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KEF Q650c vs Definitive D5C Comparison

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KEF Q650c

Passive Center Channel | 64-28k Hz

KEF Q650c
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Definitive D5C

Passive Center Channel | 42-22k Hz

Definitive Technology Demand D5C
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KEF Q650c KEF Q650c
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Definitive D5C Definitive D5C
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KEF Q650c
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Definitive D5C
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KEF Q650c vs Definitive D5C Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Q650c 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 Q650c and Definitive D5C first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF Q650c Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer
  • 64-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-150watts
  • Weight:13.64kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 212.0" x 24-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm )

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 Q650c 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 Q650c 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 KEF Q650c 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 Q650c and Demand D5C are 2-way speakers.

Driver KEF Q650c Definitive D5C
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 6.5-inch 2 x 5.25-inch

Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .

Frequency Response

Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k 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 Q650c'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 Center Channel class in our database.

Low Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Q650c
Demand D5C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

KEF Q650c
Definitive D5C
Min
Average
Max

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

Q650c and Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q650c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q650c a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive D5C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Q650c
Demand D5C
Min
Average
Max

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.

Q650c can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q650c 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

Q650c 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 Q650c Terminals
KEF Q650c's Binding post terminals

Definitive D5C5-Way post Terminals
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 KEF Q650c's and Definitive D5C's external dimensions. KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) 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 Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 146mm wider, 43mm taller and 15mm deeper than Definitive D5C.

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 Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2 and base area of the Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The Q650c requires 37% more surface area than the Demand D5C 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 KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the Definitive D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Q650c 25% heavier than the Demand D5C.

Here is a comparison of how Q650c and Demand D5C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
KEF Q650c
Definitive D5C
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q650c:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?

    Here are the items that come with the Demand D5C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Owners Manual

  • Reasons to choose KEF Q650c over Definitive Technology Demand D5C
    Sensitivity 87 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Passive Radiator one 6.5-inch vs None Increases the bass performance
    Price per pair* 750USD vs 799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Demand D5C over KEF Q650c

    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 150 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 42 Hz vs 64 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Height 169mm vs 212mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1401cm2 vs 1918cm2 Takes less floor space
    KEF Q650c vs Definitive D5C Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF Q650c Definitive Technology Demand D5C
    Brand KEF Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Center channel speaker
    Power Range 15-150 watts 30-200 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 85.5 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 4.2 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 64-28k Hz 42-22k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition aluminum BDSS
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber n/a
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2500Hz n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 212.0mm (8.3") 169.0mm (6.7")
    Width 631.0mm (24.8") 485.0mm (19.1")
    Depth 304.0mm (12") 289.0mm (11.4")
    Weight 13.64kg (30lbs) 10.91kg (24lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Acoustic Suspension
    Available Colors Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut Gloss White
    Grille optional Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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