In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology Demand Series D9 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Demand D5C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive Demand D9 and Definitive D5C 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 )
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 )
Demand D9 and Demand D5C 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 D9 and Definitive D5C 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 |
Definitive D5C |
| 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 Definitive D5C 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 D9 and Demand D5C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive Demand D9 |
Definitive D5C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Demand D9 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
Demand D9 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas Demand D5C has a frequency range of 42-22k 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 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 Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Demand D9 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive Demand D9 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive D5C, 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 D9 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Demand D9 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 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 D9 features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Demand D5C has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Definitive D5C'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 D9's and Definitive D5C'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 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) .
Definitive D5C is 132mm shorter and 27mm less deeper than Definitive Demand D9 but it is also 318mm wider.
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 Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The Demand D9 requires 62% less surface area than the Demand D5C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Definitive D5C?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D5C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleCleaning clothOwners Manual
Sensitivity 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Number of Woofers 
Height