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Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

Bookshelf speaker

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  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Front

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    1-inch Pure Aluminum dome tweeter

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Angled view (grille removed)

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Back

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Closeup detail of mid/bass driver with Linear Response Waveguide™

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Closeup of detachable cloth grille

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Front (grille removed)

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Gold-plated binding post speaker terminals

  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    Rear-firing port

Item# 735SM45 offer details

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Definitive Technology

Why choose bookshelf speakers?

Bookshelf speakers may be small in size, but they can deliver surprisingly big sound. Some ultra-compact models even fit on a desktop. Most are right at home in tight spaces like shelves, so they're usually good choices for your home theater's rear channels. For the best performance, try placing bookshelf speakers on solid speaker stands to help the sound really "open up." If you want full bass impact, add a powered subwoofer and enjoy punchy sound that's as deeply satisfying as that of floor-standing speakers.

Our take on the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

by Dave Bar

Precise, potent sound for tight spaces

Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 45 packs an astonishingly big punch into a surprisingly small package. It should — it's 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. Each rock-solid cabinet features an advanced 5-1/4" mid/bass driver that delivers plenty of impact and detail, plus a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for crisp, extended highs that shimmer. If you're a music enthusiast short on living space, these compact gems should be high on your list of speakers to consider.

studiomonitor45

" In spite of its almost laughably low price, the SM45 is a speaker that demands to be taken seriously…they were unexpectedly full-bodied and offered an astonishing amount of bass reach (down into the upper 30Hz region)—reach few other small monitors can match. …it provides giant helpings of musical richness, relaxation, and enjoyment at a ridiculously modest price. For these reasons and many more, Definitive's SM45s are a no-brainer recommendation for music lovers whose sights are set high, but whose budgets are limited."

— From Chris Martens' review in The Absolute Sound, April, 2013


Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

Definitive's second-generation patented BDSS driver with Linear Response Waveguide™ technology gives this speaker exceptional sound quality.

High-tech driver design for impressive performance

The StudioMonitor 45s are chock full of technology that's also found in Definitive's top-of-the-line speaker models. Its 5-1/4" 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 '45'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.

Crisp, sparkling highs

Definitive also equipped the StudioMonitor 45 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.

pure aluminum dome

A second-generation pure aluminum dome tweeter yields smooth, extended treble.

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 45 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 '45'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. Plus its rear-firing, double-flared port is specially designed to enhance low-frequency impact, while keeping bass distortion low.

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


Highlights:

  • bass-reflex (ported) design
  • second-generation Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) 5-1/4" mid/bass woofer delivers clear, accurate sound at high volumes
  • Linear Response Waveguide technology smooths off-axis frequency response for broad, even sound dispersion and more realistic imaging
  • second-generation 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for clear, extended highs
  • crossover network features oversize inductors and premium Mylar capacitors for audiophile-grade sound quality
  • non-resonant braced construction ensures clean, uncolored sound
  • wood grain matte black enclosure with high-gloss, anti-diffraction baffle and detachable cloth grille
  • frequency response: 35-30,000 Hz
  • sensitivity: 90 dB
  • impedance: 8 ohms
  • recommended amplifier power: 20-150 watts
  • one pair of heavy-duty 5-way binding posts for convenient and secure wire termination
  • 11-5/8"H x 6-3/4"W x 11-5/8"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all Definitive Technology Bookshelf Speakers
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Features and Specs

    Features and Specs
    Enclosure
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    Bass Reflex
    Video Shielded
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    No
    Tweeter Type
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    Dome
    Tweeter Size (inches)
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    1
    Midrange Size (inches)
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    N/A
    Woofer Size (inches)
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    5.25
    Woofer Composition
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    Polymer
    Woofer Surround
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    Rubber
    Power Range
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    20-150
    Sensitivity
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    90 dB
    Impedance (Ohms)
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    8
    Frequency Response
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    35-30k Hz
    Connector Type
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    5-way post
    Bi-amp Inputs
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    No
    Height (inches)
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    11-5/8
    Width (inches)
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    6-3/4
    Depth (inches)
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    11-5/8
    Weight (pounds)
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    12.95
    Mounting Bracket Included
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    No
    Recommended Stand Height (inches)
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    28.5"
    Parts Warranty
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    5 Years
    Labor Warranty
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    5 Years

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • Black bookshelf loudspeaker
    • Detachable black cloth grille
    • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
    • Owner's Manual
    • Online Product Registration card

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Driver Technology
    Enclosure Design
    Connections
    Mounting Options

    Driver Technology

    StudioMonitor Series: The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45 is a compact bookshelf loudspeaker designed for use in audio/video entertainment systems. Because the StudioMonitor 45 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 45 loudspeaker is ideal for use as front, center, or surround speaker in a home theater environment.

    2-Way Loudspeaker: Each Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45 loudspeaker features a 5.25" second generation BDSS midrange driver and a 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter.

    • 2nd Generation BDSS Midrange: The 5.25" 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.

    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 45 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 45 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 45 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.

    Bass Reflex Design: The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45 loudspeaker utilizes a doubled-flared, rear-firing port for extended bass response with low distortion.

    Note: Due to the rear-firing port, the speaker must be placed at least 2" from the wall.

    Connections

    Heavy-Duty Binding Posts: Each StudioMonitor 45 bookshelf loudspeaker is equipped with a pair of heavy-duty, binding post speaker terminals to attach your receiver's speaker wire. 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 45 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 (121AM40B, 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.

     

    Product Reviews

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    Reviews for the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

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    Showing: 1-5 of 5
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    5 out of 5

    Great Companion...

    Written By VictorA, San German, PR on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    You can use this beauties as the main and surrounds of a sub-sat system. I`m using them as surrounds with the sm-55 as the main. It`s a match made in heaven. Great sound and good bass for its size. Its ported design works great... Highly recomended...
    Pros:
    Style, construction, performance
    Cons:
    None
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Very Pleasing Sound Quality

    Written By Bob L, Ballwin, MO on Wednesday, January 02, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    These speakers deliver very pleasing overall sound, especially given their size. I have them mounted on 30" stands which I highly recommend. My rating is based on owning many speakers over the years including currently a pair of Golden Ear Technology Triton Two speakers (very highly rated). I would buy the Def Tech Studio Monitor 45s again.
    Pros:
    Great sound, build quality and finish. Very reasonable price for what you get.
    Cons:
    None
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Good stuff

    Written By Anonymous, san jose, ca on Friday, November 09, 2012
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    They sound terrific!!!! love the clarity, my main cause for purchase was in music listening, and they deliver loud, crisp sound
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Audiophile Speakers For Sure

    Written By roscoe, Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 07, 2012
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Awesome speakers for the size. Deep bass that is every bit as good as my JBL G300,

    I am upgrading to SM 65 & therefore my 45's have been returned to Crutchfield. Anyone who gets these speakers at an open box price is very lucky as they have been treated with TLC & are completely broken in.. Thanks Crutchfield for the 60 day mbg.
    Cons:
    I am not to crazy about the gloss front but that is a secondary matter of personal preference.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Great Sound, Great Price - A Steal!

    Written By SV, Falls Church, VA on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
     
    After the surrounds got worn out on the woofers and bass radiators of my old speahers, I got tired to listening to CDs on portable players and headphones. My music tasted go to classical and classic rock. My requirements: musical transparency. Add nothing, subtract nothing. Powerful response down to the very bottom (Pipe organs) to the very top from a whisper to a roar as required by the music, all at a price I can afford (low). After listening to several systems at various price ranges, I settled on the Def Tech SM 45s and a prosub 1000. The 45s are amazing! Excellent musical transparency, clarity, tonal balance, and a sound stage that is both wide and deep. The SM 45s could please me on almost all my recordings even without the subs. I played a classical guitar recording without the sub, and I could visualise the guitarist in my room. Yes, the sub adds the bottom end seamlessly, but the SM 45s played by themselves at a good sound level (and they will play loud) have a surprising amount of bass, especially considering their small size and low price. As I said - a bargain at twice the price, a steal at their price!
    Pros:
    Great sound, wide & deep imaging, good looks, flexible placement options, very affordable
    Cons:
    not a con really, just a result of their size: Lacking the only the very deepest of bass, but has more bass than you would believe from a speaker this small. If your receiver has a "Loudness" button, use it. If you don't need the bottom octave, buy them or buy a (very good) sub to go with them!
    8 out of 8 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    1-5 of 5

    Accessories

    Add accessories for the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45

    You'll need speaker wire to connect your speakers to your amp or receiver. No wire is included with this speaker. See all categories & accessories

    Original Monster Cable With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
    17 people say 
    Your Price: $39.99
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    Monster Cable SuperFlat™ Mini Decor-friendly speaker cable with gold pin connectors (50-foot spool)
    19 people say 
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    AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker cables with pre-attached banana connectors (10-foot pair)
    9 people say 
    Your Price: $229.00
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    AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable 14-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
    8 people say 
    Your Price: $58.99
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    AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable 16-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
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    7 people say 
    Your Price: $13.95
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    Definitive Technology StudioMonitor Stand StudioMonitor all-metal speaker stands
     
    Your Price: $150.00
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    Pinpoint AM40 Side-clamping speaker wall mounts
    25 people say 
    Your Price: $79.99
    Add to Cart

    Smart people protect with SquareTrade- The best warranty at the best price

    In business since 1999, SquareTrade is the largest independent warranty provider in the U.S.

    100% parts and labor - no deductibles

    All mechanical and electrical failures covered, includes normal wear and tear.

    Your item's repaired or the full item price returned withing 5 days

    Runs concurrent with manufacturer's warranty

    Rated 5-stars by consumers

    For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-2isxc4xGDRA/p_735SM45/Definitive-Technology-StudioMonitor-45.html ).

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    Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    Bookshelf speaker
    $199.99
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    Speaker Wire with Connectors

    Original Monster Cable
    With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
     
    $39.99
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    Speaker Wire without Connectors

    AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable
    14-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
     
    $58.99
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    Speaker Stands

    Definitive Technology StudioMonitor Stand
    StudioMonitor all-metal speaker stands
    $150.00
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    Speaker Wall Mounts

    Pinpoint AM40
    Side-clamping speaker wall mounts
    $79.99
    In Stock
     
     
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    Compare with other Definitive Technology models

    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55
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    • 5 out of 5: IN STOCK
    • The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 offers:
      • a 6-1/2" woofer with cast aluminum basket for more powerful, accurate sound
      • a top-mounted bass radiator for outstanding low-frequency response
      • dual biding-post speaker connectors for bi-wiring or bi-amping
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    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • bookshelf speaker (each)
    • 5 out of 5: IN STOCK
      • The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45 offers:
        • Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) 5-1/4" mid/woofer with Linear Response Waveguide for clearer, more accurate sound
        • 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for smooth, extended highs
        • frequency response: 35-30,000 Hz
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    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Experience even more bass impact
    • 5 out of 5: IN STOCK
    • The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 offers:
      • dual 5-1/4" mid/bass drivers for greater bass output and accuracy
      • higher power handling
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    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55
    • bookshelf speaker (each)
    • 5 out of 5: IN STOCK
      • The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 offers:
        • Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) 6-1/2" mid/woofer with Linear Response Waveguide for clearer, more accurate sound
        • 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for smooth, extended highs
        • top-mounted bass radiator design delivers outstanding low-frequency response from a compact enclosure
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    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • bookshelf speaker (each)
    • 5 out of 5: IN STOCK
      • The Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65 offers:
        • two Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS) 5-1/4" mid/bass drivers with Linear Response Waveguide for clearer, more accurate sound
        • 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter for smooth, extended highs
        • top-mounted bass radiator design delivers outstanding low-frequency response from a compact enclosure
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    You are here
    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Get details
    • $449.99
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    • Front

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • 1-inch Pure Aluminum dome tweeter

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Angled view (grille removed)

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Back

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Closeup detail of mid/bass driver with Linear Response Waveguide™

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Closeup of detachable cloth grille

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Front (grille removed)

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Gold-plated binding post speaker terminals

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
    • Rear-firing port

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45