Wharfedale Diamond 12.2: Bookshelf speakers with excellent mid-bass reproduction

Wharfedale presented the Diamond 12 series of speaker systems. The emphasis was on high performance and relatively low prices. The Diamond 12 series is the latest incarnation of Diamond acoustics, which appeared on the market back in the 80s. One...

Wharfedale Diamond 12.2
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2

Wharfedale presented the Diamond 12 series of speaker systems. The emphasis was on high performance and relatively low prices. The Diamond 12 series is the latest incarnation of Diamond acoustics, which appeared on the market back in the 80s. One of the main features of the Diamond 12 series was the Klarity material from which the diffusers are made: a mixture of polypropylene and mica is designed to add rigidity to the cones and minimize the effect of “coloring” the sound. In addition, the Klarity drivers feature soft surrounds, giving them the “maximum linear response possible.”

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Another important innovation is the magnetic system with an aluminum compensation ring. It is claimed to reduce the impact of unwanted vibrations. The tweeter domes with a diameter of 25 mm are made of a special fabric film, which is designed to make the tweeters more open.

Wharfedale also paid attention to the special design of the buildings, which makes it possible to build a deep and voluminous stage. Acoustic cabinets are assembled so that their useful internal volume enhances the performance of the speakers. The multi-layer sandwich design should reduce the impact of the cabinet on the overall sound quality and character. According to the developers, this makes the acoustics universal in terms of musical material – so the speakers should cope with any genre.

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Wharfedale noted that the new series of speakers uses fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley crossovers, as well as air-core coils (a solution from the higher price category). To date, the series includes three pairs of bookshelf speakers (Wharfedale Diamond 12.0, Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2), center channel acoustics Wharfedale Diamond 12.C and two versions of full-size floorstanding speakers Wharfedale Diamond 12.3, Wharfedale Diamond 12.4. All listed models will be available in four color options: black, white, light oak and walnut.

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The Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 monitor class bookshelf speakers are an excellent choice when building a cabinet stereo system. Thanks to well-chosen proportions and high-quality external finishing, this acoustics fits perfectly into a residential interior. Like the rest of the updated 12-series models, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 is manufactured in a sandwich-type housing, with an additional damping pad between two MDF panels.

The woofer in the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 has a diameter of 150 mm and its cone is made of woven fiber. The structure of this material allows it to effectively resist resonances and parasitic vibrations, and to increase rigidity the diaphragm is supplemented with transverse ribs. The woofer is equipped with a powerful magnet, and a wide elastic suspension provides linear movement of the diaphragm with the large amplitude necessary to create convincing sound pressure.

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The tweeter in the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 is equipped with a soft fabric dome with a diameter of 25 mm and has a detailed, but at the same time very comfortable sound. To streamline the radiation pattern, as well as increase the transparency of the sound on the HF, the tweeter is loaded onto a small round sound guide. The woofer’s load, in turn, is a slotted bass reflex, which has reduced acoustic noise. The speaker is equipped with a crossover filter, the circuit of which has been updated compared to the previous version to further reduce sound distortion.

Despite its small size, the sound of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 is punchy and dynamic, with excellent mid-bass reproduction and good sound synchronization. Thanks to its universal tonal balance with a pleasant, velvety midrange, the speaker is perfectly compatible with most integrated amplifiers of popular brands. If desired, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 can also be used in the front channels of a small home theater system, of course, with appropriate subwoofer support.

Characteristics Wharfedale Diamond 12.2

Number of bands 2
Number of speakers 2
Housing type bass reflex Tweeter
type 25 mm soft dome tweeter, round sound guide load
Diameter and type of bass driver 1 x 150 mm, woven Kevlar diffuser
Frequency range 50 Hz – 20 kHz (± 3 dB)
Bass extension 40 Hz
Sensitivity 86.5 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
Impedance 8 ohms, minimum: 3.7 ohms
Sound pressure 102 dB (peak)
Recommended amplifier power 20 -120 W
Crossover frequency 2 kHz
Input connectors 2 pairs screw terminals
Dimensions (WxHxD) 200 x 335 x 285 mm
Weight 8.2 kg