In this review, we will be comparing Demand D15 and Demand D17, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Definitive Technology
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D15 and Definitive Demand D17 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Demand D15 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" Carbon-fiber Woofer
- 48-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 85.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-300watts
- Weight:23.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1023.0" x 9-1/16" x 12-3/4"( 1023.0 x 231.0 x 324.0mm )
Definitive Demand D17 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer
- 6.5" Midrange
- 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-300watts
- Weight:29.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1086.0" x 10-1/4" x 14-3/4"( 1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm )
Demand D15 and Demand D17 are members of Definitive Technology's Demand series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Definitive Technology Demand Series
History
What size room are the Definitive Demand D15 and Definitive Demand D17 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 Demand D15 |
Definitive Demand D17 |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* 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 Demand D15 and Definitive Demand D17 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 Demand D15 and Demand D17 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D15 |
Definitive Demand D17 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Demand D15 features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Carbon-fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D17 features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D15 has a frequency range of 48-22k Hz whereas Demand D17 has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Demand D17 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D15's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
Demand D15 and Demand D17 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D15 sensitivity is rated at 85.5 dB and the Demand D17's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D17 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D15, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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
Both Demand D15 and Demand D17 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Definitive Demand D15's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Definitive Demand D17's 5-Way Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Demand D15's and Definitive Demand D17's external dimensions. Definitive Demand D15 has external dimensions of 1023.0 x 231.0 x 324.0mm ( 40-1/4 x 9-1/16 x 12-3/4inch) whereas Definitive Demand D17 has external dimensions of 1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm ( 42-3/4 x 10-1/4 x 14-3/4inch) .
Definitive Demand D17 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 30mm wider, 63mm taller and 51mm deeper than Definitive Demand D15.
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 Demand D15 is approximately 748.4cm2 / 116.0inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D17 is approximately 978.8cm2 / 151.7inch2. The Demand D15 requires 24% less surface area than the Demand D17 which gives it a small advantage 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 Demand D15 weighs 23.60kg / 51.9lbs and the Definitive Demand D17 weighs 29.10kg / 64lbs. This makes the Demand D17 23% heavier than the Demand D15.
Here is a comparison of how Demand D15 and Demand D17's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D15:
Left floorstanding loudspeakerRight floorstanding loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)2 Bases8 Spike feet8 Floor-glides8 Lock-rings8 ScrewsCleaning clothOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D17?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D17:
Left floorstanindg loudspeakerRight floorstading loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)2 Bases8 Spike feet8 Floor-glides8 Lock-rings8 ScrewsCleaning clothOwners Manual
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
1023mm
vs
1086mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
748cm2
vs
978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Definitive Technology Demand D15 |
Definitive Technology Demand D17 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
30-300 watts |
40-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85.5 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-22k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-fiber |
Carbon-fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1023.0mm (40.3") |
1086.0mm (42.8") |
| Width |
231.0mm (9.1") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
324.0mm (12.8") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Weight |
23.60kg (51.9lbs) |
29.10kg (64lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum |
MDF/Aluminum |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |