In this review, we will be comparing SX-60 and Diamond 12.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-60 and Wharfedale 12.1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-60 and Wharfedale 12.1 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-60 and Wharfedale 12.1 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-60 and Diamond 12.1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Cambridge SX-60 |
Wharfedale 12.1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Diamond 12.1 features a 1" Textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz.
Frequency Response
SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz whereas Diamond 12.1 has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the SX-60 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 12.1's min frequency of 65Hz.
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-60 and Diamond 12.1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-60 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Diamond 12.1's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-60 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 12.1, 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.
SX-60 and Diamond 12.1 has the same power range of 20-100 watts.
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
Diamond 12.1 features 5-way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SX-60 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cambridge SX-60's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SX-60 has a front firing port whereas Diamond 12.1 has a rear firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale 12.1 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-60's and Wharfedale 12.1's external dimensions. Cambridge SX-60 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-15/16 x 10-7/8inch) whereas Wharfedale 12.1 has external dimensions of 312.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 12.2 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .
Wharfedale 12.1 is 22mm narrower and 30mm shorter than Cambridge SX-60 but it is also 1mm deeper.
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-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 12.1 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The SX-60 requires 12% more surface area than the Diamond 12.1 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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-60 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Wharfedale 12.1 weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs. This makes the Diamond 12.1 36% heavier than the SX-60.
Here is a comparison of how SX-60 and Diamond 12.1'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-60?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-60:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 12.1?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 12.1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets Manual
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
312mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
500cm2 (180x278mm)
vs
559cm2 (202x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Cambridge Audio SX-60 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 |
| Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-100 watts |
20-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-22k Hz |
65-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Mica-infused polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2600Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
342.0mm (13.5") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Width |
202.0mm (8") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
6.80kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut,Black,Oak,White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |