In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM30 and Dymension DM20, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM30 and Definitive Dymension DM20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Dymension DM30 and Dymension DM20 are members of Definitive Technology's Dymension series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Definitive Technology Dymension Series History
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM30 and Definitive Dymension DM20 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 Definitive Dymension DM20 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 DM30 is a 3-way design whereas the Dymension DM20 is a 2-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 DM30 |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
4 x 4.5-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 Dymension DM20 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz whereas Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Dymension DM30 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 DM30
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 DM30 and Dymension DM20 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 Dymension DM20's is at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM20, 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 Dymension DM20 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
Dymension DM30 features Binding post type posts and Dymension DM20 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM30's Binding post terminals
Definitive Dymension DM20'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 Definitive Dymension DM20'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 Definitive Dymension DM20 has external dimensions of 134 x 775 x 166 mm ( 5.3 x 30.5 x 6.5 in) .
Definitive Dymension DM30 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25mm wider, 56mm taller and 237mm deeper than Definitive Dymension DM20.
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 Definitive Dymension DM20 is approximately 1286.5cm2 / 199.4inch2. The Dymension DM30 requires 151% more surface area than the Dymension DM20 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 Definitive Dymension DM20 weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs. This makes the Dymension DM30 145% heavier than the Dymension DM20.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM30 and Dymension DM20's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM30
Definitive Dymension DM20
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
91 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
134mm
vs
190mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1286cm2 (775x166mm)
vs
3224cm2 (800x403mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM30 |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM20 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-23 kHz |
91-23 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Polypropelene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
134.0mm (5.3") |
| Width |
800.0mm (31.5") |
775.0mm (30.5") |
| Depth |
403.0mm (15.9") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Weight |
24.50kg (53.9lbs) |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black |
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 |