In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 is a Surround speaker whereas the Dymension DM30 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 and Definitive Dymension DM30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 | Definitive Dymension DM30 |
|---|
| Brand | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 4 x 5.25" |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 8" Polypropelene |
|---|
| Frequency response | 130-27k Hz | 41-23 kHz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 50-300 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.58kg / 10.1lbs | 24.50kg / 53.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6" x 7-5/16" x 15-5/16"
152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm | 7.5" x 31.5" x 15.9"
190 x 800 x 403 mm |
|---|
Dymension DM90 and Dymension DM30 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 DM90 is a 2-way design whereas the Dymension DM30 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.
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90Definitive Dymension DM30
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 Technology Dymension DM90 |
Definitive Dymension DM30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
4 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
Dymension DM90 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the Dymension DM30 features a 1" aluminum oxide Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM90 has a frequency range of 130-27k Hz whereas Dymension DM30 has a frequency range of 41-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the Dymension DM30 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 Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround 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 DM90 and Dymension DM30 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Dymension DM90 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Dymension DM30's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive Dymension DM30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Technology Dymension DM90, 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 DM90 and the Dymension DM90 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Surround 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 Technology Dymension DM90
Definitive Dymension DM30
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Dymension DM90 features Binding post type posts and Dymension DM30 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM30'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 Technology Dymension DM90's and Definitive Dymension DM30's external dimensions. Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 has external dimensions of 152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm () whereas Definitive Dymension DM30 has external dimensions of 190 x 800 x 403 mm (7.5 x 31.5 x 15.9 in).
Definitive Dymension DM30 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 614.3mm wider, 37.6mm taller and 14.1mm 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 DM30 needs about 346% more floor or shelf area. Definitive Dymension DM30 is 38mm 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 Technology Dymension DM90 is approximately 722.2cm2 / 111.9inch2 and base area of the Definitive Dymension DM30 is approximately 3224.0cm2 / 499.7inch2. The Dymension DM90 requires 78% less surface area than the Dymension DM30 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.