In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Tower and Demand D15, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from SVS and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Tower and Definitive Demand D15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Tower and Definitive Demand D15 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the SVS Ultra Tower and Definitive Demand D15 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Ultra Tower and Demand D15 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Tower |
Definitive Demand D15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 6.5-inch |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 8.0-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Ultra Tower features a 1.0" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8.0" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 160HZ and 2000Hz. On the other hand, the Demand D15 features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Carbon-fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Ultra Tower has a frequency range of 28-32k Hz whereas Demand D15 has a frequency range of 48-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Ultra Tower can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Demand D15'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 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
Ultra Tower and Demand D15 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Ultra Tower sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Demand D15's is at 85.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Tower a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive Demand D15, 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.
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 Ultra Tower and Demand D15 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Tower's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Definitive Demand D15'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 SVS Ultra Tower's and Definitive Demand D15's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Tower has external dimensions of 1159.0 x 355.0 x 445.0mm ( 45-5/8 x 13-15/16 x 17-1/2inch) whereas Definitive Demand D15 has external dimensions of 1023.0 x 231.0 x 324.0mm ( 40-1/4 x 9-1/16 x 12-3/4inch) .
SVS Ultra Tower is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 124mm wider, 136mm taller and 121mm deeper than Definitive Demand D15.
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 Tower is approximately 1579.8cm2 / 244.9inch2 and base area of the Definitive Demand D15 is approximately 748.4cm2 / 116.0inch2. The Ultra Tower requires 111% more surface area than the Demand D15 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 Tower weighs 34.27kg / 75.4lbs and the Definitive Demand D15 weighs 23.60kg / 51.9lbs. This makes the Ultra Tower 45% heavier than the Demand D15.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Tower and Demand D15'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 SVS Ultra Tower?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Tower:
Floorstanding loudspeakerCloth grille2 Metal grillesFoam port plug4 Elastomer isolation feet (pre-installed)4 Spike feet4 Nuts4 Protective discs2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D15?
Here are the items that come with the Demand D15:
Left floorstanding loudspeakerRight floorstanding loudspeaker2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)2 Bases8 Spike feet8 Floor-glides8 Lock-rings8 ScrewsCleaning clothOwners Manual
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8.0 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
2600USD
vs
2798USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
1023mm
vs
1159mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
748cm2 (231x324mm)
vs
1579cm2 (355x445mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS Ultra Tower |
Definitive Technology Demand D15 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
20-300 watts |
30-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
85.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-32k Hz |
48-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8.0" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Carbon-fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Crossover Frequency |
160HZ and 2000Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1159.0mm (45.6") |
1023.0mm (40.3") |
| Width |
355.0mm (14") |
231.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
445.0mm (17.5") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
34.27kg (75.4lbs) |
23.60kg (51.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Oak veneer |
MDF/Aluminum |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |