In this review, we will be comparing Crystal 4.2 and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Crystal 4.2 and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Crystal 4.2 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Crystal 4.2 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the RP-500M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Crystal 4.2's min frequency of 60Hz.
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
Crystal 4.2 and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Crystal 4.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Crystal 4.2, 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.
Crystal 4.2 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Crystal 4.2.
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
Crystal 4.2 features Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Crystal 4.2 and RP-500M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 has external dimensions of 266.0 x 181.0 x 220.0mm ( 10-7/16 x 7-1/8 x 8-5/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 is 77mm shorter and 21mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500M but it is also 8mm 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 is approximately 398.2cm2 / 61.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Crystal 4.2 requires 4% less surface area than the RP-500M 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 weighs 4.20kg / 9.2lbs and the Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the RP-500M 29% heavier than the Crystal 4.2.
Here is a comparison of how Crystal 4.2 and RP-500M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Crystal 4.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Crystal 4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Height |
266mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
398cm2 (181x220mm)
vs
416cm2 (173x241mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
General |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-100 watts |
up to 75 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
93 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
60-20k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
266.0mm (10.5") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
Weight |
4.20kg (9.2lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
28-30" |
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 |