DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY Demand D9
Stand mount monitors
The size of the D9 does not allow to pair the dynamic abilities of these small monitors with a sense of scale and weight, yet they can play impressively loud without any stress. And you bet I played them loud. Add crystalline highs and soundstaging to die for and here we have champions in their league.
Funkce a forma
First and foremost the Definitive Technology Demand D9 are really beautifully made speakers. Each has 6mm thick beaded aluminum baffle that covers drivers mounted into an MDF cabinet. The speaker is assembled with unbelievable precision (in this category) and all three finishes that my hand could touch – piano lacquer, aluminum baffle and textile grille silkiness – scream quality. No bolts, no gaps, no cheap plastic parts. I also liked bi-wirable gold-plated terminals that are easy to access. This is how a modern monitor should definitely look like.
The visible drivers, 1” aluminum dome tweeter and polypropylene mid-bass driver, are equipped with pole deflectors. There is no bass reflex port; instead, the bass support is handled by upfiring oval passive driver under the textile grille. The passive radiator is according Definitive Technology superior to a traditional bass port, as it produces no port noise, and makes possible smoother, deeper bass response.
Nízké frekvence
Jamming of Charly Antolini (InAkustik) is my favourite torture test for any speaker. The vibrant electric bass and exploding drum kit were absolutely stunning through the rather diminutive Demand D9s. They are very dynamic speakers and the sound had the sense of unrestricted punch as if I was listening to a guitar combo.
The Definitive Technology D9’s bass is specified to start at 35Hz (no tolerance limit) and 64Hz (-3dB point). My ears measured the bass response starting at around 55Hz, with Nordost’s Set-up Disc and the speakers far from room boundaries. If you push the D9s in the corners then you can expect to get even lower but I advise not to do so as the bass of the Demand D9s is clean and resolved and it would be pity to disqualify it by any boominess.
Čistota rozlišení
One day – and it was circa one week into listening to the Demand D9s – I made this note: what a good tweeter they have! It was the moment I was listening to cymbals on Blues Opus 3 (Kjell Öhman, The Hammond Connection) and heard fabulous metallic and highly detailed sound without sizzle or hash. The close-miked acoustic guitar of Eric Bibb (Spirit & The Blues) sounded as if my ears were plugged directly into a recording console, combining airiness and a sense of analog fluidity.
Tonální věrnost
More I listened to the Demand D9 the more I appreciated its midrange. Voices had natural tonality, very good articulation and excellent presence. If you are into vocal performance of Loreena McKennitt or Lisa Gerrard then the Definitive Technology D9s may satisfy you. Even the raspy metal screams of Celtic Frost (To Mega Therion, Modern Music) had enough drive and juice to headbang.
Prostorovost
The D9s were placed ca 1m from side walls and 2m from the front wall for most of this review. That’s is how they sounded superbly clean and expansive. The small dimensions, deflectors and upfiring bass emulated omnipolar radiation patern successfully and the soundstage was wide and deep and the D9s melted within it. No matter if I listened to the Celtic Frost or exquisitely instrumented La Quattro Stagioni (L´Arte dell´ Arco) on SACD the soundstaging was fantastic and it was clearly heard how the mix was panned or where violin, cello or flute players sat.
The cabinets are marked L and R as the tweeters are mounted assymetrically and I did not attempt to swap them. If you are a soundstaging freak or if you are on a quest for affordable high-end speakers or for another pair of speakers for your study or bedroom, this is it!
Doporučení prodejci
CZ: Horn Distribution, Praha, +420 272 656 485
Web výrobce: http://www.definitivetechnology.com
Připojené komponenty
- Sources: Accuphase DP-720, Accuphase DG-58, Clearaudio Concept/Concept MC
- Amplifiers: TAD M2500-Mk2, Pro-Ject Phono Box RS
- Interconnects and speaker cables: Audioquest Wild, Audioquest Redwood, Accuphase AL-10, Proson SC speaker cable, AudioQuest Vodka
- Loudspeakers: TAD Evolution One, Definitive Technology Demand D9, Tannoy Legacy Eaton
- Power conditioning: Shunyata Research Denali 6000T, Nordost Valhalla, Block Audio Snakeblock, Synergistic Research Atmosphere Level 2 PowerCell AC
Galerie
AQ Passion Orca
The Passion Orca is an improved version of the Acoustique Quality’s flagship stand-mounted speaker. Alike any other top model the Orca received meticulous attention to detail with only one exception: it was not designed as a ...
Doporučení prodejci
AQ s.r.o., Červenka, tel. +420 585 342 232
ATOHM GT 1.0
These Atohm monitors are like a magnifying glass that lets the listener look deep into music. Despite their size they provide explosive dynamics against clear and quiet backdrop - not unlike premium headphones that let you hear a ...
Doporučení prodejci
Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
AURUM CANTUS Leisure 3SE MkII
The craftsmanship is immaculate - the glossy finish is spotless and seamless, this Aurum Cantus monitor is like a supersmooth monolith. There are several layers of hand-polished lacquer on the cabinet that is assembled from extremely ...
Doporučení prodejci
Hifi studio MeLissa, Brno, tel. +420 777 04 1313
BOWERS & WILKINS 805 Diamond
Unlike the previous generations of B&W’s the new Diamonds are real diamonds. Within its price range they rank amongst the best available loudspeakers and in certain aspects (airy detail, excellent soundstaging, responsiveness and ...
Doporučení prodejci
Eurostar Ostrava, Dobřejovice u Prahy, tel. + 420 323 606 877
Jasyko, Brno, 541 210 108
Profimedia, Opava, 553 759 017
BOWERS & WILKINS PM1
The PM stands for "Prestige Monitor". Bowers & Wilkins ventured into Bugati and Bentley's world with the timeless and luxurious design, sleek aerodynamic curves and premium technologies. It has been long since I had such a exquisite ...
Doporučení prodejci
Eurostar Ostrava, Dobřejovice u Prahy, tel. + 420 323 606 877
Jasyko, Brno, 541 210 108
DALI Katch
The Dali Katch is a piece of beauty. The reviewed Cloud Gray unit with its smoky pink-beige finish was an ultimate eye-catcher for any female visitors. VThe visual appeal of a luxury handbag easily overcomes any objections of your ...
Doporučení prodejci
CZ: Horn Distribution, Praha, +420 272 656 485
DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY Demand D9
The size of the D9 does not allow to pair the dynamic abilities of these small monitors with a sense of scale and weight, yet they can play impressively loud without any stress. And you bet I played them loud. Add crystalline highs ...
Doporučení prodejci
CZ: Horn Distribution, Praha, +420 272 656 485
