In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 12.C and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C and Klipsch RP-450C 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 Diamond 12.C and Klipsch RP-450C 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.C and RP-450C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Klipsch RP-450C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
Diamond 12.C features a 1" woven polyester soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the RP-450C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the RP-450C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 12.C's min frequency of 90Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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.C and RP-450C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Diamond 12.C sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-450C's is at 97 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-450C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Diamond 12.C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.C can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 12.C has a max power handling value of 102 watts RMS , 48 watts less than the RP-450C.
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.C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-450C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/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.C's and Klipsch RP-450C's external dimensions. Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 18-15/16 x 8-11/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-450C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 31-1/8 x 14-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is 309mm narrower and 149mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-450C but it is also 7mm 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 Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The Diamond 12.C requires 64% less surface area than the RP-450C 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.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the RP-450C 91% heavier than the Diamond 12.C.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 12.C and RP-450C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 12.C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars(pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-450C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-450C:
Center-channel loudspeakerDetachable magnetic grille4 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
Base Surface Area |
1065cm2 (482x221mm)
vs
2926cm2 (791x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
650USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
102 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
174mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
Power Range |
20-102 watts |
up to 150 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
97 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
90-20k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
Cerametallic cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
soft-dome |
Tractrix horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
Width |
482.0mm (19") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
Depth |
221.0mm (8.7") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
polymer veneer |
Available Colors |
White, Walnut, Black |
Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |