In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 12.0 and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 12.0 and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 12.0 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 12.0 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 Diamond 12.0 and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale 12.0 |
Klipsch R-41M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Diamond 12.0 features a 1" Textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz. 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
Diamond 12.0 has a frequency range of 70-20k Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 68Hz, the R-41M can go slightly deeper then the Diamond 12.0's min frequency of 70Hz.
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 12.0 and R-41M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Diamond 12.0 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-41M's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 12.0, 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 12.0 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 Diamond 12.0.
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 12.0 features 5-way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Diamond 12.0 and R-41M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 12.0's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Wharfedale 12.0 has external dimensions of 265.0 x 160.0 x 228.0mm ( 10.4 x 6.2 x 8.9inch) 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 14mm narrower and 28mm less deeper than Wharfedale 12.0 but it is also 22mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale 12.0 and Klipsch R-41M 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 12.0 is approximately 364.8cm2 / 56.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The Diamond 12.0 requires 25% 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:
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 12.0 weighs 5.10kg / 11.2lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the Diamond 12.0 59% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 12.0 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 12.0?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 12.0:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets Manual
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 |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
265mm
vs
287mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
68 Hz
vs
70 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
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
364cm2 (160x228mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-60 watts |
50 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
70-20k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Mica-infused polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2700Hz |
1730Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
265.0mm (10.4") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
Width |
160.0mm (6.3") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
Depth |
228.0mm (9") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Weight |
5.10kg (11.2lbs) |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,Oak,White |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
26-31" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |