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  1. Home
  2. Definitive Technology Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Review
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tweeter
  • 8" Woofer
  • 35-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 16"x10-7/8"x3-15/16" / 406.4 x 276.2 x 100.3mm
MSRP: $479 (list price)
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Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Review
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Definitive Technolog...
Check price atAmazon›

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

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is a 2-way Passive In-wall speaker by Definitive Technology. It was released in 2023. It features a 1" Tweeter and 1 x 8" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 35-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO has an MSRP of 958$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Definitive Technology's DW Series of Loudspeakers

DW 80 PRO is a member of Definitive Technology's DW series of Passive speakers. The DW range are Definitive Technology's premium custom-install in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 Definitive Technology DW models compared »

Definitive Technology DW Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO
35-25k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 8"
Definitive Technology DW MAX SUR
Compare
34-25k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
Definitive Technology DW 45 MAX
Compare
60-25k Hz 83 dB6Ω 1 x 4.5"
Definitive Technology DW 65 PRO
Compare
46-25k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
Definitive Technology DW 65 MAX
Compare
56-25k Hz 85 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"

Frequency Response of the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Speaker

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO has a Frequency response range of 35-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35 Hz, DW 80 PRO 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 DW 80 PRO's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 35 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 20–315 W per channel into 6 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 $1,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

DW 80 PRO features Spring post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO External Dimensions and Weight

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (406.4 x 276.2 x 100.3mm ).

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 Technology DW 80 PRO is approximately 277.0cm2 / 42.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Real Life Body Size Comparison
Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO.

  • 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 DW 80 PRO Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Definitive Technology DW MAX SUR
Compare
2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 34-25k Hz
Definitive Technology DW 65 PRO
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 46-25k Hz
Definitive Technology DW 65 MAX
Compare
2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 56-25k Hz
Definitive Technology DW 45 MAX
Compare
2-way 83 dB 6 ohms 60-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO

What amplifier do you need for the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO easy to drive?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO need a subwoofer?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO reaches down to 35Hz (full range 35-25k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO use?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO is a 2-way design using a 1" tweeter and a 8" woofer.

How is the Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO installed?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO 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 Technology DW 80 PRO cost?

The Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $958 per pair.


Definitive Technology DW 80 PRO Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDefinitive Technology
Full Model NameDefinitive Technology DW 80 PRO
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response35-25k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size8-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height406.4mm ( 16-inch)
Width276.2mm ( 10-7/8-inch)
Depth100.3mm ( 3-15/16-inch)
Height406.4mm ( 16-inch)
Weight—
Enclosure
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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