Definitive Technology TPV906 User Manual

Definitive Technology ProCinema 1000

hris

Martens

5.1-Channel Speaker System

Innovative Technology

Pays Big Dividends

AUDIO REVIEW

efinitive Technology is known for building innovative

deliver high-end performance at modest prices, and historically some of the firm’s most special products have come in small packages. One great example would be the firm’s new $1649 ProCinema 1000 5.1-channel speaker system.

loudspeakers that

“This compact system plays big—very big.“

The deluxe version of the ProCinema 1000 system consists of four ProMonitor 1000 minimonitors, a ProCenter 2000 centerchannel speaker, and a ProSub 1000 sub-

woofer. At first, the ProCinema speakers look like truncated, jet-black versions of Definitive’s Mythos speakers, though the designs are different from a technical standpoint. Sadly, Definitive’s product styling has been widely imitated, so that the lovely ProCinema components look well finished but not particularly distinctive. From the outside, the ProCinema system looks much like any number of other good, “generic” sat/sub systems on the market. But once you hear the ProCinema system, you’ll know in an instant there is nothing generic about its sound.

Big Dynamics

This compact system

plays big—very big. We trotted out our favorite cinematic blockbusters—the “Echo Game” scene

House of Flying

from

Daggers,

from Attack” scene from Master and

Commander

impressed with the way the

“The Flying Boat” scene

The Aviator, and the “Under

—and came away

“The ProCinema 1000 system is a bargain, pure and simple.”

system handled this dynamically demanding material. Many small systems can play fairly loudly, but few do so gracefully. The ProCinema system, however, almost always kept its composure, taking large-scale dynamic swells in stride, even in TPV’s relatively large audio lab. Only at loony volume levels did the ProCinema rig star ness and compression.

t to show traces of hard-

“Value with a capital ‘V’”

Innovations that Work

I attribute the system’ dynamics to two design innovations. First, its speakers introduce spectacular new mid/bass drivers whose diaphragms are supported both by outer and inner suspension rings (traditional diaphragms are supported at their outer rims only), with cylindrical waveguides in the center be the finest mid/bass drivers Definitive has ever pr they deliver terrific dynamic punch with very low distortion. Second, the ProCinema speakers

s fine

. These might

oduced;

Definitive Technology [410] 363-7148 www.definitivetech.com

The Last Word

• Clear highs, potent bass Midrange with true high-end

•

ophistication

• Big dynamics from small enclosures Value with a capital “V”

•

• Could use a smoother tweeter You’ll need great electronics

•

o get this system’s full measure

pecifications

-way satellite speaker

• Driver complement: One 5.25" mid/bass driver, one 5.25" passive radiator, one

" aluminum dome tweeter.

• Frequency response: 47Hz–30kHz Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m)

• Impedance: 4–8ohms

•

• Recommended amplifier power:

0-200Wpc

1 Dimensions: 10.875" x 6.5" x 6.25"

• Weight: 7 lbs.

•

2-way center-channel speaker

• Driver complement: Two 5.25" mid/bass

rivers, two 5.25" passive radiators, one

d 1” aluminum dome tweeter.

• Frequency response: 42Hz–30kHz

• Sensitivity: 91dB (1W/1m)

• Impedance: 4–8ohms

• Recommended amplifier power: 10-250Wpc

• Dimensions: 6.5” x 6.5” x 17”

• Weight: 12 lbs.

Powered subwoofer

• Driver complement: One 10" polymercone woofer, one 10" infrasonic (passive) radiator

• Integrated amplifier power: 300 watts

• Dimensions: 12" x 17.875" x 14.4375"

• Weight: Not specified

System Price: $1649

Satellites and Center Channel

ransparency and Focus

Imaging and Soundstaging

Tonal Balance

Dynamics

Bass Extension

Value

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▲

Poor Good Excellent

▲

Subwoofer

Bass Extension

Bass Pitch Definition

Bass Dynamics

Value

012345678910

Poor Good Excellent

▲

incorporate small passive radiators mounted in the tops (or ends) of their cabinets; these give the speakers a more full-bodied sound and better mid and upper bass (areas where other small monitors can sound “thin”).

“they deliver terrific dynamic punch with very low distortion.”

Killer Midrange

The ProCinema system serves up clean, clear highs and midrange that is shockingly detailed and nuanced. Sophisticated midrange sound is this system’s crowning achievement, meaning these speakers reveal small textures and details that many small systems simply cannot reproduce. For example, the ProCinema system caught the eerie ping and shimmer of percussion instruments in the Reiner/Chicago recording of Bartok’s

Music for

Strings, Percussion and Celeste

[RCA Living Stereo, SACD], and the almost subliminal inflections of Valerie Joyce’s voice on New York Blue [Chesky]. Lower down, the speakers nailed the plucked string sounds and earthy growl of Charlie Haden’s acoustic bass in

ve]. These rich midrange details

Nocturnes

pull you deep inside your favorite music and films.

“clean, clear highs and midrange that is shockingly detailed and nuanced.”

The only small criticism I would offer is that Definitive’s aluminum dome tweeters, though very good, are not as good as the low-distor

tion

ProCinema mid/bass drivers mentioned above. The drivers generally integrate well, but the tweeter sometimes shows a bright, hard-edged quality inconsistent with the speaker’s otherwise smooth, open sound. Even so, the ProCinema tweeter is arguably as good or better than those used in other systems at this price.

“qualities you’d expect to find only in higher-end systems.“

Bass Wallop

Completing the system is the 300watt ProSub 1000, which borrows technology from Definitive’s awardwinning SuperCube subwoofers. Not surprisingly, the ProSub goes low, and produces energetic bass, with dynamic capabilities well matched to the rest of the system. Pitch definition is good, though not quite as good as the best I’ve heard from other subs in this price range (for example, Epos’ ELS sub). Nevertheless, the ProSub 1000 offers greater bass wallop than most competitors, building a rock-solid midbass foundation that supports music and low fr

equency ef

fects alike.

“looks small, plays big... high-end sophistication”

The ProCinema 1000 system is a bargain, pure and simple. For under $2000 the system looks small, plays big, and gives you revealing midrange qualities you’d expect to find only in higher-end systems.

. • Owings Mills, MD 21117 • (410)363-7148

onridge Dr

11433 Cr

Visit us at www.definitivetech.com

The Perfect Vision September 2006

TPV