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Definitive Technology CS-9080 Center channel speaker with built-in powered subwoofer

Item # 735CS9080

Intense, high-powered bass from a center channel speaker? Preposterous! Unless, of course, it's Definitive...

Intense, high-powered bass from a center channel speaker? Preposterous! Unless, of course, it's Definitive...

10 questions - 22 answers

Item # 735CS9080

About the Definitive Technology CS-9080

Dave Bar

Feel the power

Intense, high-powered bass from a center channel speaker? Preposterous! Unless, of course, it's Definitive Technology's mighty CS-9080. Unlike conventional center channel speakers, the CS-9080 boasts an 8" subwoofer coupled to a 10" passive radiator and driven by a built-in 300-watt amplifier. It clearly renders all the dialogue and vocal nuances of your favorite actors while ensuring that any special effects anchored to your screen are delivered with full bass impact. Get ready for dynamic performance and a riveting home theater thrill ride.

Feel the power

Intense, high-powered bass from a center channel speaker? Preposterous! Unless, of course, it's Definitive Technology's mighty CS-9080. Unlike conventional center channel speakers, the CS-9080 boasts an 8" subwoofer coupled to a 10" passive radiator and driven by a built-in 300-watt amplifier. It clearly renders all the dialogue and vocal nuances of your favorite actors while ensuring that any special effects anchored to your screen are delivered with full bass impact. Get ready for dynamic performance and a riveting home theater thrill ride.

High-tech drivers for exceptionally detailed sound

The CS-9080 has two 5-1/4" midrange drivers flanking a 1" dome tweeter, for perfectly blended highs and mids. The aluminum dome tweeter is heat-treated to relax the crystal structure of the metal, then attached to a silk surround to help produce crisp, sparkling highs without a trace of harshness. And thanks to Definitive's Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) driver design, which places a surround on both the outer and inner edge of the speaker cone to help it remain more stable as it moves, movie dialogue and special effects will sound clear, never muddy. 

Build a complete Definitive home theater system using perfectly matched bipole towers (see the BP-9020, BP-9040, BP-9060, and BP-9080X) and 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.

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Product highlights:

  • built-in powered subwoofer with volume control
  • Intelligent Bass Control provides precise bass level adjustments while maintaining accurate midrange tonal balance
  • 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
  • dual 5-1/4" BDSS mid/bass drivers for clear, accurate dialogue
  • one 1" annealed aluminum dome tweeter with silk surround for smooth, extended highs
  • upward-firing 8" powered subwoofer with built-in 300-watt amplifier
  • upward-firing 10" passive radiator for enhanced bass output
  • bass reflex (passive radiator) cabinet design
  • frequency response: 24-40,000 Hz
  • sensitivity: 91 dB
  • impedance: compatible with 8-ohm outputs
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-300 watts
  • one set of 5-way binding posts
  • 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)
  • cloth grille-wrapped enclosure with aluminum trim rings
  • 23-1/16"W x 7"H x 16-1/4"D
  • warranty: 5 years speaker, 3 years electronics
  • MFR # KEAA-A

What's in the box:

  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • 6.5' AC power cord
  • Owner's Manual
  • "What Obsession Sounds Like" card

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More details on the Definitive Technology CS-9080

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Passive Radiator
Color Black
Tweeter Type Hard-Dome
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange size (inches) N/A
Woofer size (inches) 8
Connector Type 5-Way post, RCA
Power Range 50-300
Sensitivity 91 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response 24-40k Hz
Height (inches) 7
Width (inches) 23-1/16
Depth (inches) 16-1/4
Weight 36 lbs
Wall-mountable No
Bracket Included No
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Features

Center-Channel Loudspeaker: The Definitive Technology CS9080 center-channel loudspeaker delivers immense clarity and focus to the vocal range, accurately reproducing even the most demanding audio soundtrack content so you can experience every detail of your home theater. An aluminum dome tweeter, high-performance midrange BDSS drivers, and an integrated powered subwoofer with Intelligent Bass Control let you hear and feel every note as the artist intends.

Aluminum Dome Tweeter: The CS9080 center-channel loudspeaker features one 1" aluminum dome tweeters 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 CS9080 employs two 5.25" midrange cone woofers 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 CS9080 contains a integrated powered subwoofer that consists of a top-firing 8" woofer and 300 watt amplifier designed to extend the frequency response and dynamic range of the center-channel 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 center channel speaker without the need to add a separate powered sub.

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.

10" Passive Radiator: Definitive Technology has paired the center speaker's 8" powered subwoofer with a top-firing 10" passive radiator for even bigger, deeper, louder bass that you can hear and feel.

Acoustically Transparent, Resonance-Free Cabinet: The Definitive Technology CS9080 uses a resonance-free 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 CS9080 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.

Speaker & Line Level Inputs: The Definitive Technology CS9080 center-channel loudspeaker is fitted with both speaker-level (binding post) and line-level (LFE/mono-RCA) inputs.

  • 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 center-channel speaker-level inputs to your AV receiver's center-channel speaker output, the CS9080'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 Center-Channel to "Large" and Subwoofer to "No". 
  • LFE/mono-RCA Input: For those you demand greater customization, the CS9080 also features an LFE/mono-RCA input. In this setup, your AV receiver's center-channel speaker outputs still connect to the CS9080's binding post speaker terminals, but also requires that the center-channel pre-out of your AV receiver to be connected to the center-channel 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. Definitive Technology highly recommends setting the center channel speaker to "Small", subwoofer to "Yes", and the crossover point in your 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). Do not connect the center-channel's line-level input to your receiver's LFE output; the center-channel speakers are not designed to be a dedicated subwoofer.
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 this center-channel speaker into your home theater system using your AV receiver's manual setup menu.

AC Power: Because the CS9080 features a built-in powered subwoofer, you will need to connect the center-channel speaker to an AC outlet. The center-channel's built-in amplifier will automatically turn-on once it's receiving an active signal from your AV receiver and will automatically turn off/standby after 20 minutes of no active signal.

Front-Panel LED: There is a front-panel LED "D" logo which illuminates when the CS9080's built-in amplifier is on, and turns off when the built-in amp is in standby. The LED "D" logo can be deactivated entirely.

Mounting & Placement Options: The Definitive Technology center-channel loudspeaker can be placed on top of a flat-surface; such as a stand, shelf, cabinet or other piece of AV furniture. Integrated rubber feet make sure the speaker stays in place and does not scratch your furniture. To optimize its performance, please follow these simple guidelines.

  • The center-channel speaker should be placed as close to the center of your television as possible without obstructing your view.
  • To receive the full benefit of the built-in powered sub, leave at least 1-2" of space between the top of the speaker and any surface.
Note: This center-channel speaker does not offer wall-mount compatibility.

BP9000 Series: The CS9080 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

10 questions already asked

Q
I am planning to buy CS-9080 as my center Channel, however i don't see a good L/R Speaker from Definitive ?. FYI: Mythos may workout but this model don't have many options and it seems, Mythos 9 is no longer available.
deepak  Dec 22, 2020
2 answers
A
I highly recommend cs9080 it is a good center speaker you won't be disappointed
darryl  Dec 29, 2020
A
I used Definitive floor speakers, and chose model BP-9080 because it has a built in subwoofer. That worked well for my space. I love the combination. Big sound, great definition, great sound spacing. Expensive, but you get great performance, and Definitive has some excellent smaller floor standing speakers to choose from as an alternative.
david  Dec 29, 2020
Q
What is the best Center Channel Speaker available ? and is built-in subwoofer helps if i have a separate Sub-Woofer ?
deepak  Dec 13, 2020
2 answers
A
I have the cs9080. It is an incredible center. Its extremely big so consider your space. As for the woofer, it fills the room nice even without a dedicated sub. If you demand heavy bass, a dedicated sub is needed. I would buy buy the cs9080 again for the bass and crisp highs
brent  Dec 15, 2020
A
There are many good center channel speakers and these Def Techs are perhaps just OK without the sub. With the integrated sub they are a whole different level. I don't have a dedicated sub and since I live on the 2nd floor in am apartment didn't have much choice. If you do not want an integrated sub in your center channel just choose the center speakers from the same brand and model as your left and right channel, since they usually play well together.
siddhartha  Dec 15, 2020
Q
On start up center makes two almost distortion sounding sounds. Any ideas?
joshua  Jun 20, 2020
3 answers
A
Does it distort throughout? I've had no such issues with this speaker. Check the volume knob on the back of the speaker. Make sure it's turned down and then adjust accordingly. I would also check the polarity of the connections. Hope this helps.
drake  Jun 20, 2020
A
Mine doesn't make any sounds. Could it be your cables? Best to call DefTech support.
siddhartha  Jun 20, 2020
A
Contact Crutchfield technical. They are the best and is why I purchase my electronics they them.
johnny  Jun 20, 2020
Q
This speaker (and the related tower speakers) has a built in subwoofer. Definitive recommeds that the subwoofer not be used. Why is a subwoofer built into these speakers if Definitive recommends that you don't use them?
thomas  Aug 11, 2018
6 answers
A
Hello... I believe they are referring to a separate subwoofer. If you don't have a separate subwoofer, you can utilize the Definitives built in subs. You can set your amp to 'No Subwoofer' in the settings section. This will allow you to take full advantage of the built in subwoofers. Of course the best set up is to use an external subwoofer. Set all your speakers to 'small' in the settings and start with a crossover set at 80hz. Hope that helps.
drake  Aug 12, 2018
A
Hows it going Thomas? I do not know why Crutchfied does not recommend using the built in subwoofers but I can give you my experience. I bought the CS9080 to pair with a left and right Studio Monitor 65. I figured do to the larger cabinet it would pair nicer than a procenter 2000 and with the built in subwoofer I could hold off on buying a seperate sub for the time being. The center sounds great but I am unable to use the subwoofer. When used for LEF with movies, the speaker will manage to creep off the entertainment center even though the speaker weighs 36lbs. As for the built in subs in general, you will get much more bang for your buck by allocating your money towards seperate speakers and sub. In hindsight I would have bought a seperate center and subwoofer, ending up with an even more powerful subwoofer for the same price.
joshua john  Aug 11, 2018
A
Strange recommendation from Definitive. I've Def towers with subwoofers too; they're active and work great. I have had to do some tweaking on my dialog receiver setting, to separate deep subwoofer sounds from dialog ( people speaking ), but that was no problem to do.
christian  Aug 11, 2018
A
Def. Tech never said don't use the subwoofers built in. What they say is to not use those speakers as "subwoofers". You are supposed to use the whole package (speakers and built in subwoofers) and not use one without the other.
raymond  Aug 11, 2018
A
You there is a downloadable copy of the CS9080 product manual on Crutchfields website and directly from Def Tech. Read about it in the manual. It explains it better than I can. You can also go to Def Tech's wedsite, there is a good customer blog where you can ask any related question and get a response directly from Def Tech. I've used it many times and received meaningful information.
tim  Aug 11, 2018
A
I have this as a center channel speaker. Listening to it straight out of the box is great. For me it does not need the subwoofer. However, for further customization at least it is there as a feature.
wayson  Aug 11, 2018
Q
If there is a problem with the CS 9080 while in warranty and the speaker needs to be returned to Definitive Technology for repair, who pays the shipping charges?
neal  Jun 01, 2018
1 answer
A
If the product must be shipped for warranty coverage, you'll have to cover the shipping fees. You can view the complete warranty details in the Owner's Manual which you can download (PDF file) by clicking the link for it under the "What's in the Box" heading on the speaker's main webpage.
ryan  Jun 09, 2018 (Staff)
Q
looking at a new surround speaker setup. Have a Denon AVR-X3300 receiver. Would this center/subwoofer combination speaker pair well with a set of D7 bookshelf speakers and a pair of SR-9040 bipolar surround speakers?
stanley  Dec 07, 2017
2 answers
A
I agree with Louis. I think these speakers will work well together and they definitely can work with the power of your Denon receiver! HTH! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Dec 11, 2017 (Staff)
A
Hi, Stanley -- The SR-9040s sound and look great. I believe the CS-9080 is comparable to my older C-L-R 1000 center channel, and its performance is excellent. I was seriously considering the D7s until I realized how much better the sound stage was with the BP-9040s. I also really like that the 9040s have integrated subwoofers -- placing a separate sub would have been a less desirable arrangement for me. Still, if the towers are not an option, I think you'd be very happy with the D7s. They do sound very good, but you definitely want to pair them with a sub.
louis  Dec 07, 2017
Q
Does the cs 9080 match the bp 7002. Sc towers ?
juan  Nov 23, 2017
2 answers
A
Yes
chris  Nov 29, 2017
A
Sure
raymond  Nov 28, 2017
Q
Will this pair well with my mythos st mains or should I look at a mythos ten instead?
zachary  Aug 17, 2017
2 answers
A
This is the best center speaker option possible for any of the towers. I love mine with my STL towers and mythos gem xl's
chris  Nov 29, 2017
A
It will pair perfectly. No worries. All Def Tech speakers are timber matched.
raymond  Aug 17, 2017
Q
Will this match ok with my 8040st towers?
bernard  Jun 05, 2017
1 answer
A
Yes the CS 9080 should work well with your towers
william  Jun 05, 2017
Q
Will a Definitive Tech. CS-9080 function properly placed with a shelf 2" above it"?
carl  Jul 18, 2016
1 answer
A
Defintive recommends you leave at least 1-2" of space between the top of the CS-9080 speaker and any surface to get the best audio performance--if your shelf is 2" above, that shouldn't be an issue. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Jul 20, 2016 (Staff)
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