Center channel loudspeaker with built-in powered subwoofer
$999.00 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. Recognizing the center speaker's vital role Definitive pioneered the concept of full frequency range high-definition center-channel speakers.
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.
Built-in Powered Subwoofers Make 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 truly full range center speaker that fits on a shelf.
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The CS-8080HD features a 5 x 10-inch racetrack subwoofer driver powered by a 300 Watt digital amplifier. The active driver is pressure coupled to two racetrack shaped low bass radiators for a total bass radiating area considerably greater than a 12-inch round woofer.
Watch the Bass Radiator tech video
The brawny 300 Watt digital amplifier features an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) – in essence a mini computer – that equalizes the woofer system to extend and smooth the bass response, provides a phase coherent crossover network to perfectly blend the subwoofer system with the midrange array for seamless high performance. Digital protection systems tightly monitor and control the woofer system to prevent bad noises and woofer damage at ultra-high volume levels. The bottom line is the CS-8080HD's outperforms any similarly sized center speaker by a wide margin.
You'll enjoy a truly full dynamic range and full frequency center channel that actually outperforms many floor-standing main speakers. With the CS-8080HD 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 woofer system only requires 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.
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The CS-8080HD features a D'Appolito array consisting of two cast-basket 5-1/4" (13cm) 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-8080ST bipolar SuperTower loudspeakers, making the CS-8080HD 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 for wasted if housed in a resonance-prone box. We devoted as much Design and Engineering attention to the styling and construction of the 8080's enclosure as any other part of its design.
The tapered front of enclosure serves to make it appear slimmer 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. The sealed midrange enclosure also serves to provide bracing for the enclosure walls to further stiffen the system. 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 poorly 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 BP-8080ST reproduces a silky smooth, incredibly detailed music, dialog and sound effects at lifelike volume levels with a sense of ease which is truly remarkable.
Now that you're thoroughly impressed with the technology and passion we've poured into the CWS-8080HD 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 |
| Midrange | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 5 1/4" (13.34cm) |
| Type | BDSS Midrange Driver |
| Tweeter/Mid Array | |
| Type | D'Appolito Direct Radiating |
| Subwoofer | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Oval Height | 10" (25.40cm) |
| Oval Width | 5" (12.70cm) |
| Type | Long Throw Racetrack |
| Bass Radiator | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Oval Height | 10" (25.40cm) |
| Oval Width | 5" (12.70cm) |
| Type | Racetrack Planar Low Bass Radiator |
Control | |
|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing | |
| 56 bit DSP | Auto Loading |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Audio Inputs | |
| Speaker Level | 1 Pair (Speaker Cable) |
| LFE (optional) | 1 (RCA) |
| Maximum Sensitivity | |
| 1 watt @ 1 Meter | 92 dB |
| Total Frequency Response | |
| Overall | 20 Hz - 30 kHz |
| Nominal Impedance | |
| Compatible with | 8 ohm |
| Crossover | |
| A/V Receiver Crossover Setting | Large; Full Bandwidth |
| Power Handling | 20 - 300 watts per channel |
Amplifier | |
|---|---|
| Internal Amplifier | |
| Power | 300 watts |
| Channels | 1 |
| Type | Class D |
| Power Cycle | |
| US | Auto On/Off: Signal Sensitive |
| International | Product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America |
| Power Requirements | |
| US | 110 volts A/C |
| International | Product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America |
| Fuse | |
| US | 3.2 amp 250 volt Slo Blo |
| International | Product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America |
Installation | |
|---|---|
| Placement | |
| Horizontal Orientation | On Shelf |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 6 3/4" (17.14cm) |
| Width | 23 1/2" (59.69cm) |
| Depth | 14" (35.56cm) |
| Cabinet Type | |
| Speaker Enclosure | Internally Braced with Top Mounted Powered Subwoofer and Two Pressure Coupled Low Bass Radiators |
Shipping | |
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| Carton Size | |
| Height | 10 1/16" (25.56cm) |
| Width | 26 3/4" (67.95cm) |
| Depth | 17 3/16" (43.66cm) |
| Shipping Weight | |
| One per Carton | 40 lbs |
Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Electronic Components | |
| Parts and Labor | 3 |
| 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.
1 reviews with an average of 5
"clear, and natural sounding"
Great speaker. Works extremely well with my BP7001sc towers. The sound is clear, and natural sounding. Really does a nice job of anchoring the sound during surround playback.
I do have one criticism. The front bevel faceplate is attractive, but when placed out front and under a projection screen (like mine), it is reflective. Eliminating this trim piece and just sticking with the sock (and the side plates) would be a better design.