In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and Diamond 12.C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT35 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT35 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C 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 Polk XT35 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Monitor XT35 and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk XT35 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
4 x 3-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Monitor XT35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer . On the other hand, the Diamond 12.C features a 1" woven polyester soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Monitor XT35 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 12.C's min frequency of 90Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Monitor XT35 and Diamond 12.C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor XT35 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Diamond 12.C's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Monitor XT35 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 12.C has a max power handling value of 102 watts RMS, 98 watts less than the Monitor XT35.
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 12.C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Monitor XT35 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Polk XT35's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Polk XT35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 5-9/16inch) whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 18-15/16 x 8-11/16inch) .
Polk XT35 is 74mm shorter and 79mm less deeper than Wharfedale Diamond 12.C but it is also 139mm wider.
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 Polk XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 17% less surface area than the Diamond 12.C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Polk XT35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs. This makes the Diamond 12.C 34% heavier than the Monitor XT35.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and Diamond 12.C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk XT35?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT35:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 12.C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars(pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets Manual
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
102 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
107mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
881cm2 (621x142mm)
vs
1065cm2 (482x221mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT35 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
25-200 watts |
20-102 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
57-40k Hz |
90-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
3" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
bi-laminate paper cone |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
107.0mm (4.2") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
482.0mm (19") |
Depth |
142.0mm (5.6") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Available Colors |
Black |
White, Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |