Old Toad

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $40.00 from Yard Sale

Summary:
Well this is one of the best $40.00 I ever spent. These speakers have good bass for the size, and they are built heavy. I like the highs too. I bought these about 3 years ago at a yard sale. They sounded great when I got them home, and still do. I put them in my surround sound system for the front speakers. I'm pushing them through a Onkyo Power Amp (I have Three of These). Can't remember the model number, but it's 150 watts per channel. I have a Infinity Center channel. My rear channels are a pair of JBL Pro slighly smaller speakers. They're stuidio monitors. I have two Klipsch powered subs. They are 12" 150 watt powered subs. Eric Clapton, (One More Car One More Rider DVD) Sounds Great on it.

Strengths:
Very good bass for size and of course cost.

Weaknesses:
Little on the Plain Jane look. Speaker Grill could look better, and hold up better.

maxspinel

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Price Paid:  $250.00 from ebay

Summary:
I never thought that I would buy something that have been discontinued for over 10 years. I owned a full set of Def tech in my living room. They are awsome for HT but lack details and precise imaging required for music listening.

As I was setting up another set in the bonus room for both HT and music, I opted for something definitely not bipolar; they have to be relatively small yet can handle low bass without a subwoofer. I have auditioned numerous brands such as B&W and Paradigm. Only the Def Tech PM 700 seems to fulfill all my constraints but they are very pricey. I was watching ebay for a used pair and somehow an auction of the DR-7 came up. I grabbed them as fast as I could based on all the rave reviews even after their discontinuation

When I first connected the speakers, they were distorted and crackling as if they were blown. Then I remembered the other review on the delamination of the woofer cone from the surround and upon careful inspection, that was indeed the case. We simply glued them back and wow, we were totally blown away. We are still in awe of the rich and vibrating sound put out by these little ones, which normally can only be achieved by others twice their size and more than four times the price. It is sad that my BP2002 tower ($2000 when new) can't even hold itself besides the small DR-7. Compared to the little bookshelf, not only that it lacks the details for music, it does not even have tight and clear enough bass for HT. Now I know how much that I have been missing. No wonder that Def Tech has to discontinue the DR Series since their signatures BP series, even with a much higher price tag, can't really compete in direct comparison.

That is the best $250 that I've spent.

Strengths:
Performance equal or surpass most floor standing speakers. Wide frequency response. Good bass for HT without a subwoofer. Great sound and imaging for music. Nice complete package.

Weaknesses:
Woofer cone separated from surround. Apparently, same problem for some BP10 and 20s since they use the same Vifa woofers.

Price Paid:  $200.00 from local pawn shop

Summary:
I am a fan of Def Tech's products so when I ran across these DR-7's at the pawn shop for $200.00 I had to have them. I have them in my master bedroom which is large and long with thick carpeting. The sound is absorbed by my room almost too much but I still can enjoy what I hear. I use Sony ES to drive them and Jamo Art's for the surround channel while an Omage center and Signet sub round out the system. The looks are stunning next to the fireplace and the sound is right on. I did have a problem with the woofers in each cabinet. They seemed to delaminate or come unglued at the rubber surround to cone junction. I simply reglued them and they work as new. The Danish woofers are still available for around $30.00 each so I could have replaced them but so far my repair is good to go.

Strengths:
Handsome cabinets with elegant details. Wife approves of their looks and that's always good. They have a certain mistique about them which could help at resale time if that ever comes.

Weaknesses:
I would suggest the wary owner locate and purchase the woofers as they will get harder to find in the future but one never knows just how long the originals will work so this may be my fear alone.

Similar Products Used:
Many many great JBL products, Infiniti Kappa, DCM, KEF, Wharfdale, B&W, Utah, Oaktron, Magnepan, Polk, and the list goes on.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
After years of owning these bookshelf speakers, I have yet to hear another(in this size)that offer great sound from highs to lows. Paired with MK subwoofer, they look like a set. What makes Definitives great are the total sound they provide, highs and mid-range are clear(but not brite) and the lows makes it easy to combine with a subwoofer for a SEAMLESS sound.

Strengths:
Total sound, great for music and videos.

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Sound Playground

Summary:
I have had my DR7 Bookshelves for 9 years and they still amaze me. I have replaced all my other componnents, but short of a house fire I will never part with my speakers. I can't wait to hear how they sound once I get some DVD-Audio discs.

Strengths:
Imaging - I have not heard better at anywhere near the price I paid. Build quality- they look and sound as good as the day I took them home.

Weaknesses:
None that I can detect except they are no longer built..

Similar Products Used:
I am also using a C1 center, and BP1 surrounds and a PF15 sub.