In this review, we will be comparing Demand D11 and Demand D7, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Definitive Technology
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D11 and Definitive Demand D7 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Demand D11 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer
- 61-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 332.0" x 7-5/16" x 12-15/16"( 332.0 x 186.0 x 329.0mm )
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 D11 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
What size room are the Definitive Demand D11 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 Demand D11 |
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 Demand D11 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 D11 and Demand D7 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D11 |
Definitive Demand D7 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
Demand D11 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D7 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D11 has a frequency range of 61-22k Hz whereas Demand D7 has a frequency range of 67-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 61Hz, the Demand D11 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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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 D11 and Demand D7 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D11 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Demand D7's is at 85 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D11 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D7, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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 D11 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 D11.
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 D11 features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Demand D7 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Demand D11's and Definitive Demand D7's external dimensions. Definitive Demand D11 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 186.0 x 329.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-5/16 x 12-15/16inch) 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 D11 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 44mm wider, 81mm taller and 97mm deeper than Definitive Demand D7.
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 D11 is approximately 611.9cm2 / 94.8inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D7 is approximately 329.4cm2 / 51.1inch2. The Demand D11 requires 86% more surface area than the Demand D7 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.