Let me start with this is my first thread to AVS Forum!
Being a Definitive Technology fan for years, I wanted to give my two cents on the brand, and I wanted to post my recommendations on products currently available.
Background (How I got Into the Brand)
I was exposed to the company early, as my dad purchased an entire system in the early 90's. Growing up, the system I listened to frequently consisted of the following:
Main: 2-BP20s
Center: C1
Surround: 2-BP2s
Subwoofer: Powerfield 1800
Receiver: Yamaha DSP-A1
I was completely blown away with how loud the system could get in combination with the overall clarity. Our two-story house would shake anytime we were watching a movie. I never witnessed a home audio system that could come close to this quality of sound. Most of my friend's parents had systems from companies such as Bose, Polk Audio, Klipsch, JBL, Sony, Pioneer, (the usual major name brand companies). I was definitely able to notice a difference in audio quality with their systems as compared to what I had at home. I mean sure, other speakers could get loud too, but never with the same amount of clarity. Though we mainly used the system for movies, I also got into music early. My dad had a collection of SACDs that he would use to "show-off" the system. One of my favorites is Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon...not only is the music pure gold, but the way it is mixed in 5.1 makes it completely different than the original. I really had a deep appreciation for surround sound systems. I also understand the benefits of bipolar speakers, and how amazing "3d sound" truly is.
I purchased my first Definitive Technology products in early 2014 from Newegg. At the time, Newegg was an authorized reseller of Definitive Technology products, and they were selling several discontinued models new-in-box for crazy discounts.
I purchased 2 BP8Bs for $400 sight un-seen. I knew the major difference between "newer-gen" Definitive Technology speakers was the change from soft-dome tweeters to aluminum ones. This would be my first time being exposed to these newer tweeters. You can find tons of discussions on the differences online, so I am not going to dive into it here; basically people either love it or hate it. I ran these two speakers in a 2.1 configuration with a Yamaha YST-SW216 subwoofer driven by an open-box Pioneer VSX-823 that I got for basically next-to-nothing (think I spent $150). The receiver came with nothing (no remote, no calibration mic, etc.), so I ran it at default settings with no calibration. It sounded better than anything I had ever owned, but I immediately started saving for a better system. I did notice a small amount of harshness from the tweeters at times, and I read a lot of people complain about this. However, over time I became more accustomed with the system, and by then, the system had time to break-in and shine.
Around the same time, my dad made upgrades to his existing system:
Main: 2-BP20s
Center: CS-8060HD
Surround: 2-BP8040STs
Surround Rear: 2-BP2s
Subwoofer: Powerfield 1800
Receiver: Denon X7200W
This is what got me into Denon and the amazing benefits of Audyssey calibration! I am so glad they are all part of the same company now!!
Even with the mix/match of aluminum tweeters and soft-dome ones, each speaker blends with one-another very well. I have no complaints with the differences in technology.
Current Setup
In 2017, I made the jump to a 7.2 system.
My current system consists of:
Main: 2-BP30s
Center: C/L/R 1000B
Surround: 2-BP8Bs
Surround Rear: 2-BP6s (with aluminum tweeters)
Subwoofer 1: Polk Audio HTS-12
Subwoofer 2: Yamaha YST-SW216
Receiver: Denon X6300H
I purchased all my speakers used on Craigslist (minus the BP8Bs/Polk Audio HTS-12). Huge difference from what I had before. This system is amazing!! I used 12-gauge speaker wire throughout the entire system, and it is fully Audyssey calibrated. I couldn't be happier, especially with how little I spent in order to get this configuration. I feel I will keep these speakers for the rest of my life and only make additions to the system over time. I will admit that I had a so-so experience using Craigslist. I came to realize after a period of time that my BP30s had blown woofers (4/8 were working, but rattled at lower frequencies). I demoed the speakers for a number of hours before purchasing, and I never noticed an issue at the time. Decided to call Definitive Technology's customer service to get a quote for replacing the 4 woofers. I should start by saying this was not my first call to Definitive Technology. I have called previously for product knowledge and for some replacement parts (replaced a scratched top for a BP8B that I caused, free-of-charge), and they were always extremely helpful and polite. They never ask for purchase history (no digging through your receipts/finding serial numbers, etc.), and they take care of you each and every time. Read about this online, you will see how others' expectations were exceeded. Other than providing amazing sound quality at extremely reasonable prices, this is another reason they keep long-term customers. Definitive Technology sent me the 4 woofers free of charge...another reason I will stick with the brand for life! I disclosed that I was not the original owner, but they chose to help me out anyways!
Recommendations of Bipolar/Tower Speakers
Definitive Technology still sells many products, and I wanted to make recommendations for those that want to make the jump to the brand like I did.
My recommendations will only be based on new floor-standing speaker systems that are still easy to find. Definitive Technology also makes nice sound-bars, bookshelf speakers, and "Stereo-In-A-Box" solutions. Reviews for each of these are very readily available. It is often difficult to find used Def-Tech equipment locally (where you have the opportunity to demo, etc.), so I am not going to include it here. I definitely recommend checking, as some great deals appear rarely...from what I have seen in the last several years, people tend to keep their Definitive Technology systems. The people I purchased my equipment from were moving/down-sizing, and they did not want to take their equipment with them due to lack of space.
Check Definitive Technology's website for authorized re-sellers. They show both online/local stores. They also sell directly on their own website.
I would not recommend purchasing new products from an un-authorized dealer. (EVEN IF OFFERED FOR DISCOUNTED PRICES)
If you are willing to buy refurbished, check here! (these are authorized re-sellers as well):
Accessories4Less
Ebay (definitivetechnology) = this is Definitive Technology's official store on eBay...used to be bajawaverunner
If you are willing to buy used, check your local Best Buy. They usually sell their display models over time as well as returned products. Since Best Buy is an authorized re-seller, even used products are under warranty.
Recommended models:
Bi-polar towers (no particular order):
1. BP10B-$599/ea
2. BP6B-$399/ea
3. BP9060-$1099/ea
4. BP9080x-$1749/ea
5. Mythos ST-L-$2499
The BP10B/BP6B are the most identical to what I currently have.
I have demoed both the BP10B/BP6B -> (this is literally the same as my BP6, minus cosmetic differences) in a number of different applications and was thoroughly impressed.
The biggest concern in recommending the BP10B/BP6B now, is that it will be extremely difficult to get an audition. Most authorized resellers of these two models will no longer have a demo model. As far as I know, they are still in production, but are slowly on their way out. I've gone to several stores such as Best Buy/Magnolia, Nebraska Furniture Mart, etc. and have never seen these models on display. Instead, the BP9000 series are the only tower speakers that are commonly available for demo. Let me add, the Mythos ST-L is also sometimes available. If you are comfortable purchasing sight-unseen, definitely go for the BP10B or BP6B models. I feel these are the best bang for the buck, and I would recommend purchasing a high-quality subwoofer or two as well. These will run great in either a 2.1 configuration or a surround sound system.
I also recommend the BP9060 (or above -> BP9080x), because I feel these two models are the true step-ups from the BP10B. The BP9040/9020 are great speakers, but I would not use them as mains over the BP10B/BP6B, especially if you have room for a decent subwoofer.
If these are beyond your price range, I would definitely suggest starting with the BP6Bs or the BP10Bs. Later down the line, these can become your surrounds with new Definitive Technology mains. Also check the refurbished websites I listed above, as these models appear some-what frequently. These are powered speakers (amplifiers to drive the subwoofers), so they each require a separate power cord in tandem with speaker wiring from your receiver. They also all support Atmos speakers (model A90), so if you are fan of the standard, this is a nice plus. The BP9080x already has atmos speakers built in. I personally prefer ceiling mounted Atmos speakers, but this is not always a viable option. I find that they provide plenty of bass on their own, but I have seen a number of cases where people choose to run these with one to two subwoofers anyways. I have only experienced the BP9000 series with Denon Audyssey XT32 receivers. When wiring powered speakers, I have never found the need to use the optional LFE channel. Even without dedicated subwoofers, Audyssey will usually label these speakers as large/full-range and send all frequencies through. There is no harm in trying both methods to find your best results. Anytime I have tried the LFE method, I could not tell the difference. I also recommend keeping the volume knobs of Definitive Technology powered speakers at 50%.
The Mythos ST-L is the highest-end speakers available from Definitive Technology. I have auditioned them several times listening to a combination of home-theater/music demos. I am thoroughly impressed with them. However, these are way beyond my price range. I could never see myself paying $5,000 for a pair of speakers.
Center Speakers (no particular order):
1. CS-9060-$699/ea
2. CS-9040-$499/ea
3. CS-9080-$999/ea
If you opt for the BP10B/BP6B route as your main speakers, any of these three models will work. Personally, I feel the CS-9080 is overkill especially if you go with BP6Bs. I would highly recommend the CS-9040 with these tower speakers. The CS-9060 is a good choice if you want a dedicated subwoofer with your center channel (vs. a passive bass radiator). However, this will require running a power cord to the speaker (keep this in mind!!). Another con with the current center speaker selection is they do not match the BP10B/BP6B cosmetically. They will timber-match the BP10B/BP6B series, however, so there should be no concern there. The last model that was sold that matched the BP10B/BP6B cosmetically was the C/L/R-2002, which was discontinued a few years back. They were still somewhat available till about a year ago. I recently tried hunting one down, but I was unsuccessful in finding a new one in stock. At the time of writing this, I found a small amount in stock refurbished on Def Tech's ebay site.
If you decide to go with the BP9060s, definitely opt for either the CS-9060/CS-9080. If you decide to go with the BP9080x/Mythos ST-L, I would only recommend the CS-9080. I have spent an extensive amount of time demoing each of the models, and I definitely understand the differences in price/application. Each step-up is easily justifiable. Just like the BP9000 series, these three models are very easy to find and audition.
Surround (no particular order):
1. One of the recommended bi-polar towers if you have the space!
2. SR-9080-$349/ea
3. SR-9040-$249/ea
I have not listened to SR-9000 series extensively. However, these models are easy to find and audition, so I definitely recommend doing so before purchasing.
Note: These work best wall-mounted (most places that have these readily available for demo will wall-mount them as well).
Subwoofer:
There are tons of subwoofers available. I've listened to many high-end ones from SVS, HSU, Definitive Technology, etc. I went with the Polk Audio HTS-12 (AVS Forum made a great review for this, so check it out), because I took advantage of an amazing sale, and I am very happy with it. I would recommend demoing several, and researching in this space. I do not find it important to brand-match in this segment.
I am a firm believer in Denon receivers, due to their inclusion of Audyssey. Many other main brands have their own home-grown calibration techniques, which I personally dislike.
It is important to note that Def Tech speakers are very efficient...they do not require large amounts of amplification to shine. With that said, I would not penny/nickle in this space if possible. Also, do not penny/nickle when purchasing speaker wire. This will really change the outcomes, especially in bass, if you opt for cheaper/lower-quality wire. Buy the thickest gauge of wire you can afford.
Here is a list of comparisons between the various generations of Bipolar Speaker systems Definitive Technology created.
Early Gen (when Definitive Technology made the move to aluminum tweeters):
BP3000TL
Dimensions: 9"W x 19"D x 55"H
Frequency Response: 13Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 30-600 Watts
Drivers: 4-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/18" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92 dB
BP2000TL
Dimensions: 9"W x 17"D x 50"H
Frequency Response: 15Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-500 Watts
Drivers: 4-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/15" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
BP2002TL
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 15.81"D x 45.88"H
Frequency Response: 17Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-400 Watts
Drivers: 4-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/12" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
BP2004TL
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 13"D x 41"H
Frequency Response: 18Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/10" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
BP2006TL
Dimensions: 6.25"W x 11.5"D x 38"H
Frequency Response: 19Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
BP30
Dimensions: 8.5"W x 15"D x 46"H
Frequency Response: 18Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-500 Watts
Drivers: 4-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters
Efficiency: 91dB
BP10B
Dimensions: 8"W x 12.25"D x 42"H
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters
Efficiency: 91dB
BP8B
Dimensions: 7"W x 11"D x 38"H
Frequency Response: 22Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-200 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters
Efficiency: 91dB
BP6B
Dimensions: 7"W x 11"D x 35"H
Frequency Response: 25Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-175 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters
Efficiency: 91dB
BP7000 Series:
BP7000SC
Dimensions: 8.9"W x 16.6"D x 52.5"H
Frequency Response: 11Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-1000 Watts
Drivers: 4-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/14" Subwoofer w 2-14" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP7001SC
Dimensions: 8.4"W x 15"D x 48"H
Frequency Response: 13Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 30-600 Watts
Drivers: 4-6.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/10" Subwoofer w 2-10" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP7002
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 16"D x 46.25"H
Frequency Response: 15Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-400 Watts
Drivers: 4-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/12" Subwoofer w 2-12" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP7004
Dimensions: 6.6"W x 13"D x 42.25"H
Frequency Response: 16Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/10" Subwoofer w 2-10" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP7006
Dimensions: 6.25"W x 11.5"D x 38.1"H
Frequency Response: 17Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/8" Subwoofer w 2-8" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP8000 Series:
BP8080-ST
Dimensions: 7"W x 16.31"D x 48.25"H
Frequency Response: 18Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-400 Watts
Drivers: 3-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/12" Subwoofer w 2-12.5" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP8060-ST
Dimensions: 5.94"W x 13.44"D x 44.19"H
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 3-4.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/10" Subwoofer w 2-10" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP8040-ST
Dimensions: 5.63"W x 11.63"D x 39"H
Frequency Response: 25Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 3-3.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/8" Subwoofer w 2-8" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP8020-ST
Dimensions: 5.63"W x 11.63"D x 35.88"H
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 3-3.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
BP9000 Series (current):
BP9080x
Dimensions: 7"W x 16"D x 50.5"H
Frequency Response: 16Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-300 Watts
Drivers: 4-5.25" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/12" Subwoofer w 2-12" Bass Radiators/Atmos = 5.25" Woofer/1" Aluminum Tweeter
Efficiency: 92dB
BP9060
Dimensions: 6"W x 13"D x 43.75"H
Frequency Response: 18Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-300 Watts
Drivers: 3-4.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/10" Subwoofer w 2-10" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP9040
Dimensions: 6"W x 13"D x 38.25"H
Frequency Response: 22Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-300 Watts
Drivers: 3-4.5" Woofers/2-1" Pure Aluminum Tweeters/8" Subwoofer w 2-8" Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
BP9020
Dimensions: 6"W x 13"D x 34.75"H
Frequency Response: 28Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-200 Watts
Drivers: 3-3.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
C/L/R Series:
C/L/R 3000
Dimensions: 25"W x 16"D x 8.31"H
Frequency Response: 19Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-400 Watts
Drivers: 2-6.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/10" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 91dB
C/L/R 2500
Dimensions: 23.5"W x 14.06"D x 6.75"H
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 91dB
C/L/R 2300
Dimensions: 19.5"W x 12"D x 5.75"H
Frequency Response: 22Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 91dB
C/L/R 2000
Dimensions: 21.5"W x 15"D x 8.31"H
Frequency Response: 22Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-350 Watts
Drivers: 2-6.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter
Efficiency: 90dB
C/L/R 2002
Dimensions: 21"W x 12"D x 6.75"H
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 2-6.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter
Efficiency: 91dB
C/L/R 1000B
Dimensions: 21.5"W x 12"D x 8"H
Frequency Response: 25Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-6.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter
Efficiency: 90dB
CS8000 Series:
CS-8080HD
Dimensions: 23.5"W x 14"D x 6.75"H
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/5" x 10" (oval) Subwoofer w 2-5" x 10" (oval) Bass Radiators
Efficiency: 92dB
CS-8060HD
Dimensions: 21.13"W x 12"D x 5.75"H
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-250 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 92dB
CS-8040HD
Dimensions: 21.13"W x 12"D x 5.75"H
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 30kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 20-200 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/5" x 10" (oval) Bass Radiator
Efficiency: 92dB
CS9000 Series (current):
CS-9080
Dimensions: 23"W x 14.25"D x 7"H
Frequency Response: 24Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-5.25" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer w 10" Bass Radiator
Efficiency: 91dB
CS-9060
Dimensions: 20.75"W x 12"D x 5.95"H
Frequency Response: 32Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-300 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Subwoofer
Efficiency: 91dB
CS-9040
Dimensions: 20.75"W x 12"D x 5.95"H
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedence: 4-8 ohms
Recommended Amplification: 50-200 Watts
Drivers: 2-4.5" Woofers/1" Pure Aluminum Tweeter/8" Bass Radiator
Efficiency: 89dB
You can see the general direction Definitive Technology has taken over the years. As most other manufacturers, Definitive Technology has decreased the size of their drivers, which has decreased the overall size of their floor-standing lineup. Their are many discussions between larger/smaller driver sizes. The biggest difference I notice, is that the larger woofers allowed for more bass. The smaller drivers allowed for tighter/more accurate bass.
Recommended models:
1. X3500-7 channel
2. X4500-9 channel
3. X6500-11 channel
4. X8500-13 channel
Not going to spend too much time here as the main topic for this article is for the speakers.
These are the models that contain the highest Audyssey suite (XT32). My current receiver is closest to the X6500 (there are very small differences between the two). I also own a Denon X1200 (closest to the X1500). I definitely notice a difference between the lower-end Audyssey suite, and I do not recommend taking this route.
The only real con to the X3500/X4500, other than the "weaker" amplifiers, is the inability to expand to more channels. You are locked into 7/9 channels respectively. This may not seem like a concern, but if you ever plan on a surround system + Dolby Atmos/Aero 3D, you will most likely wish you went with the X6500/X8500.
The X3500 supports a max of a 5.2.2 system (if you go Atmos) or up to 7.2 otherwise.
The X4500 supports a max of a 5.2.4 system/7.2.2 (if you go Atmos) or up to 9.2 otherwise. (I've seen mixed information here, please correct me if this is incorrect...the previous model (X4400) allowed for up to 11 channels via pre-outs, but it seems this is no longer the case with the X4500).
I went with the X6300, because it will allow me to go to a 7.2.4 system in the future. I feel like this is more than enough, but if I had the money, the X8500 would be absolutely perfect! It was the first 13 channel receiver to come out, and it seems to be highly desirable.