Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Black Oak) is rated
out of
5 by
2.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Black Oak)
Speakers Per Pair
£249
”The Diamond 12.1s are excellent speakers for the money and deserve a place on the shortlist.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ – 5 Star review.
The legend continues
It was way back in 1982 when the Wharfedale Diamond first redefined expectations of small speakers. The original model proved that a small speaker didn't necessarily need to sound 'small', that a budget speaker could sound full-bodied without being intrusive. The latest Diamond 12.1 is true to the original’s ethos and has already proved to be a big hit.
Flexible speaker
The beauty with compact Diamond speakers is their sheer versatility - and the 12.1 is no different. The compact size and high sensitivity makes them the ideal companion for mini systems or hi-fi separates systems alike. They're also easy to place, working well close to or away from the rear wall. If you're looking for quality home cinema speakers, they also work exceptionally well as satellite speakers - there's even a centre speaker to match.
Ground-up redesign
Although this is a compact speaker with all the Diamond traits in place, the design is completely new. Making use of powerful computer modelling, the Diamond 12.1 is engineered to perform. Totally new drive units use a motor system more typically used in professional speakers – giving excellent power handling and low distortion. The new Klarity cone material uses a hybrid construction to give lightning-fast response in the bass and mid-range, while the woven textile tweeter delivers the perfect balance between detail and refinement.
Choice of finishes
Available in black, light oak or walnut finishes, the 12.1 suits a wide range of decors. The cabinet itself is engineered from differing thicknesses of MDF to control resonance. Combined with the strategic bracing, this makes it solid and free from the distorting ‘boxy’ sound that can afflict smaller speakers. In short, you get to hear the soul of your music, distortion-free.
With a fresh new design, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is still the small speaker to beat.
The legend continues
It was way back in 1982 when the Wharfedale Diamond first redefined expectations of small speakers. The original model proved that a small speaker didn't necessarily need to sound 'small', that a budget speaker could sound full-bodied without being intrusive. The latest Diamond 12.1 is true to the original’s ethos and has already proved to be a big hit.
Flexible speaker
The beauty with compact Diamond speakers is their sheer versatility - and the 12.1 is no different. The compact size and high sensitivity makes them the ideal companion for mini systems or hi-fi separates systems alike. They're also easy to place, working well close to or away from the rear wall. If you're looking for quality home cinema speakers, they also work exceptionally well as satellite speakers - there's even a centre speaker to match.
Ground-up redesign
Although this is a compact speaker with all the Diamond traits in place, the design is completely new. Making use of powerful computer modelling, the Diamond 12.1 is engineered to perform. Totally new drive units use a motor system more typically used in professional speakers – giving excellent power handling and low distortion. The new Klarity cone material uses a hybrid construction to give lightning-fast response in the bass and mid-range, while the woven textile tweeter delivers the perfect balance between detail and refinement.
Choice of finishes
Available in black, light oak or walnut finishes, the 12.1 suits a wide range of decors. The cabinet itself is engineered from differing thicknesses of MDF to control resonance. Combined with the strategic bracing, this makes it solid and free from the distorting ‘boxy’ sound that can afflict smaller speakers. In short, you get to hear the soul of your music, distortion-free.
With a fresh new design, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is still the small speaker to beat.
Overview
Speaker Enclosure Type
Bass Reflex
Speaker Type Enclosure - Filter
Bass reflex - rear port
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
3 years
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
65 - 20,000
Impedance (ohms)
8
Power Rating (Watts)
100w
Sensitivity (dB)
88
Features
Bi-Wireable
Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
180 x 312 x 278 inc terminals
Weight
Weight (KG)
6.8
Make the most of your speakers. View our hottest deals on speaker cables and stands.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Deum from
Fantastic value
Following a recent house move I had to throw out my old Floorstanders and move to something a bit smaller. I thought this was going to be a downgrade due to the size but it was quite the opposite, loads of bass, and much more control over the sound. I can't believe the sound that comes out of these small speakers and they are a bargain at the price.
Date published: 2021-06-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
diamondgeeze from
Unbelievable scale and detail for this price
I Upgraded to Diamond 12 from Diamond 9, which were almost too good to be true for the money. So I expected big things from the 12s and they did not let me down. Was tied between these and the QAcoustics 3020 but upon listening, I'm glad I stayed loyal,
The 12s lit up my room within moments of playing. This the most Ive ever spent on speakers but i don't regret it one single bit. (Compared to some, they are cheap but 250 quid is still a lot of money to me!) Took me a while to justify to the wife but even she says that the difference is astonishing. The scale is massive, even in my modest living room. Like jumping from a 19" screen to 50" is how I've described it to friends. Such a wide presence even placed just 3.5m apart. Looking forward to them running in and relaxing a bit but already smitten. The hi-hats and reverb details are too real to deny. Thats really what compelled me to write this review.
Build wise, like the diamond 9s, they are strikingly solid and beautify finished. The wood is smooth and so clean. I don't like grilles on, so no holes in the front really make a difference and makes them look up to date. The wife approves of the shiny styling too.
Date published: 2021-02-11


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