In this review, we will be comparing Demand D9 and BW 606, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D9 and B&W 606 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive Demand D9 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer
- 64-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 301.0" x 6-9/16" x 12-7/16"( 301.0 x 167.0 x 316.0mm )
B&W 606 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Continuum Woofer
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:6.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 345.0" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16"( 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive Demand D9 and B&W 606 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 D9 |
B&W 606 |
| 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 D9 and B&W 606 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 D9 and BW 606 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D9 |
B&W 606 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Demand D9 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the BW 606 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D9 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas BW 606 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the BW 606 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D9's min frequency of 64Hz.
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 D9 and BW 606 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
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 D9 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas BW 606 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 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
Both Demand D9 and BW 606 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 606's 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 Demand D9's and B&W 606's external dimensions. 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) whereas B&W 606 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm ( 13.5 x 7.4 x 12.7inch) .
B&W 606 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 23mm wider, 44mm taller and 8mm deeper than Definitive Demand D9.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive Demand D9 and B&W 606 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive Demand D9 and B&W 606 Size and External Dimensions
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 D9 is approximately 527.7cm2 / 81.8inch2 and base area of the B&W 606 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2. The Demand D9 requires 14% less surface area than the BW 606 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Definitive Demand D9 and B&W 606 on a Media Console
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 D9 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the B&W 606 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the Demand D9 12% heavier than the BW 606.
Here is a comparison of how Demand D9 and BW 606'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 D9?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D9:
Left bookshelf loudpseakerRight bookshelf loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Cleaning clothOwners Manual
What's in the Box of B&W 606?
Here are the items that come with the BW 606:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information