In this review, we will be comparing R400 and Demand D5C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk R400 and Definitive D5C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk R400 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
- 48-39K Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:14.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 199.0" x 24-5/16" x 14-5/8"( 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm )
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 Polk R400 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* |
Polk R400 |
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 Polk R400 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 R400 and Demand D5C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk R400 |
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
|
R400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone 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
R400 has a frequency range of 48-39K 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 R400's min frequency of 48Hz.
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
R400 and Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R400 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk R400 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive D5C, 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.
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
R400 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.
Polk R400's Binding post terminals
Definitive D5C's 5-Way post terminals
Polk R400 dual 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 Polk R400's and Definitive D5C's external dimensions. Polk R400 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch) 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) .
Polk R400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 133mm wider, 30mm taller and 83mm 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 Polk R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2 and base area of the Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The R400 requires 64% 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 Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs and the Definitive D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the R400 37% heavier than the Demand D5C.
Here is a comparison of how R400 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 Polk R400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
What's in the Box of Definitive D5C?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D5C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleCleaning clothOwners Manual
 Sensitivity |
89 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 |
39k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
|
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
169mm
vs
199mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1401cm2
vs
2299cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio Reserve R400 |
Definitive Technology Demand D5C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.1 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
48-39K Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
BDSS |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
199.0mm (7.8") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
618.0mm (24.3") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
372.0mm (14.6") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
14.91kg (32.8lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |