In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM30 and Opticon VOKAL MK2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and DALI. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM30 and Dali Opticon VOKAL II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM30 and Dali Opticon VOKAL 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 DM30 and Dali Opticon VOKAL II 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 Opticon VOKAL MK2 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
Dali Opticon VOKAL II |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125-inch
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 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 Opticon VOKAL MK2 features a 17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz and 14.000Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a frequency range of 47-30k 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 Opticon VOKAL MK2's min frequency of 47Hz.
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 and Opticon VOKAL MK2 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Dymension DM30 sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Opticon VOKAL MK2's is at 88 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Dali Opticon VOKAL II, 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 DM30 and the Dymension DM30 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 DM30 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 150 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
Dymension DM30 features Binding post type posts and Opticon VOKAL MK2 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/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 DM30's and Dali Opticon VOKAL II'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 Dali Opticon VOKAL II has external dimensions of 202.0 x 435.0 x 313.0mm ( 7-15/16 x 17-1/8 x 12-5/16inch) .
Dali Opticon VOKAL II is 365mm narrower and 90mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM30 but it is also 12mm 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 Dali Opticon VOKAL II is approximately 1361.6cm2 / 211.0inch2. The Dymension DM30 requires 137% more surface area than the Opticon VOKAL MK2 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 Dali Opticon VOKAL II weighs 9.23kg / 20.3lbs. This makes the Dymension DM30 165% heavier than the Opticon VOKAL MK2.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM30 and Opticon VOKAL MK2'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 Dali Opticon VOKAL II?
Here are the items that come with the Opticon VOKAL MK2:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille6 Rubber bumpersQuick Start GuideCongratulations Card
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 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
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
190mm
vs
202mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
1361cm2 (435x313mm)
vs
3224cm2 (800x403mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM30 |
Dali Opticon VOKAL MK2 |
Brand |
Definitive Technology |
DALI |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
50-300 watts |
30-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
41-23 kHz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Wood Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
17 x 45 mm ribbon + 1.125" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-dome + ribbon Hybrid |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2400Hz and 14.000Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
202.0mm (8") |
Width |
800.0mm (31.5") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
Depth |
403.0mm (15.9") |
313.0mm (12.3") |
Weight |
24.50kg (53.9lbs) |
9.23kg (20.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Satin Black, Tobacco Oak, Satin White |
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 |