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  1. Home
  2. Definitive Technology Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. Definitive Technology Demand D17
Definitive Technology Demand D17 Review
Definitive Demand D17 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" BDSS Midrange
  • 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer
  • 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 40-300 watts
  • Weight: 64.02 lbs / 29.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 42-3/4"x10-1/4"x14-3/4" / 1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm
MSRP: $1,399 (list price)
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Definitive Demand D17 Review
Definitive Demand D17 Definitive Demand D1...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Definitive Technology · United States · since 1990 · sold through dealers

Definitive Technology Demand D17 is a 3-way Passive Radiator Floor-standing speaker by Definitive Technology. It was released in 2020. It features a 1" dome Tweeter, 1 x 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Definitive Demand D17 has an MSRP of 2798$ per pair but can often be found around 2526$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Definitive Demand D17 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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.)

Definitive Technology's Demand Series of Loudspeakers

Demand D17 is a member of Definitive Technology's Demand series of Passive speakers. The Demand range is Definitive Technology's premium bookshelf line, with an offset tweeter for a wider soundstage. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 6 Definitive Technology Demand models compared »

Definitive Technology Demand Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Definitive Demand D17
42-22k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Definitive Demand D7
Compare
67-21k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 4.5"
Definitive Demand D15
Compare
48-22k Hz 85.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Definitive Demand D11
Compare
61-22k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Definitive Demand D9
Compare
64-22k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Definitive D5C
Compare
42-22k Hz 85.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

Frequency Response of the Definitive Demand D17 Speaker

Definitive Demand D17 has a Frequency response range of 42-22k Hz and Power Range of 40-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, Demand D17 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Demand D17's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Demand D17
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Definitive Demand D17?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 42 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
Definitive Demand D17 Woofer
Definitive Demand D17's Carbon-fiber Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Definitive Demand D17's 42Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ Demand D17)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ Demand D17)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Demand D17)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Demand D17)
  • GoldenEar Triton Seven with Low Frequency of 29 Hz (Compare w/ Demand D17)

Definitive Demand D17 Tweeter
Definitive Demand D17's aluminum dome Tweeter

Impedance and Sensitivity

Definitive Demand D17's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Demand D17
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Definitive Technology Demand D17 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Definitive Technology Demand D17 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Definitive Demand D17 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Definitive Demand D17 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–235 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Demand D17 has 5-Way Post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Definitive Demand D17 Terminals
Definitive Demand D17's 5-Way Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Definitive Demand D17 External Dimensions and Weight

Definitive Demand D17 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 42-3/4 x 10-1/4 x 14-3/4inch (1086.0 x 261.0 x 375.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Definitive Demand D17 is approximately 978.8cm2 / 151.7inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Definitive Demand D17, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Definitive Demand D17 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Definitive Demand D17 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Definitive Demand D17 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Definitive Demand D17 placed next to a Media Stand
Definitive Demand D17 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Definitive Demand D17 weighs 29.10kg / 64lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Demand D17's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Definitive Demand D17
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $3000
Definitive Demand D17
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Definitive Demand D17 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet and a MDF/Aluminum finish.

Speaker Feet

Definitive Demand D17 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:

  • 2 Bases
  • 8 Spike feet
  • 8 Floor-glides

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

Definitive Demand D17 is available in Gloss Black.

Does the Definitive Demand D17 come with a Grille?

Demand D17 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Demand D17 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Definitive Demand D17  with Grille
Definitive Demand D17 with Grille

What's in the Box of Definitive Demand D17?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Demand D17:
  • Left floorstanindg loudspeaker
  • Right floorstading loudspeaker
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • 2 Bases
  • 8 Spike feet
  • 8 Floor-glides
  • 8 Lock-rings
  • 8 Screws
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Owners Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology Demand D17.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Definitive Technology Demand D17 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Definitive Demand D15
Compare
3-way 85.5 dB 8 ohms 48-22k Hz
Definitive BP-9060
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 18-49k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Polk R700
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
Definitive Demand D7
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 67-21k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F II
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Definitive Demand D11
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 61-22k Hz
Definitive Demand D9
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology Demand D17

What amplifier do you need for the Definitive Demand D17?

Definitive Technology rates the Definitive Demand D17 for 40-300 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Definitive Demand D17 easy to drive?

The Definitive Demand D17 has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Definitive Demand D17 need a subwoofer?

The Definitive Demand D17 reaches down to 42Hz (full range 42-22k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Definitive Demand D17 use?

The Definitive Demand D17 is a 3-way design using a 1" dome tweeter, a 6.5" midrange and 2 x 6.5" Carbon-fiber woofers.

Is the Definitive Demand D17 sealed or ported?

The Definitive Demand D17 uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

Can the Definitive Demand D17 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Definitive Demand D17 has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses 5-Way Post terminals.

Can the Definitive Demand D17 be wall mounted?

The Definitive Demand D17 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Definitive Demand D17 come with grilles?

Yes. The Definitive Demand D17 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Definitive Demand D17?

The Definitive Demand D17 weighs 29.10kg / 64lbs each and measures 42-3/4 x 10-1/4 x 14-3/4inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Definitive Demand D17 cost?

The Definitive Demand D17 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,798 per pair.


Definitive Demand D17 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDefinitive Technology
Full Model NameDefinitive Technology Demand D17
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Range40-300 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response42-22k Hz
Release Date2020
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionCarbon-fiber
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome
Midrange Size6.5-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way Post
Biamp InputsYes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1086.0mm ( 42-3/4-inch)
Width261.0mm ( 10-1/4-inch)
Depth375.0mm ( 14-3/4-inch)
Height1086.0mm ( 42-3/4-inch)
Weight29.1 kg (64 lbs)
EnclosurePassive Radiator
FinishMDF/Aluminum
Available ColorsGloss Black
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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