Definitive Technology CS-8040HD Speaker (Center Channel)

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. Like all Definitive Technology center channel speakers, the CS-8040HD is 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.

The CS-8040HD is a truly full range speaker that fits easily on a shelf

One pair 5-way binding posts

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 Definitive engineered the next best thing: a truly full range center speaker that fits easily on a shelf.

The CS-8040HD’s bass radiator gives you full, rich center channel sound. View larger

Solidly built enclosure prevents unwanted vibrations. View larger

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 away from the “sweet spot”) are to hear clear, concise and highly intelligible dialogue. Definitive’s CS series offers the 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. The tapered front of the enclosure serves to make it appear slimmer while also enhancing sound quality by minimizing cabinet diffraction distortion, while a second layer of heavy MDF inside the cabinet prevents the drivers from imparting vibration to the rest of the enclosure. 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.

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 5-3/4″ H x 21-1/8″ W x 12″ D (14.5cm H x 53.7cm W x 30.4cm D)
• Driver complement: 2 each 4-1/2″ BDSS bass/midrange driverscoupled to 1 each 5″ x 10″ bass radiator, 1 each 1″ aluminum dome tweeterm
• Frequency response: 40Hz – 30kHz
• Sensitivity: 92dB
• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Recommended amplifier power: 20 – 200 Watts
• AV receiver crossover setting: Small, 80Hz
• Power Requirements: 110 volts AC (product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America)
• Inputs: One pair 5-way binding posts
• Product weight: 20 lbs. (9kg)