In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Dymension DM90 is a Surround speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM80 and Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Definitive Dymension DM80 | Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 |
|---|
| Brand | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" 2 x Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 4 x 5.25" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 12" Polypropelene | 5.25" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 28-23 kHz | 130-27k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 50-300 watts | — |
|---|
| Weight | 37.70kg / 82.9lbs | 4.58kg / 10.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 49.4" x 11.3" x 16"
1255 x 287 x 407 mm | 6" x 7-5/16" x 15-5/16"
152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm |
|---|
Dymension DM80 and Dymension DM90 are members of Definitive Technology's Dymension series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Definitive Technology Dymension Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Dymension DM80 is a 3-way design whereas the Dymension DM90 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.
Definitive Dymension DM80Definitive Technology Dymension DM90
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM80 |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 DM90 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM80 has a frequency range of 28-23 kHz whereas Dymension DM90 has a frequency range of 130-27k Hz. 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 DM90's min frequency of 130Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Dymension DM80 and Dymension DM90 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 dB.
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
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Definitive Dymension DM80
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Dymension DM80 features Proprietary type posts and Dymension DM90 has a Proprietary type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM80's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Technology Dymension DM90'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 Technology Dymension DM90 has external dimensions of 152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm ().
Definitive Dymension DM80 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 101.3mm wider, 1102.6mm taller and 18.1mm deeper than Definitive Technology Dymension DM90.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Definitive Dymension DM80 needs about 62% more floor or shelf area. Definitive Dymension DM80 is 18mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Definitive Dymension DM80 is 1103mm 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 DM80 is approximately 1168.1cm2 / 181.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 is approximately 722.2cm2 / 111.9inch2. The Dymension DM80 requires 62% more surface area than the Dymension DM90 which gives it a small disadvantage 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