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Definitive D5C vs Definitive Demand D7 Comparison

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Definitive D5C

Passive Center Channel | 42-22k Hz

Definitive Technology Demand D5C
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Definitive Demand D7

Passive Bookshelf | 67-21k Hz

Definitive Technology Demand Series D7
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Definitive D5C Definitive D5C
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Definitive Demand D7 Definitive Demand D7
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Definitive D5C
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Definitive Demand D7
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Definitive D5C vs Definitive Demand D7 Speaker Comparison

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 D7 is a Bookshelf speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Definitive D5C and Definitive Demand D7 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 D7 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 67-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-125watts
  • Weight:5.45kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 251.0" x 5-9/16" x 9-1/8"( 251.0 x 142.0 x 232.0mm )

Demand D5C and Demand D7 are members of Definitive Technology's Demand series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Definitive Technology Demand Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Definitive Demand D17
  
Floor-standing 42-22k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Definitive Demand D7
Bookshelf 67-21k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 4.5"
Definitive Demand D15
  
Floor-standing 48-22k Hz 85.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Definitive D5C
Center Channel 42-22k Hz 85.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Definitive Demand D11
  
Bookshelf 61-22k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Definitive Demand D9
  
Bookshelf 64-22k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"

What size room are the Definitive D5C and Definitive Demand D7 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 D7
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 Definitive Demand D7 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 Demand D7 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Definitive D5C Definitive Demand D7
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5.25-inch 1 x 4.5-inch

Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D7 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer .

Frequency Response

Demand D5C has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz whereas Demand D7 has a frequency range of 67-21k 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 Demand D7's min frequency of 67Hz.

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
Demand D7
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Definitive D5C
Definitive Demand D7
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 Demand D7 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 D7's is at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive D5C a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D7, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Demand D5C
Demand D7
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 Demand D7 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 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

Demand D5C features 5-Way post type posts and Demand D7 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Definitive D5C Terminals
Definitive D5C's 5-Way post terminals

Definitive Demand D75-Way post Terminals
Definitive Demand D7'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 Definitive Demand D7'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 D7 has external dimensions of 251.0 x 142.0 x 232.0mm ( 9-7/8 x 5-9/16 x 9-1/8inch) .

Definitive Demand D7 is 343mm narrower and 57mm less deeper than Definitive D5C but it is also 82mm 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 D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D7 is approximately 329.4cm2 / 51.1inch2. The Demand D5C requires 326% more surface area than the Demand D7 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 loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Owners Manual
  • What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D7?

    Here are the items that come with the Demand D7:
  • Left bookshelf loudpseaker
  • Right bookshelf loudspeaker
  • 2 Grilles
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Owners Manual

  • Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Demand D5C over Definitive Technology Demand Series D7
    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 125 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 86 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 4.5 inches Larger woofer
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Low Frequency Response 42 Hz vs 67 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 22k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 169mm vs 251mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Demand Series D7 over Definitive Technology Demand D5C

    Base Surface Area 329cm2 vs 1401cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 499USD vs 799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Definitive D5C vs Definitive Demand D7 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Definitive Technology Demand D5C Definitive Technology Demand Series D7
    Brand Definitive Technology Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-200 watts 20-125 watts
    Sensitivity 85.5 dB 85 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 42-22k Hz 67-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 4.5"
    Woofer Composition BDSS Polypropylene
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type dome Hard-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Physical Specs
    Height 169.0mm (6.7") 251.0mm (9.9")
    Width 485.0mm (19.1") 142.0mm (5.6")
    Depth 289.0mm (11.4") 232.0mm (9.1")
    Weight 10.91kg (24lbs) 5.45kg (12lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF/Aluminum
    Available Colors Gloss White Gloss White,Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 28-30"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs n/a No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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