Why is this one better?

[kevinokev]

What are the benefits of Def Tech's SR 8080 when compared to the SR 8040? Debating between the two and could really use some input...

[Big Daddy]

Just look at the specifications. The BP-8080 speakers are higher-end speakers that have better and larger bipolar drivers, larger subwoofer and passive radiators, more powerful subwoofer amplifier, better frequency response, higher power tolerance, heavier and more stable, and truly full-range.

That can be said about the surround speakers. Although surround speakers are not as important as the front speakers, there is no doubt that the SR-8080 speakers are better than the SR-8040. Better surround speakers will have better frequency response and blend with the other speakers and the subwoofer better.

If I were in the market for speakers, I would not even consider the 8040 speakers. For me, even a small improvement in sound makes the 8080 speakers a worthwhile investment over the 8040. Don't let my judgement bias your decision. Ultimately, you must use your own ears and should not look at the numbers alone. These speakers are readily available locally. Go and listen to them with a few different BDs. If you believe the 8080 speakers are worth the additional cost, don't listen to anybody else and buy them.

BP-8080ST :Specifications

Dimensions (cabinet only, no stablizer feet) :48-14" H x 7" x 16-5/16" D | 122.5cm H x 17.8cm W x 41.3cm D
Dimensions (with stabilizer feet) :48-1/4" H x 12-1/8" x 16-5/16" D | 122.5cm H x 30.8cm W x 41.3cm D
Driver complement :3 each 5-1/4" (13cm) BDSS midrange drivers, 2 each 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeters, 1 each 12" (30cm) active subwoofer driver pressure coupled to 2 each 12-1/2" (32cm) Low-bass radiators
Frequency response :18Hz - 30kHz
Sensitivity :92 dB
Nominal impedance :8 Ohms
Recommended amplifier power :20 - 400 Watts
A/V Receiver Crossover Setting :Large, full bandwidth
Internal amplifier power :455 watts
Auto On / Off : :Signal Sensing
Power Requirements :110 volts A/C (product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America)
Inputs :One pair of 5 way binding posts; One LFE input (optional)
Accessories : :Stabilizer feet; carpet spikes, hard floor glides
Weight :66 lbs. 30kg


BP-8040ST :Specifications

Dimensions (cabinet only, no stablizer feet) :39" H x 5-5/8" W x 11-5/8" D | 99.1cm H x 14.2cm W x 29.4cm D
Dimensions (with stabilizer feet) :39" H x 10-3/4" W x 11-5/8" D | 99.1cm H x 27.2cm W x 29.4cm D
Driver complement :3 each 3-1/2" (9cm) BDSS midrange drivers, 2 each 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeters, 1 each 8" (20cm) active subwoofer driver pressure coupled to 2 each 8" (20cm) Low-bass radiators
Frequency response :25Hz - 30kHz
Sensitivity :92 dB
Nominal Impedance :8 Ohms
Recommended amplifier power :20 - 300 Watts per channel
A/V Receiver Crossover Setting :Large, full bandwidth
Internal amplifier power :300 Watts
Auto On / Off :Signal Sensing
Power Requirements :110 volts A/C (product not available outside of USA, Canada and Latin America)
Inputs :One pair of 5 way binding posts; One LFE input (optional)
Accessories :Stabilizer feet; carpet spikes, hard floor glides
Weight :40 lbs. | 18kg


SR-8080BP :Specifications

Dimensions :15-5/8" H x 9" W x 6-1/16" D | 39.7cm H x 22.8cm W x 15.5 cm D
Driver complement :2 each 4-1/2" drivers, 2 each 1" aluminum dome tweeters
Frequency response :40Hz - 30kHz
Sensitivity :92dB
Nominal impedance :8 Ohms
Recommended amplifier power :20 - 200 WPC
Inputs :One pair of 5 way binding posts
Weight :13 lbs. | 5.9kg


SR-8040BP :Specifications

Dimensions :9-1/2" H x 7-13/16" W x 5-3/8" D | 24cm H x 19.8cm W x 13.5cm D
Driver complement :2 each 3-1/2" BDSS drivers, 2 each 1" aluminum dome tweeters
Frequency response :50Hz - 30kHz
Sensitivity :92dB
Nominal impedance :8 Ohms
Recommended amplifier power :20 - 150 WPC
Inputs :One pair of 5 way binding posts
Weight :8 lbs. | 3.6kg

[FlipperWasIrish]

I agree with the above.

[BigAl87]

What else to add to Big Daddy's post?

Frank as usual you nailed it, I have one question for the OP, How big is your room?

I tend to pick BDs position on this, if you ask yourself if the 200$ difference in price is worth it, I say yes if your has a decent size I say yes, I am sure the 8040 would do well but the price difference is certainly worth the investment.

If you think your budget will allow you to get the 8080 then I would do so. I love what Def Tech speakers can do in an HT environment and I have been impressed with them when I go to my dealer.

I will invite the OP to do as BD said to go to your local shop and audition to see if it would make a difference for him.

Good luck finding the right speaker for you Kevin

[kevinokev]

As usual, thanks for everyone's input. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a new pair of the 8080's on ebay from a reputable dealer for $449. Can't see them any cheaper and still listed as new.

Haven't been able to test these out at a store (as I would have to travel about an hour and a half to do so. I have been happy with my current Def Tech speakers and feel like these will be a vast improvement over my current setup.

[kevinokev]

Would you use these speakers as surrounds or rears until the remaining two get replaced ?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by kevinokev

Would you use these speakers as surrounds or rears until the remaining two get replaced ?

The vast majority of movies are 5.1. As a result, the main surround speakers (side surround) are more important than the rear surround speakers. You can use Dolby PLIIx to matrix all 5.1 movies to 7.1 without any loss of quality, but the front and side sound stage is more important for us, the imperfect human beings. We generally prefer sound coming from the front of us as opposed to the back side.

Use the better quality speakers as your main surround speakers and the lower quality ones as your rear surround speakers.

[kevinokev]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The vast majority of movies are 5.1. As a result, the main surround speakers (side surround) are more important than the rear surround speakers. You can use Dolby PLIIx to matrix all 5.1 movies to 7.1 without any loss of quality, but the front and side sound stage is more important for us, the imperfect human beings. We generally prefer sound coming from the front of us as opposed to the back side.

Use the better quality speakers as your main surround speakers and the lower quality ones as your rear surround speakers.

Will do BD! Getting them today. Very excited!!!

[kevinokev]

They sound great. I'm very impressed with the overall range of these speakers. I promptly put in Tron Legacy after they were calibrated and was very suprised with their presence and at the same time, their ability to blend in with the front soundstage. The 5.1 Inception soundtrack also sounded very impressive. Going to really enjoy breaking these in. Once again, thanks for the advice and as usual, I will not regret it! Looking forward to posting some pics when I get a chance.

[kevinokev]

Got Dave Matthews Live at Radio City Music Hall...holy crap. I've never heard such detailed audio. Those front speakers sung!!!!