In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Dymension DM20 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Dymension DM40 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM20 and Definitive Dymension DM40 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Dymension DM20 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer
- 91-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:10.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 134.0" x 30.5" x 6.5"( 134 x 775 x 166 mm )
Definitive Dymension DM40 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer
- 55-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-250watts
- Weight:17.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 950.0" x 10.3" x 10"( 950 x 261 x 255 mm )
Dymension DM20 and Dymension DM40 are members of Definitive Technology's Dymension series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Definitive Technology Dymension Series History
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM20 and Definitive Dymension DM40 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 DM20 |
Definitive Dymension DM40 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| 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 Definitive Dymension DM20 and Definitive Dymension DM40 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 DM20 and Dymension DM40 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
Definitive Dymension DM40 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
Dymension DM20 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the Dymension DM40 features a 1" aluminum oxide 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 kHz whereas Dymension DM40 has a frequency range of 55-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Dymension DM40 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dymension DM20's min frequency of 91Hz.
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 DM20
Definitive Dymension DM40
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 DM20 and Dymension DM40 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Dymension DM20 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Dymension DM40's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM20 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM40, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Dymension DM20 and the Dymension DM20 can provide this impedance level.
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 DM20 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Dymension DM20 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Dymension DM40.
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 DM20 features Binding post type posts and Dymension DM40 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM20's Binding post terminals
Definitive Dymension DM40'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 Definitive Dymension DM20's and Definitive Dymension DM40's external dimensions. Definitive Dymension DM20 has external dimensions of 134 x 775 x 166 mm ( 5.3 x 30.5 x 6.5 in) whereas Definitive Dymension DM40 has external dimensions of 950 x 261 x 255 mm ( 37.4 x 10.3 x 10.0 in) .
Definitive Dymension DM20 is 816mm shorter and 89mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM40 but it is also 514mm 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 DM20 is approximately 1286.5cm2 / 199.4inch2 and base area of the Definitive Dymension DM40 is approximately 665.6cm2 / 103.2inch2. The Dymension DM20 requires 93% more surface area than the Dymension DM40 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Definitive Dymension DM40?
Here are the items that come with the Dymension DM40:
4 Adjustable hard floor glides 4 Adjustable carpet spikes
Sensitivity 
Mounting Bracket 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Low Frequency Response 
Base Surface Area