Chat
Contact us
Close contact box
Connect ID #
284 483 387 4
Connect ID #
284 483 387 4
Don't wait on hold. We'll call you back when it's your turn to talk with the next available .
Please enter your name  
Please enter your phone number  
Please enter a message  

Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.

We are located in Virginia USA.

Thank you. We will be calling you .
We're sorry. We have encountered a problem.

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 Bookshelf speaker

Item # 735SM65

Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 65 gives you the kind of high-end performance you'd expect from a much larger...

Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 65 gives you the kind of high-end performance you'd expect from a much larger...

3 questions - 9 answers

Item # 735SM65

Shop all Definitive Technology Bookshelf Speakers

About the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

Dave Bar

Big-speaker sound in a compact package

Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 65 gives you the kind of high-end performance you'd expect from a much larger floor-standing speaker, but in a smaller, more versatile bookshelf design. You'll hear a wide, deep soundstage with realistic imaging backed up by surprisingly deep bass — even without a sub.

Big-speaker sound in a compact package

Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 65 gives you the kind of high-end performance you'd expect from a much larger floor-standing speaker, but in a smaller, more versatile bookshelf design. You'll hear a wide, deep soundstage with realistic imaging backed up by surprisingly deep bass — even without a sub.

Each rock-solid cabinet features two of Definitive's advanced 5-1/4" mid/bass drivers pressure-coupled to a top-mounted bass radiator for high-impact sound. Together, they provide more total bass radiating area than a 12" woofer, but with greater control, definition and speed than a single large cone. A 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter serves up crisp, extended highs that blend in beautifully with the mids and lows.

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

High-tech driver design for impressive performance

The StudioMonitor 65 is chock full of technology that's also found in Definitive's top-of-the-line speaker models. Its twin 5-1/4" mid/bass drivers use the latest Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) driver design, which places a surround on both the outer and inner edge of the speaker cone.

This helps the cone remain more stable as it moves, resulting in clearer, more accurate sound — even at high volume levels. The '65's mid/bass drivers also get Definitive's second-generation Linear Response Waveguide™. This mushroom-shaped post in the center of the cone smooths off-axis frequency response for broad, even sound dispersion and a more realistic sonic "image." That means every listener in the room gets to hear balanced, open sound with lifelike vocals and instruments.

Crisp, sparkling highs

Definitive also equipped the StudioMonitor 65 with their latest 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter. This advanced driver is first heat-treated to relax the crystal structure of the metal, then coated with a ceramic that helps produce clear, sparkling highs without a trace of edginess.

You'll easily hear the subtle high-frequency details in your music, like the sound of wire brushes gently sweeping the snare head, or the bell-like ring of a brass cymbal.

It's all in the details

Definitive paid close attention to other important design elements, too — both visible and hidden. At its heart, the StudioMonitor 65 uses a sophisticated crossover network with audiophile-grade components that include over-sized inductor coils and Mylar film capacitors. These give you a smoother, flatter frequency response, more powerful dynamics, and faster transients, for sound with real presence and immediacy.

Sturdy, vault-like cabinet construction also plays a big role in this speaker's performance. The '65's well-damped, cross-braced enclosure features a specially contoured front baffle with tapered sides to minimize diffraction and vibrations that can color your sound and reduce accuracy.

Got wire?

Most speakers don't include any. Learn about choosing and installing speaker wire at the Crutchfield Learning Center.
Shop our selection of speaker wire.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • two second-generation Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) 5-1/4" mid/bass drivers for clear, accurate sound at high volumes
  • Linear Response Waveguide technology smooths off-axis frequency response provides broad, even sound dispersion and more realistic imaging
  • rigid die-cast aluminum driver baskets resist vibration and twisting for lower distortion
  • top-mounted bass radiator for outstanding low-frequency response
  • second-generation 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter delivers clear, extended highs
  • crossover network features oversize inductors and premium Mylar capacitors for audiophile-grade sound quality
  • non-resonant braced enclosure ensures clean, uncolored sound
  • wood grain matte black enclosure with high-gloss, anti-diffraction baffle and detachable cloth grille
  • frequency response: 30-30,000 Hz
  • sensitivity: 92 dB
  • impedance: 8 ohms
  • recommended amplifier power: 20-300 watts
  • dual 5-way binding post speaker terminals for bi-wiring and bi-amping options
  • 16-3/8"H x 7-7/8"W x 15-3/16"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # MCAA

What's in the box:

  • Black bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Detachable black cloth grille
  • 2 Jumpers (attached to speaker terminals)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online Product Registration card

Customer reviews for Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

Loading reviews...

Average review:

5.0 out of 5 stars
59 reviews

Thanks for submitting your review

Filter by rating

Customer photos

Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.

Sort reviews

Sort by:
Items per page:
View page:

Verified customer (What's this?)
Verified employee review (What's this?)

Reviewed on Samsung.com

This review was collected as part of a promotion

Pros:

Cons:

Crutchfield response
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
<< >>

More details on the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Passive Radiator
Finish Wood-grain MDF
Color Black
Tweeter Type Dome
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange Size (inches) N/A
Woofer Size (inches) 5.25
Woofer Composition Polymer
Woofer Surround Rubber
Power Range 20-300
Sensitivity 92 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response 30-30k Hz
Connector Type 5-way post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Height (inches) 16-3/8
Width (inches) 7-7/8
Depth (inches) 15-3/16
Weight (pounds) 22
Wall-mountable ---
Bracket Included No
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 28.5
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Driver Technology
Enclosure Design
Connections
Mounting Options

Driver Technology

StudioMonitor Series: The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 is a compact bookshelf loudspeaker designed for use in audio/video entertainment systems. Because the StudioMonitor 65 is a true full-range speaker with extended low-frequency response, it delivers superb performance both as stand-alone speaker and when combined with a separate subwoofer. Due to its compact size, wide-range, high-power handling, and natural articulate clarity; the StudioMonitor 65 loudspeaker is ideal for use as front, center, or surround speaker in a home theater environment.

2-Way Loudspeaker: Each Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 loudspeaker features a D'Appolito array consisting of two 5.25" second generation BDSS cast-aluminum basket midrange drivers surrounding a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter.

  • 2nd Generation BDSS Midrange: The 6.5" cast-aluminum basket midrange driver features Definitive's patented Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) technology that supports the speaker cone at both the inner and outer edges allowing longer, more linear excursion for greater clarity and finely textured inner detail.
  • Pure Aluminum Dome Tweeter: The 1" tweeter is a pure aluminum dome, which has been heat-treated to relax the crystal structure and then coated with a ceramic to produce smooth, extended highs. A new patent pending Linear Response Waveguide smoothes off-axis frequency response and disperses sound over a wider area for crystal clear intelligibility for every listener in the room.

Pressure Coupled Radiator Design: The dual 5.25" BDSS midrange drivers are pressure coupled to a top-mounted 6"x12" racetrack bass radiator to extend and amplify bass frequencies. The total bass radiating from a StudioMonitor 65 is substantially greater than that of a single 12-inch woofer but with far greater control, definition and speed than a single sluggish large woofer. The StudioMonitor 65 speaker's bass performance offers depth, detail, and musicality.

Note: Due to the top-mounted racetrack bass radiator, there should be at least 2" of space above the bookshelf loudspeaker.

Phase-Coherent Crossover Networks: The crossover network is the real heart of a loudspeaker as it is responsible for perfectly blending together the sound of the various drivers into a musically seamless whole. The sophisticated crossover network design used in the StudioMonitor 65 loudspeaker features premium audiophile-grade components; such as oversized inductors and Mylar capacitors for audiophile-grade sound quality, with linear phase and frequency response. An integrated Zobel network flattens the impedance of the system so that even budget amplifiers will be able to drive the StudioMonitor 65 loudspeaker (although a premium amplifier will bring out all the performance it has to offer). As a result, the audio signal's phase coherence, transient response, and dynamic integrity is preserved for absolutely lifelike music and home theater reproduction in your home.

Enclosure Design

Non-Resonant/Low-Diffraction Cabinet: The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 bookshelf loudspeaker employs a non-resonant MDF braced enclosure that ensures pure, uncolored performance. The specially contoured high-gloss baffle around the drivers and the tapered enclosure sides enhance sound quality by minimizing diffraction distortion.

Connections

Bi-amp/Bi-wire Binding Posts: Each StudioMonitor 65 bookshelf loudspeaker has two sets of heavy-duty, all metal binding post speaker terminals (connected by metal jumpers) to attach your receiver's speaker wire. Using the dual binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speakers for even better sound. The binding post speaker terminals will accept bare wire (up to 10AWG), pin-connectors, spade-connectors, and banana-plugs (single only).

Color-Coded: The speaker's binding posts are color-coded (red/black) for easy identification between positive and negative.

Mounting Options

Table-Top Mounting: The StudioMonitor 65 loudspeaker can be simply placed on a bookshelf, table-top, or speaker stand (such as the Definitive Technology StudioStand, sold separately ). Four self-adhesive rubber feet are included to protect your furniture's surface.

Wall Mounting: The optional PinPoint heavy duty side-grip wall-mounting bracket (121AM41B, sold separately) can be used to wall mount the speaker.

Note: The speaker does not include any type of wall-mount bracket, threaded inserts, or keyhole slots.

Loading accessories...

Customer Q&A

3 questions already asked

Q
I'm purchasing these as temporary mains and plan on upgrading significantly down the line to a floor standing mode most likely the 9xxx series. What would be a good center channel to pair with these and also I'd like a suggestion for a receiver to push these properly, should I bi-wire them or just kick it old school and single? Thank you.
zachary  Jul 31, 2017
2 answers
A
I use emotiva mc-700 prepro and a emotiva xpa- 500. Plenty of power. I have the 8040's. Emotiva upa-500 for the 65's. You could use a onkyo or denon receiver. But to get full potential you will want something with a lot of power. I don't bi-wire. Tried it. Didn't like it.
joe d  Aug 01, 2017
A
Having listened to mine for months now, I'm not sure you won't forget about the floor standing speakers once you hear them. A subwoofer wouldn't hurt. My 60 watt/channel amp is more than enough.
james  Aug 01, 2017
Q
How badly damaged are the speakers for sale in the outlet store (scratch & dent)?
lyle  Apr 14, 2016
1 answer
A
If they even have a scratch or blemish, it will be small and purely cosmetic. Here are the details for Scratch & Dent Inventory: "These are open-box items that have minor cosmetic damage. They may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents. The manufacturer's warranty applies." I hope that helps! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Apr 15, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Are these speakers ideal for music listening???
carlos  Mar 13, 2015
6 answers
A
We'll let's say I was so impressed by the def speakers I bought the 55, and the 45 also! The 65 which I bought first have a natural sound for music of all types, again all types! There definition,detail,presence, and positioning of instruments is on par if better than most more expensive speakers. I will say the lower end is there also not in the sense of towers with power amps or 10/12 inch woofers, but close to that presentation.if you close your eyes you are in performance, the cost is really a reflection of the sound, don t second guess yourself, today you get what you pay for. P.S. Wait till you have them for a while and the seat/ break in the sound becomes better and smoother if you can believe that. Good luck in your decision, best regards j Pulito
joseph  Mar 14, 2015
A
You better believe it. I've had these speakers for a year now. They are part of my home theater, but I listen to a lot of music. When I'm listening to music I turn the sub off and let the 65's do all of the work. They are power hogs, I'm driving them with a Sony 5600ES and it takes a lot of power but they sound GREAT!! The clarity of the bass is unbelievable. I've been very pleased.
tim  Mar 14, 2015
A
Hello, These speakers are incredible !! They are a very musical speaker, and the bass is surprising !!! Hope this helps you! Peter
peter c  Mar 13, 2015
A
I would say they are better for movies and tv. The woofers are a little small to really blast music. Unless you keep the bass lower into them. They have good bass response just not made for that crazy loud music style. They sound good for any type of sound tho! For music I would definitely go with a floor standing speaker or something with a bigger woofer. The SM 55 would be better for music play.
brian  Mar 13, 2015
A
They are ABSOLUTELY ideal for music listening. I am using them only for music in a 2 channel system and they sound fantastic. I am driving them with a Peachtree 220 amp. My "Listening Room" is down in my finished basement and these speakers do a nice job filling a big area with great sound. I can't wait to move them to a better (acoustically) room and watch these things shine.
stephen  Mar 13, 2015
A
Yes they are great for music.
joe  Mar 13, 2015

Loading articles...

Compare the sound