In this review, we will be comparing D310 and S15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale D310 and Polk S15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale D310 and Polk S15 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 Polk S15 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 D310 and S15 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale D310 |
Polk S15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
D310 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the S15 features a 1" Terylene Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
D310 has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas S15 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the S15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the D310's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 S15 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. D310 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the S15's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk S15 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas D310 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the S15.
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 Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated type posts and S15 has a Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale D310's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
D310 has a bottom firing port whereas S15 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale D310's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk S15 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 Polk S15'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 Polk S15 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm ( 12.0 x 7.4 x 10.2inch) .
Polk S15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 34mm wider, 38.8mm taller and 36.4mm deeper than Wharfedale D310.
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 Polk S15 is approximately 494.8cm2 / 76.7inch2. The D310 requires 29% less surface area than the S15 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 D310 weighs 4.00kg / 8.8lbs and the Polk S15 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the S15 48% heavier than the D310.
Here is a comparison of how D310 and S15'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 Polk S15?
Here are the items that come with the S15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Height |
266mm
vs
304mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
349cm2 (156x224mm)
vs
494cm2 (190x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
259USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
| General |
Wharfedale D310 |
Polk Audio Signature S15 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Compact bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-60 watts |
20-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
65-20k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Foamed Polyether |
Butyl rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
266.0mm (10.5") |
304.8mm (12") |
| Width |
156.0mm (6.1") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
224.0mm (8.8") |
260.4mm (10.3") |
| Weight |
4.00kg (8.8lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Meddite MDF |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
24-30" |
| 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 |