Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 Speaker System HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures

L/R Sensitivity: 88.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Center Sensitivity: 92 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Surround Sensitivity: 87 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the SM55 L/R (purple trace), SC6000 subwoofer (blue trace), CS-8040HD center channel (green trace), and SM45 surround (red trace). All passive loudspeakers were measured with grills at a distance of 1 meter with a 2.83-volt input and scaled for display purposes.

The SM55’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.66/–3.07 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3dB point is at 44 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 40 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.67 ohms at 207 Hz and a phase angle of –38.83 degrees at 136 Hz.

The CS-8040HD’s listening-window response measures +1.83/–3.83 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +2.44/–4.24 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 82 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 40 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.41 ohms at 273 Hz and a phase angle of –50.36 degrees at 132 Hz.

The SM45’s listening-window response measures +2.19/–2.87 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 61 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 44 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.46 ohms at 193 Hz and a phase angle of –39.33 degrees at 111 Hz.

The SC6000’s close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3dB point is at 28 Hz and the –6dB point is at 26 Hz. The upper –3dB point is at 96 Hz using the LFE input.—MJP

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COMMENTS
Animal1984's picture
Submitted by Animal1984 on May 16, 2012 - 3:37pm

Would you say that building a surround system with these speakers would blow away or rival the pro cinema 800 system.
I listen to alot of music through my stereo but love watching movies also, so i'm looking for a system that can pull double duty.

msardo's picture
Submitted by msardo on May 17, 2012 - 8:04am

"The top of each speaker is slightly rounded—a departure from the original flat top (and a real annoyance for those who like to set their beer cans or cocktail glasses on top of speakers during parties) ... not only is the darn thing curved on top, but that passive radiator is going to rattle your glass off the speaker for sure."

My my - who would ever even allow, let alone think of, placing a drink on top of a speaker. There are certain realities in life - like different objects were made for different purposes. Coffee tables do one thing, while speakers need to concentrate their energies on reproducing sound without the worry of tipping or rattling a glass of wine. Ugh.

:-)

Excalibur1121's picture
Submitted by Excalibur1121 on May 18, 2012 - 12:27pm

This is the exact system as I am going to purchase, except for the sub. I already have an SVS sub. I would like to know the what test equipment was used in this review (if possible).

I also auditioned the SM55, SM45, Totem Dreamcatcher, Mite and Rainmakers as well (same place, same components). All speakers are awesome and worthy of purchase. Has the reviewer ever listened to those Totem speakers and if so, how would you rate them compared to the SM45 and SM55 speakers?

kent harrison's picture
Submitted by kent harrison on January 13, 2013 - 2:48am

I listen to them and two different stores even with the Denon4520 receiver they sound flat to me compare the other speakers,it don't give off the soundfield i like.

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