In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 11.0 and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 11.0 and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 11.0 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 11.0 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 Diamond 11.0 and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale 11.0 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Diamond 11.0 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Diamond 11.0 has a frequency range of 75-20k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M 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
Diamond 11.0 and RP-400M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Diamond 11.0 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the RP-400M's is at 93 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M 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.
Diamond 11.0 can handle a max power of 75 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Diamond 11.0.
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 11.0 features Single binding posts type posts and RP-400M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Diamond 11.0 has a bottom firing port whereas RP-400M has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale 11.0's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-400M 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 11.0's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. 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) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) .
Wharfedale 11.0 is 42mm shorter and 10mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-400M but it is also 14mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale 11.0 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 Wharfedale 11.0 is approximately 286.0cm2 / 44.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The Diamond 11.0 requires 4% more surface area than the RP-400M 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 Wharfedale 11.0 weighs 3.09kg / 6.8lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the RP-400M 33% heavier than the Diamond 11.0.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 11.0 and RP-400M'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 11.0?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 11.0:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
75 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Height |
256mm
vs
298mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
75 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Base Surface Area |
275cm2 (144x191mm)
vs
286cm2 (158x181mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.0 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
15-75 watts |
up to 50 watts |
Sensitivity |
85 dB |
93 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
75-20k Hz |
52-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Foam |
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 |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
256.0mm (10.1") |
298.0mm (11.7") |
Width |
158.0mm (6.2") |
144.0mm (5.7") |
Depth |
181.0mm (7.1") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Weight |
3.09kg (6.8lbs) |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Rosewood |
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 |