In this review, we will be comparing Kendall 2B and Denton 85, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale Denton 85 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KLH Kendall 2B | Wharfedale Denton 85 |
|---|
| Brand | KLH
United States · founded 1957 | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Aluminum | 6.5" Woven Kevlar |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55-20k Hz | 45-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 200 watts | 20-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.91kg / 13lbs | 9.00kg / 19.8lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-1/4" x 7-3/4" x 8-1/2"
337.0 x 197.0 x 216.0mm | 13-7/16" x 9-7/16" x 11-15/16"
342.0 x 240.0 x 304.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale Denton 85 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:
| Listening Environment* |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Kendall 2B and Denton 85 are 2-way speakers.
KLH Kendall 2BWharfedale Denton 85
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Kendall 2B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 HZ. On the other hand, the Denton 85 features a 1" woven textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz.
Frequency Response
Kendall 2B has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas Denton 85 has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Denton 85 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Kendall 2B's min frequency of 55Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Kendall 2B is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Denton 85 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Denton 85 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Kendall 2B sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Denton 85's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Denton 85 a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall 2B, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Kendall 2B can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas Denton 85 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the Kendall 2B.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both Kendall 2B and Denton 85 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall 2B's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Wharfedale Denton 85's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Kendall 2B and Denton 85 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KLH Kendall 2B's and Wharfedale Denton 85's external dimensions. KLH Kendall 2B has external dimensions of 337.0 x 197.0 x 216.0mm (13-1/4inch x 7-3/4inch x 8-1/2inch) whereas Wharfedale Denton 85 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 240.0 x 304.0mm (13-7/16 x 9-7/16 x 11-15/16inch).
Wharfedale Denton 85 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 5mm taller and 88mm deeper than KLH Kendall 2B.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale Denton 85 in scale.
Comparison image of KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale Denton 85 Size and External Dimensions
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 KLH Kendall 2B is approximately 425.5cm2 / 66.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Denton 85 is approximately 729.6cm2 / 113.1inch2. The Kendall 2B requires 42% less surface area than the Denton 85 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale Denton 85 on a Media Console
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 KLH Kendall 2B weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the Wharfedale Denton 85 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs. This makes the Denton 85 52% heavier than the Kendall 2B.
Here is a comparison of how Kendall 2B and Denton 85's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall 2B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall 2B:
- 2 x 2B Loudspeaker and Grille
- Owners Manual
- Binding Post Wrench
- Rubber Adhesive Feet
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Denton 85?
Here are the items that come with the Denton 85:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Pair of white cloth gloves
- User Manual
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
337mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
425cm2
vs
729cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
| Brand |
KLH |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
200 watts |
20-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-20k Hz |
45-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500 HZ |
3100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
337.0mm (13.3") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
197.0mm (7.8") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
304.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,English Walnut |
Walnut, Mahogany, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: KLH Kendall 2B is the newer design, against a 2018 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Wharfedale Denton 85 digs deeper - 45Hz against 55Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Wharfedale Denton 85 is more sensitive (88dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | KLH Kendall 2B is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | A | KLH Kendall 2B takes more power (200W vs 120W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | KLH Kendall 2B is easier to place; Wharfedale Denton 85 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | KLH Kendall 2B: bi-amping; Wharfedale Denton 85: bi-amping. Wharfedale Denton 85 sits in a wider range (7 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | evenly matched | Much the same money ($999 vs $999 a pair). |
A KLH Kendall 2B B Wharfedale Denton 85
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 55Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Wharfedale Denton 85 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, KLH Kendall 2B is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.