In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM20 and Ultra Center, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and SVS.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM20 and SVS Ultra Center 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 )
SVS Ultra Center Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-225watts
- Weight:14.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 207.0" x 22-1/16" x 11-3/16"( 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM20 and SVS Ultra Center 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 |
SVS Ultra Center |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| 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 SVS Ultra Center 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Dymension DM20 is a 2-way design whereas the Ultra Center 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 |
SVS Ultra Center |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Dymension DM20 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the Ultra Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 kHz whereas Ultra Center has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Center 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 Ultra Center 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 Ultra Center's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM20 a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Center, 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 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Dymension DM20 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Ultra Center.
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
Ultra Center features 5-Way 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
SVS Ultra Center's 5-Way 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 SVS Ultra Center'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 SVS Ultra Center has external dimensions of 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 22-1/16 x 11-3/16inch) .
Definitive Dymension DM20 is 73mm shorter and 119mm less deeper than SVS Ultra Center but it is also 214mm 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 SVS Ultra Center is approximately 1598.9cm2 / 247.8inch2. The Dymension DM20 requires 20% less surface area than the Ultra Center which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.