High Dispersion center channel loudspeaker
$499.00 each
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.
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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.
Watch the Bass Radiator tech video
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.
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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.
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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
. Watch the CS series video:
Driver Complement | |
|---|---|
| Tweeter | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Diameter | 1" (2.54cm) |
| Type | Pure Aluminum Dome |
| Mid / Woofer | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 4 1/2" (11.43cm) |
| Type | BDSS Midrange Driver |
| Tweeter/Mid Array | |
| Type | D'Appolito Direct Radiating |
| Bass Radiator | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Oval Height | 5" (12.70cm) |
| Oval Width | 10" (25.40cm) |
| Type | Racetrack Planar Bass Radiator |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Audio Inputs | |
| Speaker Level | 1 Pair (Speaker Cable) |
| Maximum Sensitivity | |
| 1 watt @ 1 Meter | 92 dB |
| Total Frequency Response | |
| Overall | 40 Hz - 30 kHz |
| Nominal Impedance | |
| Compatible with | 8 ohm |
| Crossover | |
| A/V Receiver Crossover Setting | Small (80 Hz) |
| Power Handling | 20 - 200 watts per channel |
Installation | |
|---|---|
| Placement | |
| Horizontal Orientation | On Shelf |
Dimensions | |
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| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 5 3/4" (14.61cm) |
| Width | 21 1/8" (53.66cm) |
| Depth | 12" (30.48cm) |
| Cabinet Type | |
| Speaker Enclosure | Internally Braced with Top Mounted Pressure Coupled Bass Radiator |
Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Carton Size | |
| Height | 26" (66.04cm) |
| Width | 26" (66.04cm) |
| Depth | 14 1/2" (36.83cm) |
| Shipping Weight | |
| One per Carton | 24 lbs |
Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Drivers and Cabinet | |
| Parts and Labor | 5 |
See the technology behind the amazing performance of the CS8000 center channels series
Demonstration of how bass (passive) radiators work in loudspeakers and subwoofers.
Learn about speaker cone resonance, why it hurts sound quality and one technique for reducing it.
2 reviews with an average of 3.5
"Def Tech rocks!!!"
I purchased the 8040hd to replace my klipsch rc-3 center channel and I'm glad I did. The build quality is top notch and it aesthetically pleasing as well. Dialogue with movies and hd tv is superb...every seat in the house is enveloped with crisp clear sound and impressive low end thanks to its passive 8" woofer. Go and buy this center speaker you won't be disappointed!! Def Tech rocks!!!
Superb sound. Watching the DARK KNIGHT RISES brings you towards the screen you can hear every detail. I recommend this to everyone, so hold on to your seats. This center channel sounds better than the IMAX THEATER. My whole home theater systems consist of two height speakers, a center channel, two pairs of surrounds, and a pair of floor standing speakers with the built in 10 inch subs. My whole house rocks. I am in awe; really this makes my Bose 5.1 system sound weak . These Definitive speakers are nice to look at also. I hate to say this but I might build another Definitive system in my man cave room upstairs, so keep up the good work guys.