Siblings in Definitive Technology's DW series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (34Hz vs 35Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | A | Definitive Technology DW MAX SUR is more sensitive (89dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is the easier load at 6 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Price | B | Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is cheaper - $958 against $1,358, about 29% less. |
A Definitive Technology DW MAX SUR B Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Definitive Technology DW MAX SUR is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $400 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.