Definitive Technology Demand D17 vs JBL HDI-3600

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skab11

Audiophyte
I am looking for a comparison between Definitive Technology Demand D17 vs JBL HDI-3600. Does anyone have experience between these2 speakers?
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
That would be @shadyJ since he has probably reviewed and measured both varieties.

Any JBL will get a lot more respect subjectively on Audioholics than any DefTech.

Both have 3 x 6.5” woofers, so bass response is probably very similar.
 
S

skab11

Audiophyte
That would be @shadyJ since he has probably reviewed and measured both varieties.

Any JBL will get a lot more respect subjectively on Audioholics than any DefTech.

Both have 3 x 6.5” woofers, so bass response is probably very similar.
This sounds like a good review of the D15 model. I would imagine the D17 is a step up.

 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
This sounds like a good review of the D15 model. I would imagine the D17 is a step up.

Yeah, unlike most other DefTech series, the Demand series seems extremely accurate as measured by Shady.
 
Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
And here is the Audioholics review of the HDI-3800. I auditioned the HDI-3600 4 years ago or there abouts and really liked them. I would have bought a pair but it was not a big enough upgrade from my current speakers. I feel comfortable recommending them though. A little less bass output than the 3800 due to smaller drivers but a good subwoofer can make up for that. Both the DefTech and JBL received favourable reviews so it would be ideal if you could find a dealer to audition them first hand.

The JBLs go on sale on occasion so check the JBL website and Crutchfield. Sometimes you can find big discounts on JBL speakers and they become a good bargain.
EDIT: Just checked Crutchfield and the 3600 is discounted to $1150 each (regularly $2300). Demand D17 is no longer available there but I see them on Amazon for under $1000 each.

 
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S

skab11

Audiophyte
And here is the Audioholics review of the HDI-3800. I auditioned the HDI-3600 4 years ago or there abouts and really liked them. I would have bought a pair but it was not a big enough upgrade from my current speakers. I feel comfortable recommending them though. A little less bass output than the 3800 due to smaller drivers but a good subwoofer can make up for that. Both the DefTech and JBL received favourable reviews so it would be ideal if you could find a dealer to audition them first hand.

The JBLs go on sale on occasion so check the JBL website and Crutchfield. Sometimes you can find big discounts on JBL speakers and they become a good bargain.
EDIT: Just checked Crutchfield and the 3600 is discounted to $1150 each (regularly $2300). Demand D17 is no longer available there but I see them on Amazon for under $1000 each.

Thanks Eppie , I already own a pair of the HDI-3600's. I was just looking for another pair of speakers...I was just curious about the Def Techs.
 
Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
Thanks Eppie , I already own a pair of the HDI-3600's. I was just looking for another pair of speakers...I was just curious about the Def Techs.
I don't usually see DefTechs in my area so no experience with them. If Shady reviewed both speakers then there should be measurements included which will form a basis for comparison. Might want to see if Erin's Audio Corner also did Klippel measurements.
 
Verdinut

Verdinut

Audioholic Spartan
And here is the Audioholics review of the HDI-3800. I auditioned the HDI-3600 4 years ago or there abouts and really liked them. I would have bought a pair but it was not a big enough upgrade from my current speakers. I feel comfortable recommending them though. A little less bass output than the 3800 due to smaller drivers but a good subwoofer can make up for that. Both the DefTech and JBL received favourable reviews so it would be ideal if you could find a dealer to audition them first hand.

The JBLs go on sale on occasion so check the JBL website and Crutchfield. Sometimes you can find big discounts on JBL speakers and they become a good bargain.
EDIT: Just checked Crutchfield and the 3600 is discounted to $1150 each (regularly $2300). Demand D17 is no longer available there but I see them on Amazon for under $1000 each.

At one point, I was looking at the JBL HDI 3800 as a possible speaker, should I decide to switch back to 2 channel stereo from 7 channel surround.

Recently, I had a look at the KEF R7 Meta. This loudspeaker has a smooth frequency response similar to that of the JBL product. However, it has two advantages over the JBL product: It features a famous coaxial driver for the mid-range and high frequencies, and weighs less than the HDI 3800 (64 vs 83 lbs). Both products also have a limited low frequency range and may require in a lot of playback situations the addition of a subwoofer.

Although I have never heard them, I would be happy with either one. But I would prefer the KEF for the above mentioned advantages. Its weight is easier to manage. However with the JBL selling at half its retail price, this becomes very tempting.
 
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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
At one point, I was looking at the JBL HDI 3800 as a possible speaker, should I decide to switch back to 2 channel stereo from 7 channel surround.

Recently, I had a look at the KEF R7 Meta. This loudspeaker has a smooth frequency response similar to that of the JBL product. However, it has two advantages over the JBL product: It features a famous coaxial driver for the mid-range and high frequencies, and weighs less than the HDI 3800 (64 vs 83 lbs). Both products also have a limited low frequency range and may require in a lot of playback situations the addition of a subwoofer.

Although I have never heard them, I would be happy with either one. But I would prefer the KEF for the above mentioned advantages. Its weight is easier to manage. However with the JBL selling at half its retail price, this becomes very tempting.
The JBLs will have a much wider dynamic range than the KEF, although the KEF should have enough dynamic range for most listeners. In a larger room, the JBLs are probably a more appropriate choice.
 

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