In this review, we will be comparing Demand D11 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Definitive Technology and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D11 and KEF Q150 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 )
KEF Q150 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 51-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Weight:5.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.0" x 10.9"( 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Demand D11 and KEF Q150 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 |
KEF Q150 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 KEF Q150 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 D11 and Q150 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D11 |
KEF Q150 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Demand D11 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Demand D11 has a frequency range of 61-22k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D11's min frequency of 61Hz.
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 Q150 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 Q150's is at 86 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D11 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, 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 Q150 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 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. Q150 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q150's Post terminals
KEF Q150 Port
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 KEF Q150'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 KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .
Definitive Demand D11 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 6mm wider, 29mm taller and 51mm deeper than KEF Q150.
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 KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The Demand D11 requires 22% more surface area than the Q150 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 Demand D11 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs and the KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs. This makes the Demand D11 54% heavier than the Q150.
Here is a comparison of how Demand D11 and Q150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D11?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D11:
Left bookshelf loudpseakerRight bookshelf loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Cleaning clothOwners Manual
What's in the Box of KEF Q150?
Here are the items that come with the Q150:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card