Short answer: the Dynaudio Contour 20i, if you are buying new. The Definitive Technology Demand D11 ranks higher than it (#59 vs #62 of 134 bookshelf speakers, 4.0/5 vs 3.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Dynaudio Contour 20i is still sold new at $5,750.
Buy the Dynaudio Contour 20i, since the Definitive Technology Demand D11 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology Demand D11 | Dynaudio Contour 20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 per pair Discontinued | $5750 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #62 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10” oval passive radiator | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in | 17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 82.5dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 20-200W recommended | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.12 (spinorama.org) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.48 (spinorama.org) | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Definitive Technology Demand D11 compares with other leading options:
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
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- ELAC DBR62 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology Demand D11: $999 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a mostly flat, well-controlled response: close to class-leading if not for one narrow resonance. Distortion is well controlled and the deep cabinet lets it play loud without bottoming out except on the deepest bass content. Cabinet construction and finish are a clear step above budget speakers. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: A narrow but real ~600Hz jaggy shows up consistently in on-axis and off-axis measurements. Horizontal directivity is uneven because of the offset tweeter position, giving the left and right channels slightly different off-axis energy. There’s a low-frequency rattle/noise at very deep bass levels the reviewer called “horrendous.” Discontinued; the Demand series has moved on to newer models.
Full Definitive Technology Demand D11 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in |
| Drivers | 6.5” BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10” oval passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 20-200W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.48 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Dynaudio Contour 20i: $5750 per pair Safe and Sound HQ eBay
Pros: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. A shallow bass rolloff profile lets it sit closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet worked best in testing) without becoming boomy, and makes subwoofer integration comparatively easy. Very wide horizontal radiation (about ±70° through the midrange) gives an enveloping, spacious sound in a suitably sized room. On-axis response holds within about ±3dB overall and ±1.5dB through the midrange. Attractive build quality with a distinctive metal front baffle and gloss finish options. Long-term compression stays good up to 96dB, and short-term compression is within about 0.5dB at that same level. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Notably room-dependent: sounds too bright in the lower treble in smaller rooms with close sidewalls, needing sidewall absorption to sound neutral, while performing better in larger or more open rooms without that treatment. A roughly 2dB lift in the lower treble combined with wide dispersion means more energy reflecting off sidewalls than some listeners will prefer. Relatively low sensitivity (about 82.5dB measured). Unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance: high-output-impedance amps like tube or SET designs introduce up to a 2dB dip in the midrange, making the sound more mellow rather than “warmer,” the opposite of what many tube-amp buyers expect. Elevated harmonic and multitone distortion around 700Hz, which the reviewer attributes to typical cone-edge/surround behavior common across many driver brands, though it stands out on the measurement graphs. An upper-midrange dip around 2kHz can reduce attack and clarity on vocals and brass instruments. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow (roughly -20° to +30°): moving outside that range causes a noticeable tonal shift, unlike coaxial designs that tolerate more vertical movement.
Full Dynaudio Contour 20i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Technics SB-C700
- Dynaudio Contour 20i vs Yamaha NS-800A
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