Definitive Technology's new monitor speaker rocks the house

Def Tech StudioMonitor 55s

(Credit: Definitive Technology)

My fondness for big speakers is longstanding, but I'm almost as big a fan of smaller speakers that sound big. Take Definitive Technology's StudioMonitor 55 speaker ($299 each). Measuring 13x7.8x12.3 inches it's not all that big, but it weighs a hefty 15.4 pounds. The StudioMonitor 55 is a handsome, but conventional-looking design, until you peel off the cloth grille on the top of the speaker and see the "racetrack bass radiator." It's a unique Def Tech feature, and one that really helps the StudioMonitor 55 outperform similarly sized speakers.

The speaker also features a cast-basket 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. The Linear Response Waveguide that looks like a big knob in the center of the woofer helps improve dispersion. The woofer also features Def Tech's patented Balanced Double Surround System that supports the woofer cone at its inner and outer edges to keep distortion low. The medium-density fiberboard cabinet feels rock-solid, and the vinyl wood grain finish with high-gloss black baffle looks great. The rear panel houses bi-amp/bi-wire binding post... [Read more]