In this review, we will be comparing Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and RP-280F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Klipsch RP-280F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i Key Specs
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer
- 45-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:19.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 985.0" x 9-3/4" x 13-3/4"( 985.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm )
Klipsch RP-280F Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer
- 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 98 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:28.41kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1094.0" x 10-9/16" x 17-3/8"( 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Klipsch RP-280F compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i is a -way design whereas the RP-280F is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i |
Klipsch RP-280F |
|
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-280F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz whereas RP-280F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-280F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i's min frequency of 45Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and RP-280F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-280F's is at 98 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-280F a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
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
Both Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and RP-280F features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-280F's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Diamond 12.3i's and Klipsch RP-280F's external dimensions. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i has external dimensions of 985.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm ( 38-3/4inch x 9-3/4inch x 13-3/4inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-280F has external dimensions of 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm ( 43-1/16 x 10-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-280F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 109mm taller and 92mm deeper than Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i.
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 Diamond 12.3i is approximately 868.0cm2 / 134.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-280F is approximately 1189.0cm2 / 184.3inch2. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i requires 27% less surface area than the RP-280F 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 Diamond 12.3i weighs 19.55kg / 43lbs and the Klipsch RP-280F weighs 28.41kg / 62.5lbs. This makes the RP-280F 45% heavier than the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i.
Here is a comparison of how Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and RP-280F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Outrigger feet 8 Spikes (pre-installed on outrigger feet) 8 Isolation pucks Eight M6x25mm phillips-head screws User's Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-280F?
Here are the items that come with the RP-280F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker (Ebony)Speaker baseDetachable magnetic grilleFour 1-inch #6 Wood screws4 Spike feet6 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 Height |
985mm
vs
1094mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
868cm2
vs
1189cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
2-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
98 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-20k Hz |
32-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica-infused polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
985.0mm (38.8") |
1094.0mm (43.1") |
| Width |
248.0mm (9.8") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
| Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
| Weight |
19.55kg (43lbs) |
28.41kg (62.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Grey |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |