In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Demand D5C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Demand D17 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive D5C and Definitive Demand D17 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 )
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 D5C 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 D5C 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 D5C |
Definitive Demand D17 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 D5C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Demand D5C is a 2-way design whereas the Demand D17 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Definitive D5C |
Definitive Demand D17 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS 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 D5C and Demand D17 has exactly the same frequency range of 42-22k Hz.
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
Demand D5C and Demand D17 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 Demand D17's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D17 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.
Demand D5C can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Demand D5C has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Demand D17.
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. Demand D5C has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive D5C's 5-Way post terminals
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 D5C's and Definitive Demand D17'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 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 D5C is 917mm shorter and 86mm less deeper than Definitive Demand D17 but it is also 224mm 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 D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D17 is approximately 978.8cm2 / 151.7inch2. The Demand D5C requires 43% more surface area than the Demand D17 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D5C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleCleaning 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
Height 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Driver Setup 
Sensitivity 
Woofer Size 
Base Surface Area