In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM20 and RP-404C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM20 and Klipsch RP-404C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM20 and Klipsch RP-404C II 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 Klipsch RP-404C II 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
Both Dymension DM20 and RP-404C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
4 x 4-inch
|
Dymension DM20 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-404C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900 Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 kHz whereas RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 87Hz, the RP-404C II can go slightly deeper then 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 RP-404C II 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 RP-404C II's is rated at 94 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM20, 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 DM20 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Dymension DM20.
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 RP-404C II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM20's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-404C II'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 Klipsch RP-404C II'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 Klipsch RP-404C II has external dimensions of 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-7/8 x 6-1/2inch) .
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 Klipsch RP-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2. The Dymension DM20 requires 13% more surface area than the RP-404C II 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 DM20 weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs and the Klipsch RP-404C II weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs. This makes the Dymension DM20 9% heavier than the RP-404C II.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM20 and RP-404C II'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 Klipsch RP-404C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-404C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
134mm
vs
147mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
87 Hz
vs
91 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1286cm2 (775x166mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM20 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
up to 125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
94 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
91-23 kHz |
87-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1900 Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
134.0mm (5.3") |
147.0mm (5.8") |
| Width |
775.0mm (30.5") |
683.0mm (26.9") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| 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 |