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Definitive Technology CS-9040 Review
Definitive Technology CS-9040

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer
  • Upward firing one 8-inch Passive Radiators
  • 50-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 50-200watts
  • Weight:20.00 lbs / 9.09 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6"x20-13/16"x12" / 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm
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Definitive CS-9040 Review
Definitive CS-9040 Definitive CS-9040
See at AMAZON

Definitive Technology CS-9040 is a 2-way Passive Passive Radiator Center Channel speaker by Definitive Technology. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer. CS-9040 also employs upward firing one 8-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Definitive CS-9040 has an MSRP of 549$ but can often be found around 384$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Definitive CS-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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)


**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.

Frequency Response of the Definitive CS-9040 Speaker

Definitive CS-9040 has a Frequency response range of 50-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 50-200 watts. Here we have a comparison of how CS-9040's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive CS-9040
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive CS-9040
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Definitive CS-9040's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive CS-9040
Min
Average
Max

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

Sensitivity

89dB of the Definitive Technology CS-9040 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Definitive CS-9040:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

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

Definitive CS-9040 External Dimensions and Weight

Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch (153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ).

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 CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2.

Weight

The Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how CS-9040's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive CS-9040
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $750
Definitive CS-9040
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Definitive CS-9040 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet.

Available colors

Definitive CS-9040 is available in Black.

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

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CS-9040:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • 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 CS-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 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 CS-9040 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Definitive ProCenter 2000
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 42-30k Hz
    Definitive ProCenter 1000
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 47-30k Hz
    Klipsch R-34C
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 82-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-504C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
    Klipsch RP-450C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology CS-9040
    What is the External Dimensions of Definitive Technology CS-9040
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Definitive Technology CS-9040
    is the Definitive Technology CS-9040 an easy to drive speaker?

    Definitive CS-9040 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandDefinitive Technology
    Full Model NameDefinitive Technology CS-9040
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range50-200 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response50-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size4.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionBDSS
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter Typedome

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height153.0mm ( 6-inch)
    Width529.0mm ( 20-13/16-inch)
    Depth305.0mm ( 12-inch)
    Height153.0mm ( 6-inch)
    Weight9.09kg ( 20.00 lbs)
    EnclosurePassive Radiator
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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