In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and Diamond 220, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400M and Wharfedale 220 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-400M | Wharfedale 220 |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 4" Cerametallic | 5" Woven Kevlar |
|---|
| Frequency response | 52-25k Hz | 56-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 86 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 50 watts | 25-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.10kg / 9lbs | 5.32kg / 11.7lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.7" x 5.6" x 7.5"
298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm | 12.4" x 6.8" x 10.0"
315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M and Wharfedale 220 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* |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Wharfedale 220 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Bad |
(* 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 RP-400M and Diamond 220 are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-400MWharfedale 220
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Wharfedale 220 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the Diamond 220 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas Diamond 220 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M can go slightly deeper then the Diamond 220's min frequency of 56Hz.
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
RP-400M and Diamond 220 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Diamond 220's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 220, 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.
Diamond 220 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS, whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Diamond 220.
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
Diamond 220 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals
Wharfedale 220's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RP-400M has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 220 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 220's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-400M with its rear-firing port.
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
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 Klipsch RP-400M's and Wharfedale 220's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm (11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) whereas Wharfedale 220 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm (12.4 x 6.8 x 10.0inch).
Wharfedale 220 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 30mm wider, 17mm taller and 64mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-400M and Wharfedale 220 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and Wharfedale 220 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 Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 220 is approximately 443.7cm2 / 68.8inch2. The RP-400M requires 38% less surface area than the Diamond 220 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 Klipsch RP-400M and Wharfedale 220 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 Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the Wharfedale 220 weighs 5.32kg / 11.7lbs. This makes the Diamond 220 30% heavier than the RP-400M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and Diamond 220's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 220?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 220:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (pre-installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User's Manual
- Installation Guide
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
298mm
vs
315mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
275cm2
vs
443cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
Wharfedale Diamond 220 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 50 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
52-25k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
298.0mm (11.7") |
315.0mm (12.4") |
| Width |
144.0mm (5.7") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Depth |
191.0mm (7.5") |
255.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
5.32kg (11.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24" |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - Klipsch RP-400M costs roughly 1.6x what Wharfedale 220 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | Klipsch RP-400M digs deeper - 52Hz against 56Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Klipsch RP-400M is more sensitive (93dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | B | Wharfedale 220 takes more power (100W vs 50W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch RP-400M is easier to place; Wharfedale 220 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Wharfedale 220: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-400M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Wharfedale 220 is cheaper - $249 against $399, about 38% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch RP-400M B Wharfedale 220
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?
Klipsch RP-400M is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 60% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Wharfedale 220 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Klipsch RP-400M appeals to you. Match it to your room: we rate Klipsch RP-400M the better fit for near-field listening; elsewhere the two are rated the same. In a large or open-plan room, Wharfedale 220 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch RP-400M 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.