In this review, we will be comparing D310 and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale D310 and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale D310 and Klipsch R-41M 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 D310 and Klipsch R-41M 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 D310 and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale D310 |
Klipsch R-41M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
D310 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.
Frequency Response
D310 has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the D310 can go slightly deeper then the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
D310 and R-41M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. D310 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R-41M's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M 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.
D310 can handle a max power of 60 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the D310.
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
D310 features Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts and R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale D310's Post terminals
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
D310 has a bottom firing port whereas R-41M has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale D310's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-41M 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 Wharfedale D310's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. 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) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
Klipsch R-41M is 10mm narrower and 24mm less deeper than Wharfedale D310 but it is also 21mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale D310 and Klipsch R-41M in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale D310 and Klipsch R-41M 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 Wharfedale D310 is approximately 349.4cm2 / 54.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The D310 requires 20% more surface area than the R-41M 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:
Size Comparison image of Wharfedale D310 and Klipsch R-41M on a Media Console
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 D310 weighs 4.00kg / 8.8lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the D310 25% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how D310 and R-41M'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 D310?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of D310:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Tweeter grilles (pre-installed)2 Woofer grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?
Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
60 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
65 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
266mm
vs
287mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
229USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Base Surface Area |
292cm2 (146x200mm)
vs
349cm2 (156x224mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale D310 |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Compact bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-60 watts |
50 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
65-20k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Foamed Polyether |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1730Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
266.0mm (10.5") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
156.0mm (6.1") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
224.0mm (8.8") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Weight |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
26-31" |
| 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 |