Definitive Technology BP-8080ST, BP-8040ST, BP-8060ST User Manual

Definitive Technology

BIPOLAR SUPERTOWER

OWNER’S MANUAL

BP-8000 SuperTower®Series:

BP-8080ST, BP-8060ST, BP-8040ST, BP-8020ST

Thank you for choosing the Definitive Technology Bipolar SuperTower Loudspeaker
System. The Bipolar ST is a unique speaker which features Forward-Focused Bipolar
array technology and a built-in powered subwoofer. This extraordinary speaker is truly
state-of-the-art in music and home theater loudspeaker technology and performance.
You have chosen wisely

Our engineers have spent many years in developing this product. In order to ensure
that you experience the finest performance possible, we encourage you to take a
moment to fully read this owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with the proper
installation and set-up procedures for your Bipolar ST speakers.

.

www.DefinitiveTech.com

Definitive Technology

4”

(10 cm)

6”

(30 cm)

6”

(30 cm)

BIPOLAR SUPERTOWER

OWNER’S MANUAL

Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, do not remove the
cover or back plate of this device. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Please refer all servicing to licensed service technicians. Avis: Risque de choc
electricque, ne pas ouvrir.

CAUTION! The international symbol of a lightning bolt inside a triangle is
intended to alert the user to uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
device’s enclosure. The international symbol of an exclamation point inside
a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operat­ing, maintenance and servicing information in the manual accompanying
the device.

CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide
slot, fully insert. Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la
lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu'au fond.

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this equip­ment to rain or moisture.

1. Read Instructions—All safety and operating instructions should be read
before operating the device.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the device and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and safety instructions should be
followed.

5. Water & Moisture—The device should never be used in, on or near
water for risk of fatal shock.

6. Carts & Stands—The device should only be used on carts or stands rec­ommended by the manufacturer.

7. Wall & Ceiling Mounting—The device should be mounted on a wall or
ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Ventilation—The device should always be located in such a way that it
maintains proper ventilation.
It should never be placed in a built-in installation or anywhere that
may impede the flow of air through its heat sink.

9. Heat—Never locate the device near heat sources such as radiators, floor
registers, stoves or other heat-generating devices.

10. Power Supply—The device should only be connected to a power supply
of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the
device.

11. Power Cord Protection—Power cables should be routed so they are not
likely to be stepped on or crushed by items placed on them or against
them. Special attention should be paid to areas where the plug enters a
socket or fused strip and where the cord exits the device.

12. Cleaning—The device should be cleaned in accordance with manufac-

turer’s instructions.

13. Periods Of Non-Use—The device should be unplugged when not being

used for extended periods.

14. Dangerous Entry—Care should be taken that no foreign objects or
liquids fall or are spilled inside the device.

15. Damage Requiring Service—The device should be serviced by licensed

technicians when:

• The plug or power supply cord has been damaged.

• Objects have fallen on or liquid has spilled inside the device.

• The device has been exposed to moisture.

• The device does not appear to be operating properly or exhibits a
marked change in performance.

• The device has been dropped or the cabinet becomes damaged.

16. Service—The device should always be serviced by licensed technicians.
Only replacement parts specified by the manufacturer should be used.
The use of unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, shock, or other
hazards.

CAUTION: Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE SPEAKER WITHOUT
STABILIZER FEET INSTALLED

Accessories included in your Bipolar ST box:

1. Stabilizer Feet: Qty (4) BP-8080ST, BP-8060ST, and BP-8040ST; Qty (2) BP-8020ST

2. Philips Head Screws: Qty (8) BP-8080ST, BP-8060ST, and BP-8040ST;
Qty (4) BP-8020ST

3. Carpet Spikes: Qty (4) all models

4. Hard Floor Glides: Qty (4) all models

Accessory Installation

*Definitive Technology is
not responsible for damage
to floors caused by misuse
of the provided accessories.

Figure 1 – Stabilizer Feet

Stabilizer Feet and Screws

Power Supply

1. The fuse and power disconnect device are located on the back of the speaker.

2. The disconnect device is the power cord, detachable at either the speaker
or the wall.

Unpacking Your BP-8000 Super T

Please Inspect For Shipping Damage

Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or concealed
damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant and should be
reported to your Definitive dealer or the delivery company that delivered your
loudspeaker. Please unpack your system carefully. Save all cartons and packing
materials in case you move or need to ship your system. Record the serial number
found on the back of the Bipolar 8000ST speaker.

Positioning the Speakers in Your Room

Your new Bipolar speakers are very flexible in terms of positioning and placement.

mance, please follow these simple guidelines. Although the

o optimize their per

T
following recommendations will usually yield the best results, all rooms and listen­ing setsups are different,
so do not be afraid to
experiment with the
speaker placement.
Whatever sounds best to
you is correct.

e 2 –

Figur
Positioning Bipolar
ST as Left/Right
Main Speakers

Set up the speakers and
listening position in an
equilateral triangle as
illustrated. You will also
get good results if the
listeners ar
line B would be between 7' and 8' long.

e a bit farther away. For example, if line A and C are each 10' long then

for

>

A

Optional Carpet Spikes

ower

>

B

C

2

RECEIVER/
AMPLIFIER

BIPOLAR SUPERTOWER

OWNER’S MANUAL

Connecting Your Loudspeakers

Figure 3 – Wiring and Polarity

+

-

Strip 1/4" (6mm) wire.

1

2

1. Unscrew binding post and insert wire.

2. Tighten until wire is secure.

Wiring Options: High Level, High Level and LFE w/ “Y” Connector

VERY IMPORTANT:
Do not use your receiver’s auto setup functions as they are often

ineffective in setting up and adjusting speakers with built-in
powered subwoofers!

Use the manual speaker setup func­tions in your receiver to set speaker
configuration, speaker distance and
channel balance. Consult your
receiver’s or processor’s manual to
learn how to access and use the setup
menus. Use the settings called for in

Figure 4.

e 4 – Receiver Settings

Figur

Subwoofer
level

Speaker Setup

Speaker Sub

ge Y

Lar

LFE

es

Powering the Active Subwoofer

Your Bipolar STs contain a built-in subwoofer amplifier that must be plugged into
an electrical socket. When powering up from being unplugged, the LED on the
amplifier panel will flash for 30 seconds while the firmware is loading. The
Bipolar ST has a special circuit which automatically tur
to the loudspeaker. The LED on the back panel will light up when a signal is
sensed and the amplifier turns on. After the cessation of a signal, it may take up

dentify markings on wire and assign +/-.

I

Receiver/Amplifier

Ensure that the speaker is always con­nected to the receiver or amplifier + to +
and – to –.

Subwoofer
level

on/off LED

Speaker Setup

Speaker Sub

Large No

Connection Option 1

Connection Option 2

“Y” Connector *available from dealer

LFE

speaker output

Right Left

Receiver/Amplifier

ns on when a signal is fed

Receiver/Amplifier

LFE

LFE

Subwoofer
level

speaker output

to an hour for the amplifier to turn off. Due to stray radio signals (RF) in your
area, the LEDs may not turn off. Do not be concerned, the amplifiers draw little
power when they are idle.

Setting Your Speakers’ Low-Frequency Level Control

Your Bipolar STs have bass level controls which allow you to adjust the output
level of the powered subwoofers to match your room and personal listening
preferences. Please note that there are no controls to
vary the crossover points or phase. The crossover
points and phase have been factory-calibrated to
provide perfect blending. We suggest beginning with
the level control set at approximately 12 o’clock.

Each speaker’s bass controls can also be set differently
in order to allow you to compensate for asymmetrical
positioning of the speakers in your room (i.e., when
one is closer to a side wall or corner, etc.).

Min Max

Complete Home Theater System

We strongly suggest that you use matching Definitive center channel and
rear/surround speakers to complete your Definitive home theater system. Please
note that you can use Definitive Bipolar SuperTowers as rear or side surround
speakers with excellent results for both music and movies.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any difficulties with your Bipolar ST loudspeakers, try the
suggestions below. If you still have problems, contact your Definitive Technology
Authorized Dealer for assistance.

Audible distortion when the speakers are playing at loud levels is caused

1.
by turning up your receiver or amplifier louder than the receiver or the
speakers are capable of playing. Most receivers and amplifiers put out their
full-rated power well before the volume control is turned all the way up, so
the position of the volume control is a poor indicator of its power limit. If
your speakers distort when you play them loud, turn the volume down!

2. If you experience a
(polarity) with the other and needs to be rewired with closer attention to
connecting positive to positive and negative to negative on both channels.
Most speaker wir
writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency.
It is essential to connect both speakers to the amplifier in the same way
(in phase).

Make sur

3.

4. Should you hear
the speakers’ power cords into a different AC circuit than your amplifier.

The system has sophisticated

5.
reason the protection circuitry trips, turn off your system and wait five
minutes befor
should over-heat, the system will turn off until the amplifier cools down
and resets.

6. Check to be sure that your power cord has not been damaged.

7. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the speaker cabinet.

8.

If you cannot get the subwoofer driver to turn on or if
and you are sure the system is set up properly, please bring the loudspeaker
to your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance; call first.

e all your system inter

lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase

e has some indicator (such as color

connects and power cor

hum or noise coming from your speakers, try plugging

otection cir

nal pr

inter

ying the system again. If the speakers’ built-in amplifier

e tr

-coding, ribbing or

e solidly in place.

ds ar

cuitry

. If for some

no sound comes out

3

Specifications

BIPOLAR SUPERTOWER

P-8080ST BP-8060ST BP-8040ST BP-8020ST

B

OWNER’S MANUAL

Overall Frequency Response 18Hz - 30kHz 20Hz - 30kHz 25Hz - 30kHz 30Hz - 30kHz
Sensitivity 92dB 92dB 92dB 92dB
Impedance Nominal 8 Ohms Nominal 8 Ohms Nominal 8 Ohms Nominal 8 Ohms

Minimum Recommended Associated
Amplifier Power 20-400w 20-300w 20-300w 20-250w

Maximum Recommended Associated
Amplifier Power 400w 300w 300w 250w

Built-In Subwoofer Amplifier Power 455w 300w 300w 150w

Dimensions

Height 48-1/4" (122.5 cm) 44-3/16" (112.2 cm) 39" (99.1 cm) 35-7/8" (91.033 cm)
Footprint Width 12-1/8" (30.8 cm) 11-1/16" (28.1 cm) 10-3/4" (27.3 cm) 10-3/4" (27.3 cm)
Footprint Depth 16-5/16" (41.3 cm) 13-1/16" (34.1 cm) 11-5/8" (29.4 cm) 11-5/8" (29.4 cm)
Speaker Width 7" (17.8 cm) 5-15/16" (15.1 cm) 5-5/8" (14.2 cm) 5-5/8" (14.2 cm)
Speaker Depth 16-5/16" (41.3 cm) 13-7/16" (34.1 cm) 11-5/8" (29.4 cm) 11-5/8" (29.4 cm)

Speaker Complement

Active woofer quantity

1111
Woofer Diameter 12" (30.48 cm) 10" (25.4 cm) 8" (20.32 cm) 8" (20.32 cm)
Bass Radiator Quantity 2 2 2 Vented
Bass Radiator Diameter 12.5" (31.75 cm) 10" (25.4 cm) 8" (20.32 cm)
Midrange Driver Quantity 3 3 33
Midrange Driver Diameter 5.25" (13.34 cm) 4.5" (11.43 cm) 3.5" (8.9 cm) 3.5" (8.9 cm)
Tweeter Quantity 2 2 2 1
Tweeter Diameter 1" (2.54 cm) 1" (2.54 cm) 1" (2.54 cm) 1" (2.54 cm)

Technical Assistance

It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions regarding your
Bipolar STs or their setup. Please contact your nearest Definitive Technology
dealer or call us directly at [phone] (US & Canada), 01 [phone]
(all other countries) or e-mail [e-mail]. Technical support is

offered in English only.

Definitive Technology Offices

11433 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117

Phone: [phone] (US & Canada), 01 [phone] (all other countries)

Limited Warranty: 5-Years for Drivers and Cabinets, 3-Years for Electronic Components

DEI Sales Co., dba Definitive Technology (herein “Definitive”) warrants to the original retail purchaser only that
this Definitive loudspeaker product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a peri­od of five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years for the electronic components from the date
of the original purchase from a Definitive Authorized Dealer. If the Product is defective in material or workmanship,
Definitive or its Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace the warranted product at no additional charge,
except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Product(s) become the property of Definitive. Product that is
repaired or replaced under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight collect. This war­ranty is non-transfer
to any other party.

This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage in excess of the rated maximum of the unit,
cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty does

ver the elimination of externall

not co
reception. This warranty does not cover labor costs or damage to the Product caused by installation or removal of

oduct. Def

the Pr
other than Def

ARRANTY IS

W

THE

1) The product has been damaged, altered in any way, mishandled during transportation, or tampered with.

The product is damaged due to accident, fire, flood, unreasonable use, misuse, abuse, customer

2)

applied cleaners, failure to observe manufacturers warnings, neglect or related events.

3) Repair or modification of the Product has not been made or authorized by Definitive Technology.

4) The product has been improperly installed or used.

rable and is automatically void if the original purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product

lems or weak

ection of antenna pr

ated static or noise

ener

y g

hnology makes no warranty with respect to its products purchased from dealers or outlets

ec

T

initive

echnology Authorized Dealer.

T

initive

AUTOMATICALLY VOID IF:

, or the corr

ob

Service

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will normally be
performed by your local Definitive Technology dealer. If, however, you wish to
return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the problem and
requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest factory service

Please note that the address given in this booklet is the address

center.

of our offices only. Under no circumstances should loudspeakers be
shipped to our offices or returned without contacting us first and
obtaining r

Product must be retur
Dealer from whom the Product was purchased, or to the nearest Definitive factory service center. Product must be
shipped in the original shipping container or its equi
to Product in transit.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY THAT APPLIES TO YOUR PRODUCT.
DEFINITIVE NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO ASSUME FOR IT
ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PRODUCT OR THIS
WARRANTY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS,

,W

IMPLIED
EXPRESSL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON PRODUCT ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS EXPRESSED
WARRANTY. DEFINITIVE HAS NO LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES. DEFINITIVE’S
LIABILITY
SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT FOR WHICH A CLAIM HAS BEEN
MADE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL DEFINITIVE BEAR ANY LIABILITY FOR
INCIDENT
THAT ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE CONSUMER AND DEFINITIVE SHALL BE RESOLVED IN

ANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. DEFINITIVE

CCORD

A

VES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT AT ANY TIME.

RESER
Some states do not allo

so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.

©2009 DEI Sales Co. All rights reserved.

eturn authorization.

ned (insured and prepaid), together with the original dated proof of purchase to the Authorized

v

alent. Definitive is not responsible or liable for loss or damage

ARRANTY OF MERCHANT

Y EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. ALL

WHETHER B

,

AL, CONSEQ

ASED ON CONTRA

UENTIAL OR SPECIAL D

w the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, or implied warranties,

ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE

, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY,

T

OR

T

,

CT

THE CONSUMER AGREES AND CONSENTS

GES.

AMA

7082A100 08112010

4

For more information on Definitive Technology Loudspeakers and accessories,
visit www.definitivetech.com, or email [e-mail].
Definitive Technology, Owings Mills, Maryland, USA. 800-228-7148

This product complies with the essential requirements

of the EMC directive 89/336/EEC.