In this review, we will be comparing LS50C Meta and Demand D5C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LS50C Meta and Definitive D5C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF LS50C Meta Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Vented dome Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-100watts
- Weight:7.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 301.0" x 7-7/8" x 11-1/16"( 301.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm )
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 )
What size room are the KEF LS50C Meta 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* |
KEF LS50C Meta |
Definitive D5C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 KEF LS50C Meta 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 LS50C Meta and Demand D5C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LS50C Meta |
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
|
LS50C Meta features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz. On the other hand, the Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
LS50C Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k 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 LS50C Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
LS50C Meta and Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. LS50C Meta sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive D5C a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50C Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
LS50C Meta can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50C Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 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
LS50C Meta features 5-Way post type posts and Demand D5C has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF LS50C Meta's Binding post terminals
Definitive D5C's 5-Way post terminals
KEF LS50C Meta off-set flexible 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 KEF LS50C Meta's and Definitive D5C's external dimensions. KEF LS50C Meta has external dimensions of 301.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-13/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-1/16inch) 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) .
KEF LS50C Meta is 284mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than Definitive D5C but it is also 132mm taller.
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 KEF LS50C Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2 and base area of the Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The LS50C Meta requires 60% less surface area than the Demand D5C 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 KEF LS50C Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs and the Definitive D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Demand D5C 40% heavier than the LS50C Meta.
Here is a comparison of how LS50C Meta and Demand D5C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF LS50C Meta?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LS50C Meta:
Center-channel loudspeakerFoam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Registration Card
What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D5C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleCleaning clothOwners Manual
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2
vs
1401cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
169mm
vs
301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF LS50C Meta |
Definitive Technology Demand D5C |
| Brand |
KEF |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-100 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
79-28k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
BDSS |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Vented dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
301.0mm (11.9") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
201.0mm (7.9") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Grey |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |