In this review, we will be comparing Demand D17 and BP-9040, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D17 and Definitive BP-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive Demand D17 and Definitive BP-9040 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive Demand D17 and Definitive BP-9040 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Demand D17 and BP-9040 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D17 |
Definitive BP-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6.5-inch |
3 x 4.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
Demand D17 features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the BP-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 1 x 8" Polypropelene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D17 has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz whereas BP-9040 has a frequency range of 22-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the BP-9040 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D17's min frequency of 42Hz.
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 D17 and BP-9040 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D17 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the BP-9040's is at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Definitive BP-9040 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D17, 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
Demand D17 features 5-Way Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BP-9040 has a 5-Way post, RCA which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive Demand D17's 5-Way Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Definitive BP-9040's 5-Way post, RCA 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 Demand D17's and Definitive BP-9040's external dimensions. 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) whereas Definitive BP-9040 has external dimensions of 993.0 x 281.0 x 351.0mm ( 39-1/16 x 11-1/16 x 13-13/16inch) .
Definitive BP-9040 is 93mm shorter and 24mm less deeper than Definitive Demand D17 but it is also 20mm wider.
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 D17 is approximately 978.8cm2 / 151.7inch2 and base area of the Definitive BP-9040 is approximately 986.3cm2 / 152.9inch2. The Demand D17 requires 1% less surface area than the BP-9040 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 D17 weighs 29.10kg / 64lbs and the Definitive BP-9040 weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs. This makes the Demand D17 78% heavier than the BP-9040.
Here is a comparison of how Demand D17 and BP-9040'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 D17?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D17:
Left floorstanindg loudspeakerRight floorstading loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)2 Bases8 Spike feet8 Floor-glides8 Lock-rings8 ScrewsCleaning clothOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive BP-9040?
Here are the items that come with the BP-9040:
Tower loudspeaker6.5-feet AC power cordTop-plate (installed)Stabilizer base4 Floor guides4 Carpet spikes4 Screws4 NutsOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
978cm2 (261x375mm)
vs
986cm2 (281x351mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
42 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
 Height |
993mm
vs
1086mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1998USD
vs
2798USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Demand D17 |
Definitive Technology BP-9040 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
40-300 watts |
50-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42-22k Hz |
22-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-fiber |
Polypropelene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
4.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1086.0mm (42.8") |
993.0mm (39.1") |
| Width |
261.0mm (10.3") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Depth |
375.0mm (14.8") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
29.10kg (64lbs) |
16.36kg (36lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum |
MDF/Aluminum/Cloth |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |