Definitive Technology Demand Series Bookshelf Speaker Preview

Some people may say why mess with perfection. In Definitive Technology’s case, they tend to agree.  Definitive Technology puts so much time and effort in designing their bookshelf speakers that it’s always a bit of a wait before the next version comes out. Their Studio Monitor series of bookshelf speakers from was released with high acclaim and deservedly so.  We did a full review of the Studio Monitor 65’s and at the time found them to be among the BEST and most accurate pair of bookshelf speakers we had heard for under $1,500 even though they only cost $900! So with much revelry, Definitive Technology released their newest bookshelf speaker line last week at the 2017 CEDIA Expo in San Diego, California dubbed the Demand series.

The Demand series comes in three models, the D7, D9, and D11. Definitive Technology calls them a "high-performance bookshelf speaker designed to deliver full-range, room-filling sound and precise imaging in a modern, elegant styling." The new Demand series feature advancements to both their aluminum dome tweeters and mid-range/woofer sections.

In their new bookshelf speaker, Definitive Technology decided to offset their 1" tweeter.

" By offsetting the tweeter by 5° delivers a more precise center stereo image by eliminating undesirable symmetric diffraction off the corners of the front baffle."

Definitive Technology

In addition to tweeter modifications, The D7 comes with a bass-ported MDF cabinet and the D7 and D9 come with an integrated passive bass radiator in each speaker to help produce the awesome low-end extension that Definitive Technology bookshelves are known for. Plus, the addition of a larger spider should reduce rocking and increases linearity for deep, tight, clean bass response.

The little touches are what we've always liked about Definitive Technology speakers like their new extruded aluminum front baffle which gives the speaker a clean, modern industrial design with a bead blasted finish provides a timeless look and feel that fits any décor. Gold plated 5-way binding posts are included and just goes to show the level this company goes to for a quality built loudspeaker.

On the mid side, Definitive Technology has a patented Linear Response Waveguide to extend both on and off axis frequency response, while improving dispersion for more natural mid-range timbre and more precise imaging. Also their balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) midrange/woofer helps provide a greater excursion and output that results in the mid-range detail and punchier bass compared to drivers of similar size that Definitive Technology is known for.

With a piano black gloss cabinet painted with five layers of premium black gloss paint and an acoustically transparent magnetic black speaker grille, we found the Demand series to look rather sexy, chic, and stylish.

The Demand series also has optional 32" ST1 speaker stands sold separately for $399/pr for the D9 and D11 and can be filled with your choice of material like sand to provide a solid and stable resonant free speaker foundation.

What We Think

The Definitive Technology Demand series of high-performance bookshelf speakers should deliver a full-range of room-filling sound in a modern, elegant styled cabinet.  With their new technology advancements to both their aluminum dome tweeter and midrange/woofer sections, it's a good bet you'll get quite a few years (or decades) out of these before you're ready to upgrade. Of course with the release of the Demand series, Definitive Technology has put their entire StudioMonitor series on sale on their website and authorized dealers starting at under $200 each which is an incredible price for a quality speaker so be sure to jump on that deal while supplies last.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.