In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM40 and Dymension DM80, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM40 and Definitive Dymension DM80 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Dymension DM40 and Dymension DM80 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 DM40 and Definitive Dymension DM80 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 DM40 and Definitive Dymension DM80 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 DM40 is a 2-way design whereas the Dymension DM80 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 DM40 |
Definitive Dymension DM80 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
4 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
Dymension DM40 features a 1" aluminum oxide 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the Dymension DM80 features a 1" aluminum oxide 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM40 has a frequency range of 55-23 kHz whereas Dymension DM80 has a frequency range of 28-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Dymension DM80 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dymension DM40's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM40
Definitive Dymension DM80
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 DM40 and Dymension DM80 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Dymension DM40 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Dymension DM80's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM80 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM40, 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 DM40 and the Dymension DM40 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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 DM40 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Dymension DM40 has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Dymension DM80.
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 DM40 features Binding post type posts and Dymension DM80 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM40's Binding post terminals
Definitive Dymension DM80'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 DM40's and Definitive Dymension DM80's external dimensions. Definitive Dymension DM40 has external dimensions of 950 x 261 x 255 mm ( 37.4 x 10.3 x 10.0 in) whereas Definitive Dymension DM80 has external dimensions of 1255 x 287 x 407 mm ( 49.4 x 11.3 x 16.0 in) .
Definitive Dymension DM80 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 305mm taller and 152mm deeper than Definitive Dymension DM40.
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 DM40 is approximately 665.6cm2 / 103.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive Dymension DM80 is approximately 1168.1cm2 / 181.1inch2. The Dymension DM40 requires 43% less surface area than the Dymension DM80 which gives it a small advantage 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 DM40 weighs 17.30kg / 38.1lbs and the Definitive Dymension DM80 weighs 37.70kg / 82.9lbs. This makes the Dymension DM80 118% heavier than the Dymension DM40.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM40 and Dymension DM80's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM40
Definitive Dymension DM80
What's in the Box of Definitive Dymension DM40?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Dymension DM40:
4 Adjustable hard floor glides 4 Adjustable carpet spikes
What's in the Box of Definitive Dymension DM80?
Here are the items that come with the Dymension DM80:
4 Adjustable hard floor glides 4 Adjustable carpet spikes
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Height |
950mm
vs
1255mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
665cm2 (261x255mm)
vs
1168cm2 (287x407mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1998USD
vs
4998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
| General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM40 |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
50-250 watts |
50-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-23 kHz |
28-23 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Polypropelene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
2 x Hard-Dome |
2 x Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
5.25" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
950.0mm (37.4") |
1255.0mm (49.4") |
| Width |
261.0mm (10.3") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
| Depth |
255.0mm (10") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Weight |
17.30kg (38.1lbs) |
37.70kg (82.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| 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 |