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Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$200
  • Audio output power: 8.00 W
  • Battery life: 10 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 2.1
  • Weight: ?

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

5.7

Audio

20.0%

7.4

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

5.3

Connectivity

8.0%

4.1

Controls

3.0%

9.3

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

  • 3.5
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.6

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.1
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    1.6

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is a compact 2.1-channel portable Bluetooth speaker housed in a rugged aluminum and magnesium alloy chassis measuring 7.5 x 2.75 x 1.93 inches and weighing 0.70 lbs. It features an integrated 8-watt Class-D amplifier powering two front-firing 32mm midrange/high-frequency drivers and one 43mm side-firing woofer, delivering a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz, a peak output level of 85dB at 1 meter, and processing audio via an Analog Devices ADAU 1701 DSP with Active Surround Array technology. Its main advantages include a clever built-in retractable kickstand and a secure clamp mechanism for attaching to tablets or laptops, convenient wireless pairing alongside a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a reliable 10-hour rechargeable battery life. However, notable drawbacks include its premium pricing, a lack of speakerphone functionality, a tendency for the bass to get muddy at high volumes, and a tight clamping force that can potentially strain laptop screens.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

6.1
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a technical score of 6.13 points, which is lower than 85.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.2
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 89.1% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

8.00 W
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has an audio output power of 8.00 W which is lower than that of 73.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 8.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

32.00 mm
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a driver unit size of 32.00 mm which is smaller than that of 97.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 32.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

3
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 3.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

60.00 Hz
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a lowest frequency of 60.00 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 60.00 Hz.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

2.1
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports Bluetooth version 2.1 which is older than that of 92% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 2.1.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

10 hours
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

2 hours
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

side
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

?
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

4.8 cm
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a height of 4.8 cm which is shorter than that of 93.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

?
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

4.8 cm
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a depth of 4.8 cm which is shallower than that of 84.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

handle
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

USB
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder vs the average portable speaker

  • Includes a subwoofer
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
    When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 4 h

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 3.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).3 vs 2
  • Supports fast pairing
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
    Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
    What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
    When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 2 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (82 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 82.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (82 dB vs 80 dB).82.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • Includes a power adapter
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
    Supports the AAC Bluetooth audio codec.
    What it is: Indicates whether the AAC Bluetooth audio codec is supported.
    When it matters: When streaming from Apple devices or other AAC-focused sources matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
  • 2 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (82 dB vs 80 dB).
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • 7.6 cm shorter
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is shorter than the average portable speaker (4.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • Includes a travel bag
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 3.5 cm shallower
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is shallower than the average portable speaker (4.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Design
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 18 mm smaller main driver
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (32 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 32.00 mm.
  • 7 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (85 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 85.00 dB.
  • 12 W less audio output power
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (8 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 8.00 W.
  • 58 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (43 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 43.00 mm.
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 2.1.
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Is not water resistant
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 6 older
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2013.
  • Is not water resistant
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • 7 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (85 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 85.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (85 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).85.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 18 mm smaller main driver
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (32 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 32.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (32 mm vs 50.00 mm).32.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 2.1.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).2.1 vs 5.0
  • 12 W less audio output power
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (8 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 8.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (8 W vs 20.00 W).8.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder?

  • Sleek and premium design utilizing rugged aluminum and magnesium alloy
  • Clever, functional clip and built-in kickstand that securely converts into a stand for tablets and laptops
  • Impressive 2.1 channel sound performance and volume output for its compact size
  • Up to 10 hours of rechargeable battery life per single charge
  • Includes helpful accessories such as a dedicated travel bag and 3.5mm audio cable

What customers dislike about Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder?

  • Relatively high, expensive price tag compared to similar portable speaker choices
  • Lacks any built-in microphone or speakerphone calling capabilities
  • Sound profile has a directional sweet spot, making audio sound thin or flat when listening off-axis
  • The physical clamp can put excessive force on laptop screens or slightly obscure thin tablet bezels
  • Low-end bass performance can start to sound wooly or distorted at higher volume levels

Expert reviews

G
gizmodo.com
04/01/2013
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder First Listen: A Spectacular, Tiny 2.1 Speaker System
C
cnet.com
03/05/2013
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Bluetooth speaker review
H
hometheaterreview.com
05/06/2013
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Bluetooth Speaker Review
D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Review - Digital Trends CNET
O
on-mag.fr
19/10/2015
Summary of the review
Review of the Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder: A mini soundbar with beautiful audio for tablets and laptops
(Translated)Show original
C
cnet.com
03/05/2013
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Bluetooth speaker review
(Translated)Show original
D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Review
(Translated)Show original
H
hometheaterreview.com
05/06/2013
Summary of the review
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Bluetooth Speaker
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
27/08/2014
Summary of the review
Review: Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder - Hifi.nl
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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