The subject is a model of bipolar tower loudspeaker manufactured by Definitive Technology. It is characterized by its slim profile and built-in powered subwoofer, intended to provide full-range audio reproduction within a home theater or stereo system. This particular model number designates a specific set of features and specifications within the Definitive Technology product line, indicating its performance capabilities and intended use case.
The significance of this product lies in its ability to deliver both detailed high-frequency and mid-range sounds alongside impactful bass response, often eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer. This integrated design can be advantageous in smaller spaces or where aesthetic considerations prioritize a streamlined setup. Its introduction reflected a design philosophy focused on combining power and fidelity in a visually appealing form factor.
Further discussion will delve into the loudspeaker’s specific technical characteristics, design features, and performance attributes, offering a comprehensive overview of its capabilities and suitability for different audio applications. Analysis will focus on aspects such as driver configuration, amplification, and frequency response.
1. Bipolar Radiation
Bipolar radiation, in the context of the subject loudspeaker, refers to a design where sound is emitted from both the front and rear of the speaker cabinet. This configuration is a core characteristic of the loudspeaker and is a key differentiator within the broader speaker market. The implementation directly impacts the perceived soundstage and spatial characteristics of audio reproduction. For instance, in a typical home theater setup, bipolar radiation helps to create a more immersive and enveloping soundfield compared to traditional direct-radiating speakers, which primarily project sound forward.
The practical consequence of this design choice is a broader sweet spot for listeners and a more diffuse sound, which can be particularly beneficial in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics. By reflecting sound off the walls, bipolar radiation creates a greater sense of spaciousness. Conversely, this can lead to increased room interaction, potentially blurring sonic details in highly reverberant environments. The specific arrangement and tuning of the drivers in the speaker cabinet are therefore crucial to managing the balance between spaciousness and clarity.
In summary, bipolar radiation is an integral design element of the subject loudspeaker, fundamentally shaping its sound characteristics. While it offers advantages in terms of soundstage and immersion, careful consideration of room acoustics is necessary to fully realize its potential. The design necessitates a trade-off between direct sound and reflected sound, impacting the final listening experience.
2. Powered subwoofer
The integrated powered subwoofer within the model is a defining characteristic, significantly impacting its low-frequency performance capabilities. This component provides dedicated amplification for bass frequencies, bypassing the need for the main amplifier to handle these demanding signals. The inclusion of a powered subwoofer is not merely a design choice; it is a calculated integration intended to deliver a full-range audio experience from a single loudspeaker enclosure. For example, without the powered subwoofer, the model would likely require a separate, dedicated subwoofer unit to reproduce low-end frequencies adequately, resulting in a potentially less integrated and space-efficient system.
The consequence of this integration is improved bass response and overall sonic balance. The dedicated amplifier within the powered subwoofer allows for precise control and optimization of the low-frequency output. This control enables the loudspeaker to reproduce deep bass notes with clarity and impact, enhancing the listening experience for music, movies, and other audio content. As an example, in a home theater application, the powered subwoofer contributes to realistic sound effects, such as explosions or rumble, which would be significantly diminished without its presence. The size and power rating of the subwoofer component are calibrated to complement the loudspeaker’s overall design and intended performance profile.
In summary, the powered subwoofer constitutes a crucial element of the model, fundamentally influencing its low-frequency response and overall sonic performance. Its integration allows for a more complete and balanced audio experience, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer in many applications. The design choice underscores a commitment to delivering a full-range, high-fidelity sound from a single, relatively compact enclosure, but also requires sophisticated engineering to ensure seamless integration and prevent interference with the mid and high-frequency drivers.
3. Tower design
The tower design is a fundamental aspect of the definitive technology bp-8020st loudspeaker, influencing both its aesthetic and acoustic properties. This configuration is not merely stylistic; it directly contributes to the speaker’s performance capabilities and intended use.
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Vertical Driver Array
The tower design facilitates the vertical arrangement of multiple drivers, including tweeters, midrange drivers, and in this specific model, a powered subwoofer at the base. This vertical alignment aids in optimizing the speaker’s dispersion characteristics, promoting a wider and more consistent soundstage. The strategic positioning of each driver minimizes unwanted reflections and interference, contributing to clearer and more accurate sound reproduction. The length of the tower is engineered to achieve a specific acoustic output.
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Internal Volume and Bass Response
The elongated cabinet inherent in a tower design provides a significant internal volume, crucial for the efficient reproduction of low frequencies. This volume allows the powered subwoofer in the bp-8020st to operate effectively, delivering deep and impactful bass without requiring an excessively large external enclosure. A smaller form factor cannot equal the resonance chamber available inside the tower enclosure.
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Structural Integrity and Vibration Control
The tower configuration allows for a structurally robust cabinet construction. This is essential for minimizing unwanted vibrations that can negatively impact sound quality. The materials and bracing techniques employed in the tower design are specifically chosen to dampen resonances and ensure that the drivers operate in a stable and controlled environment. A flimsy case would vibrate and distort sound waves.
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Aesthetic Integration
Beyond its acoustic advantages, the tower design offers aesthetic benefits, allowing for a visually appealing and space-efficient integration into a home theater or listening room. The slim profile of the bp-8020st, enabled by its tower configuration, minimizes its visual footprint while still providing a substantial sonic presence. The high, thin design is less intrusive than a boxy speaker.
In conclusion, the tower design is integral to the functionality and performance of the definitive technology bp-8020st. It provides the necessary structural, acoustic, and aesthetic framework for delivering a full-range audio experience within a relatively compact and visually appealing form factor. The integration of drivers within the vertical plane, combined with the benefits of substantial internal volume and structural integrity, collectively contribute to the speaker’s overall sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The design is the very basis of its acoustic effectiveness.
4. Slim profile
The slim profile of the definitive technology bp-8020st is a significant design element that directly impacts its market appeal and placement flexibility. This attribute reflects a deliberate engineering choice aimed at addressing spatial constraints often encountered in modern living environments. The reduced width, compared to more traditional loudspeaker designs, allows for integration into smaller rooms or areas where floor space is a premium. A direct consequence of the slim profile is the enhanced aesthetic integration into a variety of interior design styles.
The importance of the slim profile extends beyond mere aesthetics. It influences the acoustic engineering of the loudspeaker. The internal volume, driver arrangement, and porting are carefully calibrated to maintain optimal audio performance within the constrained dimensions. For example, the powered subwoofer, while requiring a certain volume for effective low-frequency reproduction, is integrated in a manner that minimizes its footprint. The design challenges inherent in achieving full-range sound from a slim enclosure are considerable, necessitating advanced driver technology and cabinet construction techniques. The result is a speaker system that delivers substantial audio performance without dominating the physical space.
In conclusion, the slim profile is an integral design characteristic of the definitive technology bp-8020st, impacting both its aesthetic appeal and acoustic engineering. It represents a balance between spatial efficiency and high-fidelity performance. The deliberate engineering choices undertaken to maintain audio quality within the slim form factor underscore the significance of this design element. The slim profile increases the range of installation locations, allowing this loudspeaker to be placed in any room and match well with other decor.
5. Home theater
The home theater environment represents a specialized application of audio and video technology designed to replicate the cinematic experience within a residential setting. The definitive technology bp-8020st loudspeaker is often marketed as a component that can improve the performance of a home theater audio system.
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Immersive Sound Reproduction
A primary objective of a home theater is to create an immersive auditory experience, enveloping the listener in sound. The bp-8020st, with its bipolar radiation and integrated powered subwoofer, contributes to this immersion by producing a wide soundstage and impactful bass, essential for reproducing movie soundtracks effectively. For instance, during an action sequence, the subwoofer can convey the rumble of explosions, while the bipolar radiation creates a sense of spaciousness and depth.
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Dialogue Clarity
In a home theater setting, clear and intelligible dialogue is paramount. The bp-8020st’s midrange drivers are engineered to reproduce vocals with accuracy and clarity, ensuring that dialogue remains distinct even amidst complex sound effects. Consider a scene with overlapping dialogue and ambient noise; the speaker aims to maintain the intelligibility of the spoken words.
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Full-Range Audio
Home theater systems require a full-range audio response to accurately reproduce the diverse soundscapes of film and television. The bp-8020st, with its combined tweeter, midrange drivers, and powered subwoofer, aims to deliver a balanced and complete audio spectrum, from the delicate high frequencies to the deep low frequencies. As an example, a musical score in a film requires both the subtle nuances of the high frequencies and the grounding presence of the bass frequencies.
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Aesthetic Integration
The aesthetic design of a home theater system is often as important as its sonic performance. The bp-8020st’s slim profile and tower design allow it to blend seamlessly into a variety of home theater environments, minimizing its visual footprint while still delivering a substantial audio experience. For example, in a minimalist home theater setup, the speaker’s sleek design complements the overall aesthetic.
The definitive technology bp-8020st speaker system is a solution for a home theater setup. Its sonic profile and physical design are specifically engineered to meet the demands of home theater audio systems. When integrated properly, this system should provide an enriched listening experience.
6. High fidelity
High fidelity, often abbreviated as Hi-Fi, refers to the accurate reproduction of audio, aiming to minimize distortion and noise to faithfully recreate the original sound. The definitive technology bp-8020st loudspeaker is designed and marketed with the intention of delivering high-fidelity performance, positioning it within the audiophile and discerning consumer market. Several aspects of its design contribute to this objective.
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Frequency Response and Accuracy
A fundamental aspect of high fidelity is the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies with minimal deviation from the original signal. The bp-8020st aims to achieve this through its multi-driver configuration, including a dedicated tweeter for high frequencies, midrange drivers for clarity, and a powered subwoofer for low-frequency extension. A flat frequency response across the audible spectrum is a hallmark of high-fidelity equipment. For example, reproducing a complex orchestral piece requires the speaker to accurately render both the subtle high-frequency details of string instruments and the powerful low-frequency resonance of the bass section.
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Low Distortion and Noise
High-fidelity reproduction necessitates minimizing distortion and noise introduced by the audio components. The bp-8020st utilizes quality drivers and internal components to reduce unwanted artifacts that can degrade the listening experience. Low total harmonic distortion (THD) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are key metrics used to evaluate a component’s ability to reproduce sound cleanly. For instance, during quiet passages of music, a high-fidelity speaker should reproduce the subtle nuances without introducing hiss or hum.
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Transient Response and Detail Retrieval
The ability to accurately reproduce rapid changes in the audio signal, known as transient response, is crucial for high-fidelity performance. The bp-8020st’s driver design and crossover network are engineered to handle these transients effectively, preserving the detail and dynamics of the original recording. This is particularly important for reproducing percussive instruments or complex musical passages where timing and clarity are critical. An example would be the sharp attack of a snare drum or the precise plucking of a guitar string.
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Spatial Reproduction and Soundstage
High fidelity also encompasses the accurate reproduction of spatial information, creating a realistic soundstage for the listener. The bp-8020st’s bipolar radiation pattern contributes to this by creating a wider and more enveloping soundfield. This design aims to recreate the spatial cues present in the original recording, allowing the listener to perceive the placement of instruments and vocals within the soundstage. For example, in a well-recorded live performance, a high-fidelity speaker should accurately convey the sense of space and the positioning of musicians on the stage.
The definitive technology bp-8020st loudspeaker is designed with high-fidelity performance in mind, incorporating features aimed at accurate frequency response, low distortion, precise transient response, and realistic spatial reproduction. These characteristics collectively contribute to the speaker’s ability to deliver a listening experience that closely mirrors the original audio source. The effectiveness of the design in achieving these goals is subject to objective measurement and subjective evaluation, but the intent is clear: to provide a high-fidelity audio solution for home entertainment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST loudspeaker, providing factual information to assist in understanding its capabilities and usage.
Question 1: What are the primary applications of the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST?
The loudspeaker is primarily designed for home theater and stereo audio systems. It offers full-range sound reproduction with an integrated powered subwoofer, making it suitable for both movie soundtracks and music listening.
Question 2: What is the significance of the bipolar radiation design in this loudspeaker?
The bipolar design means the speaker emits sound from both the front and rear, creating a wider and more immersive soundstage. This enhances the listening experience, particularly in larger rooms, by reflecting sound off surrounding walls.
Question 3: How does the integrated powered subwoofer impact system requirements?
The integrated subwoofer eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer unit in many setups. It handles low-frequency reproduction independently, relieving the main amplifier from the burden of bass signals and allowing for a more compact overall system.
Question 4: Does the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST require specialized amplification?
While the subwoofer portion has its own amplification, the midrange and high-frequency drivers require connection to an external amplifier or receiver. Standard home theater receivers are generally compatible.
Question 5: What considerations should be made regarding room placement of the BP-8020ST?
Due to its bipolar design, room acoustics play a significant role in the speaker’s performance. Avoid placing the speaker directly against walls or in corners, as this can result in excessive bass buildup. Experimentation with positioning is recommended to optimize sound quality.
Question 6: How does the slim profile of the BP-8020ST affect its acoustic performance?
The slim profile is a design choice balancing aesthetics and functionality. While the internal volume is somewhat reduced compared to larger loudspeakers, the integrated powered subwoofer and carefully engineered driver arrangement help maintain full-range audio reproduction. The slim form factor allows for easier integration into various room designs.
Understanding these points provides a more complete picture of the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST, aiding in informed purchasing decisions and optimal system configuration.
The following section provides information on troubleshooting common issues and maintenance tips for the speaker system.
Optimization and Maintenance Tips for the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST
This section provides essential guidelines for maximizing the performance and longevity of the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST loudspeaker system. Adherence to these recommendations will ensure continued high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Tip 1: Proper Placement and Spacing
Optimal placement is critical for realizing the loudspeaker’s full potential. Due to its bipolar design, position the speaker at least one foot away from rear and side walls to avoid excessive bass buildup and ensure proper soundstage development. Experiment with toe-in to fine-tune imaging and focus. Consistent distance to listening area is necessary to generate proper sound field.
Tip 2: Subwoofer Level Calibration
The integrated powered subwoofer requires careful level calibration. Utilize a sound pressure level (SPL) meter or receiver’s auto-calibration function to match the subwoofer’s output to the main channels. Overly loud bass can mask other frequencies and reduce overall clarity. Aim for a balanced frequency response across the entire audio spectrum.
Tip 3: Secure Cable Connections
Ensure all speaker cable connections are secure and properly terminated. Loose connections can degrade signal quality and potentially damage the amplifier or loudspeaker. Use quality speaker cables with appropriate gauge for the distance involved. Inspect connections periodically for corrosion or degradation.
Tip 4: Regular Dusting and Cleaning
Dust accumulation on the speaker drivers and cabinet can negatively affect sound quality and appearance. Gently dust the loudspeaker with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish and driver materials.
Tip 5: Protection from Direct Sunlight and Extreme Temperatures
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the cabinet finish and degrade the driver materials. Similarly, extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage. Position the loudspeaker away from direct sunlight and maintain a stable, moderate environment to prolong its lifespan.
Tip 6: Avoid Overdriving the System
Operating the loudspeaker at excessive volume levels for extended periods can lead to driver fatigue and eventual failure. Monitor the amplifier’s output and avoid distortion, which is a clear indication of overdriving the system. Gradual increasing volume is the preferred method.
By implementing these guidelines, users can maintain the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST loudspeaker system in optimal condition, ensuring years of reliable and high-performance audio reproduction.
The subsequent section summarizes the key features and benefits of the discussed loudspeaker system.
Conclusion
This exploration has detailed the features and functionalities inherent in the definitive technology bp-8020st loudspeaker. The analysis encompassed its bipolar radiation pattern, integrated powered subwoofer, tower design, slim profile, and suitability for both home theater and high-fidelity audio applications. The combination of these elements contributes to a specific performance profile intended to provide a comprehensive audio experience.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the loudspeaker empowers informed decision-making regarding its integration into audio systems. Careful consideration of room acoustics, proper calibration, and adherence to maintenance guidelines are essential for maximizing its potential and ensuring long-term performance. The information provided serves as a resource for users and prospective buyers seeking to leverage the specific attributes of the definitive technology bp-8020st.
