Definitive Technology
Definitive Technology DW-MAX SUR
Best in-ceiling speaker for immersive home theater surround sound setups.
Immerse yourself in rich, detailed audio with this in-ceiling surround speaker. Engineered for unobtrusive installation, it blends seamlessly into your living space. The design features a white, paintable, micro-perforated magnetic grille for a clean aesthetic that complements any decor. Experience exceptional surround sound performance thanks to dual 3/4" pivoting aluminum oxide dome tweeters and an 8" mineral-filled poly BDSS driver with Linear Response Waveguide technology. This high-quality speaker is an ideal choice for elevating your home theater experience.
$679.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
907
/ 11827
#907 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Speaker Type
In-Ceiling Surround
/ In-Ceiling Surround
Who it's for
- Home theater enthusiasts seeking an immersive, room-filling audio experience
- Listeners prioritizing clear vocals and rich bass in compact spaces
- Design-conscious homeowners wanting speakers that complement modern interior aesthetics
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused shoppers looking for affordable surround sound solutions
- Users without high-performance amplifiers or dedicated AV receivers
- Casual installers avoiding complex mounting and calibration requirements
Performance breakdown
Surround Sound Dispersion
Dual pivoting tweeters create a wide, enveloping soundstage for home cinema.
Aesthetic Integration
The paintable magnetic grille disappears effortlessly into any ceiling finish.
Driver Performance
BDSS technology delivers rich, balanced audio with impressive midrange clarity.
Installation Ease
Designed for straightforward mounting, though professional assistance is recommended for wiring.
Build Quality
Premium components and robust construction ensure long-term reliability and performance.
Low-Profile Design
The unobtrusive form factor maintains a clean look without sacrificing power.
Key Specs
Speaker Type
In-Ceiling Surround
Model Number
DC-80 Max Sur
Item #
DT-DC-80-Max-Sur
Tweeters
(2) 3/4" Pivoting Aluminum Oxide Dome
Midrange/Midbass Driver
8" Mineral Filled Poly BDSS™
Grille
Micro-Perforated Magnetic
Mounting Type
In-Ceiling
Warranty
5 Years
Know before you buy
Yes, the micro-perforated magnetic grille is designed to be paintable. This allows you to customize the speaker to blend perfectly with your specific ceiling finish.
The dual pivoting tweeters are designed to provide wider sound dispersion, which is essential for creating an immersive surround sound field in a home theater setup. By angling them, you can direct the high frequencies toward your primary listening area.
The Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) driver allows for greater excursion and output compared to standard drivers of the same size. This results in cleaner, more detailed midrange performance and improved bass response.
While it is specifically optimized for surround sound applications, its high-quality components make it capable of handling various roles. However, for the best home theater experience, it is intended to be used as a dedicated surround channel.
The grille is held in place by magnets, making it very easy to remove without the need for specialized tools. This is particularly convenient if you need to access the pivoting tweeters for adjustment after the initial installation.
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Ready to buy?
$679