In this review, we will be comparing CS-9040 and Demand D5C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Definitive Technology
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive CS-9040 and Definitive D5C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive CS-9040 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer
- 50-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:9.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 153.0" x 20-13/16" x 12"( 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm )
Definitive D5C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer
- 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 85.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:10.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 19-1/16" x 11-3/8"( 169.0 x 485.0 x 289.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive CS-9040 and Definitive D5C speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive CS-9040 |
Definitive D5C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive CS-9040 and Definitive D5C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both CS-9040 and Demand D5C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive CS-9040 |
Definitive D5C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz whereas Demand D5C has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Demand D5C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the CS-9040's min frequency of 50Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
CS-9040 and Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. CS-9040 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive CS-9040 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive D5C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
CS-9040 features 5-Way post type posts and Demand D5C has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive D5C's 5-Way post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive CS-9040's and Definitive D5C's external dimensions. Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) whereas Definitive D5C has external dimensions of 169.0 x 485.0 x 289.0mm ( 6-5/8 x 19-1/16 x 11-3/8inch) .
Definitive D5C is 44mm narrower and 16mm less deeper than Definitive CS-9040 but it is also 16mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The CS-9040 requires 15% more surface area than the Demand D5C which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs and the Definitive D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Demand D5C 20% heavier than the CS-9040.
Here is a comparison of how CS-9040 and Demand D5C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D5C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleCleaning clothOwners Manual
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
upward firing one 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
153mm
vs
169mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
1401cm2
vs
1613cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
Definitive Technology Demand D5C |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-40k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
BDSS |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
153.0mm (6") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
529.0mm (20.8") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
305.0mm (12") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |