In this review, we will be comparing BP-9080X and BP-9040, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Definitive Technology
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive BP-9080X and Definitive BP-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive BP-9080X Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 12" Polypropelene Woofer
- 16-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:28.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1309.0" x 12-1/2" x 16-1/8"( 1309.0 x 318.0 x 410.0mm )
Definitive BP-9040 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Midrange
- 8" Polypropelene Woofer
- 4.5" Midrange
- 22-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:16.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 993.0" x 11-1/16" x 13-13/16"( 993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm )
BP-9080X and BP-9040 are members of Definitive Technology's BP series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Definitive Technology BP Series
History
What size room are the Definitive BP-9080X and Definitive BP-9040 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive BP-9080X |
Definitive BP-9040 |
| Near-field |
Are you nuts? |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Good |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive BP-9080X and Definitive BP-9040 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both BP-9080X and BP-9040 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive BP-9080X |
Definitive BP-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
4 x 5.25-inch |
3 x 4.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
BP-9080X features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Polypropelene Woofer . On the other hand, the BP-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
BP-9080X has a frequency range of 16-40k Hz whereas BP-9040 has a frequency range of 22-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the BP-9080X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the BP-9040's min frequency of 22Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
BP-9080X and BP-9040 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 92 dB.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
BP-9080X and BP-9040 has the same power range of 50-300 watts.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
BP-9080X features 5-Way post, RCA type posts and BP-9040 has a 5-Way post, RCA type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive BP-9080X's 5-Way post, RCA terminals
Definitive BP-9040's 5-Way post, RCA terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive BP-9080X's and Definitive BP-9040's external dimensions. Definitive BP-9080X has external dimensions of 1309.0 x 318.0 x 410.0mm ( 51-1/2 x 12-1/2 x 16-1/8inch) whereas Definitive BP-9040 has external dimensions of 993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm ( 39-1/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch) .
Definitive BP-9080X is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 37mm wider, 316mm taller and 59mm deeper than Definitive BP-9040.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive BP-9080X is approximately 1303.8cm2 / 202.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive BP-9040 is approximately 986.3cm2 / 152.9inch2. The BP-9080X requires 32% more surface area than the BP-9040 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive BP-9080X weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs and the Definitive BP-9040 weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs. This makes the BP-9080X 72% heavier than the BP-9040.
Here is a comparison of how BP-9080X and BP-9040's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9080X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BP-9080X:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-grille (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9040?
Here are the items that come with the BP-9040:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-plate (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Built-in 1 x 5-1/4
vs
Optional
|
Dolby Atmos Ready |
 Height |
993mm
vs
1309mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
986cm2
vs
1303cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1998USD
vs
3998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology BP-9080X |
Definitive Technology BP-9040 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
50-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
16-40k Hz |
22-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropelene |
Polypropelene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
4.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1309.0mm (51.5") |
993.0mm (39.1") |
| Width |
318.0mm (12.5") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
16.36kg (36lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |