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Definitive Technology ProSub 800 (black)

Definitive Technology ProSub 800 (black)

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cnet editors' rating 7.7/10 Very good Editorial policies >>

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Product summary

The good: The Definitive Technology ProSub 800 has an 8-inch powered subwoofer with separate 8-inch passive radiator; built-in 300-watt power amplifier; high-density cabinet; above average connectivity; side-mounted volume control.

The bad: Somewhat pedestrian design.

The bottom line: If you don't mind its uninspired aesthetics, the Definitive Technology ProSub 800 is a mighty little subwoofer and a fine match for its SSA soundbars and ProCinema satellite speakers.

Specs: Type of speaker: subwoofer; Dimensions (WxDxH): 10.3 in x 15.7 in x 12.9 in; Color: Matte black See full specs >>

Price range: $389.00 - $399.85

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Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
Edited by: John P. Falcone

Reviewed on 7/22/08 Release date: 10/15/06

Definitive Technology's ProSub 800 subwoofer looks generic. Please don't misunderstand us, though; it's attractive enough, and nice and compact, but just looking at the thing you'd never guess the ProSub 800 is a genuine Definitive subwoofer.

Indeed, the sub--available in a matte black or a white vinyl finish--won't be winning any beauty contests, but its plain looks should let it recede into the background of any room. Likewise, its compact dimensions --10.3 inches wide, 15.75 deep, and 12.8 high--are easy to deal with. The little thing is solidly built, and its 28.5 pound of heft lets you know Definitive's engineers didn't skimp on the ProSub 800's power and driver quality.

For example: the built-in 300-watt, high-current amplifier uses costly MOSFET output transistors. The front-mounted 8-inch woofer's bass output is augmented with a bottom-mounted 8-inch passive (infrasonic) radiator. And the sub's volume control is conveniently located on the side panel.

Connectivity includes one rarely seen feature: filtered, high-pass speaker-level outputs that can be used with Definitive Technology's satellite speakers. There are also the speaker-level inputs and the more common LFE input.

The ProSub 800's cabinet walls are constructed from high-density medite panels fused together by polymer adhesives. The front and rear baffles are extra thick, and the cabinet incorporates internal bracing to ensure total solidity. The front cloth grille is no-frills basic, but it is removable.

Movies like House of Flying Daggers were impressively deep and well defined--far superior to what we've come to expect in similarly sized and priced subs. The ProSub 800 was just as accomplished with music. It was able to control the lowest octave of bass and still integrated well with both the Definitive Technology SSA-50 soundbar speaker and the ProCinema 800 satellite speakers we had on hand. At $400, it's a good addition to either of those systems, or any other surround setup that needs to be anchored with ample bass. Alternately, you can spend $100 more and opt for the ProSub 1000--it's essentially the same design, but with a 10-inch woofer (and corresponding infrasonic radiator).

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