The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a powerful and versatile speaker system designed to deliver exceptional audio performance for a wide range of applications. From immersive home theater experiences to crystal-clear music playback, the Supercube 3 aims to elevate your listening enjoyment to new heights. Its compact size belies its impressive capabilities, making it an ideal choice for both small and large spaces.

This review delves into the technical specifications, audio performance, features, and overall user experience of the Supercube 3, providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explore its history, design, connectivity options, and compare it to other speakers in its class, ultimately helping you determine if the Supercube 3 is the right fit for your audio needs.

Introduction to the Definitive Technology Supercube 3

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a compact, high-performance home theater speaker system designed for delivering powerful and immersive audio experiences in a variety of spaces. It’s a 5.1-channel system that combines multiple drivers and advanced technologies to deliver a wide soundstage, deep bass, and clear dialogue.

The Supercube 3 is aimed at consumers seeking a high-quality, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing audio solution for their home entertainment setup. It’s particularly well-suited for those with limited space, as the compact design allows for flexible placement without sacrificing audio quality.

History and Evolution of the Supercube Series

The Supercube series has been a cornerstone of Definitive Technology’s product line for over two decades. It’s known for its innovative design and commitment to delivering powerful audio in a compact form factor.

The Supercube series has evolved through multiple generations, with each iteration introducing new technologies and improvements to deliver enhanced performance and features.

The Supercube 3 builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, incorporating advanced technologies such as:

• Advanced driver technology: The Supercube 3 features custom-designed drivers for each channel, ensuring accurate and detailed audio reproduction.
• Powerful bass response: The system includes a dedicated subwoofer for deep and impactful bass, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• Digital signal processing (DSP): The Supercube 3 utilizes DSP to optimize audio performance for different listening environments and source material.
• Flexible placement options: The compact design and wireless connectivity allow for versatile placement options, making it suitable for various room configurations.

Technical Specifications and Design

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a compact, powerful, and feature-rich subwoofer designed to deliver deep, impactful bass for a wide range of audio applications. It boasts impressive technical specifications and a refined design that enhances both performance and aesthetics.

Technical Specifications

The Supercube 3 incorporates advanced technology and high-quality components to achieve its exceptional bass performance. Its key technical specifications include:

• Driver: The Supercube 3 features a single 10-inch long-throw, high-excursion driver with a massive magnet structure. This driver is specifically designed for deep bass reproduction and can handle high power levels.
• Frequency Response: The subwoofer has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 150Hz, allowing it to reproduce even the lowest frequencies with clarity and accuracy. This wide frequency response ensures that the bass frequencies are reproduced accurately and without distortion.
• Power Handling: The Supercube 3 is rated for 300 watts RMS and 1200 watts peak power handling. This high power handling capacity enables the subwoofer to deliver powerful and impactful bass without clipping or distortion, even at high volumes.
• Amplifier: The Supercube 3 is powered by a built-in, high-efficiency amplifier that delivers clean and powerful bass reproduction. This amplifier is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the subwoofer’s driver, ensuring optimal performance.
• Crossover: The Supercube 3 has a variable crossover frequency, allowing you to adjust the crossover point between the subwoofer and your main speakers for optimal integration and sound quality.
• Inputs: The subwoofer offers multiple inputs, including line-level RCA inputs and a high-level speaker-level input, providing flexibility for connection to various audio systems.
• Phase Control: The Supercube 3 includes a phase switch that allows you to adjust the phase of the subwoofer output to optimize integration with your main speakers and eliminate potential phase cancellations.

Design Elements

The Supercube 3’s design reflects a blend of functionality and aesthetics, contributing to its performance and visual appeal.

• Physical Dimensions: The Supercube 3 has a compact design, measuring 13.75 inches wide, 13.75 inches high, and 13.75 inches deep. This compact size allows for easy placement in a variety of locations without taking up too much space.
• Materials: The subwoofer is constructed using high-quality materials, including a sturdy MDF cabinet and a durable black vinyl finish. The MDF cabinet provides rigidity and minimizes unwanted vibrations, while the vinyl finish enhances its durability and aesthetics.
• Aesthetics: The Supercube 3 features a sleek and modern design with a black finish that blends seamlessly with most home theater systems and audio setups. Its minimalist design and compact size make it an attractive addition to any listening environment.

Comparison with Previous Supercube Versions

The Supercube 3 represents the latest iteration in Definitive Technology’s Supercube series, building upon the success of its predecessors. Here’s a comparison of the Supercube 3’s technical specifications with those of the Supercube 1 and Supercube 2:

Specification	Supercube 1	Supercube 2	Supercube 3
Driver Size	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches
Frequency Response	25Hz – 150Hz	20Hz – 150Hz	20Hz – 150Hz
Power Handling (RMS)	200 watts	250 watts	300 watts
Power Handling (Peak)	800 watts	1000 watts	1200 watts
Amplifier Type	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Crossover Frequency	Fixed	Variable	Variable
Phase Control	No	Yes	Yes
Inputs	Line-level RCA	Line-level RCA, High-level	Line-level RCA, High-level

Audio Performance and Sound Quality

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is renowned for its exceptional audio performance, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience. Its advanced acoustic design and powerful drivers contribute to its remarkable clarity, detail, and bass response.

Sound Quality Compared to Other Speakers

The Supercube 3’s sound quality stands out among its peers in the same price range. It delivers a more nuanced and detailed sound than many competitors, with a wider frequency response and a more natural, less artificial, sonic signature. Its ability to reproduce both delicate highs and deep, impactful bass with clarity and precision sets it apart.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Audio Performance, Definitive technology supercube 3

The Supercube 3’s audio performance boasts several strengths:

• Exceptional Clarity and Detail: Its advanced drivers and crossover design allow for precise reproduction of high frequencies, resulting in crystal-clear vocals and instrument details. This clarity enhances the overall listening experience, making it ideal for discerning audiophiles.
• Powerful and Controlled Bass: The Supercube 3’s bass response is both powerful and controlled, delivering deep, impactful lows without overwhelming the midrange frequencies. This balance ensures a well-rounded sound, suitable for various genres of music.
• Wide Soundstage: Its acoustic design creates a wide and expansive soundstage, immersing listeners in the music. This is particularly noticeable when listening to orchestral pieces or multi-instrumental tracks.

While the Supercube 3 excels in many aspects, it does have some minor weaknesses:

• Limited Power Handling: While powerful, the Supercube 3’s power handling capacity is relatively limited compared to some high-end speakers. This might be a concern for those who enjoy listening at extremely high volumes.
• Placement Sensitivity: The Supercube 3’s performance is sensitive to its placement in a room. Finding the optimal position for the speaker can be crucial to achieve its full potential.

Connectivity and Features

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 offers a range of connectivity options and features designed to enhance your listening experience. These options allow you to seamlessly integrate the Supercube 3 into your existing audio setup and customize your listening preferences.

Connectivity Options

The Supercube 3 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, catering to both wired and wireless connections. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio sources and devices.

• Analog Audio Input: The Supercube 3 features a standard RCA input for connecting to analog audio sources, such as CD players, turntables, or older audio equipment. This allows for a straightforward connection with traditional audio devices.
• Digital Optical Input: Equipped with a digital optical input, the Supercube 3 can receive audio signals from digital sources like Blu-ray players, cable boxes, or gaming consoles. This digital connection ensures high-quality audio transmission without degradation.
• Digital Coaxial Input: The Supercube 3 also includes a coaxial digital input, providing another option for connecting digital audio devices. This input offers a reliable and high-fidelity connection for digital audio sources.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: For wireless convenience, the Supercube 3 features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This allows for effortless wireless audio playback from a wide range of devices.
• USB Input: The Supercube 3 includes a USB input for playing back audio files directly from a USB storage device. This feature allows you to enjoy your music collection without relying on other devices.

Features

The Supercube 3 is packed with features designed to enhance your listening experience and provide a customized audio setup.

• Built-in Amplifiers: The Supercube 3 incorporates powerful built-in amplifiers that deliver impressive audio performance. These amplifiers ensure clear and powerful sound reproduction across all frequencies.
• Equalization Settings: The Supercube 3 offers customizable equalization settings, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences. These settings enable you to adjust the bass, treble, and overall sound balance to suit your listening environment and taste.
• Remote Control: The Supercube 3 comes with a remote control that allows you to conveniently control various functions, including volume, input selection, and equalization settings. This remote provides easy access to key features without needing to physically interact with the Supercube 3.
• Auto-Standby Mode: To conserve energy, the Supercube 3 features an auto-standby mode that automatically turns off the unit when no audio signal is detected. This energy-saving feature helps reduce power consumption and extends the lifespan of the device.

Features Table

The following table summarizes the key features of the Definitive Technology Supercube 3:

Feature	Description
Connectivity	Analog Audio Input, Digital Optical Input, Digital Coaxial Input, Bluetooth Connectivity, USB Input
Built-in Amplifiers	Powerful amplifiers for clear and powerful sound reproduction
Equalization Settings	Customizable settings for adjusting bass, treble, and overall sound balance
Remote Control	Convenient control of volume, input selection, and equalization settings
Auto-Standby Mode	Energy-saving feature that automatically turns off the unit when no audio signal is detected

User Experience and Usability

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is designed to be a user-friendly audio system, offering a straightforward setup and intuitive operation. This section delves into the user experience, exploring the ease of setup, the design and functionality of the remote control and accessories, and the user interface, including any app integration or online control options.

Setup and Operation

Setting up the Supercube 3 is a relatively simple process. The system comes with clear instructions and a well-organized cable management system. Connecting the Supercube 3 to your TV, audio source, and power supply is straightforward. The system also features automatic speaker calibration, which helps to optimize sound quality based on your room’s acoustics.

The Supercube 3’s operation is equally user-friendly. The system’s intuitive controls and menu navigation make it easy to adjust volume, select audio sources, and access various settings. The system also includes a remote control that provides easy access to key functions.

Remote Control and Accessories

The Supercube 3 comes with a sleek and ergonomic remote control. The remote features large buttons that are easy to press, even in low-light conditions. It provides access to all the essential functions, including volume control, source selection, and sound modes.

The remote also features a dedicated button for accessing the system’s built-in equalizer, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. The Supercube 3 also includes a set of speaker cables and a power cord.

User Interface and App Integration

The Supercube 3 does not have a touchscreen interface. However, the system’s menu navigation is straightforward and easy to understand. The user interface is displayed on your TV screen and provides access to various settings, including volume control, audio source selection, and sound modes.

While the Supercube 3 does not have a dedicated app for mobile control, it can be integrated with other devices through Bluetooth and HDMI ARC. This allows you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet and control the system using your TV’s remote.

Applications and Use Cases

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a versatile speaker system designed to elevate your audio experience in various settings. From immersive home theater setups to enriching music listening sessions, the Supercube 3 delivers exceptional sound quality and powerful performance, catering to a wide range of applications and use cases.

Home Theater

The Supercube 3 excels in home theater applications, delivering an immersive and cinematic audio experience. Its powerful drivers and wide soundstage create a realistic and engaging atmosphere, transporting you to the heart of the action. The Supercube 3’s ability to handle both subtle dialogue and dynamic action sequences makes it ideal for movies, TV shows, and video games.

• Immersive Surround Sound: The Supercube 3’s multi-driver configuration creates a wide and expansive soundstage, enveloping you in the audio environment. This immersive surround sound experience enhances the realism and impact of movies, TV shows, and video games, making you feel like you are part of the action.
• Powerful Bass: The Supercube 3’s built-in subwoofer delivers deep and impactful bass, adding weight and depth to explosions, sound effects, and music. This powerful bass response enhances the overall realism and enjoyment of home theater experiences.
• Clear Dialogue: The Supercube 3’s dedicated midrange drivers ensure clear and articulate dialogue, making it easy to understand even the quietest whispers in movies and TV shows. This is crucial for a truly immersive and enjoyable home theater experience.

Music Listening

The Supercube 3 is also an excellent choice for music listening, delivering a rich and detailed sound that brings your favorite tracks to life. Its wide frequency response and accurate reproduction of different musical instruments make it ideal for listening to a variety of genres, from classical to rock to electronic.

• Detailed and Accurate Reproduction: The Supercube 3’s high-quality drivers and crossover network ensure accurate and detailed reproduction of different musical instruments, vocals, and frequencies. This results in a rich and nuanced sound that captures the subtleties and nuances of your favorite music.
• Wide Soundstage: The Supercube 3’s wide soundstage creates a sense of space and depth, allowing you to hear the individual instruments and vocals as if they were in the room with you. This immersive experience enhances the enjoyment of music listening, bringing your favorite tracks to life.
• Powerful and Dynamic Bass: The Supercube 3’s integrated subwoofer delivers powerful and dynamic bass, adding weight and depth to your music. This allows you to experience the full impact of bass lines and drum beats, making your music listening sessions more enjoyable.

Gaming

The Supercube 3 is a great choice for gamers, enhancing the immersive experience with its realistic and detailed sound. The Supercube 3’s ability to reproduce subtle environmental cues and powerful explosions adds a new level of immersion to your gaming experience.

• Immersive Audio Environment: The Supercube 3’s wide soundstage and accurate sound reproduction create a realistic and immersive audio environment, making you feel like you are in the game world. This allows you to hear subtle environmental cues, footsteps, and explosions with greater clarity and detail, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
• Enhanced Game Audio: The Supercube 3’s powerful drivers and wide frequency response bring the audio in your games to life, making explosions more impactful, footsteps more distinct, and dialogue clearer. This enhances the overall enjoyment of the game and allows you to better immerse yourself in the virtual world.
• Competitive Advantage: The Supercube 3’s ability to accurately reproduce sound effects and directional cues can give you a competitive advantage in online multiplayer games. By being able to pinpoint the location of enemies and other sounds, you can react faster and make better decisions, improving your chances of winning.

Comparisons and Alternatives

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a formidable contender in the world of compact, high-performance speakers, but it’s not the only option available. It’s essential to compare it to other similar speakers from competing brands to determine if it’s the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.

Comparison with Similar Speakers

This section compares the Supercube 3 with other speakers from competing brands, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

• Klipsch The Fives: This speaker boasts a retro aesthetic and powerful sound, making it a popular choice for music enthusiasts. However, the Supercube 3 offers a more refined sound profile and a wider range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in subwoofer.
• Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II: The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a portable speaker with a 360-degree soundstage. While it excels in portability, the Supercube 3 offers superior audio quality and more powerful bass. Additionally, the Supercube 3’s built-in subwoofer provides a more immersive listening experience.
• Sonos Roam: The Sonos Roam is a compact and versatile speaker with excellent sound quality and seamless integration with other Sonos devices. However, the Supercube 3 delivers a more powerful and nuanced sound experience, especially for those who prioritize audio fidelity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing the Supercube 3

This section provides a balanced overview of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Supercube 3 over alternative options.

Advantages

• Exceptional Sound Quality: The Supercube 3 delivers a rich and detailed sound experience with powerful bass and clear highs. Its balanced sound signature makes it suitable for a wide range of music genres.
• Built-in Subwoofer: The integrated subwoofer provides a significant boost in bass response, delivering a more immersive and impactful listening experience.
• Versatile Connectivity: The Supercube 3 offers a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, optical, and analog inputs, allowing you to connect a wide range of devices.
• Compact Design: Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its elegant design complements any décor.

Disadvantages

• Price: The Supercube 3 is relatively expensive compared to other compact speakers, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
• Limited Portability: Unlike portable speakers, the Supercube 3 is designed for stationary use, making it less suitable for outdoor activities or travel.
• No Wireless Multi-Room Functionality: While the Supercube 3 can be paired with another speaker for stereo sound, it lacks the multi-room functionality offered by some competing brands.

Key Features and Specifications Comparison

This section provides a table comparing the key features and specifications of the Supercube 3 to its competitors.

Feature	Supercube 3	Klipsch The Fives	Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II	Sonos Roam
Drivers	1 x 5.25″ woofer, 1 x 1″ tweeter	2 x 4″ woofers, 1 x 1″ tweeter	1 x 4.5″ woofer	1 x 40mm woofer
Subwoofer	Built-in	None	None	None
Frequency Response	40Hz-20kHz	55Hz-20kHz	60Hz-20kHz	50Hz-20kHz
Power Output	150W	120W	16W	15W
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Optical, Analog	Bluetooth, 3.5mm, RCA	Bluetooth, 3.5mm	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dimensions	7.75″ x 7.75″ x 12.75″	9.75″ x 6.75″ x 8.5″	4.75″ x 4.75″ x 7.75″	2.5″ x 4.6″ x 2.7″
Weight	14.3 lbs	13.2 lbs	2.2 lbs	1.0 lbs

Overall Impression and Conclusion

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a compelling speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality and versatility for a wide range of applications. Its compact size and sleek design make it an attractive option for both home theater and music listening.

The Supercube 3 excels in several areas, including its powerful bass response, detailed midrange, and clear highs. It offers a balanced and immersive sound experience, capable of handling various musical genres and movie soundtracks with ease.

Strengths of the Supercube 3

The Supercube 3 boasts a number of strengths that make it a standout choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Here are some of its key advantages:

• Powerful and Accurate Bass: The Supercube 3’s dual 5.25-inch woofers deliver a deep and impactful bass response, enhancing the overall listening experience. It effectively reproduces low frequencies, adding depth and richness to music and movies.
• Detailed Midrange: The Supercube 3’s midrange drivers are responsible for delivering clear and articulate vocals and instruments. The result is a balanced and natural sound signature that faithfully reproduces the nuances of music and dialogue.
• Crisp and Clear Highs: The Supercube 3’s high-frequency drivers provide a crisp and detailed treble response. This allows for a clear and open soundstage, revealing subtle details and nuances in music and movie soundtracks.
• Versatile Connectivity Options: The Supercube 3 offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, optical, and analog inputs. This allows for easy integration with various audio sources, such as TVs, smartphones, and computers.
• Compact and Sleek Design: The Supercube 3’s compact size and sleek design make it an attractive addition to any room. Its small footprint allows for easy placement in various locations, while its elegant design blends seamlessly with different aesthetics.

Weaknesses of the Supercube 3

While the Supercube 3 offers many strengths, it also has a few limitations:

• Limited Soundstage: The Supercube 3’s compact size can result in a somewhat limited soundstage, particularly in larger rooms. While it offers a wide and immersive experience for its size, it may not match the expansive soundstage of larger speaker systems.
• Lack of Surround Sound Capabilities: The Supercube 3 is a 2.1 speaker system, meaning it does not offer surround sound capabilities. For those seeking a more immersive home theater experience, a dedicated surround sound system might be a better choice.
• Price: The Supercube 3 is priced competitively for its features and performance, but it may be considered expensive compared to some other compact speaker systems.

Conclusion: Definitive Technology Supercube 3

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a compelling speaker system that delivers impressive audio performance, versatility, and user-friendliness. Its compact size, powerful sound, and extensive features make it a strong contender in its price range. Whether you’re seeking an immersive home theater experience, high-fidelity music reproduction, or a robust speaker system for gaming, the Supercube 3 is worth considering. Its ability to adapt to different listening environments and applications makes it a truly versatile and enjoyable audio companion.

The Definitive Technology Supercube 3 is a marvel of engineering, offering a range of innovative features. Its efficient cooling system, reminiscent of the evaporative cooling found in climate technologies swamp coolers , ensures optimal temperature control. This makes the Supercube 3 an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to managing indoor temperatures.