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Definitive Technology BP-9020 Bipolar floor-standing speaker with built-in powered subwoofer

Item # 735BP9020

It's hard to beat the spacious sound of bipolar speakers, especially when you use a pair of Definitive Technology's...

It's hard to beat the spacious sound of bipolar speakers, especially when you use a pair of Definitive Technology's...

13 questions - 31 answers

Item # 735BP9020

About the Definitive Technology BP-9020

Dave Bar

High-tech towers for engaging music and home theater

It's hard to beat the spacious sound of bipolar speakers, especially when you use a pair of Definitive Technology's BP-9020 high-performance towers in the front of your room. The BP-9020 uses a special driver layout with both front- and rear-firing speaker arrays to radiate sound in all directions. It also adds a built-in powered subwoofer to the bottom of the cabinet for intense bass. Even in large rooms, every listener will experience a huge, three-dimensional soundstage with both music and movies. Plus, this speaker's sleek, modern look and cloth grille-wrapped enclosure make it a welcome addition to just about any space.

High-tech towers for engaging music and home theater

It's hard to beat the spacious sound of bipolar speakers, especially when you use a pair of Definitive Technology's BP-9020 high-performance towers in the front of your room. The BP-9020 uses a special driver layout with both front- and rear-firing speaker arrays to radiate sound in all directions. It also adds a built-in powered subwoofer to the bottom of the cabinet for intense bass. Even in large rooms, every listener will experience a huge, three-dimensional soundstage with both music and movies. Plus, this speaker's sleek, modern look and cloth grille-wrapped enclosure make it a welcome addition to just about any space.

Bipolar speaker technology immerses you in detailed sound

Definitive Technology BP-9020 internal view

A built-in powered sub delivers deep bass. (The woofer fires to the left only; no mirror-image version.)

Here's how it works: direct sound from the front two midrange drivers and tweeter arrives at your ears first, to provide clear, focused imaging. That's followed by sound from the rear mid driver to enhance spaciousness. The combination creates a lush, seamless soundstage that's more like the way we hear sounds in real life. And thanks to Definitive's Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) drivers, your music and surround effects will sound clear and accurate, allowing you to pinpoint the soloist in a band or the direction of a jaguar's call in the jungle.

Powerful bass built right in

At the base of the speaker is an 8" side-firing subwoofer, powered by a built-in 150-watt amplifier. It delivers deep, precise bass that eliminates the need for an external sub. (Note: when you're using a pair, the subwoofer will fire to the left on both speakers, and the bass sounds well-balanced.) And because a subwoofer is built into the cabinet, bass output is already perfectly blended with the mids and the highs. All you have to do is set the bass volume to match your room and taste, then sit back and enjoy your music and movie soundtracks.

Dolby Atmos® ready

If you're looking for an easy way to seamlessly integrate Dolby Atmos surround sound into your home theater, the BP-9020 is ready to go. Underneath this tower's handsome, removable aluminum top plate is a built-in docking port made exclusively for Definitive's optional A90 Atmos enabled speaker module.

Simply remove the plate, attach the A90 module to the port, and you're ready for an intense home theater experience. The hidden integrated connector port terminates at the base of the tower with a pair of binding post speaker terminals for connection to your Dolby Atmos compatible receiver's "Height" or "Top" outputs.

Don't have a Dolby Atmos capable receiver? Check out our selection.

Build a complete Definitive Bipolar home theater system using perfectly matched centers (see the CS-9040, CS-9060, and CS-9080) and bipolar surrounds (see the SR-9040 and SR-9080).

Did you know?

Your new speakers will probably sound better after several weeks of use than they do right out of the box. That's because the material surrounding the woofers will loosen up, allowing the drivers to move more fully. Definitive Technology estimates a break-in period of 24 to 48 hours of playback before the speakers will deliver optimum sound quality. For more information and helpful tips, check out this article from Definitive's website about conditioning your speakers.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • Forward Focused Bipolar Array™ technology for lifelike imaging and greater speaker placement flexibility
  • built-in powered subwoofer with volume control
  • Intelligent Bass Control provides precise bass level adjustments while maintaining accurate midrange tonal balance
  • Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ ready with optional Definitive Technology A90 add-on speaker module (sold separately)
    • built-in docking port with speaker connector plug for A90 module under removable aluminum top plate
  • Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) driver technology places rubber surrounds on both the outer and inner edges of each speaker cone for improved control and clarity
  • front speaker array: dual 3-1/2" BDSS midrange drivers and 1" annealed aluminum dome tweeter with silk surround for smooth, extended highs
  • rear speaker array: one 3-1/2" BDSS midrange
  • 8" subwoofer with built-in 150-watt Class D amplifier
  • bass-reflex (slot ported) cabinet design
  • frequency response: 28-40,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-200 watts
  • sensitivity: 92 dB
  • impedance: compatible with 8-ohm outputs
  • cloth grille-wrapped enclosure with anodized aluminum top plate
  • cast aluminum base plate with adjustable knurled carpet spikes and floor glides (for placement on hardwood and other hard surface floors)
  • two sets of 5-way binding posts (one set dedicated for optional A90 Dolby Atmos add-on module)
  • LFE line-level input (optional) for subwoofer
    • speaker-level-only connections recommended for optimum performance
  • LED illuminated front "D" logo (with rear-panel defeat switch)
  • 11"W x 35-1/2"H x 13"D (with included base plate)
  • warranty: 5 years speakers, 3 years electronics
  • MFR # IEDA-A

What's in the box:

  • Tower loudspeaker
  • 6.5' AC power cord
  • Top-plate (installed)
  • Stabilizer base
  • 4 Floor guides
  • 4 Carpet spikes
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Nuts
  • Owner's Manual
  • "What Obsession Sounds Like" card

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More details on the Definitive Technology BP-9020

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF/Aluminum/Cloth
Color Black
Tweeter Hard-Dome
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange Size (inches) 3.5
Woofer Size (inches) 8
Woofer Composition Polypropelene
Woofer Surround Rubber
Built-in Powered Sub No
Dolby Atmos Drivers Optional
Connector Type 5-Way post, RCA
Bi-amp Inputs No
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Specifications
Power Range 50-200
Frequency Response 28-40k Hz
Sensitivity 92 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Subwoofer Amp Power 150
Height (inches) 35-9/16
Width (inches) 11-1/16
Depth (inches) 13-13/16
Weight 30 lbs

Product Research

Features

Tower Loudspeaker: The Definitive Technology BP9020 tower speaker is the answer for remarkable, immersive, room-filling sound so you can experience every detail of your home theater soundtrack. Its patented Forward Focused Bipolar Array (FFBP) will expand your room's entire soundstage for an enveloping sound. An aluminum dome tweeter, high-performance midrange/midbass drivers, and an integrated powered subwoofer with Intelligent Bass Control let you hear and feel every note as the artist intended.

Forward-Focused Bipolar Array (FFBP): The Definitive Technology BP9020 tower speaker utilizes powerful, Forward-Focused Bipolar (FFBP) speaker array for wide and immersive sound dispersion. Forward Focused Bipolar (FFBP) Array offers the ultimate balance between room-filling sound and a precise center image, while giving you total placement flexibility. The FFBP array consists of a 1" aluminum dome tweeter and two 3.5" midrange/midbass cone woofers on the front and one 3.5" midrange driver on the back. By radiating sound both forward and rearward, the speaker produces sound as it is in real life, with improved pinpoint localization of soloists, greater placement flexibility, and superior intelligibility.

Aluminum Dome Tweeter: The BP9020 tower loudspeaker features one 1" aluminum dome tweeter for crystal clear highs that bring the most demanding audio soundtracks to life. The Definitive Technology tweeter is designed to play higher in frequency than what is heard by the human ear, creating an authentic reproduction of sound as the artist intends in the studio or concert hall.

BDSS (2nd Gen) Drivers: The Definitive Technology BP9020 employs three 3.5" midrange/midbass cone woofers (two on front/one on back) with patented Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) technology (2nd generation). BDSS technology improves driver excursion which results in the selected driver producing bass output usually associated with a larger driver, while retaining the improved dispersion and midrange definition of a smaller driver.

Integrated Powered Subwoofer: The BP9020 contains a integrated powered subwoofer that consists of a side-firing 8" woofer and 150 watt amplifier designed to extend the frequency response and dynamic range of the tower speaker. The best loudspeaker is one that reproduces balance between the highest highs down to deepest lows as accurately as possible. The integrated powered subwoofer offers deeper, more impactful bass from the tower speaker without the need to add a separate powered sub. The benefits of a built-in subwoofer include -

  • Eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer that takes up additional floor space.
  • More bass output from two subwoofers, compared to one.
  • Two subwoofers reduce standing wave room resonances and dead zones.
  • The subwoofers are perfectly integrated and blended with the mids and highs, eliminating the crossover and phase controls of a separate subwoofer.

Intelligent Bass Control: Intelligent Bass Control is Definitive Technology's latest advancement that offers enhanced bass while maintaining overall mid-range tonal balance. Intelligent Bass Control gives you the ability to modulate deep bass up or down in level while simultaneously maintaining optimal mid-range clarity regardless of where the bass control is set. Simply rotate the dial on the back of the loudspeaker to your preferred bass setting and the speaker will do the rest. Definitive Technology recommends starting at the mid-point and then adjust to your preference from there.

Bass Port: The BP9020 tower loudspeaker utilizes a rear-firing slot sport for higher efficiency and deeper bass.

Acoustically Transparent, Resonance-Free Cabinet: The Definitive Technology BP9020 uses a resonance-free, one-piece cabinet for high performance, distortion-free sound. The speaker cabinet's maximum rigidity with strategically placed bracing improves imaging while reducing resonance, further reinforcing the speaker's clean and powerful sound. The BP9020 loudspeaker's cabinet is wrapped in an acoustically transparent cloth grille for unaltered sound. Thanks to the speaker's acoustically transparent grille, you'll enjoy the subtle elegance of the speaker design without having to remove a speaker grille to enjoy natural, uncolored sound. On the top of the cabinet is a brushed aluminum, acoustically-treated magnetic plate that finishes off the speaker cabinet nicely.

Speaker & Line Level Inputs: The Definitive Technology BP9020 tower loudspeaker is outfitted with both speaker-level (binding post) and line-level (LFE/mono-RCA) inputs for its built-in drivers, plus speaker-level (binding post) inputs and a proprietary connector for when adding Definitive Technology's Dolby Atmos speaker module (sold separately).

  • Binding Post Terminals: The speaker terminals are 5-way binding posts that will accommodate spade connectors, single or dual banana plugs, pin-connectors, and bare wire up to 10 gauge. By connecting the tower speaker's binding post terminals to your AV receiver's front speaker terminal outputs, the BP9020's internal crossover network distributes all frequencies to their intended drivers, and the integrated subwoofer works harmoniously with the mid-range array. In your AV receiver's menu, set the Front speakers to "Large" and Subwoofer to "No". 
  • LFE/mono-RCA Input: For those you demand greater customization, the BP9020 also features an LFE/mono-RCA input. In this setup, your AV receiver's front speaker outputs still connect to the BP9020's binding post speaker terminals, but also requires that the AV receiver's LFE/mono-RCA output to be connected to the tower speaker's LFE/mono-RCA input. This type of setup gives you the ability to control the amount of low frequencies (those below the crossover point set in your receiver) sent to the integrated subwoofer. You will need to set front speakers to "Small", subwoofer to "Yes", and the crossover point in your AV receiver to 80Hz or below to avoid disturbing the delicate blending between the subwoofer and midrange. In addition, careful balance between the subwoofer output level of your receiver and the bass control on the back of your speaker should be considered (Definitive Technology recommends starting with the bass control at 12 o'clock).
  • Optional Dolby Atmos Elevation Module: The BP9020 features an integrated, hidden connector port that fits Definitive Technology's A90 Dolby Atmos elevation speaker module (sold separately) seamlessly. Simply remove the magnetically-sealed, acoustically treated aluminum top panel from the BP9020 tower speaker and firmly align and place the A90 elevation speaker module within the top of  the tower speaker to hear and feel Dolby Atmos multi-dimensional sound. There are dedicated binding post terminals (labeled "Height") to connect the "Height" channels of your AV receiver to the BP9020.You will also need a Dolby Atmos-enabled receiver and Dolby Atmos-encoded source material.
Note: Definitive Technology recommends that you do not use your receiver's auto setup functions, as they can be ineffective in setting up and adjusting speakers with integrated powered subwoofers. Configure tower speaker into your home theater system using your AV receiver's manual setup menu.

Cast Aluminum Base w/ Interchangeable Feet: The BP9020 tower loudspeaker is supported by a sturdy, cast aluminum base. The cast aluminum base's wide footprint increases overall stability of the tower speaker, while the addition of spikes or floor glides help keep your speakers firmly in place whether on carpet or other solid floor surfaces like hardwood or tile. The floor glides add approximately 0.4375" to the overall height of the tower speaker, while the spike feet add approximately 1" to the overall height of the speaker.

Note: The tower speaker must be used with the cast aluminum base for maximum stability.

Placement: The BP9020 tower speaker offers bipolar sound, meaning they will reflect sound off the back and side walls to create an incredibly broad and engaging soundstage no matter where you sit. The BP9020 tower loudspeaker is very flexible in terms of positioning and placement. To optimize performance, please follow these simple placement guidelines -

  • Setup a pair of tower loudspeakers and the main listening position in an equilateral triangle for the best stereo imaging.
  • Position each tower speaker at least 4" away from the back wall to maximize its bipolar sound.
  • Toeing the tower speakers in slightly, if possible, toward your viewing area will also provide a stronger center image.

AC Power: Because the BP9020 features a built-in powered subwoofer, you will need to connect the tower speaker to an AC outlet. The tower speaker's built-in amplifier will automatically turn-on once it's receiving an active signal from your AV receiver, and will automatically turn off after 20 minutes of no active signal.

Front-Panel LED: There is a front-panel LED "D" logo which illuminates when the BP9020's built-in amplifier is on, and turns off when the built-in amp is in standby mode. The LED "D" logo can be deactivated entirely.

BP9000 Series: The BP9020 is part of Definitive Technology's BP9000 series line-up of speakers. Definitive Technology's BP9000 series loudspeakers is its 4th generation of bipolar tower speakers, matching center channels, surrounds, and a height speaker module, designed to offer true, full-range performance for listeners seeking the highest quality audio reproduction. The BP9000 series of loudspeakers consists of the BP9020, BP9040, BP9060 and BP9080X bipolar tower speakers; the CS9040, CS9060 and CS9080 center-channel speakers; the SR9040 and SR9080 surround speakers; and the A90 elevation speaker module supporting Dolby Atmos.

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Customer Q&A

13 questions already asked

Q
are the 9020 tower speakers handed? ie, right & lefts. notice the side speakers both face the left
paul  Nov 15, 2021
1 answer
A
They are not handed. They both are set up with the subwoofer speaker on the left side. But the bass comes out the back at the bottom. So i have not noticed any issues with them. The bass sounds great. Also my receiver supports two subs. So i have them connect to the LFE ports on each tower. Hope this helps
dexter  Nov 16, 2021
Q
Is it possible to be placed horizontally?
?????  Oct 24, 2020
2 answers
A
That is not recommended, it would not produce very good results.
thomas  Nov 05, 2020 (Staff)
A
I guess you could but I would put subwoofer side up for sure. It would take up a lot of space that way too
charles edwa  Nov 05, 2020
Q
What's the best one the BP9060 or the Polk S60 big difference in price ? Not concern about price looking for the choice.
hank  Sep 16, 2020
2 answers
A
I purchased bp9020 recently. Have not heard 9060. Am very pleased with sound of 9020. Seems a little brighter than polk's I've had. The 9020's are very loud and detailed. Great for music and movies. Extremely happy with them. Used to run paradigm 7's prior. Enjoying 9020's more over all.
brian  Oct 07, 2020
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kristina  Oct 06, 2020 (Staff)
Q
How many amps does the sub draw?
francis r  Aug 16, 2020
1 answer
A
Hi Rick, thank you for your question. The Def Tech BP-9020's built in subwoofer is using a 150 watt Class D amplifier, for your home's 120 volt electrical system, this should equal to around 1.25 amps. The power rating of the amplifier to the subwoofer of this speaker system is rated at 150 watts RMS, if you need more specific power ratings in regards to the subwoofer's amplifier, you may wish to contact Definitive Technology at 800-228-7148.
jessica  Aug 28, 2020 (Staff)
Q
How do these compare to the Definitive Technology Mythos STS SuperTowers?
yang  Mar 02, 2020
1 answer
A
The mythos have a small footprint meaning they are smaller in size and also it doesn't have the capability to add for dolby atmos additional speaker on the top but looking at the spec for mythos they are very good I would first see it in a store and maybe so a comparison and see which one is better.
onkar  Mar 02, 2020
Q
Is the speaker cabinet actually 11-1/16 inches wide or is that the width of the base stand?
james  Nov 21, 2018
8 answers
A
When facing forward in the usual direction, the actual speaker width is only 6 inches wide; the DEPTH (side of speaker) is 12.4 inches. The base juts out laterally about 2 inches on each side...
greg  Nov 28, 2018
A
Is the base stand width.
antoine  Nov 26, 2018
A
That is the width including the stand. I believe it's 11"
sara  Nov 26, 2018
A
The speaker is only 6.5 inches. The wider width is with the base stand
darrell  Nov 26, 2018
A
It looks like the width of the separate base piece is 11-1/16"
michael  Nov 26, 2018
A
That is the width of the base stand.
eugene  Nov 26, 2018
A
The speaker is 6" wide. X 13" deep
michael  Nov 26, 2018
A
That's the base width
laurie  Nov 26, 2018
Q
do I need to buy two? if so why don't they sell in pairs?
nbavi  Sep 19, 2018
4 answers
A
Yes its a must.
juan  Sep 22, 2018
A
Yes, you will need to buy two. Most quality home speakers, if not all, are typically sold individually. You will not be disappointed; the quality is superb.
brian  Sep 22, 2018
A
Yes! Why? To balance out the sound don't forget to buy the Atmos speaker as well. The set sounds amazing.
leterrance  Sep 22, 2018
A
I purchased 2 in replace of my shelf speakers and sub. They are absolutely amazing speakers so I replaced my center with definitive technology center speaker...
johnny  Sep 22, 2018
Q
I have about 10 feet of separation space between front speakers in surround sound home theater system. Distance from TV to main seating area is 20 feet. Would the BP9020 towers work as front speakers given the short distance between the fronts?
kim  Mar 25, 2018
3 answers
A
Short answer is yes. It would depend on your AVR settings, though. On 5.1 set up even with your separation distance (mine is about 12 ') a center channel is necessary IMO. The dialog coming from the screen area, (either top or bottom) gives you the "sound symmetry" to really enjoy multichannel movies and shows.
luis  Mar 25, 2018
A
I have mine 10 feet apart and I'm sitting about 12 feet away also have the speakers about a foot away from the wall because they are ported out the back,also have them slightly tilted in towards center of seating and they sound,think you will love them,I do!
anthony  Mar 25, 2018
A
Yes I have about the same distance. They sound awesome. Make sure to purchase the Dolby Atmos speakers. I did; they sound better than before.Enter
leterrance  Mar 25, 2018
Q
I would like to know how the BP9020 handles the bass that comes from the movies if it is not physically connected to the subwoofer output on the amplifier?
juan g.  Oct 01, 2017
4 answers
A
I don't think you will need sub movies rumble with the speaker alone.
anthony  Oct 03, 2017
A
It is very good. Those speakers are excellent amd the bass is amazing.
juan  Oct 02, 2017
A
Yes, it does. The crossover that's built in the speakers takes care of it. Mine are hooked up that way. The receiver's LFE outputs go to my sobwoofers.
luis  Oct 01, 2017
A
My bp9020's are hooked in to my marantz receiver and just spec'd as regular speakers from when I set it up through my LG tv. The bass through the speakers (subwoofer) is very impressive when watching and listening to movies. It can also be adjusted on the speaker itself. Hope this helps.
michael  Oct 01, 2017
Q
What happens if you don't plug this in(or if the sub power unit dies in the future) ? Where does he low frequency stop?
m  Mar 25, 2017
1 answer
A
I'm afraid the frequency response of just the mid-range and tweeters without the sub is not provided in the specs or owner's manual. For more details on the Def Tech BP9020 speakers, feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
david  Apr 05, 2017 (Staff)
Q
If these speakers were elevated off the floor about 3', would their performance be affected?
michael  Jan 09, 2017
1 answer
A
Not at all. These speakers come with an aluminum stand that will rise the speaker about 1.5 inches with carpet spikes. From the esthetic point of view, they look real good on the spikes. I did try the spikes on the highest settings (about 2 inches from the floor).No difference on sound.
luis  Jan 09, 2017
Q
Is it still necessary to buy a subwoofer?
angel  Sep 25, 2016
2 answers
A
It really depends on your needs. If you want that extra punch, then you might want to get a separate sub. If the towers subs bass satisfies you, then no need to. No one can tell you that but you and your listening habits. Hope this helps.
raymond  Sep 28, 2016
A
No need for subwoofer Great base.
leroy  Sep 26, 2016
Q
Do I need a subwoofer output on my amplifier to use these?
leif  Sep 02, 2016
1 answer
A
No. The tower speaker uses a power plug for the built in subwoofer. No need for a separate subwoofer cable. Just use regular speaker cables, plug in the speaker power cable and enjoy.
raymond  Sep 06, 2016
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