In this review, we will be comparing Dymension DM80 and Silver 500 7G, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Definitive Technology and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Dymension DM80 and Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Dymension DM80 and Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G 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 DM80 and Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G 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
Both Dymension DM80 and Silver 500 7G are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Definitive Dymension DM80 |
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 3-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
2 x 8-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 Silver 500 7G features a 1" gold dome C-CAM with Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide II Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 8" C-CAM RST II Woofer .
Frequency Response
Dymension DM80 has a frequency range of 28-23 kHz whereas Silver 500 7G has a frequency range of 27-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the Silver 500 7G can go slightly deeper then the Dymension DM80's min frequency of 28Hz.
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
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G
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 Silver 500 7G 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 Silver 500 7G's is rated at 90.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM80, 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 Silver 500 7G 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
Silver 500 7G 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
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 Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G'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 Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G has external dimensions of 1085.0 x 323.0 x 393.0mm ( 42-11/16 x 12-11/16 x 15-7/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G is 170mm shorter and 14mm less deeper than Definitive Dymension DM80 but it is also 36mm 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 Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G is approximately 1269.4cm2 / 196.8inch2. The Dymension DM80 requires 8% less surface area than the Silver 500 7G 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 DM80 weighs 37.70kg / 82.9lbs and the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G weighs 22.53kg / 49.6lbs. This makes the Dymension DM80 67% heavier than the Silver 500 7G.
Here is a comparison of how Dymension DM80 and Silver 500 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Dymension DM80
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G
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
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver 500 7G:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrille4 Outrigger feet4 Rubber feet (pre-installed on outrigger feet)4 Spikes4 Bolts4 Machine screws2 Foam port plugs2 Hex-keysOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
Base Surface Area |
1168cm2 (287x407mm)
vs
1269cm2 (323x393mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
1085mm
vs
1255mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
3200USD
vs
4998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 |
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G |
Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Monitor Audio |
Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
Power Range |
50-300 watts |
80-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90.5 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
28-23 kHz |
27-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
C-CAM RST II |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
2 x Hard-Dome |
gold dome C-CAM with Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide II |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
3" |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
1255.0mm (49.4") |
1085.0mm (42.7") |
Width |
287.0mm (11.3") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
Depth |
407.0mm (16") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
Weight |
37.70kg (82.9lbs) |
22.53kg (49.6lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Oak |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |