Our take on the Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

by Ralph Graves

The Sound Cylinder clamps to your tablet, providing a stand for hands-free viewing.

The speaker system for hands-free tablet viewing

Home theater? With the Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder and a tablet, you've got on-the-go theater! This lightweight speaker system clamps to your tablet, providing a stable base for your device. The magnesium alloy clamps have rubber slipcovers to hold your tablet securely without scratching it. A built-in fold-out kickstand keeps your attached tablet upright on a flat surface for convenient viewing.

The speaker system for cinematic sound

The Sound Cylinder is a great tablet stand, and an even better speaker system. Two front-firing 1-3/4" full-range speakers deliver crisp, clear sound from your music and movie soundtracks. A side-firing 1-11/16" woofer fills out the bass, and the system's advanced digital signal processor optimizes speaker performance to provide an engaging, spacious soundfield. Definitive's built-in Surround Array imaging technology helps the system deliver an impressive near-field listening experience.

The speaker system for wireless convenience

The Sound Cylinder uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your tablet or other portable device. So although the system clamps to your tablet, there are no cables to mess with. Want to use the Cylinder with a non-Bluetooth device? No problem — just use the auxiliary stereo minijack input. The system provides up to ten hours of operation from its built-in batteries.

From our Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder review:

[With movies] the surround effect was quite similar to that of sound bars I've heard, just on a smaller scale. I found myself getting lost in a particular action sequence, with the Sound Cylinder delivering powerful sound effects, robust musical flourishes in the soundtrack, and easily discernible dialogue. This truly felt like home theater shrunk down to a very small package I could take anywhere.

— David Brown, Crutchfield A/V Writer

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Highlights:

for tablets and other portable devices with built-in Bluetooth
wireless range: 33 feet
two 1-3/4" front-firing full-range speakers with one side-firing 1-11/16" woofer
frequency response: 60-20,000 Hz
8 watts total system power — 2 watts x 2 (speakers) + 4 watts (woofer)
durable aluminum and magnesium allow construction
rubber-coated clamp arms to secure speaker to 10" or 7" tablet
fold-out kickstand keeps your attached tablet upright
minijack audio input for portable devices
micro-USB input for charging (micro-USB cable included)
AC power adapter
lithium ion rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours
microfiber carry bag
7-1/2"W x 1-15/16"H (including clamp) x 2-3/4"D
weight: 11.3 oz.
warranty: 1 year
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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Bluetooth speaker
AC power adapter
39" USB charging cable (w/ a USB type-A connector on one end and a microUSB type-B connector on other end)
39" Stereo minijack cable (w/ right-angle 3.5mm connector on each end
Drawstring pouch
User Guide

Our Product Research Team

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Features

Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: The Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is a Bluetooth powered speaker that is the perfect companion for your Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablets, players, and other devices. The Sound Cylinder portable speaker streams stereo music wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices such as your Apple iOS device, Android smartphone/tablet, Blackberry, computer/PC or other devices. You will continue to use your Bluetooth-enabled device to navigate your music and to view song/artist information.

Simple Pairing: This unit pairs with your Bluetooth-enabled device with a single press of a button. Once paired, the Sound Cylinder will automatically re-connect with your device when in wireless range (up to 33').

Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Sound Cylinder.

2.1Ch Active Surround Array: Definitive Technology's Sound Cylinder adds stunning, high performance audio from a compact, stylish 2.1 speaker system to your Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, or other device. Separate left and right 1.25" midrange/high frequency drivers are optimized by an internal Digital Signal Processor to create stereo music with clear separation for a life-like soundstage that extends beyond the compact dimensions of the Bluetooth speaker. A built-in active, side-firing 1.6875" woofer adds rich, warm bass. The three drivers are powered by an 8-watt Class D amplifier (2W x 2ch for mid/high drivers and 4W x 1ch for woofer). Your favorite music and soundtracks will come alive.

Rugged Aluminum/Magnesium Alloy Construction: Aluminum and Magnesium alloy construction make The Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder beautiful, luxurious, and ultra-durable.

Tablet/Smartphone Clamp: The Sound Cylinder clamps securely to just about any 10" or 7" tablet and many smartphones. The Magnesium alloy clamp arms are strong, but their rubber slipcovers are gentle on your tablet or smartphone device. This integrated clamp system holds your tablet or smartphone in a landscape or portrait orientation.

Kick Stand: The rugged magnesium alloy kickstand extends to hold the Bluetooth speaker at an ideal angle and folds back into Sound Cylinder's body when not in use.

Auxiliary Input: In addition to built-in Bluetooth, the Sound Cylinder is fitted with a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connection of almost any portable audio player with a headphone output.

LED Indicator: A single LED indicates Power On (solid blue), Low Battery/Charging (flashing red), and Minimum/Maximum Volume (flashing blue).

Rechargeable Battery: The Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a built-in polymer lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge. The battery is easily recharged from the speaker's built-in micro-USB port, using the included USB charging cable and a free USB port on your computer or the included AC power adapter.

Automatic Shut Off: The Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Bluetooth speaker will automatically turn off after 10 minutes with no signal.

Carry Pouch: The Sound Cylinder comes with a drawstring microfiber pouch to protect the Bluetooth speaker during storage or travel.

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder

David Brown

4/2/2013

Definitive Technology has come up with a clever combination of Bluetooth speaker and stand for tablets that does for your iPad what a sound bar does for your HDTV.

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5 out of 5

Definitive Technology does it again!

Written By j2, North Carolina on Sunday, May 19, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I've used Definitive Technology products for years, and this did not disappoint. The only reason I even considered buying this is because it is by Def Tech. Everyone I demonstrated it for was amazed. Amazingly loud volume for such a small speaker, and very clear and clean sound. It is very directional (by design). It is make for one person sitting very close to a single device, but it can fill a room with music. I was demonstrating it at work for a co-worker in a lab with the door closed, and someone from across the hall immediately barged in demanding I turn it down. I don't have a tablet yet. I got it to use with my iPhone and laptop (clamp it to the top of the screen).

Pros:

Two forward facing drivers and a woofer. Very loud for the size. Very clean, full sound. Bluetooth and cable interfaces. Easy to carry.

Cons:

More bass would be nice, but probably not possible with a woofer that small.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Sound Cylinder

Written By Dan, Branson, MO on Saturday, May 18, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Works well. Not too tippy, great sound and volume. Blue tooth connection is great.

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5 out of 5

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

Written By Anonymous, Houston, TX on Saturday, April 20, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

The best portable speaker I have ever heard.

Pros:

Excellent sound, compact

Cons:

Hard to connect to pair with multiple devices

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5 out of 5

Clear as an azure sky. Outstanding!

Written By Cormace, San Francisco, CA on Friday, March 15, 2013

I've listened to and owned several other Bluetooth speakers and this by far and away the best. It can play loud without distorting at the lower frequencies and the highs are crisp and vibrant. Due to the side mounted woofer there is a bit of directionality so if you're walking around the device, the tone changes a bit, but if you are using it on your laptop (which is what it was designed for), it really transforms the movie watching experience on a notebook. The fit and finish is nearly Apple quality and even the packaging is cool. Owning this will turn your Jawbone into a paperweight.

Pros:

Sound, Sound, and Sound. Build Quality is Superb.

Cons:

Sound is somewhat directional. People might bug you to borrow it.

8 out of 8 people found this helpful

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1-4 of 4

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Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

Portable Bluetooth® speaker system

Item# 735CYLNDRS offer details

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Our take on the Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

by Ralph Graves

The speaker system for hands-free tablet viewing

The speaker system for cinematic sound

The speaker system for wireless convenience

Highlights:

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

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder

Product Reviews

Reviews for the Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

Average Customer Review:

Review this product:

Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines

Filter by rating:

Definitive Technology does it again!

Sound Cylinder

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder™

Clear as an azure sky. Outstanding!

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