Definitive D5C vs BW HTM72 S2 Comparison

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Definitive D5C

Passive Center Channel | 42-22k Hz

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BW HTM72 S2

Passive Center Channel | 70-28k Hz

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Definitive D5C

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BW HTM72 S2

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Definitive D5C

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BW HTM72 S2

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Definitive D5C vs BW HTM72 S2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Demand D5C and HTM72 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Definitive D5C and BW HTM72 S2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

BW HTM72 S2 Key Specs

2-way Design

1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter

2 x 5" Continuum Woofer

70-28k Hz Frequency Response

87 dB Sensitivity

Impedance: 8ohms

Power Range:30-120watts

Weight:9.14kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 18-15/16" x 10-15/16"( 169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the Definitive D5C and BW HTM72 S2 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 D5C	BW HTM72 S2
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 D5C and BW HTM72 S2 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 D5C and HTM72 S2 are 2-way speakers.

Driver	Definitive D5C	BW HTM72 S2
Driver Setup	2-way	2-way
Tweeter	1-inch	1-inch
Midrange	-	-
Woofer	2 x 5.25-inch	2 x 5-inch

Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the HTM72 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Continuum Woofer .

Frequency Response

Demand D5C has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz whereas HTM72 S2 has a frequency range of 70-28k 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 HTM72 S2's min frequency of 70Hz.

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

Demand D5C

HTM72 S2

Min

Average

Max

High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Definitive D5C

BW HTM72 S2

Min

Average

Max

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 D5C and HTM72 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D5C sensitivity is rated at 85.5 dB and the HTM72 S2's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the BW HTM72 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive D5C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Demand D5C

HTM72 S2

Min

Average

Max

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.

Demand D5C can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HTM72 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the Demand D5C.

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

HTM72 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Demand D5C has a 5-Way post which doesn't 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 D5C's and BW HTM72 S2's external dimensions. 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) whereas BW HTM72 S2 has external dimensions of 169.0 x 482.0 x 278.0mm ( 6-5/8 x 18-15/16 x 10-15/16inch) .

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 D5C is approximately 1401.7cm² / 217.3inch² and base area of the BW HTM72 S2 is approximately 1340.0cm² / 207.7inch². The Demand D5C requires 5% more surface area than the HTM72 S2 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 D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs and the BW HTM72 S2 weighs 9.14kg / 20.1lbs. This makes the Demand D5C 19% heavier than the HTM72 S2.

Here is a comparison of how Demand D5C and HTM72 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers

Definitive D5C

BW HTM72 S2

Min

Average

Max

What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D5C:

Center-channel loudspeaker

Grille

Cleaning cloth

Owners Manual

What's in the Box of BW HTM72 S2?

Here are the items that come with the HTM72 S2:

Center-channel loudspeaker

Grille

Two-piece foam port plug

4 Self-adhesive rubber feet

4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)

Manual

Bowers Wilkins brochure

Warranty Information

Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Demand D5C over Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2

Max Input Power	200 watts vs 120 watts	Handle more power from your amplifier
Woofer Size	5.25 inches vs 5 inches	Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response	42 Hz vs 70 Hz	Generates deeper bass
Price per pair*	799USD vs 1199USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2 over Definitive Technology Demand D5C

Sensitivity	87 dB vs 86 dB	Play louder with same amount of amplification power
High Frequency Response	28k Hz vs 22k Hz	Generates higher frequency
Base Surface Area	1340cm² vs 1401cm²	Takes less floor space

Definitive D5C vs BW HTM72 S2 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Definitive Technology Demand D5C	Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S2
Brand	Definitive Technology	Bowers Wilkins
Speaker Type	Center channel speaker	Center channel speaker
Power Range	30-200 watts	30-120 watts
Sensitivity	85.5 dB	87 dB
Impedance	8 ohms	8 ohms
Impedance	n/a	4.3 ohms
Frequency Response	42-22k Hz	70-28k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	2	2
Woofer Size	5.25"	5"
Woofer Composition	BDSS	Continuum
Woofer Surround Material	n/a	Rubber
Tweeter Size	1"	1"
Tweeter Type	dome	Decoupled Carbon Dome
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Firing Direction	n/a	rear
Physical Specs
Height	169.0mm (6.7")	169.0mm (6.7")
Width	485.0mm (19.1")	482.0mm (19")
Depth	289.0mm (11.4")	278.0mm (10.9")
Weight	10.91kg (24lbs)	9.14kg (20.1lbs)
Enclosure	Acoustic Suspension	Bass Reflex
Available Colors	Gloss White	Gloss Black, Satin White, Rosenut
Grille	Yes	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	n/a	Yes
Other
Parts Warranty	5 Years	5 Years
Labor Warranty	5 Years	5 Years