In this review, we will be comparing R-51M and D310, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale D310 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale D310 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 Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale D310 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 R-51M and D310 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch R-51M |
Wharfedale D310 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz. On the other hand, the D310 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz whereas D310 has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-51M can go slightly deeper then the D310'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
R-51M and D310 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-51M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the D310's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D310, 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.
R-51M can handle a max power of 85 watts RMS from the amp the whereas D310 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the R-51M.
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
R-51M features Post type posts and D310 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R-51M has a rear firing port whereas D310 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale D310's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M's and Wharfedale D310's external dimensions. Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) whereas Wharfedale D310 has external dimensions of 266.0 x 156.0 x 224.0mm ( 10-7/16 x 6-1/8 x 8-13/16inch) .
Wharfedale D310 is 22mm narrower and 72mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 9mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale D310 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 Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale D310 is approximately 349.4cm2 / 54.2inch2. The R-51M requires 10% more surface area than the D310 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Wharfedale D310 weighs 4.00kg / 8.8lbs. This makes the R-51M 25% heavier than the D310.
Here is a comparison of how R-51M and D310'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 R-51M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-51M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Wharfedale D310?
Here are the items that come with the D310:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Tweeter grilles (pre-installed)2 Woofer grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
Max Input Power |
85 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
62 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
266mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
349cm2 (156x224mm)
vs
382cm2 (178x215mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
359USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
Wharfedale D310 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Compact bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
Up to 85 watts |
20-60 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
62-21k Hz |
65-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woven Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Foamed Polyether |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1660Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
338.0mm (13.3") |
266.0mm (10.5") |
Width |
178.0mm (7") |
156.0mm (6.1") |
Depth |
215.0mm (8.5") |
224.0mm (8.8") |
Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
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 |