In this review, we will be comparing Demand D7 and Demand D9, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D7 and Definitive Demand D9 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Demand D7 and Demand D9 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 D7 and Definitive Demand D9 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive Demand D7 and Definitive Demand D9 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 D7 and Demand D9 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D7 |
Definitive Demand D9 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Demand D7 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D9 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D7 has a frequency range of 67-21k Hz whereas Demand D9 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Demand D9 can go slightly deeper then 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 D7 and Demand D9 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D7 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Demand D9's is at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D9 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 D7 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Demand D7 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Demand D9.
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 D9 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 D7's and Definitive Demand D9's external dimensions. 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) whereas Definitive Demand D9 has external dimensions of 301.0 x 167.0 x 316.0mm ( 11-13/16 x 6-9/16 x 12-7/16inch) .
Definitive Demand D9 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25mm wider, 50mm taller and 84mm 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 D7 is approximately 329.4cm2 / 51.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D9 is approximately 527.7cm2 / 81.8inch2. The Demand D7 requires 38% less surface area than the Demand D9 which gives it a small advantage 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 D7 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the Definitive Demand D9 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Demand D9 42% heavier than the Demand D7.
Here is a comparison of how Demand D7 and Demand D9'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 D7?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D7:
Left bookshelf loudpseakerRight bookshelf loudspeaker2 GrillesCleaning clothOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D9?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D9:
Left bookshelf loudpseakerRight bookshelf loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Cleaning clothOwners Manual
 Height |
251mm
vs
301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
329cm2 (142x232mm)
vs
527cm2 (167x316mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
64 Hz
vs
67 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
Definitive Technology Demand Series D7 |
Definitive Technology Demand Series D9 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-125 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
67-21k Hz |
64-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
251.0mm (9.9") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
142.0mm (5.6") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Aluminum |
MDF/Aluminum |
| Available Colors |
Gloss White,Piano Black |
Gloss White,Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |