Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 Review - Better than the 11.2????
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- 0:00 Start
0:56 Intro, Specs, and Build Quality
4:19 Soundstage and Imaging
7:15 Bass
9:36 Midrange
11:39 Treble
12:47 Final Thoughts
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 www.wharfedaleusa.com/collect...
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Good work getting the Wharfedale 12.2 review to follow so soon after the 11.2s. Back when I was guarding the Western Front, my very first speakers were Wharfedale bookshelf speakers, 6' woofer in a sealed box made from Teak. Loved them. Elac turntable, Sansui 2000 receiver. All components had wood cases back then - 1970.
Great video as always BUT i have to thank you for mentioning you Amazon music play list i clicked the link and THANK YOU for Introducing me to some bloody great songs and artists i had never heard before ... Once again thanks and keep making the videos in the manner you do . its always nice to hear someone speak straight and to the point and gives a good overall review of the products on test
Good review as usual, Randy. I'm still happy with my Diamond 11.2's, they're getting better as they break-in; love that bottom port design........... I'll wait for the sale on the 12.2's.........I'm a REAL cheap audio man!
11.2 was on sale after 3 years when 12.2 came out. You may need to wait till early 2024 to get promotional price when 13.2 comes out. By then you may need something else.
@@skny2282 not buying anything sure would make him the cheapest audio man
Break in is bullshit my guy. No such thing.
i keep watching these videos... his of type humor kills me i love it
I love this guy! What a charming, resigned, semi-depressed attitude! :)) I came for the speaker reviews, but stayed because of the reviewer! :)
Yeah that's how he got all of us. Don't drink the Sith audio cool aid, you will never ever leave again 🤣🤣🤣
Randy is a cool guy.. AND he knows alot of stuff + he makes informative and good reviews. Back to this old video because I am thinking of buying another pair of Wharfs🙂🇸🇪
Great review Randy, it's amazing what certain sound engineers can bring out of speakers. Get people following Karl-Heinz Fink and Andrew Jones like Air Jordan shoes. Hard to overcome discontinued price over better sounding speakers.
I was pleased and surprised you started talking about testing the speakers with the same rock music i wanna play with them
I like your delivery. Sarcastically pointing out the insanity of the cost of some things with open moments silence sprinkled in there. Aside from the reviews, I look forward to just that, someone else who sees the absurdity of what things or services cost today.
A general comment separate from my other posts. I really appreciate how your reviews try to educate people's ears when evaluating speakers. I also like when you let people know there are some really great speakers being discounted because they're being discontinued. Get them while they last. Bought my Q 3020s based on your review and advice. Quite happy with the result.
Thanks for another great review, I recently found your channel, now I'm going through your playlist of bookshelf speakers. I'd love to see a shootout between these and the Kef Q350.
Been enjoying your reviews 👍 How would you say these compare to Elac Debut Reference bookshelves tonally? Do you consider the more expensive Elacs a higher tier in sound quality or just a different flavor?
Im drinking at the pub right now listening to your review! Cheers!
As you described the sound signature, I couldn’t help but think that it must sound similar to the debut 6.2. Good, even, non offensive, but nothing really stands out. I was delighted when you brought up that comparison in your final thoughts.
I have Wharfedale Evo 4.2, they're incredible. They make many $2,000 dollar speakers go into embarrassed mode. I can't wait to hear these Diamonds... I need another set of speakers for my mono system. Great review. There were rave reviews for Diamond 12.1.Pursuit Perfect System had them in the top 4 of '20 with the 4.2 as his speaker of the year '20.
Do you use an amp with the Evo?
@@beniregeswell they're a passive speaker soo...
Nice review and video.
What about 12.2 vs elac dbr 62?Near to back wall performance (bass-mids),which is the best 12.2 or 11,2 ?Which has less fatigue and more "sweet" treble?
Nice to find another reviewer with a lot of speaker content, and the affordable ones. The "big" audio reviewers on youtube seem to be mostly headphone/IEM focused, and it doesn't appeal to me that much. No fault with them, I imagine it's not fun having giant boxes of speakers in your house, so ear/headphones are easier overall to make content about.
Dr Sebi!!!
I have these and I agree with your review. Just one thing - to get the good imaging you need to at least 2-3m between them.
Great video man 🍺
Nice review, Rand! I just ordered a pair of these from Crutchfield. Do these need a break in period? Thanks, man!
THANK YOU!! you're da man!
Nice review, thanks Randy. You are getting good at this. You should do it for a living :) Now, Wharfedale. I have a pair of the the original Diamonds - the Diamond 2 from the mid 80's, which i bought in 1987. Tiny compared to the latest Diamonds, but still sound very good and hold up well. I've had my money's worth I think.
Another great review! @cheapaudioman How would you compare the Wharfedale 12 series to the Aperion Audio Novus? Especially in a desktop set up? Thanks.
Sir one question. I heard the sound of wharfedale 11.1 and 12.1 with same amplifier marantz pm 6006 .
What I felt that 11.1 is much more warmer and soothing comared to 12.1.
Does the keevler cone in wharfedale 11 series had some advantage?
I'm giving you a like which I dont often do and subscribing .I like your easy to understand no fancy bullshit description s
From your review these seem to be what I am looking for and the right price as well. I watched your speker shootout that they won as well.
Great videos! Do you think these will pair well with the Wharfedale Diamond 11.cs?
Tell me which speaker to buy! I am finishing a Loud Garage Gym setup with a vintage sony receiver 125watts per channel 8ohm 2 channel setup, speakers are to be mounted in corners of ceiling. Need loud clear mid-bass and vocals. Thanks to your reviews I have my speakers narrowed down to polk s20, diamond 12.2 or svs prime satellite? I dont love super bright treble.
Thanks Randy I bought the 12.1s and now have ordered the 12 .2s .fantastic speakers thanks for making my mind up. It was SVS prime, 12.1's or the Q 3020i .
Glad I could help. thank you so much for your support.
Nice one, Rand! What kind of amplification would match theses? Thanks!
Randy just wondering if you ever adjust the bass and treble controls to tweak the sound of speakers....thanks
Would you use this speaker as a rear speaker in a home theatre? My old rears are dying. One of them is making horrible static sounds in certain ranges now.
Your final thoughts talking about how the 12.2s sound with different amps is very interesting. It seems like the basic review should come from using a "neutral" amp to find if a speaker tends warmish or tends bright or remains neutral. My own audio education never really covered how an amp or receiver leans. Could be why sometimes folks are disappointed after buying a recommended speaker and then hearing them on their own system. Could explain why equalizers were a thing once but not so much now it seems. You have done so many reviews on good speakers at a variety of price points it would be nice if you did a basic recap from your experience of the best speakers at different price points that lean warm, bright,or neutral. Maybe include a general observation on whether different amp or receiver brands have a signature sound that tend warm, bright or neutral to help neophyte audiophiles with different budgets to build a soul satisfying system
After hitting send and then rereading my post I note several odd words that don't fit the context. I blame this on my tablet's spell changer and my response is usually FSC. You can probably guess what that means
Curious if you prefer this over the SVS Prime?
I listen to all genres of music, and especially like accurate male vocals, at about 65-75 dBs. I currently use both a Yamaha and NAD amplifier, and I'm trying to decide between the two speakers?
I really like these speakers and I also like to know, if these are good match for Yamaha stereo amp (kind of r-n303 - 802 line).
Thinking about picking these up for my Marantz NR1200 to upgrade the sony sscs5s. It’s got that annoying setting for 8 6 and 4 ohms....we all agree thats BS and to leave it on 8 ohm no matter what right ? Just wondering cause it seems like when i set it to 6 ohms to match the sony i had to crank it louder
Hi Randy. What do you think about the Wharfedale Diamonds 11 and 12 comparing to the ELAC's Debut References? I have the older model Diamond 225. I like it, but it's very flat sounding, and sometimes it feels like it lacks some highs or clarity in the vocals. The thing is, I got them brand new for only $200. The ELACs are $600. Are the DBRs that much better? Some reviews are saying they are also laid back. I'm afraid to not spend that much money and be similar in highs or having the vocals too distant or muddy. I also don't want very bright speakers like the Kilpsch or Monitor Audio. Thanks!
I heard both the 225s and the Quad s-2 in an audio shop and the differences at the time were the Quads had better layering and a larger sweetspot. But the 225s sounded nice too. When I tried the Quads at home, they were the most resolving speaker I ever had in my system but were flat as a pancake SS with no depth and I didn't hear anything coming from behind the speakers like I do on my own. So I understand what you say regarding flat.
For the price, you should be able to get most of your money back as they are a nice set of speakers. If you want some depth, you may have to up the ante with speakers but depth also also has to do with the source, amp and recording working together. How highs are rendered as well as having a tighter bottom end probably adds to the effect. Returned the Quads because they didn't engage me with music but they were great for movies and soundtrack.
Debut reference are great and one of my favorite speakers. The Diamond 12.2’s are a bit more neutral than the debut reference. The reference has a little more butter than the 12.2’s. The 225 may perk up with a SMSL ad18 or topping mx3 as well.
My Final Thoughts..
😁 Another great review Randy !! It’s amazing how you can hit on all the important sound qualities of a speaker along with mixed in comedy and straight forward keeping it really honesty.
Thanks Brother for another outstanding review !!
Note to Self.. I need to not want to buy all the speakers you review ! Well almost all of them 😁
I hear your pain. There is so much good stuff in this price range.
@@cheapaudiomanHello! Which integrated amplifier do you recommend? Marantz pm6007 or Denon pma600ne to get started in audiophilia? and watch movies? greetings from Argentina!
Anyone got a good recommendation for a subwoofer pairing for the diamond 12.2? I have an audiolab 6000a (which i love). The diamonds 12.2 are incredible for most of what i listen to (mostly rock and metal) can't even begin to express how amazing pink floyds album wish you were here sounded on this; but i also listen to a lot of hiphop which uses a lot of ultra low frequencies and you just dont feel them with these speakers thus my need for a sub. I'm in a small appartment and my listening area/office/lounge is about 4x5 meters, despite wanting something earth shatteringly loud I wouldnt actually be able to use it for fear of disturbing my neighbours downstairs.
I'm fairly new to all this so would love any advice. Thanks again Randy! I bought the Diamonds because of your recommendations and they've been utterly amazing, everyone who has visited has been blown away, Yes, Michael Jackson, Haken, The Cranberries, Disturbed have all come through amazingly. (definitely not a critique, im of the opinion that all bookshelves need subs to compliment them)
I'm thinking of buying these, but I also like the Dali Spektor 2, which is better for a bedroom desk ?
"I dont think you buy this and get upset"..Great sell point!
I bought these diamonds 12.2 6months ago to pair with the Denon pma 600NE wich after 5 months of run in opened up the higs and didn t do well anymore with the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and ended up selling them.
But what I did wrong until recently was misplace the speakers.
I had them at only 20cm/8in from the back wall.
The sound was wery congested with frequencies overlapping, no sounstage, nothing.
After I pulled them further into the room the system livened and now I can enjoy what it was missing.
So the conclusion is that the placement is the most important with speakers.
Did you sell your Monitor Audio Bronze 2 or Diamonds 12.2? Which of them work better with your Denon? Thanks,
@@wswsn7396 I ended up selling the Bronze 2 because of the harshness and the lack of bass overall. I still have the Diamonds (wich lack midbass but in sub bass they excel).with the Denon and I am pleased. They have good midrange
@@angelOcrisu thanks, I have older MA silver RS1 (MSRP $699, 2005 to 2009). I am not sure if D12.2 will be downgrade or lateral move.
We got D roll, and now we got chapter markers! Look at you go Randy! You're picking this stuff up quick, well done!
Randy, if you had a smallish 12 x 15 ft. room, which speakers would you be more inclined to use, the Diamond 12.2s or the floor-standing 11.4s?
Nice one Randy !!
What's the best all round 8ohm 88+ dB bookshelf speaker in your opinion
Hi Randy, great review although I’m quite late to the ‘party’. How would you contrast 11.4 and 12.4? In Australia, 11.4 go for around 1,400 and 12.4 are going for close to 2,000 so there is quite a big difference. Would the refinement of 12.4 be worth the price difference? Thank you!
Would you choose these over the kef q150s?
which speaker would you say is "rich and buttery"? that's what I am looking for but not looking to spend an arm and a leg. was looking at these wharfdales for a bit
Hey! Liked the video! How do these compare to q acoustics 3030i?
Planning to buy this pair of speakers... would it be okay to pair them with an Onkyo A-9030 amp or would it go too bright? (probably wont use a sub)
Hi Randy. Is the Danon 600ne amp any good match for 12.2? I am building up my first ever system for fluency r85 turntable, watched tons of your videos and really need help with understanding this mix and match issue. I have choice of Danon 600ne , Audiolab 6000a, Sony DH190 can be delivered at the end of the world where I am now. In a price range I can afford, there is a choice of ordering Elac debut 2.B 6.2, Sony SSCS5 or Warfdale Diamonds 12.2 or Q acoustic 3030i (the delivery actually cost me more than any piece of these components!)
Audiolab is better.Also yamaha a-s 501.
Would love your assessment on Monitor Audio Bronze 2. Produced 2015 - 2020, excellent discount if available, affordable in second hand market. Some prefer it over Wharfedale Diamonds.
i have the previous version BX2. Marantz PM6005 amps + Audioquest 14/2 flex + Audioquest green RCA + Helm Bolt DAC + Tidal MQA + Audirvana + Macbook Pro...sounds good
What is the back side made of please? Is it thick and sturdy?
Hi Randy ❣️, thanks for the review , they are very nice looking speakers. I would like to ask you how they compare with the rp600m ? How is the bass response and sound stage
i think the bass is better on the Wharfedale's and the diamonds soundstage better in my opinion
@@cheapaudioman Thank you Randy.
Hi There, I am looking for a bookshelf speaker for my Rotel A 12 integrated amp. Emotiva B2 + vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, according to you which one will go well with Rotel A 12? Thanks in advance!
I watched this n the bought these to use as my mains on a denon avrx, awsome speakers sound superb,
How do the 12.2s compare to the evo 4.1s. Is the upgrade to a ribbon tweeter worth it?
Update: I found a used pair of maple Evo 4.1s on ebay and won the auction @ $531. Absolutely love them. However I would still like an A/B comparison.
Hi, this video and another of your comparisons led me to buying a pair of whafedale 12.2 which I am very satisfied with. Can you give me some advice to optimize my setup to utilize the speakers' potential for the money. My setup is
Amp: Marantz pm5005
Dac: AIYIMA DAC-A2 DC5V Mini
Streamer: wiim mini
Streaming service: Spotify premium
Should I upgrade the amp and/or the Dac?
I wonder if this speaker would be a good matchup with the Klipsch 500 M??????
Excellent channel!! Could you please call Amazon and tell them to make Amazon Music HD available in Sweden?
I’d love to but I don’t think they’ll listen. I need to link my playlist in Tidal and Quobuz as well.
Hi, what do you think about pairing these speakers with Denon PMA-600NE? Thx
Works well to my ears especially for low volume listening also.
Iam using 600NE + 11.2s
How to these compare to the Q Acoustics 3030i? Thanks dude.
Can you get your hands on a pair of Diamond 225s ? I would like to see a comparison and if it's worth upgrading
Strongly Agree! I also have 225 and I am very happy.
Way to go, I love that humor..... I think Wharfedale is at the top of the leauge in this category of speakers; Love what they´re doing 🤩
How are the diamond 225s? They're only $349 on Amazon now?
Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN :D
This is the way.
Are you able to tell me which bookshelve speaker placed four inches from wall is best for listening to George Strait and Led Zeppelin ? Thank you for your expertise and your channel. ~~~~ peace
Hi Randy, How are you? how about Diamond 12.0? have you tried it? thank you!
In 5 years time ELAC will be celebrating their 100th anniversary - what do you think Andrew should produce to commemorate this special occasion?
Hey Randy, I have Amazon HD music. Do you know if I can access your playlist? I guess I’m asking what I would search for? I’m asking because I pull the digital signal off my tv to listen to my system.
It looks like he provided a link to the playlist in the description, just below the trial link!
@@johnnixon2504 Yes I saw that, but If I pull it up on TH-cam won’t it be digitally compressed?
I’m not sure how I did it but I opened in in a browser and it was in Amazon music.
Hey Randy. Great reviews. I am still torn between the Q Acoustics 3030i, the Diamond 12.2 and the Polk ES20. They all play to my delight. But headquarters only lets me buy one pair... Which ones you think are better
Which one you ended up buying? And how's it?
Q Acoustics. Beats all others by far
@@stephaniekerres4 The Mission LX-3 MK II is much better than the Qs.
You seem to really like he Diamond 12.2 and the Denon PMA-600NE amp? Do you think they would pair well together? I'd prefer a neutral to warm sound, definitly not overly bright. My concern is that another review said the Denon-600 is a bit boomy. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
they would sound wonderful together
@@cheapaudioman good to know. i purchased the Denon several months ago before i saw the review, and now looking a goo set of speakers to match them with.
Time to checkout Wharfedale EVO 4.1 !!!!
I know they’re stretching budget around $700/pair, but maybe a deal can be found to get them around $600/pair near UniFi price?
How would you rate these against b&w dm602 s3 I wonder thanks mark
Hi, If Im going to use a subwoofer along with the speakers - should I buy the Diamond 12.2 or 12.1 ? Thanks
I'd get the 12.2's personally. neither of the 12.1 or 12.2's can extend deep enough. If you want to save the cash though go with the 12.1's although I don't have any personal experience with them.
I'm using q acoustic concept 20, would these sound better ?
why this Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 speakers are not on your list of recommended speakers "around $500" along with the SVS Prime ?
I think they are on the later videos. they are. just checked
You sold me because of your music selection 😂
every time I watch your videos I want to drink coffee
@Stonnie Mikita yeah, Randy drinking that "Windex" was funny
Did I see that correctly? Is the red speaker terminal on the left?
Be interesting to see if there has been huge progress from the whaefedale diamond 220 picked up a pair for well under 199 from reverb they go for 159 to 199. Got em for a bed room very nice. Loving those 12.2s. Saw your review and Steve from the audio philiac.
Nice.
I think that the new designer (who also designed Q acoustics 3030i) altered the warm/non fatiguing sound of 200 series to something else (more agressive highs).Elevated higher frequencies and less bass in comparison with previous wrfs.I'll stick to my diamond 225s (very deep bass,sweet mids and gentle highs).Many buyers complaint about harsh/fatiguing highs.
@@andreassouth1523 yes I've heard good things that the 225 are better like many on these boards I scored the 220 from reverb for a buck 50. There very good I'm sure the larger size on the 225 are even better , it's the 225 that people seem to praise alot
Marshall bluetooth woburn2 you ever try one what do you think about larger bluetooth devices
As to the soundstage, are these as good as the Kef Q350?
Do you think these or the wharfedale diamond 220’s would pair well with a Yamaha AS501 integrated amp?
What about in comparison with diamond 220 ? Thanks
is it worth to pay extra for denton 85?!
Can you review the wharfedale diamond 225s?
Is that a tin of Prince Albert next to the kid’s toys? Good to get them on the Tobacco Wagon early.
found someone cheerier then me , I may have missed it, but did you recommend a budget amplifier for these speakers
Some have said on here Marantz pairs well with Wharfdale 12.2 . Shouldn't be difficult to drive .
Very popular speaker in the UK
Should I pair these English speakers with tea and crumpets or fish and chips? Waiting for the Woofdale Designer Series 13.3 to come out!
Diamond 13 series will come out in the 4th quarter of 2023.
Been wanting to demo some these.
What's with the bumps on the woofers? Hypnotizing
Diamond 12.0 or Dali Spektor 1 for nearfield desktop listening?
@Randy I believe these are the heart of traditional British speaker design w/mid forward presentation
do they come with a port plug?
Love it, still love my 11.2's also! Curious to what clip on mic do you use? Thanks!
Which one for Rock/hard rock??? 12.2 or 11.2......or Kef q350?....elac?.....which one doesn’ t confuse the instruments? Body ??? For what kind of music you give your opinion?? Dali Spectors 2 and Oberon 3 ?
My experience Wharfedale Diamond series is most suitable for vocal and jazz concert. For heavy rock genre I’ll recommend Klipsch The Five or Rp-600m for their tighter bass and more refined tweeters that will bring out more excitement.
hi there,they are better the dali zensor 1? i am looking for better bass and just a little bit better high end,thanks.
I don't have any time with those Dalis. If you want more on the top end this probably isn't the speaker for you
Hello Ron! I would love to know what your thoughts are regarding these Wharfdale Diamond 12.1’s VS the
Elac Debut Reference 6.2. That you reviewed just a short time back as I’m interested in both and the price difference of $100.00 seems negligible? Thanks for the excellent reviews and entertaining take on reviewing high value Hifi products! Your ability to not take yourself to seriously while dolling out serious and very understandable information on these products is refreshing and makes you much more entertaining then most of the hundreds of others that I’ve experienced on UTube! Please keep them coming as your definitely one of my favorite reviewers here on UTube.
I love Elac speakers but actually preferred the b5.2’s to the 6.2’s. The 6.2 isn’t my favorite Elac speaker.
I agree the , the Elac 5.2 sound better to me than the Elac 6.2. I own both though one day I would like to get the Elac Unifi when they go on sale.
@@cheapaudioman I think Ray was asking about the Debut References and not the simple Debut b6.2.
You don’t mention sensitivity on this or the klipsch videos. Sensitivity is extremely important to those of us who don’t have several amps. Will they get loud with a 25 watt amp and still sound clear.?
Mentioning the rated sensitivity nowadays doesnt help but do more harm. Manufacturers like Klipsch arr bullshittin big time with their sensitivity figures making them seem like they are VERY easy to drive but are not. Many klipsch speakers were tested for their sensitivity and most of them came out to around mid 80s. Thats just total horseshit.