Get rich sound from a compact bookshelf design
Don't let the StudioMonitor 55's size fool you — this compact bookshelf speaker belts out big bass that adds depth and richness to your movie soundtracks and stereo music. Each rock-solid cabinet features an advanced 6-1/2" mid/bass driver that's pressure-coupled to a top-mounted bass radiator for high-impact sound. Together, they provide more total bass radiating area than a 10" 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. The StudioMonitor 55 is the result of more than 20 years of research and development by Definitive in their quest to create speakers with a perfect balance of style, utility, and performance.
High-tech driver design for impressive performance
Definitive's second-generation patented BDSS driver with Linear Response Waveguide™ technology gives this speaker exceptional sound quality.
The StudioMonitor 55 is chock full of technology that's also found in Definitive's top-of-the-line speaker models. Its 6-1/2" mid/bass driver uses their 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 '55's mid/bass driver also gets 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.
A second-generation pure aluminum dome tweeter yields smooth, extended treble.
Crisp, sparkling highs
Definitive also equipped the StudioMonitor 55 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.
A top-mounted bass radiator provides outstanding low-frequency response.
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 55 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 '55'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.
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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.
