1. Introduction and Overview
The Definitive Technology BP-8020ST is a floor-standing bipolar SuperTower loudspeaker featuring a built-in powered subwoofer. This design aims to provide expansive, room-filling sound and deep bass performance from a compact footprint.
Key Features:
- Bipolar Technology: Delivers sound from both the front and rear of the speaker, creating a wide and immersive soundstage.
- Integrated Powered Subwoofer: A 150-watt powered subwoofer is built into the tower, providing powerful bass without the need for a separate subwoofer unit.
- Midrange Drivers: Features three 3.5-inch midrange drivers for clear vocal reproduction and balanced tonal characteristics.
- Compact Design: The slim enclosure occupies less than 1 square foot of floor space.
Figure 1: Front view of the Definitive Technology BP-8020ST Bipolar Tower Loudspeaker. This image shows the sleek, black tower design with the speaker grilles in place, highlighting its compact form factor.
2. Setup and Placement
Unpacking:
Carefully remove the speaker from its packaging. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or storage.
Attaching the Feet (Optional):
The BP-8020ST includes optional feet for added stability. If desired, attach these to the base of the speaker using the provided screws. Exercise caution during installation as the screws can be delicate. The speaker is designed to be stable even without the feet.
Speaker Placement:
- Stereo Setup: For a two-channel stereo system, place the speakers equidistant from your primary listening position and spaced appropriately apart to create a wide soundstage.
- Home Theater Setup: In a home theater system, position the BP-8020ST speakers as your front left and right channels.
- Bipolar Design: Due to the bipolar design, these speakers project sound in multiple directions, contributing to a spacious audio experience. Experiment with placement to optimize the soundstage in your room.
- Subwoofer Orientation: The integrated subwoofer is designed to face inward on each tower. This is a standard design and does not indicate a mismatch. Bass frequencies are non-directional, so this orientation does not affect sound quality.
Connections:
- Speaker Wire Connection: Connect your receiver or amplifier to the speaker's input terminals using high-quality speaker wire. Ensure correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).
- Power Connection: The integrated subwoofer requires power. Connect the speaker to a standard AC power outlet using the provided power cord.
- Receiver Settings:
- It is recommended to connect the BP-8020ST as a traditional speaker, using only the speaker wire connection to your A/V receiver.
- Do not use the dedicated subwoofer output channel from your A/V receiver for these speakers.
- Set the speaker type in your receiver's settings to "Large" or "Full Range" to allow the integrated subwoofer to handle low frequencies effectively.
3. Operating Instructions
Powering On/Off:
Once connected to an AC outlet, the integrated subwoofer will automatically power on when an audio signal is detected and enter standby mode when no signal is present.
Subwoofer Level Adjustment:
A control dial is located on the rear of the speaker to adjust the output level of the integrated subwoofer. Adjust this dial to blend the bass output seamlessly with the main speaker drivers and to suit your room acoustics and personal preference. Start with a moderate setting and fine-tune as needed.
Break-in Period:
Like most high-fidelity loudspeakers, the BP-8020ST may benefit from a break-in period. Allow several hours of normal listening to achieve optimal performance.
4. Maintenance
Cleaning:
- Dust the speaker cabinets with a soft, dry cloth.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents, as these can damage the finish.
- For grilles, a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can be used to remove dust.
General Care:
- Keep the speakers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the rear of the speaker, especially near the subwoofer amplifier section.
5. Troubleshooting
No Sound:
- Check all speaker wire connections at both the speaker and the receiver/amplifier. Ensure correct polarity.
- Verify the speaker is plugged into a working AC outlet and the power switch (if any) is on.
- Confirm the receiver/amplifier is powered on and the correct input source is selected.
- Check the volume level on your receiver/amplifier and the subwoofer level control on the speaker.
Distorted Sound or Lack of Bass:
- Ensure speaker wires are securely connected and not frayed or shorting.
- Adjust the subwoofer level control on the rear of the speaker.
- Verify that your A/V receiver's speaker settings are configured for "Large" or "Full Range" for the BP-8020ST speakers. Avoid using the dedicated subwoofer output for these speakers.
- Experiment with speaker placement to minimize room acoustic issues like "boominess" or standing waves, especially in smaller rooms.
Subwoofer Not Activating:
- Ensure the speaker is properly connected to an AC power source.
- Confirm that an audio signal is being sent to the speaker. The subwoofer's auto-on feature requires an input signal.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | BP 8020ST |
| Speaker Type | Floor Standing, Bipolar SuperTower with Built-in Powered Subwoofer |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 8 Inches |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 150 Watts (Subwoofer Amplifier) |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired (Speaker Wire, AC Power) |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.5 x 5.5 x 38.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 34 pounds |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Recommended Uses | Music, Movies (Home Entertainment) |
| Manufacturer | Definitive Technology |
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
The Definitive Technology BP-8020ST comes with an extended warranty. For specific details regarding the duration and terms of your warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Definitive Technology website.
Customer Support:
Should you encounter any issues or require assistance with your BP-8020ST loudspeaker, please contact Definitive Technology customer support. You can typically find contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, on the official Definitive Technology website or within your product documentation.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (BP-8020ST) and purchase information readily available.
For additional resources and product information, visit the Definitive Technology Store on Amazon.
