In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 11.2 and 705 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 11.2 and B&W 705 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 11.2 and B&W 705 S2 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 11.2 and B&W 705 S2 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 11.2 and 705 S2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale 11.2 |
B&W 705 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Diamond 11.2 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the 705 S2 features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Diamond 11.2 has a frequency range of 48-20k Hz whereas 705 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Diamond 11.2 can go slightly deeper then the 705 S2's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 11.2 and 705 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
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 11.2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 705 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 5 watts less than the Diamond 11.2.
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
705 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Diamond 11.2 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Diamond 11.2 has a bottom firing port whereas 705 S2 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale 11.2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 705 S2 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 11.2's and B&W 705 S2's external dimensions. Wharfedale 11.2 has external dimensions of 356.0 x 223.0 x 321.0mm ( 14 x 8-3/4 x 12-5/8inch) whereas B&W 705 S2 has external dimensions of 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 16-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.9-inch) .
B&W 705 S2 is 23mm narrower and 20mm less deeper than Wharfedale 11.2 but it is also 51mm taller.
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 11.2 is approximately 715.8cm2 / 110.9inch2 and base area of the B&W 705 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Diamond 11.2 requires 19% more surface area than the 705 S2 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 11.2 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the B&W 705 S2 weighs 9.32kg / 20.5lbs. This makes the 705 S2 4% heavier than the Diamond 11.2.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 11.2 and 705 S2'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 11.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 11.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of B&W 705 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 705 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
356mm
vs
407mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Base Surface Area |
602cm2 (200x301mm)
vs
715cm2 (223x321mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 |
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-125 watts |
30-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.1 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-20k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Continuum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Foam |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Solid Body Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
356.0mm (14") |
407.0mm (16") |
Width |
223.0mm (8.8") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
321.0mm (12.6") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
9.32kg (20.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |