In this review, we will be comparing SX-50 and D320, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-50 and Wharfedale D320 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-50 and Wharfedale D320 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge SX-50 and Wharfedale D320 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both SX-50 and D320 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Cambridge SX-50 |
Wharfedale D320 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the D320 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz whereas D320 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the D320's min frequency of 56Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SX-50 and D320 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-50 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the D320's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D320, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SX-50 features Post type posts and D320 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SX-50 has a rear firing port whereas D320 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale D320's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Cambridge SX-50 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Cambridge SX-50's and Wharfedale D320's external dimensions. Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) whereas Wharfedale D320 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) .
Wharfedale D320 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 96mm taller and 37mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-50 and Wharfedale D320 in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale D320 is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2. The SX-50 requires 23% less surface area than the D320 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs and the Wharfedale D320 weighs 6.02kg / 13.2lbs. This makes the D320 101% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how SX-50 and D320's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Wharfedale D320?
Here are the items that come with the D320:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Tweeter grilles (pre-installed)2 Woofer grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
225mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
386cm2 (161x240mm)
vs
501cm2 (181x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
249USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
Wharfedale D320 |
Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
10-100 watts |
25-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-22k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Woven Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Foamed Polyether |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
225.0mm (8.9") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
161.0mm (6.3") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
Weight |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
6.02kg (13.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
22-24" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |