Definitive Technology SR9080
Definitive Technology SR-9080 Bipolar Surround Speaker User Manual
Model: SR9080
1. Product Overview
The Definitive Technology SR-9080 is a high-performance bipolar surround speaker designed to deliver immersive, room-filling sound for home theater systems. Its unique bipolar dispersion pattern creates an enveloping sound field, enhancing the cinematic experience with tremendous dynamic range.

Figure 1.1: Front and side view of the SR-9080 Bipolar Surround Speaker, showcasing its sleek design and acoustic grilles.
Equipped with BDSS (Balanced Double Surround System) drivers and aluminum dome tweeters, the SR-9080 reproduces demanding audio soundtracks with extended bass response and crystal-clear highs. The inert, resonance-free cabinet structure, combined with acoustically transparent grilles, ensures clean, powerful, and distortion-free sound reproduction.
2. Key Features
- BDSS Technology Drivers: Features (2) 1" Aluminum Dome tweeters and (2) 4.5" mid drivers for pure sound reproduction.
- Powerful L/R Bipolar Design: Provides an immersive surround sound experience with high-quality sound directed towards the listening area.
- Versatile Placement Options: Can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf or stand.
- Rigid, Resonance-Free Cabinet: Minimizes disturbances for natural, clear, and powerful sound.
- Compact Design: Standing 15 inches tall, it offers powerful performance in a manageable size.
3. Package Contents
Please verify that all items are present and in good condition upon opening the package.
- Definitive Technology SR-9080 Bipolar Surround Speaker (Single Unit)
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 Speaker Placement
The SR-9080 offers flexible placement options to optimize your home theater sound. It can be placed on a shelf or stand, or wall-mounted using its keyhole hanger. For optimal surround sound, position the speakers to the sides or slightly behind the main listening area.

Figure 4.1: Dimensions of the SR-9080 speaker: 15.7 inches (H) x 6.1 inches (W) x 9 inches (D).
When wall-mounting, ensure the mounting surface is sturdy enough to support the speaker's weight (approximately 13.68 pounds). Use appropriate wall anchors or mount directly into wall studs for secure installation. Measure carefully for drywall cutouts if applicable, as mounting hardware is not included.
4.2 Connecting Your Speaker
The SR-9080 is a wired speaker and connects to your audio receiver or amplifier via standard speaker wire. Ensure your receiver is turned off before making any connections.
- Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the back of the SR-9080 speaker and on your receiver.
- Connect the positive (+) terminal of the speaker to the corresponding positive (+) surround channel output on your receiver.
- Connect the negative (-) terminal of the speaker to the corresponding negative (-) surround channel output on your receiver.
- Ensure all connections are secure and free from stray wire strands that could cause short circuits.
After connecting, you may need to run your receiver's automatic calibration system (e.g., Audyssey, MCACC) to optimize the speaker's performance within your listening environment.
5. Operation
As a passive speaker, the SR-9080's operation is controlled by your connected audio receiver or amplifier. Once properly connected and configured, the speaker will reproduce audio signals from your source components (e.g., Blu-ray player, streaming device) as processed by your receiver.
Adjust volume levels and sound modes directly on your receiver. For optimal sound quality, ensure your receiver's settings are appropriate for a 1.0 surround sound channel configuration and an 8 Ohm impedance load.
6. Care and Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the speaker cabinet. Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish.
- Grilles: The acoustically transparent grilles can be gently wiped with a dry cloth. Do not attempt to remove the grilles unless necessary for service, and do so with extreme care.
- Placement Environment: Avoid placing the speaker in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas with excessive moisture or humidity.
- Handling: When moving the speaker, lift it carefully from the base. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your SR-9080 speaker, refer to the table below for common problems and their solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speaker | Loose or incorrect wiring; Receiver not powered on or set to correct input; Speaker channel disabled in receiver settings. | Check all speaker wire connections for proper polarity and tightness. Ensure receiver is on and set to the correct audio input. Verify speaker channel is enabled in receiver's settings. |
| Distorted or unclear sound | Overdriving the speaker; Loose connections; Incorrect receiver settings (e.g., crossover). | Reduce volume. Check speaker wire connections. Review receiver's speaker setup, especially crossover frequencies for surround channels. |
| Speaker sounds too quiet or too loud compared to others | Channel level imbalance in receiver settings; Incorrect speaker distance setting. | Run receiver's auto-calibration. Manually adjust individual channel levels in receiver settings. Verify speaker distance settings are accurate. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, consult your receiver's user manual or contact Definitive Technology customer support.
8. Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | SR9080 |
| Speaker Type | Rear Surround |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 15.7" x 6.1" x 9" (39.9 cm x 15.5 cm x 22.9 cm) |
| Weight | 13.68 pounds (6.2 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum (Cabinet) |
| Color | Black |
| Impedance | 8 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz (Lower limit, typical) |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Mounting Type | Keyhole Hanger |
| UPC | 747192126506 |
9. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty details for the Definitive Technology SR-9080 Bipolar Surround Speaker are not included within this manual. For information regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Definitive Technology website. You can also find additional support resources, FAQs, and contact information for customer service on their website.
For a downloadable PDF version of the user guide, please visit: Definitive Technology SR-9080 User Guide (PDF)
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