In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Dymension DM20 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM80 and Definitive Dymension DM20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Dymension DM80 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 12" Polypropelene Woofer
- 28-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:37.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1255.0" x 11.3" x 16"( 1255 x 287 x 407 mm )
Definitive Dymension DM20 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer
- 91-23 kHz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:10.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 134.0" x 30.5" x 6.5"( 134 x 775 x 166 mm )
Dymension DM80 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 DM80 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive Dymension DM80 |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
| Near-field |
Are you nuts? |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Good |
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 DM80 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.
**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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Dymension DM80 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 DM80 |
Definitive Dymension DM20 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
Dymension DM80 features a 1" aluminum oxide 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" 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 DM80 has a frequency range of 28-23 kHz whereas Dymension DM20 has a frequency range of 91-23 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 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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM80
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 DM80 and Dymension DM20 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Dymension DM80 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Dymension DM20's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM80 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 DM80 and the Dymension DM80 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 DM80 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 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 DM80 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 DM80'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 DM80's and Definitive Dymension DM20's external dimensions. Definitive Dymension DM80 has external dimensions of 1255 x 287 x 407 mm ( 49.4 x 11.3 x 16.0 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 DM20 is 1121mm shorter and 241mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM80 but it is also 488mm wider.
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 DM80 is approximately 1168.1cm2 / 181.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive Dymension DM20 is approximately 1286.5cm2 / 199.4inch2. The Dymension DM80 requires 9% less surface area than the Dymension DM20 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Definitive Dymension DM80?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Dymension DM80:
4 Adjustable hard floor glides 4 Adjustable carpet spikes
Max Input Power 
Driver Setup 
Sensitivity 
Woofer Size 
Passive Radiator 
Dolby Atmos Drivers 
Base Surface Area 
Mounting Bracket 
Height 
Price per pair*