In this review, we will be comparing R-51M and Diamond 220, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale 220 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-51M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:Up to 85watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )
Wharfedale 220 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer
- 56-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:5.32kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 315.0" x 6.8" x 10.0"( 315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-51M 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 R-51M |
Wharfedale 220 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale 220 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 Diamond 220 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-51M |
Wharfedale 220 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5-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 Diamond 220 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz whereas Diamond 220 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the Diamond 220 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 Diamond 220 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 Diamond 220's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M 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. 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS , 15 watts less than the Diamond 220.
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 220 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Wharfedale 220's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R-51M 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 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 220'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 220 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm ( 12.4 x 6.8 x 10.0inch) .
Wharfedale 220 is 4mm narrower and 23mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 40mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale 220 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-51M 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 R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 220 is approximately 443.7cm2 / 68.8inch2. The R-51M requires 14% less surface area than the Diamond 220 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:
Size Comparison image of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale 220 on a Media Console