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Definitive Technology DI 8R In-ceiling speaker

Item # 735DI8R

Get room-filling, dynamic sound from a speaker that disappears into your décor.

Get room-filling, dynamic sound from a speaker that disappears into your décor.

6 questions - 8 answers

Item # 735DI8R

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$359.00 -$35.90 Outlet savings
$323.10 each

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About the Definitive Technology DI 8R

Tara W.
Get room-filling, dynamic sound from a speaker that disappears into your décor. Definitive Technology's DI 8R speaker installs flush in your ceiling. With its paintable, low-profile grille and hidden flange, it's practically invisible.

Get room-filling, dynamic sound from a speaker that disappears into your décor. Definitive Technology's DI 8R speaker installs flush in your ceiling. With its paintable, low-profile grille and hidden flange, it's practically invisible.

The DI 8R pairs a pivoting 1" aluminum tweeter with a 8" driver for precise highs, full-bodied bass, and impressive dynamic range. The pivoting tweeter allows you to aim the sound directly towards your listening area, so you can fine-tune your system's sound.

Building a system
You can use the DI 8R as part of a multi-room music system, or in a home theater system. It's voice-matched with Definitive Technology's Mythos and Bipolar speaker lines, so you can mix and match.

An optional Definitive Technology DI 6.5R rough-in bracket is recommended for installing this speaker in new construction (brackets sold in pairs).

Got wire?
Most speakers don't include any. Learn more about in-wall wiring.
Shop our selection of in-wall speaker wire.

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:

  • frequency response 26-30,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • 1" pivoting Pure Aluminum dome tweeter
  • 8" woofer
  • Disappearing™ In-ceiling speaker design, including hidden flange and low-profile grille
  • handles up to 225 watts
  • sensitivity 90 dB
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • paintable white matte grille
  • magnetic grille for easy installation
  • cutout dimensions: 8-3/4" diameter
  • mounting depth: 3-3/8"
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # UEWA

What's in the box:

  • Round in-ceiling speaker
  • White grille (paintable)
  • Four mounting screws (installed)
  • Cut-out template
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online Product Registration card

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

Customer reviews for Definitive Technology DI 8R

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5.0 out of 5 stars
22 reviews

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More details on the Definitive Technology DI 8R

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Quantity in Package Single
Tweeter Hard-Dome
Aimable Tweeter No
Woofer Composition Polymer
Woofer Surround Rubber
Connector Type Spring clip
Bi-Amp Inputs No
Built-in Back-box No
Moisture Resistance
Indoor (Moisture-resistant) No
Outdoor (Partial Exposure) No
Outdoor (Full Exposure) No
Specs
Tweeter Size 1
Midrange Size ---
Speaker Shape Round
Woofer Size 8
Cutout Width 8.75
Cutout Height 8.75
Mounting Depth 3.75
Power Range (Watts) 10-225
Sensitivity 90 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response 26-30kHz
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Overview: The Definitive Technology Disappearing In-Wall loudspeaker (DI Series) offers high-quality sound from a speaker that is barely visible when installed in a wall or ceiling. The Definitive DI Series incorporates a BDSS driver, pivoting tweeter, and integrated flanges behind an unobtrusive grille to provide audiophile-grade sound quality with an almost invisible appearance. The DI 8.5R is a mere 9-3/4" (24.8cm) in total visible diameter, which is noticeably smaller than competing nominal 8" models.

Features
Mounting Options

Features

Disappearing In-Wall Design: The DI 8.5R features Definitive Technology's Disappearing In-Wall Design. The mounting flange thickness of the in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker is no more than 2.5mm (0.099") and is completely covered by the grille that stands a mere 3.5mm (approx 0.125") from the wall surface. The grille is "micro-perf", that while presenting an opaque appearance, actually has more open area than typical perforated metal grilles allowing the sound to pass through with less interference and better fidelity. Behind the metal grille is an acoustically transparent proprietary cloth scrim that effectively blacks the dark "shadow" of the black speaker parts from showing through the grille.

Pivoting Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Waveguide: The DI Series in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker uses Definitive Technology's proprietary ceramic-coated annealed aluminum 1" dome tweeter. The DI 35R tweeter is post mounted, and the tweeter housing is specially smoothed and shaped to use it as an extremely effective low-diffraction waveguide. The aluminum dome tweeter features a pivoting design which allows you to focus the sound toward or away from your listening area depending on the application.

BDSS Drivers: The DI 8.5R uses a 8" BDSS driver for wide-bandwidth accurate frequency response, broad dispersion, low distortion, and maximum detail retrieval. The 8" BDSS driver cone is supported by specially tuned soft rubber surrounds at both the outer and inner edges. The double surrounds allow the cone to have longer excursion without distortion. As bass output is a function of both a cone's diameter and excursion, the higher excursion BDSS system brings the benefit of higher bass output from smaller drivers. The DI 8.5R's 8" BDSS driver has the bass output and dynamic range of a typical 10" driver.

Linkwitz-Riley Crossover Network: The Definitive Technology DI 8.5R's second order (12dB/octave) Linkwitz-Riley crossover offers a smooth frequency and phase transition from driver to tweeter for natural midrange response and excellent off-axis performance. A Zobel network flattens the impedance curve of the speaker making it easier for today's digital amplifiers to drive the speakers. Custom tight-tolerance (+/- 5%) components are used throughout the crossover for superb unit-to-unit performance consistency. Superior metal film capacitors are used in the high-pass section and the Zobel network for extended high frequency response. Oversize inductors (coils) avoid saturation thereby maintaining the wide dynamic range capabilities of the driver.

Environmental EQ: The Environmental EQ switch (on top-frame of speaker) provides a 1dB broad bandwidth tweeter output lift or cut to compensate for highly absorptive or reflective acoustic environments.

AeroRing: The dimpled AeroRing is soft Sanoprene rubber and serves several important functions. First, it damps the basket/flange assembly nearest its thinnest part (the flange) to prevent resonance. Second it prevents the grille from rattling in the unlikely event that it makes contact with the speaker frame. It also provides a smooth transition for the waveform coming off the cone. Similar to the dimples on a golf ball that reduce turbulence to aid in longer flight, the dimples on the AeroRing promote smooth "laminar" air flow over the surface thereby reducing diffraction effects. The DI Series in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeakers sound clear, natural, and disperse their sound over a wide area.

PolyStone Basket: The driver basket, mounting flange, and mounting system of the DI 8.5R is one piece of cast PolyStone; Definitive's exclusive formulation of polymers and minerals that combine the rigidity and strength of metal with the resonance damping properties of plastics. As a result of the one-piece mounting system, the DI 8.5R offers increased strength, a compact size, and maximized cone area. Besides being more space efficient than multi-piece construction, it also contributes to the superior sound quality of the DI Series speakers.

Connections: The DI 8.5R features a pair of heavy-duty, gold-plated, spring-loaded wire terminals that have oversized holes to accept up to 10 gauge wire.

Definitive's GaussGrip System: Definitive's GaussGrip system securely holds the grille of the in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker in place with powerful magnets. Simply lay the grille over the speaker and its secure. Taking off the grille is just as easy and fast; no special tools that can chip the grille paint are required. All you need to remove the grille is your fingers.

Paintable Grille The DI Series in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker's white "micro-perf" cloth grille can be spray painted to match the color of your wall or ceiling without any loss of sound quality. Simply remove the grille from the speaker and place it on a drop cloth, newspaper, or plastic sheet and spray paint it with canned spray paint that closely matches the desired finish/color; or with indoor latex paint using an airbrush or spray gun (available at home improvement stores). The paint must be diluted to a 6:1 ratio of latex paint to water. Do not remove the backing cloth (scrim). Apply the paint in a series of thin coats sprayed at 45-60 degrees from the grille surface, allowing each coat to fully cure before applying additional coats. To ensure that the paint distribution is evenly applied, each coat should be applied from 4 different directions (N,S,E, & W) to ensure an even coverage on the grille.

Note: The grille must be spray painted detached from the speaker. Do not paint the grille with a brush or roller.

Mounting Options

Applications: The DI 8.5R can be used as a pair of stereo speakers for your music or as a pair of front and surround speakers in your home theater system.

Mounting: The DI 8.5R can be mounted in-ceiling using the integrated rotating clamps and four mounting screws, or using an optional pre-construction bracket (7358RRIK, sold separately). A cutout template is supplied to help you cut a 8-3/4" diameter hole. You will need to allow at least 1/2" of space around the cutout and have at least 3-1/4" of clearance for mounting depth (using 1/2" thick mounting surface). You should allow at least 7/8" from the edge of the cutout to nearest obstruction inside the mounting surface.

Optional Pre-Construction (Rough-In) Brackets: The optional DI Series pre-construction rough-in brackets provide a simple way to mount these in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker during pre-construction or remodeling of your home. The center rings are fabricated from heavy duty painted stamped steel. There are no sharp metal edges to cut an installer's hands and they are ultra rigid, so that when drywall is laid over and cut the brackets will not bend or break. The two 12" wings are painted perforated metal that snap onto the center ring in a variety of positions to cover almost any installation. The wings can be attached with nails, staples or screws; and can be bent and easily trimmed with tin snips. They are also thin enough to make stud notching simple. The wire tie loop easily breaks away when the speaker is installed. DI Rough-in Brackets are packaged two to a carton.

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Customer Q&A

6 questions already asked

Q
Can i use these as rear speaker for dolby atmos or dtx?
bik  May 18, 2023
1 answer
A
It would be possible to use these for rear speakers in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X applications. However, it is generally recommended that rear channels should be at ear-level, especially in Dobly Atmos or DTS:X applications. Having rear channels in-ceiling can muddle the discrete nature the rear and height channels.
zachary  May 18, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Will these work as rear surround speakers with Bose accoustimass 10 system? My other front and centers are all Bose
ayesha  May 05, 2021
1 answer
A
The ideal theater system will be one that has matching speakers for all the main channels (all but the subwoofer) making Bose in-ceiling speakers a better match for the speakers you have now. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to check current options
jason  May 22, 2021 (Staff)
Q
Will these work as rear surround speakers with Bose accoustimass 10 system? My other front and centers are all Bose
ayesha  May 05, 2021
1 answer
A
The DI 8R speakers use standard speaker wire connections. Take a look at your Bose system. My recollection is that the Bose system uses proprietary speaker connections and the length of the Bose speaker wires is probably not long enough to run in the wall. Therefore, you will not be able to connect the DI 8R speakers. Unfortunate because these are good speakers for rear surrounds.
george  May 05, 2021
Q
I'm planning to purchase these speakers and install them in a drop ceiling tile. Since the ceiling tile cannot support the weight of the speaker I plan to add a backer board to the ceiling tile. How thick of a backer board + ceiling tile can be used with the ear tabs on the back of the speaker?
mylan  Sep 30, 2020
1 answer
A
We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
thomas  Oct 21, 2020 (Staff)
Q
My home is prewired.. with the low voltage outlet and wire attached to the rafter. If I cut the template just over the inside edge of the outlet that is next to the rafter will I have enough space to mount the speaker and tighten the clamps?
albert  Mar 13, 2018
2 answers
A
The speaker requires a clearance in depth of 3.88 inches. Because of the relatively large woofer, the profile of the recessed part of the speaker is fairly cylindrical in cross-section profile. If you must cut in a location that overlaps the terminal box behind the ceiling plasterboard to be removed, before you cut, be sure the box (fastened to the rafter) is at least 4 inches deep to to the ceiling at the closest point, otherwise you risk not being able to mount the speaker due to interference from the box. The cutout diameter is 8.75 inches and you need about an additional inch in diameter clearance for the mounting dogs to open and clamp to the ceiling board at the edge of the cutout.
john  May 06, 2019
A
The the instructions give you a specification of the Gap you need I can't remember what it is offhand but I don't think you can put it right next to it. However if the issue is only the fact that your wire is attached to the rafter, there is no danger in spicing speaker wire and giving yourself enough length to move it to the center between two rafters.
kenneth  Mar 14, 2018
Q
can this be installed in a wall or is it too deep ?
teryl  Feb 23, 2017
2 answers
A
Since since you can tighten the clamps I assume you could mount in the wall with no issues
kenneth  Mar 14, 2018
A
I installed my speakers in my ceiling. Very easy installation. Place speakers in opening and unscrew the flanges. I would assume wall mounting would be dependent on your wall construction (2x4 vs 2x6) and the depth of the speaker. You will need to evaluate the speakers specifications to determine this. Might also need a special bracket if walll mounting is an option. Also, check if manufacturer recommends wall mount or not. Speakers are awesome. Plan to buy another pair soon for another room. Hope this helps.
william k  Feb 24, 2017
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