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 5.5S is a mere 7-3/8"
(18.62cm) wide x 7-3/8" (18.62cm) tall, which is the same visible size as
competitive 4-1/2" in-wall/in-ceiling speakers.
Features
Mounting Options
Features
Disappearing In-Wall Design: The DI 5.5S 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 0.145") 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 5.5S 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 5.5S uses a 5.25" BDSS driver for
wide-bandwidth accurate frequency response, broad dispersion, low distortion,
and maximum detail retrieval. The 5.25" 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 5.5S's 5.25" BDSS driver has the bass output and dynamic range
of a typical 6-1/2" driver.
Linkwitz-Riley Crossover Network: The Definitive Technology DI 5.5S'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 5.5S 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 5.5S 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 5.5S 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 5.5S can be used as a pair of stereo speakers for background music or as a
pair of surround speakers in your home theater system.
Mounting: The DI 5.5S can be mounted in-wall or
in-ceiling using the integrated rotating clamps and four mounting screws, or
using an optional pre-construction bracket (73555SRIK, sold separately). A
cutout template is supplied to help you cut a 6-5/16" wide x 6-5/16" tall hole.
You will need to allow at least 1/2" of space around the cutout and have at
least 3-1/16" 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 (73555SRIK, sold separately)
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.
