Wharfedale has introduced the Diamond 12 series of acoustic systems. The emphasis was on high performance and relatively low prices. The Diamond 12 series is the latest incarnation of the 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 sound “coloration”. In addition, the Klarity drivers received soft suspensions, due to which they have “the highest possible linear characteristic.”
Another important innovation is a 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 highs more open.
Wharfedale also paid attention to the special design of the cases, which makes it possible to build a deep and voluminous scene. The acoustics cases are assembled so that their useful internal volume enhances the work of the speakers. The multi-layer sandwich design should reduce the impact of the case on the overall quality and character of the sound. According to the developers, this makes the acoustics universal in terms of musical material – so the speakers should cope with any genre.
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), Wharfedale Diamond 12.C center channel speakers and two versions of full-size floor-standing speakers Wharfedale Diamond 12.3, Wharfedale Diamond 12.4. All of the listed models will be available in four color options: black, white, light oak and walnut.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 speaker system is the most compact floor-standing model in the series and is perfect for placement in small rooms. This speaker has a 2.5-way configuration and is equipped with two low-frequency speakers. The woofers have diffusers made of woven Kevlar and are equipped with powerful magnets to increase sensitivity. The woofers are loaded on a phase inverter, the output of which is located at the bottom of the case. A high-frequency speaker with a soft dome with a diameter of 25 mm is loaded on a precisely calculated sound guide that aligns the directivity pattern of the speaker system.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 case has multi-layer walls to eliminate parasitic vibrations and the associated coloration of the sound at high volume. To improve mechanical isolation from the floor, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 is installed on spikes-supports. The speakers have well-chosen proportions for good integration into the living interior. The speakers on the front panel are covered with individual protective grilles and complemented by a beautiful silver edging. In general, this model can be considered one of the most attractive in its class.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 is equipped with a crossover filter, the circuit of which has been completely redesigned to reduce distortion as much as possible. The filter is made using selected components and has increased reliability for confident operation of the speaker with long-term input power. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 is equipped with two pairs of reliable gold-plated input terminals, which makes it possible to connect it using a two-cable scheme. Stable impedance and high sensitivity ensure good matching of the speaker with various models of stereo amplifiers and AV receivers.
This model has a very favorable quality-price ratio and is a good choice for many music lovers, including those building their first Hi-Fi system. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 will look no less organically as part of a modern home theater, complete with other speakers of this series.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 Specifications
- Number of ways 2.5
- Number of drivers 3
- Enclosure type bass reflex Tweeter
- type 25 mm soft dome tweeter, round duct loading
- Diameter and type of midrange driver 130 mm, woven Kevlar cone
- Diameter and type of woofer 1 x 130 mm, woven Kevlar cone
- Frequency range 45 Hz – 20 kHz (± 3 dB)
- Bass extension 40 Hz
- Sensitivity 87.5 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
- Impedance 8 ohms, minimum: 4.5 ohms
- Sound pressure 102 dB (peak)
- Recommended amplifier power 30 – 200 W
- Crossover frequency 2.2 kHz
- Input connectors 2 pairs of screw terminals
- Dimensions (W x H x D) 180 x 925 x 320 mm
- Weight 19.5 kg
