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  1. Home
  2. Definitive Technology Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Definitive Technology DI 5.5S
Definitive Technology DI 5.5S Review
Definitive DI 5.5S - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Polymer Woofer
  • 28-30kHz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 10-175 watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6.3125"x6.3125"x3.6250" / 161.0 x 161.0 x 93.0mm
MSRP: $279 (list price)
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Definitive DI 5.5S Review
Definitive DI 5.5S Definitive DI 5.5S
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Definitive Technology · United States · since 1990 · sold through dealers

Definitive Technology DI 5.5S is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Definitive Technology. It was released in 2016. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polymer Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 28-30kHz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Definitive DI 5.5S has an MSRP of 558$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Definitive DI 5.5S 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.)

Definitive Technology's DI Series of Loudspeakers

DI 5.5S is a member of Definitive Technology's DI series of Passive speakers. The DI range are Definitive Technology's disappearing in-wall and in-ceiling custom-install speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 Definitive Technology DI models compared »

Definitive Technology DI Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Definitive DI 6.5LCR
Compare
26-30k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Definitive DI 5.5LCR
Compare
28-30k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Definitive DI 5.5BPS
Compare
28-30k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 5.5"
Definitive DI 6.5S
Compare
26-30k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Definitive DI 5.5S
28-30k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"

Frequency Response of the Definitive DI 5.5S Speaker

Definitive DI 5.5S has a Frequency response range of 28-30kHz and Power Range of 10-175 watts. With a minimum frequency of 28 Hz, DI 5.5S 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 DI 5.5S's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive DI 5.5S
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Definitive DI 5.5S?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 28 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Definitive DI 5.5S's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Definitive DI 5.5S
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Definitive Technology DI 5.5S is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Definitive Technology DI 5.5S is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Definitive DI 5.5S plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Definitive DI 5.5S need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 9.5–150 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 $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

DI 5.5S features Spring clip type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Definitive DI 5.5S External Dimensions and Weight

Definitive DI 5.5S has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6.3125-inch x 6.3125-inch x 3.6250-inch (161.0 x 161.0 x 93.0mm ).

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 DI 5.5S is approximately 149.7cm2 / 23.2inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

Definitive DI 5.5S has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of Definitive DI 5.5S?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of DI 5.5S:
  • 5.25

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology DI 5.5S.

  • 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 DI 5.5S Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
GoldenEar Invisa SPS
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 25-35kHz
Klipsch R-5800-W II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 40-23kHz
Klipsch R-5650-S II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 60-23kHz
B&W CWM362
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-30kHz
JBL Stage 280W
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 42-25kHz
B&W CWM7.3 S2
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 48-28kHz
JBL Studio 2 55IW
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 40-20kHz
Klipsch R-5502-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology DI 5.5S

What amplifier do you need for the Definitive DI 5.5S?

Definitive Technology rates the Definitive DI 5.5S for 10-175 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 DI 5.5S easy to drive?

The Definitive DI 5.5S has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Definitive DI 5.5S need a subwoofer?

The Definitive DI 5.5S reaches down to 28Hz (full range 28-30kHz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Definitive DI 5.5S use?

The Definitive DI 5.5S is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 5.25" Polymer woofer.

Is the Definitive DI 5.5S sealed or ported?

The Definitive DI 5.5S uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the Definitive DI 5.5S be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Definitive DI 5.5S has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Spring clip terminals.

How is the Definitive DI 5.5S installed?

The Definitive DI 5.5S is an in-wall model: it mounts flush into the wall cavity rather than standing in the room, so it needs a cut-out and takes up no floor space.

How much does the Definitive DI 5.5S cost?

The Definitive DI 5.5S has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $558 per pair.


Definitive DI 5.5S Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDefinitive Technology
Full Model NameDefinitive Technology DI 5.5S
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Power Range10-175 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response28-30kHz
Release Date2016
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionPolymer
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Aimable TweeterNo

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring clip
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height161.0mm ( 6.3125-inch)
Width161.0mm ( 6.3125-inch)
Depth93.0mm ( 3.6250-inch)
Height161.0mm ( 6.3125-inch)
Weight—
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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