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 DM40 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 and Definitive Dymension DM40 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 | Definitive Dymension DM40 |
|---|
| Brand | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" 2 x Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene |
|---|
| Frequency response | 130-27k Hz | 55-23 kHz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 50-250 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.58kg / 10.1lbs | 17.30kg / 38.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6" x 7-5/16" x 15-5/16"
152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm | 37.4" x 10.3" x 10"
950 x 261 x 255 mm |
|---|
Dymension DM90 and Dymension DM40 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
Both Dymension DM90 and Dymension DM40 are 2-way speakers.
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90Definitive Dymension DM40
TweeterWoofer
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 DM40 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
Dymension DM90 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the Dymension DM40 features a 1" aluminum oxide 2 x Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polypropelene Woofer.
Frequency Response
Dymension DM90 has a frequency range of 130-27k Hz whereas Dymension DM40 has a frequency range of 55-23 kHz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Dymension DM40 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 DM40 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 DM40's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Dymension DM40, 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 DM40
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Dymension DM90 features Binding post type posts and Dymension DM40 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Dymension DM40'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 DM40's external dimensions. Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 has external dimensions of 152.4 x 185.7 x 388.9mm () whereas Definitive Dymension DM40 has external dimensions of 950 x 261 x 255 mm (37.4 x 10.3 x 10.0 in).
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 is 75.3mm narrower and 797.6mm shorter than Definitive Dymension DM40 but it is also 133.9mm deeper.
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 Technology Dymension DM90 needs about 9% more floor or shelf area. Definitive Technology Dymension DM90 is 134mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Definitive Dymension DM40 is 798mm 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 DM40 is approximately 665.6cm2 / 103.2inch2. The Dymension DM90 requires 9% more surface area than the Dymension DM40 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Definitive Dymension DM40?
Here are the items that come with the Dymension DM40:
- 4 Adjustable hard floor glides
- 4 Adjustable carpet spikes