's and Definitive Dymension DM30's external dimensions. BW HTM6 S3 has external dimensions of 160.0 x 480.0 x 283.0mm ( 6.3 x 18.9 x 11.2inch) whereas Definitive Dymension DM30 has external dimensions of 190 x 800 x 403 mm ( 7.5 x 31.5 x 15.9 in) .
Definitive Dymension DM30 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 320mm wider, 30mm taller and 120mm deeper than BW HTM6 S3 .
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the BW HTM6 S3 is approximately 1358.4cm2 / 210.6inch2 and base area of the Definitive Dymension DM30 is approximately 3224.0cm2 / 499.7inch2. The HTM6 S3 requires 58% less surface area than the Dymension DM30 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.