In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM30 and Airmotiv C3+, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Emotiva.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM30 and Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Dymension DM30 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 8" Polypropelene Woofer
- 41-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:24.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 190.0" x 31.5" x 15.9"( 190 x 800 x 403 mm )
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 4 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer
- 5.25" Midrange
- 40 Hz – 28 kHz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 200watts
- Weight:26.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 220.0" x 54-3/4" x 12-1/4"( 220.0 x 1391.0 x 312.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM30 and Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ 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 DM30 |
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
(* 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 DM30 and Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ 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 Airmotiv C3+ are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
2 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
4 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 Airmotiv C3+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz whereas Airmotiv C3+ has a frequency range of 40 Hz – 28 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Airmotiv C3+ can go slightly deeper then the Dymension DM30's min frequency of 41Hz.
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 Airmotiv C3+ 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 Airmotiv C3+'s is at 92 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C3+, 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 Airmotiv C3+ 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
Airmotiv C3+ 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
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ double Port
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'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 Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 1391.0 x 312.0mm ( 8-5/8-inch x 54-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch) .
Definitive Dymension DM30 is 591mm narrower and 30mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ but it is also 91mm deeper.
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ is approximately 4339.9cm2 / 672.7inch2. The Dymension DM30 requires 26% less surface area than the Airmotiv C3+ which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.