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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Audio output power:8.00 WBattery life:10 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:2.1Weight:?

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.

5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of portable speakers
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

32%

5.5

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.4

Durability

16%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

4.1

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 86%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

32%

5.5

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.4

Durability

16%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

4.1

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

5.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.0
Audio output power
8 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 8 W which is lower than that of 73.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
32 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 32 mm which is smaller than that of 97.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
60 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 60 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
2.1
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker 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.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker 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
?
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker 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
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
?
Height
4.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker 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
?
Depth
4.8 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
handle
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 2 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (82 dB vs 80 dB).
    82 dB vs 80 dB
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 2 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (82 dB vs 80 dB).
    82 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • 7.6 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (4.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    4.8 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 3.5 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (4.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    4.8 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 7 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (85 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    85 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 18 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (32 mm vs 50 mm).
    32 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • 12 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (8 W vs 20 W).
    8 W vs 20 W
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 7.9% worse value for money
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (6.99 vs 7.5).
    6.99 vs 7.55
  • 4.21x less popular
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2x more expensive
    Definitive Technology Sound Cylinder is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 18 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (32 mm vs 50 mm).
    32 mm vs 50 mm
  • 7 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (85 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    85 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 12 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (8 W vs 20 W).
    8 W vs 20 W
  • 58 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (43 mm vs 101 mm).
    43 mm vs 101 mm
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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

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 don't like 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

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.

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