Product Details
Definitive Technology High Dispersion Center Channel Speaker - CS8040HD
Optimum surround sound home theater reproduction places heavy demands on the
center channel speaker, which in many respects is the main speaker in the system
and often handles 50% or more of the program material. It’s no place to
compromise and settle for second best. All Definitive CS series center channel
models are designed with the same rigid standards and high performance goals
as main left and right front speakers and feature wide frequency response and
extended dynamic range with extraordinary detail and articulation.
Bass Radiator Technology Makes a Dramatic Audible Difference
Most audio experts agree that the ideal surround speaker system would have 5
identical truly full range speakers at every position. But most rooms and setups
can’t accommodate 5 identical large speakers. So we engineered the next
best thing – a center speaker with robust bass response that fits on a
shelf.
The CS-8040HD features two patented high-definition Balanced Double Surround
System (BDSS) 4-1/2 inch drivers that are pressure-coupled to a 5 x 10 inch
racetrack-shaped planar Low-Bass Radiator. The result is bass extension unheard
of in a center speaker of this size and price. With the CS-8040HD you will fully
realize the performance potential of the center channel program material as
the movie director intended it to be heard.
Its upward-firing bass radiator requires only 1" (25mm) of clearance,
so it works perfectly whether you mount it in free-air or put it in a cabinet.
Patented Technology Delivers High Definition and Wide Dispersion
The “HD” in the name of this speaker stands for High Dispersion. Dispersing
the center channel sound evenly over a broad area of the room is vital if all
listeners in the room (even those sitting well off-axis) are to hear clear,
concise and highly intelligible dialog. We’ve engineered the CS models
with our latest generation ultra-high definition midrange drivers that set new
standards for wide dispersion.
The CS-8040HD features a D’Appolito array consisting of two cast-basket
4-1/2" (11cm) second generation BDSS midrange drivers surrounding a 1"
annealed Pure Aluminum dome tweeter housed in an acoustically isolated sealed
enclosure. These are the same drivers and tweeters used in the BP-8040ST bipolar
SuperTower loudspeakers, making the CS-8040HD the perfect center channel match.
The drivers feature Definitive’s patented Balanced Double Surround System
(BDSS) technology that supports the speaker cone at both the inner and outer
edges allowing longer, more linear excursion for greater clarity and finely
textured inner detail. A new patent pending Linear Response Waveguide™
smoothes off-axis frequency response and disperses sound over a wider area for
crystal clear intelligibility for every listener in the room.
The 1” (25mm) tweeter is a pure aluminum dome, which has been heat-treated
to relax the crystal structure and then coated with a ceramic to produce extended
highs that reveal nuance and shimmer without a trace of edginess.
Non-Resonant, Low-Diffraction Cabinet Maintains Sonic Purity
All the driver and electronics technology in the world would be wasted if housed
in a resonance-prone box. We lavished as much attention to the styling and construction
of the 8040’s enclosure as any other part of its design.
The tapered front of enclosure serves to make it appear slimmer and less obtrusive
while also enhancing sound quality by minimizing cabinet diffraction distortion.
The decorative high gloss end caps and top trim panel add elegance to the matte
black grille cloth the way satin piping adds dash to a tuxedo.
But the enclosure’s most important job is to be totally inert and resonance
free so as not to color the sound. And that’s just we did in engineering
the CS enclosures. Wherever a driver or low bass radiator is attached to the
cabinet we placed a second layer of heavy MDF (a low resonance wood composite)
to prevent the moving drivers from imparting vibration to the rest of the enclosure.
Tap on the top of a CS enclosure to hear the solid “thud” of a stiff,
well-damped cabinet instead of the hollow ring of less-well constructed speakers.
NOTE: the high gloss polymer composite end caps are decorative elements; they
are not part of the acoustical system.
The Proof is in the Listening
This extraordinary speaker sets a new reference standard for center speakers
in its price and size class and achieves equally superb performance with both
music and movies. The CS-8040HD reproduces a silky smooth, incredibly detailed
music, dialog and sound effects at lifelike volume levels with a sense of ease
which is truly remarkable. The elegant styling features beautiful sculptural
refinements to Definitive’s signature look.
Now that you’re thoroughly impressed with the technology and passion we’ve
poured into the CS-8040HD it is time to find a stocking dealer near you to audition
this remarkable achievement of art and science
Features:
- The perfect match for BP-8040ST or BP-8020ST SuperTower® main speakers
- Second generation BDSS high-definition drivers for life-like tonal balance,
superb intelligibility and broad dispersion
- 5" x 10" low bass radiator for extended bass response
- One 1 inch Pure Aluminum dome tweeter
Specifications:
- Driver complement: 2 each 4-1/2" BDSS bass/midrange driverscoupled
to 1 each 5" x 10" bass radiator, 1 each 1" aluminum dome tweeter
- Frequency response: 40Hz - 30kHz
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Recommended amplifier power: 20 - 200 Watts
- AV receiver crossover setting: Small, 80Hz
- Inputs: 1 pair 5-way binding posts
Approximate Dimensions:
- Height: 5.75"
- Width: 21.13"
- Depth: 12"
Approximate Weights:
- Unit: 20 lbs.
- Shipping: 25 lbs.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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