In this review, we will be comparing Alpha P5 and Diamond 11.0, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB P5 and Wharfedale 11.0 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the PSB P5 and Wharfedale 11.0 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 PSB P5 and Wharfedale 11.0 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 Alpha P5 and Diamond 11.0 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
PSB P5 |
Wharfedale 11.0 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Diamond 11.0 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz whereas Diamond 11.0 has a frequency range of 75-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha P5 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 11.0's min frequency of 75Hz.
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
Alpha P5 and Diamond 11.0 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha P5 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Diamond 11.0's is at 85 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the PSB P5 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 11.0, 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.
Alpha P5 can handle a max power of 90 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 11.0 has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the Alpha P5.
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
Alpha P5 features 5-way post type posts and Diamond 11.0 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Alpha P5 has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 11.0 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 11.0's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to PSB P5 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 PSB P5's and Wharfedale 11.0's external dimensions. PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm ( 11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) whereas Wharfedale 11.0 has external dimensions of 256.0 x 158.0 x 181.0mm ( 10-1/16 x 6-3/16 x 7-1/8inch) .
PSB P5 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 14mm wider, 33mm taller and 73mm deeper than Wharfedale 11.0.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB P5 and Wharfedale 11.0 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 PSB P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 11.0 is approximately 286.0cm2 / 44.3inch2. The Alpha P5 requires 53% more surface area than the Diamond 11.0 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 PSB P5 weighs 4.61kg / 10.1lbs and the Wharfedale 11.0 weighs 3.09kg / 6.8lbs. This makes the Alpha P5 49% heavier than the Diamond 11.0.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha P5 and Diamond 11.0's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB P5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha P5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 11.0?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 11.0:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
Max Input Power |
90 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
75 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
256mm
vs
289mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
286cm2 (158x181mm)
vs
436cm2 (172x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
PSB Alpha P5 |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.0 |
Brand |
PSB |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
10-90 watts |
15-75 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
55-21k Hz |
75-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Woven Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Foam |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
289.0mm (11.4") |
256.0mm (10.1") |
Width |
172.0mm (6.8") |
158.0mm (6.2") |
Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Weight |
4.61kg (10.1lbs) |
3.09kg (6.8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black Ash |
Rosewood |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24-28" |
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 |