In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 11.1 and A120, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 11.1 and JBL A120 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 11.1 and JBL A120 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 11.1 and JBL A120 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 11.1 and A120 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale 11.1 |
JBL A120 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
Diamond 11.1 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
Diamond 11.1 has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Diamond 11.1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120'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
Diamond 11.1 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A120 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Diamond 11.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the A120's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale 11.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A120, 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 11.1 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 11.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the A120.
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 11.1 features 5-way post type posts and A120 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale 11.1's Post terminals
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Diamond 11.1 has a bottom firing port whereas A120 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale 11.1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to JBL A120 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 11.1's and JBL A120's external dimensions. Wharfedale 11.1 has external dimensions of 312.0 x 196.0 x 316.0mm ( 12-1/4 x 7-11/16 x 12-7/16inch) whereas JBL A120 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm ( 11-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 7-7/16inch) .
Wharfedale 11.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 24mm wider, 26mm taller and 127mm deeper than JBL A120.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale 11.1 and JBL A120 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale 11.1 and JBL A120 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 11.1 is approximately 619.4cm2 / 96.0inch2 and base area of the JBL A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2. The Diamond 11.1 requires 91% more surface area than the A120 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 11.1 and JBL A120 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 11.1 weighs 6.81kg / 15lbs and the JBL A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs. This makes the Diamond 11.1 78% heavier than the A120.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 11.1 and A120'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 11.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 11.1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of JBL A120?
Here are the items that come with the A120:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam plugs4 Brackets8 Rubber feet8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)Owner-feets ManualWarranty Card
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
286mm
vs
312mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
325cm2 (172x189mm)
vs
619cm2 (196x316mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.1 |
JBL Stage A120 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-20k Hz |
60-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Foam |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
312.0mm (12.3") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
196.0mm (7.7") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
316.0mm (12.4") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Weight |
6.81kg (15lbs) |
3.82kg (8.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyholes w/ bracket |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
26-28" |
| 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 |