WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12.1 REVIEW: OK, IT'S *MORE* THAN A REVIEW. YOU GET HISTORY, CHINA AND...KARL
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- The budget end of Wharfedale’s latest Diamond range at £249, Paul Rigby reviews these stand mounters and compares them to the Q Acoustic 3020i, Q Acoustic 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 50 speakers. Be warned, this is a long video: there's also a history overview here, Wharfedale in China and designer insight
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VIDEO CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
1:32 - History
6:40 - The China Thing
13:24 - A Bloke Named Karl
16:18 - Closer Look
20:04 - Sound Quality
21:13 - vs Monitor Audio Bronze 50
23:39 - vs Q Acoustic 3020i (yes, I wrongly showed the basic 3020s instead)
25:31 - vs Q Acoustic 3030i
31:37 - Conclusion
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UPDATE: This video has now been updated with 'live' chapter headings, accessible within the Description.
Funny story....I bought these based on some good reviews including yours. When I fired them up I was kind of disappointed, sounded ok but muffled a bit. They need breaking in I thought. Day 2 I re-checked the connections and took another look at the diagram in the booklet and noticed the jumper plate things were supposed to be on...I took them off thinking they were for bi-wiring or whatever. I put them back on convinced they would catch fire when I hit play, but after about 10 seconds I had a good laugh and realized I am a dumb ass. They sound magnificent.
Love your gentle, informative style. I just came into possession of a pair of Warfedale W70E speakers: acoustic suspension (15” woofers, 5” [or 5-1/2”] mid-range, and 1” Mylar tweeter). Undisturbed for 20+ years; love their sound and especially their soundstage.
I appreciated the history as it took me well beyond the story I found elsewhere on the Internet.
Excellent content. So good to see a review going above and beyond the standard 👍👍👍
This is really an excellent presentation of the Wharfedale's Diamond speakers as well as a short story on its history. I am now tempted to listen to the 12.1 model. I was almost hearing the speakers from your description !!!
Excellent review as usual Paul. Really enjoy your reviews as they are informative including history and your knowledge of the engineering behind the speakers.
Thank you for that footage. It's a delight to hearing you talking!
I'd love to see Dali Oberon 3 review, if it's possible. Cheers
Re-wathch the history is what would ask. Amazingly presented!Now I know who to thank each time I listen to my Q3030i which I love so much.
Really enjoy the background and insightful commentary glad I subscribed
A most fascinating review. A great speaker and a very interesting brand history. I really enjoyed myself watching this video. Thanks
Excellent review as always Paul, thanks
This was a very informative and enjoyable review. You seemed to really like this speaker system. I can feel your enthusiasm. This is on my short list. Thank you
Very interesting video thank you for sharing. I have a pair of Diamond 6.1 in my radio shack which sound very pleasant attached to a Technics midi system. I never give them a second thought as I just use them for background music when I am sat in there out of the way.
Superb review and history lesson! Thank you
Fantastic thank you! The historic aspect of the company was enlightening and interesting. The technical history very useful for me as I am considering an upgrade right now. The fink phenomenon has solidified and narrowed my current choices in the market. Thanks again 🍷
What a great review. Loved the history of Wharfedale from the old little Town to the new Made In China Speaker Plant. I just wonder with the models why they went into the hundreds and back again? Maybe dark days? Maybe bad models away from their roots?
What do I learn from this review? Really good audio gear is more affordable than ever. There's no fortune needed to be happy (which will be good news for many of us these days, especially for all those new kids on the hifi block). But Paul's review offers more than that: company history as well as travel advice (he's taking us not just across England and the continent but also to the Far East), fair comparison of various speakers, and, above all, a really exciting listening that provides fun and entertainment. Is there anything else I could wish for? Thank you very much again, Paul
Thanks Guido!
My first wharfedales were a second hand pair of diamond 8.1 's in the early 2000s. Replaced them with 9.1 's about 2005. The 12.1 's look like an appropriate replacement now. Thanks for the review and history.
I always like to know the history of items I'm purchasing or interested in. This was a very informative video and easy to listen too. Thank you!
Great review as usual. after long listening i prefer and bought the 3020i speakers, but i like the design of the Wharfedale better.
Very good review. Thank you!
Leaning to acquiring the Wharfedale 12.2 over the Elac and Triangle bro3. Loved your review.
After doing away with the pair of 2 decade old mordaunt short MS25i floorstanders. Got myself a pair of these impeccable 12.1s. Truly impressive and magical. Couldn’t be more happier. Like they say, diamonds are forever. Thank you.
Great review. You made it engaging!
Really interesting and informative video, great stuff. These Wharfedales have been on my shortlist for some time now, they certainly seem a very compelling set of speakers for the price. I grew up listening to my Dad's system which featured the great big Dovedale 3 speakers, so I have always had an affection for Wharfedale, albeit the company is in a different (but no less good!) guise these days.
Wharfdale speakers are great sounding for the money had a few pairs over the years never been disappointed they just do a very good job on sound well done wharfdale 👍
Hi Paul. First things first the shear thought of skipping any part of your videos is to my mind positively criminal , no no perish the thought. As for speakers my first ever was a pare of Lintons back in the 70s . But the whole market in speaker design has been totally transformed over the decades, and it’s totally amazing the sound that can be achieved from such small boxes . The comparison with Rega and Audiolab was very clever and when you stop to think about it very astute . Great stuff as I sit here with a nice glass of red wine , being informed and entertained what more could one as for , even when a leg clad in shorts entered in to view it did not deter my interest 🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍. Best wishes and kind regards as always.
Very kind of you Michael and apologies for the shock :)
Enjoyed the History & analogies ...👍
I absolutely loved this presentation, history, biographies and all…
That's very nice of you, thanks.
Thanks Bruce I have the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary on Q Acoustics Concept 20 stands. They are excellent speakers.
I just ordered a set of these here in the United States that were bel stuck other words refurbished. 225 US dollars! Once I found out Heinz Ward fink was behind this it was a no-brainer. I actually like the looks of these speakers way better than the qacoustics. These are going to be part of a desktop system and I would rather have the speaker taller than deeper to save room on my desk. Excellent review sir I watch this about seven times lol! Greetings from the state of Texas
I wonder how they compare to my b&w 602s3 speakers . Great interesting video, thanks mark
Thanks for sharing have a good Christmas 2022.
I went out and bought a pair of Wharfedale speakers. I'm very happy with my purchase.
Big fan of Peter Comeau's Heybrook HB1s from my younger days. Showed a picture of him to an older audiophile once and was told "no way, Perry Como looks nothing like that!" 😊
A really insightful video! Thanks :-)
I'm a happy 10.1 and 225 owner, but the 12.2s in particular are intriguing.
Another wonderful PR review. I warn you however; I may be demanding a cup of tea before future reviews.
Hehe
Excellent. I'm becoming a fan. I bought the Technics after watching your video. Its the best piece of kit I ever bought. It's good to see you smile.
Well that's very nice of you Martin. And I'll try to grin more often.
A very informative review with the history of Wharfedale. I have the Diamond 12.0 version and they are one of the best speakers I've had. It's amazing how good these little things sound, and once I paired them with a Cayin 10 wpc tube amp they really blossomed. Sure I would prefer they were made in the U.K., but once I understood the reality I'm onboard with manufacturing in China. Thank you.
Great review 👏, I'm in the market for floorstanders, my shortlist is Diamond 12.3, Fyne Audio f303, possibly Kef Q550, £500 is a substantial layout for me, I was wondering if you might be reviewing the Fyne Audio F303. Thank you.
Excellent review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Daimond 10.1's sounded decent on a 50 watt Nad. But hooked up to a Yamaha pushing 90 watts p/c it really came alive. A lesson
learned, some small speakers want more power. I would love to hear these 12.1's to compare. Thanks for a great review.
Got a pair with my Sony amp 65watts per channel and there amazing 🤩
Great review and appreciate the history and background rundown.
However, I noticed you put up a 3020 (not 3020i) on camera.
Yes indeed - picked up the wrong speakers for the video in a rush! I did test with the 'i' speakers though :)
I'm watching this for the second time, excellent , my first hifi speakers , were wharfedale , denton? i think, back in the 70's , i got the diamond 10's now, great speakers
in the mid 70's i had a pair of Wharfedale Glendales they where good speakers at the time and i only replaced them for a pair of Tannoy Cheviots in 1978, i still have the Tannoy's but they need re-coning i might get round to it one day but i am enjoying my Q Acoustic 3050's far to much to replace them
I bought a pair of these back in 2022 when I bought a record deck to get back into vinyl, couldnt be happier with them, they sound equally great with my CD collection as they do with vinyl.
I have been using the Diamond 12.2 for more than a year now and cannot be happier. Sound great, good looking with glossy white front panel and textured ash side panels, and nicely built in China.
I am considering buying a pair of 12.4 floor-standers of the same color for my living room.
What amp are you using with your 12.2 if I may ask?
@@felixisidorsson2958 I use a Chinese domestic brand solid state integrated amp that is not available outside China, properly an unknown brand to the rest of the world. The amp is rated at 120w/channel at 8ohm and cost me around US$500, roughly the same price as the speakers themselves.
@@aiofilms thank you!
thank you what insight great video a fan a yank keep it coming stay safe peace.
Great video. I currently have the Q Acoustic 3020i speakers (used with Marantz PM6007 amp and CD5005 + an Elac subwoofer). While I like the sound of them overall I have to say I'm disappointed with a certain harshness/shrillness in the high end (or probably the upper midrange, to be accurate). It's not there all the time but turns up often enough, usually with prominent orchestral brass or even banks of strings, or even solo saxes. Sometimes it's so bad it literally makes me wince!
Do you think I would notice a big difference if I replaced them with a pair of these Wharfedale 12.1s? Do you think that harshness would be gone? Or would I be disappointed again? Thanks.
I am totally happy with my 75th Anniversary Edition Diamond 9.1's and I would buy Wharfedale again. IAG has done a fine job with the companies it has acquired.
I’d like to see your options on the diamonds 12.2
A quick note - Ilkley, mentioned in the video, is a spa town, not a market town.
In the review, I mention that - from memory - there’s about £20 worth of difference between the Diamond 12.1 and Q Acoustics 3030i. At present, the difference is officially £100 - the 3030i’s RRP is £349 - although at the time of posting this speaker can be found at discounted prices of around £275 if you shop around
I loved my Diamond 10.1s and I love, love my Denton 85. The build quality of the Denton’s is incredible and I have no doubt the new Diamonds will thrill their owners.
I’ve got the 10:1s but now I’m tempted by these 12:1s 😭
They wrote that dentons highs are a little harsh?? in comparison to diamonds series.
Hello
I’m in the market for an AV receiver. I have a 7.1.2 configuration with focal aria 936 fronts and surrounds of the same series. I’m currently looking out for a marantz sr6015 and not really want to go down the separates and amplifiers path. So I was wondering whether the sr6015 can power my setup comfortably or do I need to get a power amp to help it out? Thank you.
I'm just now going into my first foray into the world of Hi-Fi and from everything I've read I honestly don't think I'm going to do better than the 12.1's. I'm going in with the Marantz CD6007 and marrying it with the matching amp so I'm now just looking to get a pair of appropriate speaker stands. Any recommendations will be very much appreciated 👍 Thanks for the informative piece you put together here.
Nice review but i think that there is one speaker missing from this comparison of british standmounters: The Mission Lx2 and 3 MK II.
First time viewer. Excellent! I subscribed and got all notifications. I’m an audio-head of sorts and love music.
I enjoyed the brief history of Wharfedale Speakers. Left me wanting more. Agree with your thoughts on the “China” Thing. The fact they own and operate their factory means a lot to me. Quality control should be top priority if they’re serious about building back of Wharfedale’s reputation as a high quality speaker manufacturer. I’ve always thought of Wharfedale as a top of the line speaker. When I was a teen, I heard some music start playing that stopped me in my tracks. I felt awestruck actually. I had to find out what speakers were playing. The badge read “Wharfedale “. They were a rather large pair of floor-standing speakers. As I remember, they didn’t look like towers. More of a squatter, boxes design that sounded the best I had heard at that point. I’ll never forget it. I’ve wanted a pair Wharfedale’s ever since. I would love to know what particular model that was. If you think you might know, I’d love to hear what you think. They were on display in store around ‘69-‘70. Anyway, I think I’m getting some Diamonds 💎. 12.1, or maybe the 12.2 now. What’s available. Would love to get the 225’s, I’ve heard so much good things about them, but I believe I’m late. Discontinued. Have you reviewed the 12.2’s yet?
H Norman - many thanks. No, I've yet to get around to the 12.2s.
Norm, it sounds like you’re describing my Warfedale model W70 which are of that vintage. The enclosure is approximately 2 ft x 2 ft and about 1 ft deep, sealed. The badge labels them ‘achromatic’ which I interpret to mean they were an acoustic suspension design. There were several versions of the W70 with different bass drivers, 3-way and 4-way. I think the tweeters were all Mylar, with some versions holding up better than others. I have the W70E with a 15” woofer, 5” or so midrange, and an undamaged Mylar tweeter. Real wood veneer, they were made to be placed on the floor and even used as end tables on a sofa where my set spent the better part of the last forty years. You could rotate them 90 degrees, which I haven’t tried. What is remarkable about them, aside from their awesome vintage sound, is the vertical height of their sound stage. A friend suggested I put them on stands, so I raised them up 24” and now the instruments and vocals sound as though they are coming from the ceiling. Great speakers, I’m enjoying them very much. Maybe you can find a pair, now that you know what to look for. 🙂
The Cheapaudio Man did a review and comparison of 5 of what he considered the best and the 12.2's got the Darth Vader award for being the best !! He loves 'em.
Great Video! among many speakers, this one seems to have an incredible value for money, thanks also to your review .. i was thinking of combining these 12.1s with a Yamaha CA-610 amplifier, could it be fine in my small room?
Best Regards!
Thank you and yes, I reckon so.
I had a set of these but one of the tweeters didn't work so I sent them back. Another speaker I'd considered was the q acoustics 3020. Amazon had them on sale for $200 here in the United States. After I sent the wharf Dale's back I checked on Amazon and they had them for $150 for the pair brand new in the box NOS. For that type of price difference I'm super happy with the q acoustics 3020. I added a can tow 8 in sealed sub and it sounds quite lovely. I really wanted the war of tales to work but I also like a good deal so that makes them sound better lol
Brill review! Thanks!
Excellent video.
IAG Are a Very Good Company to deal with, They serviced my old Quad 33/303 set up...Which is coupled to a pair of Wharfedale 12.2 Diamonds.....Quite frankly it sounds pretty good to my ears.
You mentioned the Rega and Audiolab sound. Which of those would pair the best with the 12.1’s. Completely agree regarding manufacturing. Nice backstory too. Thanks.
The 6000A runs along the same tracks so that would be a nice complement. And thanks!
F
Loved your video on the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 speakers I think they are superb for budget speakers & give speakers costing a lot more a run for their money I also have the Q Acoustic 3020i which I also like , now here's a thing I recently acquired a pair of Mission LX2 MK2 stand mounts & was blown away by their sound which I thought was awesome, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on these if you haven't already done so Yeah budget entry speakers are pushing the boundaries all the time, "we've never had it so good " right enough !! 😀
I never got to review the MX2s, I'm afraid. I saw them at shows, talked to the company, talked about reviews, etc but it never happened, time moved on and they passed me by. I'd still like to hear them though.
I'm at 16:00 and without having seen anything about the speaker, this is already my favourite hi-fi video in a while🙇🏻♂️
So when are you moving to wharfdale?😂😂😂
Almost did and, well, you never know :)
Great stuff here!
The diamond 225's are still my favorites....they just do something right and the bass is just great for such a modest speaker. A very well designed and sounding speaker now on sale for a mere $299!
So agree with you!!Unfortunately i can't find a second pair of 225s in my country.Multi awarded speakers with excellent built quality and bottom ported for close to wall positioning.Not like the 12.2s rear ported.
I had the 225 and now own the 12.2 and 12.4. No comparison at all, the 12s are superior in every way.
@@-MarkWinston- do you recommend the 12.4 ?
@@williamca7555 definitely. The best allround do it all speakers in its price category.
@@-MarkWinston- thank you Mark so if you had to chose between 12.2 and 12.4 ? For a larger room
Best speakers I ever heard were a pair of Tannoys. Or at least they sounded clear to me listening to KLF,s Build a Fire.
Great review on these speakers what kind of speaker stands are in this video ? Thx
www.hifiracks.co.uk/collections/speaker-stands
How do you think they compare with the Dali Spektor 2s. Would love to see your thoughts. Thanks.
Wharfedale 225 what happen to it ? Which one is better or the 225 evolve ? Thanks for the video
Thanks for this review Paul. Do you think the Diamond 12.1 will work well with a Rega Brio amplifier?
I am torn between extremes of spending a lot (Spendor A1, Neat Motive SX3) or going for a more budget friendly speaker (eg 12.1).
Sure, absolutely. The A1s will sound better but it depends on your budget and your spending priorities.
hi! Thank you so much for your reviews! I would like to know your opinion about matchig the Diamonds 12.1 with a Cambridge AXR85 . I will really appreciate your answer. Thank you again ans best regards!
Yes, that pairing should be fine Karla.
Great review! What kind of amp will pair best with the Diamond 12.1's? I am now using them on an old JVC receiver but have budget for, Nad 316 v2 , Yamaha AS501, Rotel A11 tribute or Cambridge AXA35. There is no real shop around my area where I can compare some amps and the Diamonds. I don't want an amp the make them even warmer sounding. Input is highly appreciated! Thanks Dennis.
I haven't reviewed the Total but I hear good things about it at that price. Either that or the Cambridge, I reckon.
I'm currently look at the Paradigm 200B, They are $1K a pair but Made in Canada.
There have never been better affordable speakers available than there are now, and a lot of that is due to overseas manufacture. Engineering and design can be done in the UK, the US, or the EU, and manufacturing can be done overseas, and the lower labor costs allow higher quality at lower prices than ever before. Wharfedale, KEF, ELAC, B&W, Monitor Audio, Polk, PSB, Paradigm, and many others are making superb speakers in China at amazing prices. The same holds true for electronics, guitars, and many other product types. All laptops, tablets, smartphones, and TVs are made overseas too, as are most affordable amps, DACs, CD players, and turntables. Quality engineering, quality materials, and low labor costs makes for better products at lower prices
Brilliant video, nothing wrong with new Wharfedale even if not engish owned any more
Very informative, esp. the comparisons -add timestamps/chapters?
Waiting for an upgrade :) I'll get to that ASAP.
I'm considering buying the Diamonds 12.1 , will my Yamaha wxa-50 be a good match for this speakers? Thanks from Australia.
Yes, they should work fine.
Thank you for the excellent review Paul, your views on China match my thoughts exactly, are we not, after all, one big human world ? When we put our sensible heads together great things grow. I recently purchased a pair of Warfedale Diamond 12.2s and shortlly after, the Audiolab 6000a, not knowing a great deal about either. This serendipity and now, listening to your positive insights of these products has given me a most satisfying and happy audio experience, they go great together. May all the forces be with you.
I see you have some Genesis box sets there! I went to see them in Birmingham last week…..are you going?
Afraid not, no. How did it go when you saw them?
Very Good Professional……habe a nice sunday
Unison research unico primo is it good?
12.2 or 3030i which is better for music
Hi Paul. Aren't the 3020's the non i version? Diamonds have pretty much always been a solid choice.
You’re right! I did test the ‘i’ designs but picked up the wrong speaker for the photos! Good spot, that man!
I guess it makes sense you chose to test the .1s, ie the smallest model given how diminutive original Diamonds were. So whilst I can understand I do wish you'd gone for the .2s. Against the Monitor 100s for example. In my view these smallest models are perhaps more intended as satellite speakers in home theatre use. For audio use I feel more of us choose to go one step up - like the 3030i you did test.
Don't forget the 12.0 which are even smaller!
Try the 12.2 and compare. The .2 are a good step up.
Hello, are these speakers good for low volume, near field listening in a desktop setup? (I know that they need an amp) I search for an upgrade for my current kanto yu2 + sub.
Hmmm, I would say they're too good for near field. They're a waste really. You could, sure but I would look at compact powered speakers.
@@TheAudiophileMan I see, thank you for the response.
which has more bass the diamond 9.1 or 12.1
Would they be an upgrade to the Dali Spektor 2s?
Anyone that has the Wharfedale Diamond 11.1? compared to the 12.1 which is better? Thanks!
What about Mission lx3mkii and qx2mkii review?
Good review as ever, but being ever so picky, the smaller Q Acoustic speakers in that video were the old 3020’s not the 3020i’s as stated - Which ones were actually being compared, because the newer ‘i’s are significantly better than their predecessors, as you concluded in your earlier reviews of them ?
True - I accidentally picked them up for the video shoot. I did test the 'i' model though :)
OK mate... I'll let you off !😂
Do they come with foam port bungs in the package?
From memory - I'm not around them right now. Yes.
Have you listened to these (or better yet the 12.2) side by side the Kef Q150/Q350? What are your thougts about it? Which are better off axis?
I haven't, I'm afraid although the KEF prices are over and above any comparison I'd normally do, to be honest. I'd probably use the EVO 4.1s.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the reply!
Yeah, the Kef's prices are higher, but I'm only considering then because I'm waiting for the "unofficial sale price" they go for at the end of the year, which brings them around the same price as the Diamond's ($300 for the Q150 and $500 for the Q350).
What about the Wharfedale connected to a Rega Brio / IO
To much warmness/bass?
Everything else being equal? Not at all.
I don't think the 3020i's shown were in fact 3020i's -- they looked more like the earlier 3020's or maybe 3010's, judging by the arrangement of their speaker posts. Having said that, I enjoyed this video, not least the history lesson! :-)
You're right - I did test the 'i' models but, taking the video, I later picked up the 3030i models and the original 3020s that were sitting next door (not *concentrating*), so apologies!
Is the Wharfedale 12 series active or passive? If passive, what amp do you recommend for the 12.2?
Passive. The amp? Depends on your budget.
@@TheAudiophileMan I have a Sony STR-DB 840 at home I got a year ago for free. Not really sure what it is but the text reads "Digital Audio/Video Control Center - Digital Cinema Sound Processing - 32BIT." One function is amplifying speakers, which it does well in my opinion. However, I'm not sure if it suits the Wharfedale 12.2. It's rather old, not even on sale anymore
it is interesting that the 11.1 kind of evolved into the Evo 4.1. Both share the same woofer and cabinet design.
I own the Diamond 12.0 and Evo 4.2. Both really great speakers in their own ways.
How would you compare it to Evo 4.1 ?
I've only heard the 4.2, I'm afraid (which answers your other question posted elsewhere). I would imagine the personality of the 4.2 with less bass perhaps?
Hello Sir Paul! I just wanted to get an insight whether I should get the Diamond 12.0s or the 12.1s. I am currently building a turntable setup. I am already fixated on getting the Project Debut Carbon Evo, and the Cambridge Audio AXA35 as my amp (I am finding it hard to find a cheaper alternative for the Cambridge that is easy to get here in my country, and won't sacrifice the sound quality of the Diamond Series Speakers.
Do you think the sound difference between the 12.0s and the 12.1s is that big to choose one over the other? I am relatively a beginner but I don't want to have a trashy setup on my first attempt because it would be hard for me to procure funds again if I choose the wrong setup.
they also say that the 12.1s are picky with their amps, so I am wondering if Cambridge Audio AXA35 is okay, or are there other cheaper alternatives. I am only seeing Onkyo TX-8220. Others have a very steep price range.
I would grab the 12.1 speakers and I'm not sure why the designs are viewed as 'difficult'. The AXA35 will be fine.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you, Sir!