In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM10 and ES35, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM10 and Polk ES35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Dymension DM10 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polypropelene Woofer
- 81-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:13.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 186.0" x 19.5" x 12.2"( 186 x 496 x 311 mm )
Polk ES35 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 66-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 6-1/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM10 and Polk ES35 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 |
Polk ES35 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 Definitive Dymension DM10 and Polk ES35 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
Both Dymension DM10 and ES35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM10 |
Polk ES35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
Dymension DM10 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM10 has a frequency range of 81-23 kHz whereas ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 66Hz, the ES35 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dymension DM10's min frequency of 81Hz.
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 DM10
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
Dymension DM10 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the ES35 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 ES35's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM10 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES35, 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.
Dymension DM10 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas ES35 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Dymension DM10.
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
Dymension DM10 features 5-Way post type posts and ES35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM10's Binding post terminals
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Polk ES35 Port
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 Definitive Dymension DM10's and Polk ES35'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 Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) .
Polk ES35 is 79mm shorter and 157mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM10 but it is also 125mm 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 Polk ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2. The Dymension DM10 requires 61% more surface area than the ES35 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.