Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK
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Choosing between the Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK and Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK? Both compete in the Speaker (L/R) segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
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Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK scores higher in audio quality, volume/SPL. The Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK leads in value, form factor, room fit.
For speaker performance, the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK is more sensitive at 90 dB vs 89 dB, and impedances of 4.1Ω vs 8Ω. Higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks. A speaker rated 3 dB higher in sensitivity needs half the amplifier power to reach the same volume. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
These two Speaker (L/R) options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 5 scored dimensions. The Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK
Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 2-way | 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 89dB | 90dB |
| Impedance | 4.1Ω | 8Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 36Hz | 90Hz |
| Freq Response High | 50000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Crossover | 2500Hz | 2200Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 20W | 20W |
| Rec. Power Max | 200W | 120W |
| Mounting Type | center | center |
| Mounting Depth | — | — |
| Cutout Diameter | — | — |
| Cutout Width | — | — |
| Cutout Height | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Min | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Max | — | — |
| Back Box Included | No | No |
| Back Box Required | No | No |
| Mounting Mechanism | — | — |
| Installation Type | — | — |
| Stud Spacing | — | — |
| Paintable Grille | No | No |
| Magnetic Grille | No | No |
| Grille Shape | — | — |
| Connector Type | — | — |
| Wire Gauge Max | — | — |
| Angle Adjustable | No | No |
| Pivot Angle | — | — |
| Treble Attenuation Switch | No | No |
| LCR Capable | No | No |
| Coaxial | No | No |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| Moisture Resistant | No | No |
| UV Resistant | No | No |
| Salt Spray Rated | No | No |
| Enclosure Material | — | — |
| Grille Material | — | — |
| Bracket Type | — | — |
| Bracket Included | No | No |
| Dual Voice Coil (SDI) | No | No |
Key Differences
- Freq Response Low: Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK at 36Hz vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK at 90Hz. Determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support.
- Freq Response High: Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK at 50000Hz vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK at 20000Hz
- Impedance: Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK at 4.1Ω vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK at 8Ω. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
- Rec. Power Max: Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK at 200W vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK at 120W
- Crossover: Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK at 2500Hz vs Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK at 2200Hz
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK if you want:
- + better freq response low — determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support
Choose Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK if you want:
- + better sensitivity — higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Polk Audio RESERVE R400-MIDNIGHT-BLACK and Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.CI-ALL-BLACK compare to the rest of the field.
Best Speaker (L/R) RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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