In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Center and Demand D5C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from SVS and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Center and Definitive D5C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Ultra Center Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-225watts
- Weight:14.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 207.0" x 22-1/16" x 11-3/16"( 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm )
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 SVS Ultra Center 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* |
SVS Ultra Center |
Definitive D5C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
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 SVS Ultra Center 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Ultra Center is a 3-way design whereas the Demand D5C is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Center |
Definitive D5C |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Ultra Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz. On the other hand, the Demand D5C features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
Ultra Center has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz whereas Demand D5C has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Demand D5C can go slightly deeper then the Ultra Center's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
Ultra Center and Demand D5C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Ultra Center sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Demand D5C's is at 85.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Center 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.
Ultra Center can handle a max power of 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Demand D5C has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Ultra Center.
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
Ultra Center 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.
SVS Ultra Center's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 SVS Ultra Center's and Definitive D5C's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Center has external dimensions of 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 22-1/16 x 11-3/16inch) 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 76mm narrower and 38mm shorter than SVS Ultra Center but it is also 4mm 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 SVS Ultra Center is approximately 1598.9cm2 / 247.8inch2 and base area of the Definitive D5C is approximately 1401.7cm2 / 217.3inch2. The Ultra Center requires 14% 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 SVS Ultra Center weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Definitive D5C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Ultra Center 29% heavier than the Demand D5C.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Center 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 SVS Ultra Center?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Center:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetOwners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product 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
 Max Input Power |
225 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 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 |
32k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
|
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
169mm
vs
207mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1401cm2
vs
1598cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS Ultra Center |
Definitive Technology Demand D5C |
| Brand |
SVS |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-225 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-32k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
composite glass-fiber |
BDSS |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
500Hz and 2200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
207.0mm (8.1") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
561.0mm (22.1") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
285.0mm (11.2") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |