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Definitive Technology BP-9040 Review
Definitive BP-9040 - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 3 x 4.5" BDSS Midrange
  • 8" Polypropelene Woofer
  • 300-watts (Class D Amp) Built-in Subwoofer
  • 22-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 50-300watts
  • Weight:36.00 lbs / 16.36 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 39-1/16"x11-1/16"x13-13/16" / 993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm
MSRP: $999 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Definitive BP-9040 Review
Definitive BP-9040 Definitive BP-9040
Check price atAmazon›

Definitive Technology BP-9040 is a 3-way Passive Radiator Floor-standing speaker by Definitive Technology. It was released in 2016. It features a 1" dome Tweeter, 3 x 4.5" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer. In addition, the speaker has a 300-watts (Class D Amp) built-in Sub-woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 22-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 92 dB. Definitive BP-9040 has an MSRP of 1998$ per pair but can often be found around 1398$ per pair. BP-9040 also gives the user optional Dolby Atmos capability by equipping the unit with upward-firing Dolby Atmos drivers.

Definitive BP-9040 Dolby Atmos Drivers
Definitive BP-9040 Dolby Atmos Drivers

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Definitive BP-9040 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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.)

Definitive BP-9040 Speaker Structure
Definitive BP-9040 Speaker Structure

Definitive Technology's BP Series of Loudspeakers

BP-9040 is a member of Definitive Technology's BP series of Passive speakers. The BP range are Definitive Technology's signature bipolar towers, radiating sound front and back, with built-in powered subwoofers on many models. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Definitive Technology BP models compared »

Definitive Technology BP Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Definitive BP-9020
Compare
28-40k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
Definitive BP-9040
22-40k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
Definitive BP-9080X
Compare
16-40k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 12"
Definitive BP-9060
Compare
18-49k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 10"


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Definitive BP-9040 Speaker

Definitive BP-9040 has a Frequency response range of 22-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 50-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 22 Hz, BP-9040 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how BP-9040's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive BP-9040
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Definitive BP-9040?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 22 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $2,000 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Definitive BP-9040's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 92 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive BP-9040
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Definitive Technology BP-9040 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

92dB of the Definitive Technology BP-9040 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes BP-9040 an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Definitive BP-9040 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Definitive BP-9040 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Definitive BP-9040 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 4.7–75 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

BP-9040 features 5-Way post, RCA type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Definitive BP-9040 Terminals
Definitive BP-9040's 5-Way post, RCA terminals

Definitive BP-9040 External Dimensions and Weight

Definitive BP-9040 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 39-1/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch (993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Definitive BP-9040 is approximately 986.3cm2 / 152.9inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Definitive BP-9040 weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how BP-9040's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive BP-9040
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $2000
Definitive BP-9040
Min
Average
Max
Definitive BP-9040  - Top View
Definitive BP-9040 - Top View

How does the Definitive BP-9040 compare to the Definitive Technology BP-9060?

One of the natural alternative to the Definitive BP-9040 is the BP-9060 which is located one step higher in Definitive Technology's Passive Floor-standing selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Definitive BP-9040 vs BP-9060 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Definitive BP-9040 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet and a MDF/Aluminum/Cloth finish.

Definitive BP-9040  Feet
Definitive BP-9040 Feet

Available colors

Definitive BP-9040 is available in Black.

What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9040?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of BP-9040:
  • Tower loudspeaker
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Top-plate (installed)
  • Stabilizer base
  • 4 Floor guides
  • 4 Carpet spikes
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Nuts
  • Owners Manual
  • What Obsession Sounds Like card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology BP-9040.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Definitive Technology BP-9040 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Definitive BP-9020
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 28-40k Hz
Definitive BP-9060
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 18-49k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F II
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Definitive Demand D17
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 42-22k Hz
Definitive Demand D15
Compare
3-way 85.5 dB 8 ohms 48-22k Hz
Definitive BP-9080X
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 16-40k Hz
GoldenEar Triton Five
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-35k Hz
SVS Prime Pinnacle
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 29-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology BP-9040

What amplifier do you need for the Definitive BP-9040?

Definitive Technology rates the Definitive BP-9040 for 50-300 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Definitive BP-9040 easy to drive?

The Definitive BP-9040 has a sensitivity of 92 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Definitive BP-9040 need a subwoofer?

The Definitive BP-9040 reaches down to 22Hz (full range 22-40k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Definitive BP-9040 use?

The Definitive BP-9040 is a 3-way design using a 1" dome tweeter, 3 x 4.5" midranges and a 8" Polypropelene woofer.

Is the Definitive BP-9040 sealed or ported?

The Definitive BP-9040 uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

Can the Definitive BP-9040 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Definitive BP-9040 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-Way post, RCA terminals.

Can the Definitive BP-9040 be wall mounted?

The Definitive BP-9040 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Definitive BP-9040 support Dolby Atmos?

The Definitive BP-9040 can take an optional up-firing Dolby Atmos module for height effects.

How big and heavy is the Definitive BP-9040?

The Definitive BP-9040 weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs each and measures 39-1/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Definitive BP-9040 cost?

The Definitive BP-9040 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,998 per pair.


Definitive BP-9040 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDefinitive Technology
Full Model NameDefinitive Technology BP-9040
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Range50-300 watts
Sensitivity92 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response22-40k Hz
Release Date2016
DRIVERS
Woofer Size8-inch
Woofer CompositionPolypropelene
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome
Midrange Size4.5-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post, RCA
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height993.0mm ( 39-1/16-inch)
Width281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
Depth351.0mm ( 13-13/16-inch)
Height993.0mm ( 39-1/16-inch)
Weight16.36 kg (36 lbs)
EnclosurePassive Radiator
FinishMDF/Aluminum/Cloth
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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