Short answer: the Definitive Technology Demand D11. It ranks #44 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $999; the SVS Ultra Bookshelf ranks #47 and costs $1200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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. Set against that: A narrow but real ~600Hz jaggy shows up consistently in on-axis and off-axis measurements.
The case for the SVS Ultra Bookshelf: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average - a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. The tradeoff: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime - the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward.
Buy the Definitive Technology Demand D11. It ranks higher for sound quality than the SVS Ultra Bookshelf and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology Demand D11 | SVS Ultra Bookshelf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 Discontinued | $1,200 |
| Ranked | #44 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5" BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10" oval passive radiator | 6.5" composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in | 14.9"H x 8.5"W x 10"D |
| Weight | 17 lbs each | 19 lbs each |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 20-200W recommended | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
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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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- 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 Revel Concerta2 M16
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Infinity Reference R162
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs JBL HDI-1600
- Definitive Technology Demand D11 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
SVS Ultra Bookshelf: $1,200 Amazon
Pros: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average - a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. Slightly higher sensitivity than the Prime (about 87.8dB) with similarly wide, consistent horizontal radiation. Toeing the speakers out about 30 degrees smooths the in-room response nicely if the on-axis tonal balance runs a bit forward for your taste. Distortion and dynamics hold up well; this is a mature, well-regarded design (roughly a decade old at review time) that’s aged better than many contemporaries.
Cons: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime - the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward, occasionally tinny character. Bass extension is modest for the price (F3 69Hz, F10 48Hz measured) - SVS is clearly counting on you pairing this with one of their subwoofers rather than expecting full-range performance from the bookshelf alone. Measured minimum impedance dips to about 3.8 ohms, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended rather than a basic 8-ohm-only AVR. Radiation pattern is wide (around 80°), wider than the reviewer’s typical ~60° sweet spot preference, so acoustic treatment on nearby walls helps tame reflections and keep the off-axis response from diverging too much from on-axis.
Full SVS Ultra Bookshelf review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 8.5"W x 10"D |
| Drivers | 6.5" composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 19 lbs each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
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- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Power Sound Audio MT-110-M
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