Short answer: the Definitive Technology Demand D11 for better sound quality, the Infinity Reference R162 for the lower price. The Definitive Technology Demand D11 ranks #44 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $999. The Infinity Reference R162 ranks #51 at $500, $499 cheaper.
The case for the Definitive Technology Demand D11: CEA2034 spinorama shows a mostly flat, well-controlled response - close to class-leading if not for one narrow resonance. The tradeoff: A narrow but real ~600Hz jaggy shows up consistently in on-axis and off-axis measurements.
On the Infinity Reference R162 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. Set against that: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point.
Buy the Definitive Technology Demand D11 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Infinity Reference R162 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology Demand D11 | Infinity Reference R162 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 Discontinued | $500 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5" BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10" oval passive radiator | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Weight | 17 lbs each | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 20-200W recommended | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Philharmonic BMR (v1) vs Buchardt S400 MKII
- Buchardt S400 MKII vs Philharmonic BMR Monitor
- Buchardt S400 MKII vs Pylon Jasper Monitor 18
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology Demand D11: $999 Discontinued Amazon
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.
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. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology Demand D11 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 17 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs ELAC DBR62
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Revel Concerta2 M16
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs JBL HDI-1600
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
Infinity Reference R162: $500 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity.
Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Infinity Reference R162 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Infinity Reference R162 vs JBL Studio 630
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Behringer B2030P
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Infinity IL10
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- See all 9 comparisons