Used Good
Definitive Technology BP2000 Bipolar Tower Speakers
The Definitive Technology BP2000 is a large floorstanding loudspeaker introduced during the 1990s as part of Definitive Technology’s flagship bipolar speaker lineup. Designed to deliver full-range performance from a single enclosure, the BP2000 combines a bipolar driver array with a powerful built-in subwoofer system. The result is a speaker capable of producing expansive sound staging, deep bass extension, and high output levels suitable for both high-fidelity stereo listening and home theater systems.
A defining characteristic of the BP2000 is its bipolar speaker configuration. Unlike conventional speakers that radiate sound only forward, bipolar designs use drivers mounted on both the front and rear of the cabinet. This arrangement creates a more diffuse and spacious sound field, allowing sound energy to reflect off the rear wall and blend with the direct output from the front drivers. The effect can produce a wider and more immersive listening experience that many listeners associate with live music or large concert venues.
The BP2000’s driver complement reflects its ambitious design goals. Each speaker features two 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters and four 6.5-inch midrange/bass drivers, arranged in a mirrored front-and-rear configuration. This driver layout ensures consistent tonal balance and dispersion while maintaining high output capability.
Perhaps the most striking element of the BP2000 is its integrated powered subwoofer. A large 15-inch side-firing subwoofer is built directly into the cabinet and driven by a dedicated 300-watt internal amplifier. By incorporating the subwoofer within the tower enclosure, the BP2000 is capable of extremely deep bass extension without requiring an external subwoofer in many systems. The speaker’s low-frequency response is rated down to approximately 15 Hz, giving it the ability to reproduce the deepest bass notes found in music and movie soundtracks.
The cabinet itself is heavily braced and wrapped in a distinctive acoustically transparent fabric “sock” grille that covers nearly the entire speaker. This design became a hallmark of many Definitive Technology speakers and contributes to the BP2000’s tall, slender appearance despite its substantial internal volume. The speaker stands roughly 50 inches tall and weighs well over 100 pounds per unit, reflecting the robust construction required to support its large driver array and powered subwoofer system.
Because the subwoofer amplifier handles the most demanding low-frequency duties, the BP2000 can be paired with a wide variety of external amplifiers or receivers. With sensitivity around 90–92 dB, the speaker is relatively efficient and can produce high output levels even with moderate amplifier power.
Review Quotes
“Slim tower, but massive sound.” — Audiogon product listing description
“Connected to even a low-powered receiver can shake the house.” — Audiogon listing notes
“Very efficient… they do not require large amounts of amplification.” — AVS Forum discussion of Definitive bipolar speakers
Product Specifications
Type: Bipolar floorstanding loudspeaker with built-in powered subwoofer
Speaker Design: 3-way bipolar driver array
Tweeters: 2 × 1-inch pure aluminum dome (front and rear)
Midrange/Bass Drivers: 4 × 6.5-inch high-definition drivers
Subwoofer: 1 × 15-inch side-firing woofer
Subwoofer Amplifier: 300 watts RMS internal amplifier
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 30 kHz
Sensitivity: approx. 90–92 dB
Impedance: Compatible with 4–8 ohm amplifiers
Recommended Amplifier Power: approx. 20–500 watts
Maximum Output: about 105 dB
Dimensions: approx. 50″ H × 9″ W × 17″ D
Weight: approx. 120 lb per speaker
Overall, the Definitive Technology BP2000 remains a notable example of high-performance loudspeaker engineering from the era of large, full-range tower speakers. Its combination of bipolar radiation, integrated subwoofer amplification, and powerful driver complement allowed it to deliver room-filling sound and deep bass without requiring additional components, making it a popular choice for serious music systems and early high-end home theater setups.