In this review, we will be comparing Kendall and Demand D17, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from KLH and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall and Definitive Demand D17 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KLH Kendall Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer
- 25-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 250watts
- Weight:22.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1021.0" x 8-5/16" x 14-15/16"( 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm )
Definitive Demand D17 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer
- 6.5" Midrange
- 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:40-300watts
- Weight:29.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1086.0" x 10-1/4" x 14-3/4"( 1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Kendall and Definitive Demand D17 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 Kendall and Demand D17 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KLH Kendall |
Definitive Demand D17 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Kendall features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the Demand D17 features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Kendall has a frequency range of 25-23k Hz whereas Demand D17 has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Kendall can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D17's min frequency of 42Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
Kendall and Demand D17 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kendall sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Demand D17's is at 87 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the KLH Kendall a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D17, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Kendall can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Kendall has a max power handling value of watts RMS , 300 watts less than the Demand D17.
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 Kendall and Demand D17 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Definitive Demand D17's 5-Way 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 KLH Kendall's and Definitive Demand D17's external dimensions. KLH Kendall has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 14-15/16inch) whereas Definitive Demand D17 has external dimensions of 1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm ( 42-3/4 x 10-1/4 x 14-3/4inch) .
KLH Kendall is 49mm narrower and 65mm shorter than Definitive Demand D17 but it is also 5mm deeper.
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 KLH Kendall is approximately 805.6cm2 / 124.9inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D17 is approximately 978.8cm2 / 151.7inch2. The Kendall requires 18% less surface area than the Demand D17 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 KLH Kendall weighs 22.14kg / 48.7lbs and the Definitive Demand D17 weighs 29.10kg / 64lbs. This makes the Demand D17 31% heavier than the Kendall.
Here is a comparison of how Kendall and Demand D17's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleFoam port4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet (with nuts)4 Protective discsManual
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D17?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D17:
Left floorstanindg loudspeakerRight floorstading loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)2 Bases8 Spike feet8 Floor-glides8 Lock-rings8 ScrewsCleaning clothOwners Manual
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
42 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
1021mm
vs
1086mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
805cm2
vs
978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
2798USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KLH Kendall |
Definitive Technology Demand D17 |
| Brand |
KLH |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 250 watts |
40-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
25-23k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Carbon-fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1021.0mm (40.2") |
1086.0mm (42.8") |
| Width |
212.0mm (8.3") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
380.0mm (15") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Weight |
22.14kg (48.7lbs) |
29.10kg (64lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Aluminum |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |