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Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

Bookshelf speaker

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  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

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  • Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

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Item# 735SM65 offer details

Item# 735SM65

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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 65

by 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. 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.

studiomonitor65

High-tech driver design for impressive performance

SM65woofer

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

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.

sm55 pure aluminum dome

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

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.


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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.


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
  • 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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    Passive Radiator
    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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    20-300
    Sensitivity
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    92 dB
    Impedance (Ohms)
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    8
    Frequency Response
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    30-30k Hz
    Connector Type
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    5-way post
    Bi-amp Inputs
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    Yes
    Height (inches)
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    16-3/8
    Width (inches)
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    7-7/8
    Depth (inches)
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    15-3/16
    Weight (pounds)
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    22
    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
    • 2 Jumpers (attached to speaker terminals)
    • 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 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 (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.

     

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    Reviews for the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

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    Showing: 1-7 of 7
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    5 out of 5

    Great sound-need lots of power

    Written By leest, Oxnard Ca on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Speakers are compact, easy to place. Excellent bass. Stereo imaging is good. I tried running them with my Sony DA5700ES (allegedly 130 watts/channel) going thru the crossover on my Pro Sub 800. Not nearly enough power. Sound fine through my old Hafler 500. The Pro Center 2000 matches them we;;
    Pros:
    Good sound, good price. Lots of bass
    Cons:
    Need more power than most AV receivers can deliver
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    good luck finding a better speaker for the money

    Written By B Hans, Dallas on Monday, April 22, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I used the StudioMonitor 65s as my front speakers in the media room of a new house that had cabinets built for bookshelf speakers. I chose the Def Techs after listening to dozens of speakers. I was drawn to them for thier balanced sound and ability to play loudly without distortion. They lack the harshness of some brands. Some may describe the harsh sounds as crisp, but I found that many "crisp" speakers distorted the human voice, especially male voices, to the point of hurting my ears. I would put the sound of the StudioMonitor speakers on par with the mid-level Martin Logan speakers, but the Martin Logan speakers cost about 50% more. The speakers have a significant amount of bass, but you will still need a subwoofer for room-shaking bass levels.
    Pros:
    play loudly, balanced sound
    Cons:
    depth of speaker cabinet may limit placement
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Fantastic

    Written By Brian S, Metro Boston, MA on Monday, March 25, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I was looking for a set of smallish speakers for my smallish home office. After reading some good reviews about the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65, I wanted to go to my local Definitive Technology dealer to audition a pair. I was very surprised to learn that I couldn't find one in the Boston area that not one carried them. I did find a local dealer carry the 55 and 45 siblings, but they for some reason could not even special order the 65's. I was able to audition a pair of 55's paired up with a SuperCube 4000 and was impressed. Crutchfield had the 65's in stock that included 2-day free shipping. Two days later, they were delivered as promised. I have had them now for almost three weeks, and I absolutely LOVE these speakers. I have them paired with a SuperCube 6,000, and the sound experience is fantastic for both 2 channel stereo and 5.1 surround for movies. The dynamic range is impressive with crisp and detailed highs and tight bass response. The build quality is top notch with huge bi-amp ready binding posts. You really can't beat the performance of the StudioMonitor 65s for the price.

    I have several other Definitive Technology speaker systems, and have been very happy with price, performance and build quality of all of them.
    Pros:
    Reference quality sound with crisp and detailed highs and tight bass response.
    Cons:
    None that I have found.
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Amazing

    Written By Chatte, Birmingham AL on Sunday, March 17, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Tremendouss performance. I was considering a floor standing speaker such as the Definitive Technology Mythos series and then decided to go with these paired with a couple of ProSub1000 subwoofers. The performance is phenomenal powered by Peaxhtree 220 and Peachtree Nova Pre. My CDplayer is a NAD C565BEE. I have an old Panasonic SL N-15 turntable and a JVC TDW 534 cassette player. My music from 8 decades and 2 continents sounds magnificent. The sound of these speakers leaves little to be desired.
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Great sound - great value

    Written By Bob, White Plains, NY on Friday, February 08, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Purchased 2 - Studio Monitor 65, 2 - Studio Monitor 45 a CS8040HD and the SuperCube 6000 - receiver is an Onkyo TX-NR809. S/W with DefTech and they said 45's are good choice if rear/surround are just used mostly for movies.

    65's are fabulous (as is whole system) - great bass and could be used without a sub-woofer. Excellent crisp sound. Normally use the 65's (with sub) in stereo mode for music, very impressed and great value!

    Pros:
    strong bass, great sound and value
    Cons:
    None
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Solid Small Speaker

    Written By Ajarjay, Riverdale, UT on Monday, June 04, 2012
     
    I have these wall mounted with two supercube I's to fill in the bass. These are the biggest speakers I was able to get mounted to the wall. All the punch and volume of towers without the footprint and child tipover liability. Excellent sounding speakers but fairly expensive. I think this is a better route than buying towers with built in subs.
    Pros:
    Lots of volume and power handling, excellent sound, full midrange, loud crisp highs, high quality crossovers. All the full tower sound, able to mounted on the wall, (just barely).
    Cons:
    More expensive than many other bookshelf speakers that will likely cover most people volume needs just fine. Requires serious amp power to reach full potential, (250 watts RMS per email from Definitive Technology).
    12 out of 13 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    These things ROCK!

    Written By Steve S., Allentoen, NJ on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I can't believe the sound that comes out of these speakers! Despite their small stature, they sound 100% percent better than the floor standing Paradigm Monitor 5 that they replaced!!! Detail and clarity like I have never heard before from such a small footprint. An engineering triumph!!
    18 out of 20 people found this helpful
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    1-7 of 7

    Accessories

    Add accessories for the Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65

    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)
    20 people say 
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    Monster Cable SuperFlat™ Mini Decor-friendly speaker cable with gold pin connectors (50-foot spool)
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    AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker cables with pre-attached banana connectors (10-foot pair)
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    AudioQuest Rocket 33 Bi-wire speaker cables with pre-attached banana plugs (10-foot pair)
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    AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable 14-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
    9 people say 
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    AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable 16-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
    8 people say 
    Your Price: $38.99
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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
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    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 65, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-1oxBYPp2wGB/p_735SM65/Definitive-Technology-StudioMonitor-65.html ).

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    • Front

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Angled front view (grille removed)

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Back

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
    • Direct front view (grille removed)

      Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65