Definitive Technology TPV906 Looks small, plays big High-end sophistication, Killer Midrange

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Definitive Technology [410] 363-7148 www.definitivetech.com

The Last Word

Clear highs, potent bass

Midrange with true high-end sophistication

Big dynamics from small enclosures

Value with a capital “V”

Could use a smoother tweeter

You’ll need great electronics to get this system’s full measure

Specifications

2-way satellite speaker

Driver complement: One 5.25" mid/bass driver, one 5.25" passive radiator, one 1" aluminum dome tweeter.

Frequency response: 47Hz–30kHz

Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m)

Impedance: 4–8ohms

Recommended amplifier power: 10-200Wpc

Dimensions: 10.875" x 6.5" x 6.25"

Weight: 7 lbs.

2-way center-channel speaker

Driver complement: Two 5.25" mid/bass drivers, two 5.25" passive radiators, one 1” aluminum dome tweeter.

Frequency response: 42Hz–30kHz

Sensitivity: 91dB (1W/1m)

Impedance: 4–8ohms

Recommended amplifier power: 10-250Wpc

Dimensions: 6.5” x 6.5” x 17”

Weight: 12 lbs.

Powered subwoofer

Driver complement: One 10" polymer- cone woofer, one 10" infrasonic (passive) radiator

Integrated amplifier power: 300 watts

Dimensions: 12" x 17.875" x 14.4375"

Weight: Not specified

System Price: $1649

Satellites and Center Channel

Transparency and Focus

Imaging and Soundstaging

 

 

 

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Subwoofer

Bass Extension

Bass Pitch Definition

Bass Dynamics

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incorporate small passive radiators mounted in the tops (or ends) of their cabinets; these give the speakers a more full-bodied sound and better mid and upper bass (areas where other small monitors can sound “thin”).

“they deliver terrific dynamic punch with very low distortion.”

Killer Midrange

The ProCinema system serves up clean, clear highs and midrange that is shockingly detailed and nuanced. Sophisticated midrange sound is this system’s crowning achievement, meaning these speak- ers reveal small textures and details that many small systems simply cannot reproduce. For example, the ProCinema system caught the eerie ping and shimmer of percussion instruments in the Reiner/Chicago recording of Bartok’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste [RCA Living Stereo, SACD], and the almost subliminal inflections of Valerie Joyce’s voice on New York Blue [Chesky]. Lower down, the speakers nailed the plucked string sounds and earthy growl of Charlie Haden’s acoustic bass in Nocturnes [Verve]. These rich midrange details pull you deep inside your favorite music and films.

“clean, clear highs and midrange that is shockingly detailed and nuanced.”

The only small criticism I would offer is that Definitive’s aluminum dome tweeters, though very good, are not as good as the low-distortion

ProCinema mid/bass drivers mentioned above. The drivers generally integrate well, but the tweeter sometimes shows a bright, hard-edged quality inconsistent with the speaker’s otherwise smooth, open sound. Even so,

the ProCinema tweeter is arguably as good or better than those used in other systems at this price.

“qualities you’d expect to find only in higher-end systems.“

Bass Wallop

Completing the system is the 300- watt ProSub 1000, which borrows technology from Definitive’s award- winning SuperCube subwoofers. Not surprisingly, the ProSub goes low, and produces energetic bass, with dynamic capabilities well matched to the rest of the system. Pitch definition is good, though not quite as good as the best I’ve heard from other subs in this price range (for example, Epos’ ELS sub). Nevertheless, the ProSub 1000 offers greater bass wallop than most com- petitors, building a rock-solid mid- bass foundation that supports music and low frequency effects alike.

“looks small, plays big...

high-end sophistication”

The ProCinema 1000 system is a bargain, pure and simple. For under $2000 the system looks small, plays big, and gives you revealing midrange qualities you’d expect to find only in higher-end systems. TPV

11433 Cronridge Dr. • Owings Mills, MD 21117 • (410)363-7148

Visit us at www.definitivetech.com

The Perfect Vision September 2006

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Contents Big Dynamics Value with a capital ‘V’ProCinema 1000 system is a bargain, pure and simple Innovations that WorkKiller Midrange Looks small, plays big High-end sophisticationQualities you’d expect to find only in higher-end systems Bass Wallop