Short answer: the Definitive Technology Demand D11 for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 630 for the lower price. The Definitive Technology Demand D11 ranks #48 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $999. The JBL Studio 630 ranks #61 at $699, $300 cheaper.
On the Definitive Technology Demand D11 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a mostly flat, well-controlled response - close to class-leading if not for one narrow resonance. The catch: A narrow but real ~600Hz jaggy shows up consistently in on-axis and off-axis measurements.
What the JBL Studio 630 gets right: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Watch for: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track.
Buy the Definitive Technology Demand D11 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Studio 630 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology Demand D11 | JBL Studio 630 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 Discontinued | $699 |
| Ranked | #48 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5" BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10" oval passive radiator | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D |
| Weight | 17 lbs each | 19.9 lbs each |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 83.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 20-200W recommended | up to 150W |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
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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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Studio 630: $699 Amazon
Pros: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Good compression behavior - mid-bass stays taut and controlled from low to high volume without the sound falling apart or distorting as you turn it up. A pleasant, controlled mid-bass bump in the 60-100 Hz range adds punch to kick drums without bleeding into an uncontrolled boom on bass guitar. Horizontal radiation holds steady off-axis (about ±60°), so toe-in isn’t fussy. Compared directly to its predecessor, the JBL Studio 530, the reviewer would pick the 630 - smoother trend line through the upper mids and treble, and likely more dynamic headroom - as long as you’re willing to EQ.
Cons: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track. Some tracks read as forward or aggressive around 2 kHz, like the upper frequencies are jumping out at you rather than sitting in stage depth. Needs EQ to bring the mid-range back up to be fully recommendable; without EQ available, the reviewer says he’d look at a different speaker entirely. Measured sensitivity (about 83.2dB) runs noticeably below the 85dB manufacturer spec, likely a byproduct of the mid-range dip skewing the average downward.
Full JBL Studio 630 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D |
| Drivers | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | up to 150W |
| Sensitivity | 83.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 19.9 lbs each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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