In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 220 and SX-50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Cambridge Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 220 and Cambridge SX-50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 220 and Cambridge SX-50 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 220 and Cambridge SX-50 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
Both Diamond 220 and SX-50 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale 220 |
Cambridge SX-50 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Diamond 220 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Diamond 220 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz whereas SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 220's min frequency of 56Hz.
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 220 and SX-50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Diamond 220 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the SX-50's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 220, 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.
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 220 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SX-50 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale 220's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Diamond 220 has a bottom firing port whereas SX-50 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale 220's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Cambridge SX-50 with its rear-firing port.
Cambridge SX-50 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 220's and Cambridge SX-50's external dimensions. Wharfedale 220 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 174.0 x 255.0mm ( 12.4 x 6.8 x 10.0inch) whereas Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) .
Wharfedale 220 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 13mm wider, 90mm taller and 15mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale 220 and Cambridge SX-50 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale 220 and Cambridge SX-50 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 220 is approximately 443.7cm2 / 68.8inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2. The Diamond 220 requires 15% more surface area than the SX-50 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 220 and Cambridge SX-50 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 220 weighs 5.32kg / 11.7lbs and the Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs. This makes the Diamond 220 77% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 220 and SX-50'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 220?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 220:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User's Manual Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that come with the SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
225mm
vs
315mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
386cm2 (161x240mm)
vs
443cm2 (174x255mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
249USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale Diamond 220 |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Cambridge Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.1 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
56-20k Hz |
50-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Treated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
315.0mm (12.4") |
225.0mm (8.9") |
| Width |
174.0mm (6.9") |
161.0mm (6.3") |
| Depth |
255.0mm (10") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
5.32kg (11.7lbs) |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, White, Walnut |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24" |
28-31" |
| 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 |