In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM80 and R7, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Definitive Technology and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM80 and KEF R7 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 )
KEF R7 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 48-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-250watts
- Weight:31.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1113.0" x 8" x 15-5/16"( 1113.0 x 200.0 x 389.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM80 and KEF R7 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 |
KEF R7 |
| Near-field |
Are you nuts? |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Good |
Average |
(* 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 KEF R7 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 DM80 and R7 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM80 |
KEF R7 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 R7 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM80 has a frequency range of 28-23 kHz whereas R7 has a frequency range of 48-28k 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 R7's min frequency of 48Hz.
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
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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R7 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Dymension DM80 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Dymension DM80 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R7's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM80 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R7, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 R7 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
R7 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Dymension DM80 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM80's Binding post terminals
KEF R7's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 KEF R7'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 KEF R7 has external dimensions of 1113.0 x 200.0 x 389.0mm ( 43-13/16 x 8 x 15-5/16inch) .
Definitive Dymension DM80 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 87mm wider, 142mm taller and 18mm deeper than KEF R7.
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 KEF R7 is approximately 778.0cm2 / 120.6inch2. The Dymension DM80 requires 50% more surface area than the R7 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.