In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM30 and HTM71 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM30 and BW HTM71 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM30 and BW HTM71 S2 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 DM30 and BW HTM71 S2 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 DM30 and HTM71 S2 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
BW HTM71 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Dymension DM30 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM71 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz whereas HTM71 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Dymension DM30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTM71 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 DM30
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 DM30 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the HTM71 S2 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 DM30 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Dymension DM30 sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the HTM71 S2's is rated at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM71 S2, 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 DM30 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM71 S2 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Dymension DM30.
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
HTM71 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Dymension DM30 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM30'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 DM30's and BW HTM71 S2's external dimensions. Definitive Dymension DM30 has external dimensions of 190 x 800 x 403 mm ( 7.5 x 31.5 x 15.9 in) whereas BW HTM71 S2 has external dimensions of 228.0 x 591.0 x 302.0mm ( 8-15/16 x 23-1/4 x 11-7/8inch) .
BW HTM71 S2 is 209mm narrower and 101mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM30 but it is also 38mm taller.
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 DM30 is approximately 3224.0cm2 / 499.7inch2 and base area of the BW HTM71 S2 is approximately 1784.8cm2 / 276.6inch2. The Dymension DM30 requires 81% more surface area than the HTM71 S2 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 DM30 weighs 24.50kg / 53.9lbs and the BW HTM71 S2 weighs 18.05kg / 39.7lbs. This makes the Dymension DM30 36% heavier than the HTM71 S2.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM30 and HTM71 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM30
What's in the Box of BW HTM71 S2?
Here are the items that come with the HTM71 S2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Two-piece foam port plugs4 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
190mm
vs
228mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 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 |
 Base Surface Area |
1784cm2 (591x302mm)
vs
3224cm2 (800x403mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM30 |
Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S2 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.0 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-23 kHz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Aerofoil Profile |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Width |
800.0mm (31.5") |
591.0mm (23.3") |
| Depth |
403.0mm (15.9") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
24.50kg (53.9lbs) |
18.05kg (39.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut |
| 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 |