Definitive Technology W7: A Forgotten Gem of Wireless Speakers You Can Score for Under $100
If you’re not familiar, Definitive Technology has been crafting high-quality audiophile-grade home cinema speakers since 1990. With a long-standing reputation for exceptional sound, they’ve consistently delivered products designed for true audio enthusiasts. Their W7 wireless speaker, released back in 2014 for $399 at the time however, flew largely under the radar. Despite being a very unique and innovative product when it launched, it didn’t quite capture the market’s attention, possibly overshadowed by competitors like the Sonos. Today, finding one for under $100 is a steal and here’s why:
The Definitive Technology W7 Was Ahead of Its Time:
From the moment you touch and hold the W7, you can tell it was built with quality and care. It’s a compact yet hefty speaker, indicative of the robust components inside. Unlike some competitors, it offers multiple input options, including USB, Ethernet, 3.5mm auxiliary, and even optical. The inclusion of an optical input, in particular, makes it versatile enough to connect directly to a TV or other digital devices, a feature still missing in many newer speakers. The W7 uses DTS Play-Fi wireless streaming technology, which means you’ll need the Definitive Technology app to control it. While functional and compatible with a broad range of music apps like Tidal and Deezer, the app’s interface isn’t as intuitive as some of its competitors. However, this minor drawback is easy to overlook when you consider the performance and versatility of the speaker.
Performance and Sound Quality :
Inside the W7 are five drivers powered by dedicated amps: a 4-inch front-firing mid/bass driver, four 1-inch front and side aluminum dome tweeters, and two 4-inch side-mounted passive radiators. The result? A powerful, room-filling sound that punches well above its weight. It takes a bit of break-in time to unlock its full potential, but once settled, the W7 delivers deep, impactful bass and a commanding presence that rivals much more expensive options. While it lacks some of the finer detail in the mids and highs compared to pricier competitors, the overall sound profile is rich and satisfying. Bass enthusiasts will appreciate the low-end punch, though its placement can influence performance; adjusting settings in the app can help refine the sound. Hooking it up to a TV reveals another layer of its versatility. It excels in vocal clarity, making it a surprisingly effective and affordable option for enhancing TV audio. And if you manage to snag two, pairing them in stereo offers an even bigger, immersive soundstage.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem for Under $100:
When it first launched, the W7 was a premium product with a price tag to match, slightly reminiscent of a poor man’s Naim Mu-so 1st Gen. . However, as the market evolved and newer models came out, the W7 quietly faded from the spotlight fast. This is great news for savvy buyers today because it’s now possible to find this hidden gem at a fraction of its original cost. For under $100 (Check eBay listings here), if you can still find one in good shape the W7 offers remarkable value, delivering sound quality and build features that still hold up against modern alternatives.
The Sound:
You can’t pull the speaker grilles off, but under the hood, you’ve got five drivers powered by dedicated amps with one 4″ front-firing mid &bass driver and four 1″ front- and side aluminum dome tweeters plus two 4″ side-mounted passive radiators. That sounds great, but what does it translate to? It took a couple of days to break in the speaker, and for the price, this is the biggest sound for the buck, easily surpassing the bass and presence of the Sonos One, among many others in the space.
There’s also an option to make a stereo pair with another speaker (via the app) and for $200 that’s a hell of a lot of sound for the money. Where the W7 fell a bit short was lack of fine detail in the mids, and some highs, with slightly boomy base depending on placement (although adjustments can be made via the app). The W7 also sounded great when hooked up to a TV producing superbly clear vocals and could be a great option just for a TV at this price point.
Final Thoughts:
The Definitive Technology W7 wireless speaker might not have dominated the market during its time, but it’s a remarkable piece of audio engineering that deserves a second look. For anyone seeking big sound, excellent build quality, and versatility for under $100, this is an opportunity that’s hard to pass up. While it may not integrate seamlessly into every ecosystem like Sonos, it stands out as a phenomenal standalone speaker or part of a stereo pair.
Summary:
Rating (under $150):
3.75/5 ★★★★☆
Overall at this price, there isn’t can touch this level of sound and presence for under $150 (Most listings on eBay), so unless you’re dedicated to the Sonos ecosystem it would be very tough to go wrong with one of these while they last out there.
Pros:
- Big Sound: Packs a punch with room-filling audio.
- Great Value: A premium speaker at a budget-friendly price point.
- Multiple Inputs: Versatile connectivity options including USB, Ethernet, 3.5mm auxiliary, and optical.
- Quality Build: Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Bass can be a bit boomy on certain tracks
- Mids/highs could be a tad better
Click here to See current Listings for the Definitive Technology W7 Wireless Speaker now
