In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM20 and R2c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM20 and KEF R2c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM20 and KEF R2c 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive Dymension DM20 and KEF R2c compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Dymension DM20 is a 2-way design whereas the R2c 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 |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
KEF R2c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Dymension DM20 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the R2c features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 kHz whereas R2c has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 74Hz, the R2c 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
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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R2c 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 DM20 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Dymension DM20 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the R2c's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM20 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R2c, 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.
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
R2c features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Dymension DM20 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM20's Binding post terminals
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 KEF R2c'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 KEF R2c has external dimensions of 177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 21-11/16 x 12-7/16inch) .
Definitive Dymension DM20 is 43mm shorter and 150mm less deeper than KEF R2c but it is also 224mm 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 KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2. The Dymension DM20 requires 26% less surface area than the R2c which gives it a small advantage 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 DM20 weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs and the KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs. This makes the R2c 69% heavier than the Dymension DM20.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM20 and R2c's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM20
What's in the Box of KEF R2c?
Here are the items that come with the R2c:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
134mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1286cm2 (775x166mm)
vs
1741cm2 (551x316mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
74 Hz
vs
91 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM20 |
KEF R2c |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
91-23 kHz |
74-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
134.0mm (5.3") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
775.0mm (30.5") |
551.0mm (21.7") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
16.90kg (37.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |