In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 1000 and CS-9040, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Definitive CS-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Definitive CS-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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Definitive CS-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 ProCenter 1000 and CS-9040 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
Definitive CS-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go slightly deeper then the CS-9040's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
ProCenter 1000 and CS-9040 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ProCenter 1000 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the CS-9040's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive ProCenter 1000 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
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
ProCenter 1000 features 5-Way post type posts and CS-9040 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 ProCenter 1000's and Definitive CS-9040's external dimensions. Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) whereas Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) .
Definitive CS-9040 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 157mm wider, 29mm taller and 178mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 1000.
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 ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2. The ProCenter 1000 requires 71% less surface area than the CS-9040 which gives it a small advantage 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 ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs and the Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the CS-9040 150% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 1000 and CS-9040's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that come with the CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
124mm
vs
153mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (372x127mm)
vs
1613cm2 (529x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-200 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
BDSS |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
124.0mm (4.9") |
153.0mm (6") |
| Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
305.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |