ไม่สามารถเล่นวิดีโอนี้
ขออภัยในความไม่สะดวก

Best Budget Audiophile Towers? Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 Speaker Review

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ส.ค. 2024
  • Wiim Mini (On Sale) amzn.to/3vKHKAp
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 bit.ly/3BGDAxi
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 (Crutchfield) howl.me/chOflpZRkhv
    www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
    Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
    Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
    Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
    amzn.to/3GkNaop
    CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
    apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
    massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
    Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
    Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
    Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
    www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
    High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
    Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
    Test Track Playlist:
    music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
    Satanic Panic Playlist:
    music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
    Leg Warmers Playlist
    music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
    cheapaudioman
    If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
    If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
    Recommended Streamer
    WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
    Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
    Recommended Speaker List
    Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
    Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
    Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
    Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
    Around $200
    Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
    Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
    Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
    JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
    Around $400
    Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
    Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
    Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
    Around $500
    SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
    Around $600
    Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
    Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
    Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
    Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
    Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
    Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
    Recommended Amp List
    Under $100
    Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
    Around $130
    SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
    SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
    Around $250
    SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
    Around $400
    Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
    Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
    Recommended DACs
    FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
    SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
    Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
    Subs
    Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
    Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
    SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

ความคิดเห็น • 177

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    ============================================Wiim Mini (On Sale) amzn.to/3vKHKAp
    =Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 bit.ly/3BGDAxi
    ==========================================Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 (Crutchfield) howl.me/chOflpZRkhv
    www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
    Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
    Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
    Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
    amzn.to/3GkNaop
    CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
    apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
    massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
    Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9

    • @ctr289
      @ctr289 ปีที่แล้ว

      They're way worse than Diamond 230. They sound too bright and have uneven dispersion in the mid-treble.

  • @matthewpulliam7255
    @matthewpulliam7255 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I've owned these for about 6 months and love them. I use them solely for 2 channel listening; vinyl and streaming. They are connected to my Pioneer SX980. Bass is perfect for me without a subwoofer; precise with punch without boominess. I have them placed close to the rear wall of my listening space which is a large room with high ceiling and plaster walls. I listen to all kinds of music and these handle everything well. Cheers!

    • @waynecartwright9478
      @waynecartwright9478 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds like a great listening space......I use Cantons in my large space , filling to say the least with 100W tube power.

  • @mw1262
    @mw1262 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Got my pair of 12.3s a few weeks ago, I love them.

  • @goahead3995
    @goahead3995 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The best budget towers under $1000 I personally owned and absolutely loved it was Q Acoustics 3050i. Definitely bang for the buck. Loved it so much that I sold it and bought the Concept 500s.

    • @themastroiannis
      @themastroiannis ปีที่แล้ว +2

      lucky you! hope to one day buy a pair of concept 500 ! own the concept 40 and love them!! addictive!

  • @isrealwalters956
    @isrealwalters956 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome review! I'm in the market looking for my first set of speakers for my PC and your review helped me learn alot!

  • @anthonysherry2628
    @anthonysherry2628 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought a pair of Castle Knight 4's, 2nd hand, and new T+A Cala amp. This is the best hifi i have ever owned, and i have owned quite a lot of stuff over the years.

  • @RJBynon
    @RJBynon 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ordered the mini through your link! I appreciate your recommendation on this one!

  • @chrisreyes5012
    @chrisreyes5012 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So I went and played Korn - Evolution through my bookshelves which roll off rather quick after 125 Hz and was think where is this said base you mentioned. Turned on my subs and found it. MAN that song has some deep base that you can feel. Videos are great and thanks for mentioning on how to start up. I'm getting back into audio and finding amp/receivers second hand is a great place to get going. A lot of old hardware is still great just lacking some of the new Dolby coding and HDMI connections. I watch most of my content through my XBOX so I'm not concerned about video switching and for just starting out I'm ok with RCA's and using my TV to switch video when I need to. Currently running Onkyo TX-DS474(picked up for $50), just wish it has the "A+B" my Yamaha RX-V590 ($25) has. My bookshelves are a kit from Electro Mavin, the tweeter and (2) 5 1/4 Klipsch drivers

  • @Rockapotamus91
    @Rockapotamus91 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have the Diamond 12.1 love them so much, bass texture is incredible but I agree even though the treble measures flat and smooth there is occasions where it seems to ring with specific recordings.

    • @AbsoluteFidelity
      @AbsoluteFidelity 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Most probably the 4khz region which has a very small peak. Just a guess. I hear some harshness and ringing too on the 12.2 and 12.4, just on some recordings, especially with female vocals. Maybe 1/100 female vocals, but its there. Like some kind of break up or resonance.

  • @rzeffe
    @rzeffe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I won the 12.2s from Andrew Robinson and i love them, did get a Starke sub for hz in the 20s.

  • @mbacko1
    @mbacko1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the reasons I still have a vintage set of 50 year old L/R fronts on my home theater is because it gives me a 10in long throw woofer and I don't need a sub. My other sets are bookshelves so I feel you Randy. New towers are not older towers.

  • @gregharris2898
    @gregharris2898 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Randy Great job. Did you know that with the Pioneer LX and the Diamonds you can bi wire and bi amp for even more fun.

  • @geographyinaction7814
    @geographyinaction7814 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are killing it with the T-shirts fella!!!!

  • @joshuawang5859
    @joshuawang5859 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love my Diamond 225, may upgrade to 12.4 when I get a bigger place to live

  • @williamgreer4958
    @williamgreer4958 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your content! I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 230 speakers. They are older but sound great. I have run them with a sub but find I don't like the sound any better. Maybe it's because of the type of music I listen to or maybe my old ears just can't hear the difference!

  • @rope84
    @rope84 ปีที่แล้ว

    Long time ago, with ur review, you made me go with 11.2, now i am gonna go with 12.3 or 12.4... i will see, but still thank you for an amazing review 😄😄

  • @gregfriedler2727
    @gregfriedler2727 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I really appreciate that Warfedale offers a smaller tower speaker options, even on their evo series.
    Something I wish other manufactures would do that as well.

  • @rlkoller8606
    @rlkoller8606 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Randy, I own these speakers, paired with the IOTA amp and preamp, bi-amped sending 90W per channel, plus a subwoofer to catch up to 75Hz. They knock me out! As you said, tone, clarity, accuracy, and gops of personality. Drummers? try Jack DeJohnette, Bernie Purdie, or Harvey Mason. Seriously with my setup, the tones of the drum stand out, and as you said, the bass has excellent sonic clarity, cheers.

    • @Roof_Pizza
      @Roof_Pizza 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Try Dave Weckl: Montreal Drumfest 2012.

  • @sushankshrestha271
    @sushankshrestha271 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Randy,
    Great reviews!
    Just wondering if you would recommend these speakers for near field listening.
    Hoping some recommendations from KEF and Wharfedale for near field listening

  • @CarlosCorrea-xj2uy
    @CarlosCorrea-xj2uy 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would these speakers play well with the marantz nr1711 that you also reviewed? I’ve been enjoying your reviews, funny and informative!

  • @nylonicleeds4948
    @nylonicleeds4948 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wharfedale have been designing and making loudspeaker for a long, long time, they seldom get it wrong. I have owned loads of floorstanders over the years, only a floorstander can offer the full musical experience, yes, they have their compromises, even weaknesses inherent in all floorstanders, but overall, the big picture, nothing can touch them.
    I have had Q Acoustics 3050i, Klipsch, Monitor Audio, Kef, TDL, Rogers, B&W, some were okay, some were returned with a week, I happened upon the 12.3 bigger brother, the 12.4 and listened to them alongside similar priced speakers, some several hundreds of pounds more, the only speaker that I heard that bettered the 12.4 were the same companys EVO 4.4 and that was essentially in the high frequency only, just my opinion but if you are in the market for a pair of real speakers, give the 12.4 a listen and if they are too physically imposing, have a listen to the 12.3.
    Added bonus, they are finished beautifully, understated and emanate a quiet confidence. I wish I had got the black ones is my only regret.

  • @SevenOfNine-7
    @SevenOfNine-7 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have a pair of these and have them paired up with a set of diamond 9.1s as satellites, sounds unbelievable.

  • @stonefree1911
    @stonefree1911 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Love my Wharfedale EVO 4.2's! Wharfedale has it going on for bang for the buck. I would probably recommend the EVO 4.2's over these for the price, but these look very nice too. I would suggest showing these floorstanders full view, for size comparison.

    • @gregfriedler2727
      @gregfriedler2727 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Picked up a pair of Evo 4.3 recently. As long as they don’t break, they’re the last speakers I’ll ever need to buy

    • @NosEL34
      @NosEL34 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Sounds like you guys like the EVO series

    • @scottyo64
      @scottyo64 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@NosEL34 I have a pair of 4.4s for sale! lol

    • @NosEL34
      @NosEL34 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@scottyo64 hey Papa, are you selling them just cause you are done with them or was there something you didn't like about them in Your system?

    • @nostradamus7648
      @nostradamus7648 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@scottyo64 How much and where?

  • @blackrose006
    @blackrose006 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Why go for bookshelf when the footprint with stands are the same as for floorstand?
    Bass almost always better with floorstand.

  • @moniack
    @moniack 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another consideration is shipping towers vs bookshelf if you want to resell them.

    • @scottyo64
      @scottyo64 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most definitely an issue I am running into

  • @carrfamilyacc.5509
    @carrfamilyacc.5509 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wondering which would provide an overall better music listening experience - the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3s, or SVS Ultra Bookshelves? Would use with a sub in either case.

  • @emarshallp
    @emarshallp 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Randy. I have a pair of Dali oberon 7. Would like to know if you have any impresions of them or Dali brand. Thanks!!!!!

  • @bikdav
    @bikdav 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The issue with many bookshelf speakers is that - to me at least - they don’t fill the room with enough sound. The soundstage sounds too small. I like a big sense of scale.

    • @peterbaugh51
      @peterbaugh51 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Book shelf or 2 way? Agree tiny speakers sound limited. But some larger (20 lbs) 2 ways sound huge. Better than cheap towers. Yet they are still called bookshelf. Stupid name. Confusing I think.

    • @bikdav
      @bikdav 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterbaugh51 Don’t feel bad. Your confusion about that is understandable. They referred to those heavy and big speakers as “bookshelf”, because back in the early days of stereo hifi, many people put those speakers on bookshelves IF the bookshelf was big and sturdy enough. Acoustic Research’s old AR3a and the Large Advents we’re prime examples of the (so called) bookshelf speakers.

    • @luismarquez8847
      @luismarquez8847 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can agree, can’t compare Chora 806 to a Chora 826

  • @JamesHLee-un8un
    @JamesHLee-un8un 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Randy, Question, which speakers are more listening to Classical and Jazz? Diamond 12 series or Linton? Thank you, sir!

  • @felixlaboy1453
    @felixlaboy1453 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing review

  • @EsotericArctos
    @EsotericArctos ปีที่แล้ว

    Just curious, how sensitive are these speakers? Would they pair okay with a low power Tube amp, or would these really be better teamed with a solid state amp?

  • @Numenorians
    @Numenorians 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Bought them,and Diamond 12.2 for surround. ( I know, Klipsch rp - 500mII would be more for the surround bcs of the highs.)
    Center is old Magnat Monitor 210 . But they are tone matching this way 🤪 . Wanted to say that aesthetically ,neither SVS nor Emotiva can match them. Othervise , love the work, and sponsors like always 🙃

  • @jimmydelux
    @jimmydelux ปีที่แล้ว

    Randy, thanks for the review. You say these are 33 inches tall, the manufacturer website says 38 inches. This is really important to me. Do the floor spikes add the additional 5 inches of height? Love your videos.

  • @K03sport
    @K03sport ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks...but this isn't making my decision any easier. I have 20+yo Infinity Primus 250 (2-way, 3 driver, 92dB) and I want to bump up in performance, but not go over the moon. Powered by a Marantz NR1610 slim (I think 50/ch). I have a 10" pwrd sub. I don't think there is any thing wrong w/the Primus 250s, but I just want something different that isn't Klipsh and is fairly efficient (90+dB). I'd most likely get a matching center too. Bookshelves are cheaper, but what about (pricey) stands? Maybe get 3 Diamond 12.2s? What about the 12.4s, the bigger brother? So many choices in the $1k/pr range (+/- $150)...

  • @donalddietz4755
    @donalddietz4755 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Have you listened to the Lores yet? Does it make sense to compare?

  • @bolobos
    @bolobos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These cost about the same as the CSS Criton. How do they compare.... I know memory may be fading. But I'll take the fading comparison

  • @aethikv
    @aethikv 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Loving the conclusion, exactly why i got disappointed by so many times by purchases. Expecting them tomorrow for 550 bucks(Netherlands, Europe)

  • @02honeydew
    @02honeydew 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can you review the RSL CG5?

  • @xand3rz
    @xand3rz ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Randy,
    I am considering on buying a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 500 with a Cambridge Audio Axr100. Can you please guide me on some options around the 1000$ mark?
    Thank you,
    Alex

  • @dawolyan13
    @dawolyan13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Aren’t these the same price as the “best ever, end game” Emotiva towers you just reviewed? T2+?

  • @bencarignan2711
    @bencarignan2711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Glad to see more tower reviews amigo. Im a 3 way kind of guy. Lol

  • @jaymind
    @jaymind ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @normanham6142
    @normanham6142 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I still want the Lintons!

  • @joseyneighbors5230
    @joseyneighbors5230 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I need some for my tv

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I picked up a new pair of the Andrew Jones designed Pioneer 22 towers for $120/pair. Does that make me a bona fide CheapAudioMan too? The speakers sound good with all my amps but especially the cheap ($185) Yamaha RX-V375.(That's my home theater system) The Yamaha sounds even better than the Emotiva BasX-A100 amp or Denon AVR-X2300W for some reason, and I love the Emotiva amp. Just sold the Denon. The Emotiva amp stays on my turntable system.

    • @NosEL34
      @NosEL34 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I really like some of Yamaha's really older AVR's. The top of the line models from as far back as 25 years. If they have been taken care of half way decent anyway

    • @kjkod72
      @kjkod72 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good to hear that! I have a RX-V377 and wonder if I should get something better. It was free to me.

    • @peterbaugh51
      @peterbaugh51 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cuz Yamaha is very underrated good stuff.

  • @jim010109
    @jim010109 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good looking speakers. To be honest the glossy black on some of these speakers is starting to grow on me. I know, I know, damn the fingerprints to hell!! Lolol

  • @Tunnelsnakes
    @Tunnelsnakes 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How do these compare with the Polk Reserve R700 floorstanding system? I'm guessing the Polks are better bang for buck, especially when they're so close to price.

    • @agustinpaz1530
      @agustinpaz1530 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      But they are not even close to price. The r700 are double the price (usd 2000)...
      Even the smallest tower in the Reserve series, the r500, costs 30% more than the Wharfedale. You are comparing apples and oranges here (Polk's mid-high tier vs Wharfedale entry tier)

  • @chadgifford499
    @chadgifford499 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    How do the Emotiva towers (T1+/T2+) compare to these?

    • @nostradamus7648
      @nostradamus7648 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love Wharfedale, but I'd go with the T2 and C2 center channel speakers for home audio/video stereo system.

  • @stephengriffin1541
    @stephengriffin1541 ปีที่แล้ว

    Try entry level fyne audio towers
    . They’re lovely

  • @bobjones-wt2mk
    @bobjones-wt2mk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Toto - Africa But In Finnish Accent
    Is my favorite version of that song ;)

  • @CADClicker
    @CADClicker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Currently on sale for $798 on Wharfdale's website

  • @towsifshahriarshovo
    @towsifshahriarshovo 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How $1000 speakers sound compared to $1000 headphones like audeze lcd x??

  • @Trollberg
    @Trollberg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just order a pair of white 12.3 from crutchfield for $600 new. The only worry is made in China.. hope I won't regret it.

  • @arndtbc
    @arndtbc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How would this compare to the Polk R500? Maybe you could do a review of the R500's. 🙂

    • @NosEL34
      @NosEL34 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I saw the R500's are on sale...all of them up to the R600. I haven't heard either though

    • @arndtbc
      @arndtbc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NosEL34 I already own them, I just wanted Randy's opinion. I love them there solid and power them with a Parasound 2125 .v2. They really deliver for small towers. They look good too because they're not huge.

    • @hocktooey
      @hocktooey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@arndtbc I own these too and am mostly very happy with them. In terms of tone, I think they're right on and sweet. In terms of treble, I am of a mixed mind: the R500s lack air around solo voice and instruments; however, with a bit of toe in, they sound clean and articulate and offer a musically satisfying presentation. I'm powering them with 350W monoblocks. I also have dual 8" subs to fill out the bass. For my room and music, they are a great value.

  • @stephenstevens6573
    @stephenstevens6573 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In this price range...anything else that compares favorably? I love my Maggie's and I want to experiment without spending a fortune.

    • @mmzubairi
      @mmzubairi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you get them new or used? I have an opportunity to get them for the same price, except that it needs a drive to another city. So not sure if it's worth it.

  • @andrrru9
    @andrrru9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    When I think cheap towers, I think Bic, Dayton, Jamo, and Polk. All less than wharfdales but probably don't perform as well. So when are you gonna do a cheap tower shootout?

    • @bikdav
      @bikdav 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      True.

    • @final3119
      @final3119 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just get Emotiva T-Zeros and be done with it.

    • @ufarkingicehole
      @ufarkingicehole ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@final3119 I like the zeros but couldn't get passed the recessed mids. The highs and lows were fantastic. I actually directly compared them to almost a dozen other speakers to include jamo c series towers, Wharfedale 230, jbl s570, and polk lsim towers. When a / b comparing, the recessed mids stuck out like a sore thumb. I probably would have liked them much more had I not had other options to compare.

    • @final3119
      @final3119 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ufarkingicehole all of those cost more than Tzeros except the jamo c95s

  • @emarshallp
    @emarshallp 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What you say about vocals, dont you think a ladder dac or a tune Sigma dac can make a difference?????

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sure. Almost every component can add some flavor to a system

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My personal experience is that all else being equal (good design, construction and parts) a larger speaker cabinet and speaker sounds better than a bookshelf/sub combo.
    My friend used to make Lantana/Qysonic speakers (tower design) from tiny to large that sounded amazing. I owned the biggest towers with 8" drivers. Even John Iverson was a fan of those speakers. I had a pair of Iverson's Electro Research 320 speakers too and Spica TC-50s.

    • @Southfloridelphia
      @Southfloridelphia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My personal theory has always been that larger speakers with more surface area have an easier time reproducing low end (like you said all other things being equal). I think you might be able to replicate it with bookshelves and a sub but I think you would likely need bass management for the bookshelves and dsp for the sub to really get them to blend as seamlessly.

    • @Roof_Pizza
      @Roof_Pizza 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, I think having a couple drivers and one closer to the floor helps.

  • @boomerspeed0124
    @boomerspeed0124 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like that you listen to rock a lot for your testing. What’s the best entry level speakers for someone that listens to a lot of rock and metal?

    • @Trollberg
      @Trollberg ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I listen to a lot metal myself. I just ordered these 12.3. hope they do justice.

    • @boomerspeed0124
      @boomerspeed0124 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Trollberg I have the Klipsch Synergy KSB 3.1 system and they’re pretty dang impressive for being 20+ years old and considering I only paid about $100 for all 3 speakers. Although I learned first hand how important your source is. And when I say source I mean your amp/receiver. I went from a Pioneer VSX 834 7.2ch receiver to a Pioneer Elite SC-37 7.1ch receiver and the difference is absolutely insane….

    • @boomerspeed0124
      @boomerspeed0124 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Trollberg Get them in yet?

    • @Trollberg
      @Trollberg ปีที่แล้ว

      @@boomerspeed0124 the ones I ordered were on backorder. I finally got them in but they had some defects in the finish. Maybe B Stock? I have 90 days to return. Sound is maybe too neutral for me. I liked the Evo much better.

    • @Trollberg
      @Trollberg ปีที่แล้ว

      @@boomerspeed0124 or more muffled laid back. It wasnt punchy like I'd like it to be.

  • @NosEL34
    @NosEL34 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    There's caramel at the bottom?

  • @tracyherbert2978
    @tracyherbert2978 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you review the Cerwin Vega SL 15 ?

    • @andrrru9
      @andrrru9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I regret not buying the xls-215's back when they were cheap.

  • @waynecartwright9478
    @waynecartwright9478 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Velodyne -12 600W....deadly on the mono blok.

  • @glengatt3941
    @glengatt3941 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    And you kinda miss on the midbase,in my opinion I take a tower evertime ,even with small rooms,but that's me, that the beauty of this hobby, there is no wrong way everyone is different

  • @narabdela
    @narabdela 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow that's expensive! Less than£500 for a pair in the UK.

    • @02honeydew
      @02honeydew 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You guys always get the best deals on Wharfedale and Rega stuff

  • @tcbmike4926
    @tcbmike4926 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm thinking about getting the Klipsch RF 7 ll tower speakers or maybe the Tekton double impacts.

    • @bikdav
      @bikdav 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I vote for KLIPSCH since there are dealers (at least in my area) where you can audition them.

  • @bobble1476
    @bobble1476 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    lol I'm liking your vids before iv'e Even watched them🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @glennjones6574
    @glennjones6574 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    what hifi gives these 5 stars with absolutely no cons at the price. i believe them

  • @MrSilviut
    @MrSilviut 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got a pair of MartinLogan 40i for $500 a piece, but they were a really good deal. Normally you can’t find them for $900 each. I love my 40i’s.

    • @TheAboriginal1
      @TheAboriginal1 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      How is this comment relevant to the video at all?

  • @philharmonic2251
    @philharmonic2251 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    £500 a pair here in the UK. Sold!

  • @edverbeek6292
    @edverbeek6292 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great sponsor. SETH Audio second best.

  • @ENGBriseB
    @ENGBriseB ปีที่แล้ว

    They sound like the 12.1 Whafedale Diamond series speakers. But on steroids.

  • @marksilgalis9400
    @marksilgalis9400 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m telling ya, my man… get some Heco Auroras. Just contact Audio Advice. I’m sure they’ll send some right out. Talk about Goldilocks!

  • @billymurphy3
    @billymurphy3 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’d do backflips over floostanders but my back hurts

  • @paulgolub6823
    @paulgolub6823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Emotiva T1 + $899 pair.

  • @epi2045
    @epi2045 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I prefer towers. Stands look like after thoughts and truly don’t couple the speaker to the floor.

  • @Pentenfi
    @Pentenfi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If a tower has only one 6,5" bass driver, it's not much more than a bookshelf speaker. The benefit of towers start when you use multiple drivers in larger cabinets (alowing for lower tuning) or larger drivers of 8"+.
    Then towers offer more dynamic headroom if you like to listen at higher volumes.
    Deep bass usually requires dedicated subwoofers. There aren't many affordable speakers that really hit into the 30s with authority.

    • @joshuapisani1853
      @joshuapisani1853 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed - not much has changed in the Klipsch RF-7, making it to MkIII without any major form factor changes. I have a ton of experience with RF-5's too, and you're not wrong. If you want tower speakers, look for larger drivers in a large form factor. It's exactly why you would buy a Floorstanding speaker.

  • @TheChrisleekay
    @TheChrisleekay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OMG Randy doin towers!!!! :) :) :) :)

  • @gabejones8930
    @gabejones8930 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want them but I don't need them lol ..wish you would do paradigm monitor 6000 got a crazy good deal from a actual audio dealer lovecto hear your view on there sound

  • @MacStoker
    @MacStoker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Q acoustics 3050 towers (older model) only £350 English quid's.
    im happy.

  • @Arrionflows
    @Arrionflows 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Comment section full Wharfedale deniers.
    I love Wharfys. The 9.1 bookshelves, sw150 sub 👌

  • @rejean2744
    @rejean2744 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't I saw a picture of the entire speaker in the video.

  • @F3Y3F3
    @F3Y3F3 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    For the same price, you should check out the Magnat Transpuls 1500. They're BIG, and despite the 15" woofer they don't play down to the manufacturer claimed 16Hz, but to my ear, they play down to ~30Hz. They look like huge old-school monkey-coffin party speakers but they're astonishingly musical, and because the 15" woofer isn't a long-throw woofer (also why they don't play that low IMO), the bass is fast and accurate.
    Combined with an SVS SB2000, the Telarc recording of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture sounds sublime.

    • @jeffjohnson3504
      @jeffjohnson3504 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It’s funny you say that I have 15 inch woofers in my 3 ways had them for a long time and sounds amazing. Go big or go home. 15 inchers are in the Cornwalls and La Scalas also.

    • @bennetbayer3103
      @bennetbayer3103 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed, same price, better sound with the Magnat's.

    • @F3Y3F3
      @F3Y3F3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bennetbayer3103 I have not heard the Wharfdales, so I couldn't give an honest opinion in that regard, but for the price, the Magnats blew my mind with how good they do both music and home theater.

    • @andrrru9
      @andrrru9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm more of a Marche Slav man myself. Telarc of course.

    • @raizt1596
      @raizt1596 ปีที่แล้ว

      Looks like they're out of stock. @f3y3f3

  • @Rtuzemsky
    @Rtuzemsky ปีที่แล้ว

    Will my Audiolab 6000a amp be able to drive it?

  • @waynecartwright9478
    @waynecartwright9478 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Test Canton for the price...

  • @keithbill310
    @keithbill310 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You dont always need a sub ...

  • @corkydukeII5898
    @corkydukeII5898 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would imagine the Jamo C95 II Towers would give these a good run for the $$ (Well Yeah, considering their now HALF the price on Crutchfield now! Holy cow. Less than 500$ for the pair!!!)

  • @AbsoluteFidelity
    @AbsoluteFidelity 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is the problem with the Diamond 12s, they dont wow you at first listen but after spending time with it, you will start noticing that it does everything SO well. There is nothing to complain about the 12s, even after listen critically. The mids... the mids... yes, the sweet 3 dimensional mids that is not found on the the R200 and R700... Ex owner of the 12.2, 12.4, R200 and R700 here. Balanced is the one word I would use to describe the 12.2 and 12.4, and balance is what the 12s do best. Balance dont come cheap but its the trait that makes you fall in love with the 12s after some time.

    • @jasonpaoletti263
      @jasonpaoletti263 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What speakers did you end up with?

    • @AbsoluteFidelity
      @AbsoluteFidelity 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jasonpaoletti263 Focal Chora 806, 826 and Aria 906. Mind blowing difference in transparency, clarity and detail retrieval.

  • @ec6843
    @ec6843 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had the 12.3s and sent them back. The didn't hit as low as other towers and there was an enormous bump at ~50 Hz in my room, which was completely untenable. I think I will try the 12.1s for my desktop setup, because I really enjoyed the sound other than the problems with bass.

  • @34332
    @34332 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    And there's also a 12.4 tower.

    • @AbsoluteFidelity
      @AbsoluteFidelity 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I dont know about the 12.3 but the 12.4 is anything but lean in male vocals. The 12.2 is also not lean in male vocals, so I suspect it has something to do with the 5 1/4 inch drivers on the 12.3 and 12.1. Never liked smaller driver anyway... lol!

    • @34332
      @34332 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AbsoluteFidelity
      It probably means they didn't bump the midbass, which can be percepted as 'lean'. The good part is that Randy appreciated the 12.3 better after listening to it for a while. Usually a sign of a good and well balanced speaker.
      Like you said, the 12.2 and 12.4 are anything but lean in that region, just honest.

  • @vannk73
    @vannk73 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh, you don't "do backflips over" them? Then how'd you "get behind" them, huh Randy?

  • @randybehenna3081
    @randybehenna3081 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My Emotiva b1+ are for sale they simply don't sound like my vintage accousound AS -61020A thumpers

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Do you ever listen to unamplified music like Folk/Americana/Bluegrass, Jazz or Symphonic/Opera to test equipment? Were Korn songs really well recorded? I have yet to hear a Korn, Metallica (they do have some well recorded music), AC/DC (my favorite band to turn up the volume to) I'd want to use to test anything. I just think that music doesn't really test a speaker other than how loud it can get or how well it handles distortion. I'd rather know how well a system can handle the multitude of instruments of a large orchestra and choir singing Beethoven's 9th (very few decent performances/recordings of that symphony)

  • @RogerBergqvist
    @RogerBergqvist 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    12.3.... 12 channels and 3 subs?? 😁

  • @VinodKumar-gx7wj
    @VinodKumar-gx7wj 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Between the Wharfdale 12.3 and Q Acoustic 3030i, which one will be a better performar irrespective of one is Tower and the other one is a bookshelf? Considering overall tonality, bass, imaging and soundstaging

  • @ryanschipp8513
    @ryanschipp8513 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'd save myself $400 and get the JBL Stage A190 towers. Crazy performance for the money at $600 for the pair. Will go down to 35 hertz or so. They will beat out the Wharfedales in all aspects. For $400 less!

    • @Cousins08
      @Cousins08 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Here in the UK the Wharfedale 12.3 is £495 for the pair. Whereas the JBL A190 is £549. Crazy how prices differ from one country to another.

    • @ryanschipp8513
      @ryanschipp8513 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Cousins08 but for the jbls...is that for a pair?

    • @Cousins08
      @Cousins08 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ryanschipp8513 Yep, for the pair. They aren't sold separately here.

    • @ryanschipp8513
      @ryanschipp8513 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Cousins08 interesting. Thanks for sharing. Crazy how much lower the Wharfedales are there. I'd expect them to be less but not almost half the price

  • @TheChrisleekay
    @TheChrisleekay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think audiophiles get it so wrong when it comes to floor-standing speakers. And I think their obsession with bookshelf speakers is often more nostalgia then actual sound. Their Dad had bookshelf speakers and its a childhood memory, almost certainly a fond memory. Floor-standers produce a fuller room filling sound than a bookshelf can. Its just basic physics! Any decent floor-stander negates the need for a subwoofer! So yes I say again for the majority of people floor-standers are a better option over bookshelf. There I said it! ;)

  • @spacepope69
    @spacepope69 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For me $1000 a pair is NOT affordable, $500 -$600 is more AFFORDABLE, maybe $700 but that's pushing it

    • @jeffreylehman1159
      @jeffreylehman1159 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @Zen surfer Emotiva has a close out on T zero + at $399, very similar to this speaker. I have the T1+ and couldn’t be happier. The new B2+ stand mount looks like a killer too. That’s $449. I have been listening to hi fi for 50 years, and there is better value for “cheap” gear now than ever before.

    • @mikeortiz2139
      @mikeortiz2139 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just bought some T0+s from the Texas Audio roundup show Emotiva had. I'm blown away by how good they sound and I'm surprised at the bass output the T0+s had. Might not be deep deep, but the output has been great. I've been listening to them in a 2.0 set up for movies and some music off the Aiyima A07 and again I'm shocked how good they are for the price.

    • @paulgolub6823
      @paulgolub6823 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikeortiz2139 Do the T Zero have a balanced sound? Seems like a steal at $399. A 2 way tower seems odd sort of, like a tall bookshelf without a separate stand.

    • @mikeortiz2139
      @mikeortiz2139 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulgolub6823 I think they do. And for the price it's not bad. You can return at your own expense if you don't like them. I imagine the T1+ would be more impressive for 2 channel, digging deeper and just overall louder. Although that's double the cost.

    • @jeffreylehman1159
      @jeffreylehman1159 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@paulgolub6823 Big recommendation for the T1+, unfortunately just had another price increase, but still hard to beat. Very clean and deep bass, don’t really need a sub fir music unless your a total bass head. Clarity on the top end is great, and not in your face like some metal dome tweeters.

  • @carlsitler9071
    @carlsitler9071 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had a pair of Diamond 8.4s which were pure garbage and not worth the $75 I paid for them. Sold them and got my money back.

  • @xprcloud
    @xprcloud 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    proper towers will ALWAYS have better efficiency and lower distortion when compared to bookshelves! so quit the nonsense,
    LOWER base is NOT THE REASON why towers are better than silly bookshelves that take the same floor space (stands and all),
    bookshelves are only for book shelves or tables. no to mention the stupidity of buying $500 bookshelves plus $500 stands.

    • @Bloozestringer
      @Bloozestringer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Depends how big your room is. Towers tend to overpower my little room, bass as well as visually.

    • @peterbaugh51
      @peterbaugh51 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Try $3,000.00 B&W's on stands. 2 way. Blows away most towers. It is about quality of sound, not size. How do I know this.

    • @peterbaugh51
      @peterbaugh51 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Try $3,000.00 B&W's on stands. 2 way. Blows away most towers. It is about quality of sound, not size. How do I know this.

    • @xprcloud
      @xprcloud 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterbaugh51 In that case B&W towers would still be lower distortion higher efficiency and incidentally reach lower than the bookshelves, I have DSPed time aligned fully horn loaded system which blows away any direct radiator speakers towers or not….it’s physics

  • @leonsines247
    @leonsines247 ปีที่แล้ว

    More demo... Less talk.. or talk and demo... Saying isnt doing