In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM10 and R-30C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM10 and Klipsch R-30C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Definitive Dymension DM10 | Klipsch R-30C |
|---|
| Brand | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" Polypropelene | 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP |
|---|
| Frequency response | 81-23 kHz | 78-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 50-200 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 13.20kg / 29lbs | 5.08kg / 11.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7.3" x 19.5" x 12.2"
186 x 496 x 311 mm | 4-15/16" x 26-1/16" x 6-13/16"
126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM10 and Klipsch R-30C 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* |
Definitive Dymension DM10 |
Klipsch R-30C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Dymension DM10 and R-30C are 2-way speakers.
Definitive Dymension DM10Klipsch R-30C
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM10 |
Klipsch R-30C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
Dymension DM10 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropelene Woofer. On the other hand, the R-30C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM10 has a frequency range of 81-23 kHz whereas R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 78Hz, the R-30C can go slightly deeper then the Dymension DM10's min frequency of 81Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Dymension DM10 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R-30C which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 DM10 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Dymension DM10 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-30C's is rated at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-30C a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM10, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Dymension DM10 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas R-30C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Dymension DM10.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Definitive Dymension DM10
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Dymension DM10 features Binding post type posts and R-30C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM10's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-30C's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive Dymension DM10's and Klipsch R-30C's external dimensions. Definitive Dymension DM10 has external dimensions of 186 x 496 x 311 mm (7.3 x 19.5 x 12.2 in) whereas Klipsch R-30C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm (4-15/16inch x 26-1/16inch x 6-13/16inch).
Klipsch R-30C is 60mm shorter and 137mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM10 but it is also 166mm wider.
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 Definitive Dymension DM10 is approximately 1542.6cm2 / 239.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2. The Dymension DM10 requires 34% more surface area than the R-30C which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive Dymension DM10 weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs and the Klipsch R-30C weighs 5.08kg / 11.2lbs. This makes the Dymension DM10 160% heavier than the R-30C.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM10 and R-30C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM10
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-30C?
Here are the items that come with the R-30C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
1 x 9-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
78 Hz
vs
81 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
126mm
vs
186mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1151cm2
vs
1542cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM10 |
Klipsch Reference R-30C |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
81-23 kHz |
78-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
spun-copper TCP |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1650 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
186.0mm (7.3") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
496.0mm (19.5") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
311.0mm (12.2") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Weight |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
5.08kg (11.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Ported |
| Finish |
n/a |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black,White,Mocha |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Definitive Dymension DM10 is the newer design, against a 2018 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch R-30C digs deeper - 78Hz against 81Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch R-30C is more sensitive (96dB vs 90dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch R-30C is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | A | Definitive Dymension DM10 takes more power (200W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch R-30C is easier to place; Definitive Dymension DM10 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Cabinet | depends | Passive Radiator vs Ported. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Definitive Dymension DM10 sits in a wider range (8 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Klipsch R-30C is cheaper - $499 against $699, about 29% less. |
A Definitive Dymension DM10 B Klipsch R-30C
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch R-30C is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Definitive Dymension DM10 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. Match it to your room: we rate Definitive Dymension DM10 the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch R-30C for near-field listening and a small room. In a large or open-plan room, Definitive Dymension DM10 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch R-30C is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.