I've had these speakers for 15 years and not once have I thought of replacing them. Even though I've replaced every other component in my system over the years.
I just bought a Wharfdale 9.1 center speaker for £99. I was gobsmacked at how heavy, solid and well made it is. Gold plated connectors at the back. OMG just so well made solid and stylish. In today's times when most things are light plasticky and built like sh!t. Great work from Wharfdale!
Ive got two pairs of these together with two of the Wharfedale CS's for front and rear centre channels. I also have the SW150 10" bass speaker, too, to make it a 6.1 system. I run a Marantz 4400 amp, which kicks out 95watts p/c at 6 ohms. I only play vinyl through a Rega P1+, and the sound quality is simply astonishing.
Great speakers - currently rocking roksan caspian m2 cd player and cambridge cxa81 combo - definitely not let down by 9.1s.........but may upgrade mmmmmmm!
If you partner up the 9.1's with a sub...I think they might give any speaker under a grand a good run for their money because they are so nice and open in the upper midrange. Give the Monitor Audio Monitor 50 Bookshelf Speakers (3G Series) a try, also a bargain!!!
I just recently bought a new pair of the 9.6's, brand new in the sealed boxes for $400. I believe they were in storage. They punch way above their price point. They DO require 1, bi wiring and 2, a lot of run in time. The binding posts are a pain in the ass, though. After about 100 hours they really opened up. They have a 2" dome midrange that is beautiful sounding. The spikes they come with are excellent
I have these, they are good, really good. Especially the very sweet sound from the tweeters, and good sound stage. But becareful that don't push the volume to limit, drivers can go clipping and tweeter flared. ( and that explains its popular in the used spare parts market)
Amazing how they have not just held their value, but are selling today new, for more than they were 1 to 3 years ago!.. by the way I purchased a pair after watching your review! I have them connected to my iMac via a DOUk Audio valve amp. Sound amazing!!
After reading a lot of conflicting online debate over the new 9.1 models, I have just received a pair for my small music room and they are great speakers for the money. If you're into loud dance or R&B, then they're prob not for you. They don't play really loud well imo. For more moderate listening levels though, they're very good.
In my opinion, Wharfedale can't make another budget bookshelf better looking than this (especially the walnut ones). I fell in love with these speakers first time I look at it. I had Diamond 10s, Elac, MS etc.. in the end I still end up with these sweet sounding beautiful speakers.
when you put the diamonds on top of the dalies, i found the diamonds have a sound i prefer. maybe i have weird ears but i prefer more mid range of the diamonds than bass of the dalies. so maybe its back down to preference of sound over deemed quality of sound.
Agree, the Dali had a more cavernous sound and richer mid. But to my ears the Wharfdales sounded more punchy and clear somehow. Great performance from what are tiny little speakers. The Wharfdales weigh a ton and are very well built.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK I think for that price they sound excellent. Currently running them with a Technics SL1200 Turntable, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Pre, and a TEAC H300 MIII Amp. Great sound for a medium/small space.
Using the very same source…. These speakers ( Wharfadale 9.1 100 watts) sound much sharper than my Moukey 3 way speakers ( 55 watts) in which i bought some time ago now. Wouldn’t mind trying those Wharfadale 3d speakers though. Might even sound much nicer in stereo. Wednesday am 28th June 2023. Southampton England 🏴
I'm about getting a pair of these ! I have infinity alpha 50 right now (floorstanding 2×8" bas element ) so it is going to be different ! I gonna try them with my xtz sub (12") and se if they can pair up.
I have Dali Spektor 1 bookshelf speakers, they are even smaller than your Wharfdales, and they are arguably the best on the planet in their own category...
Well This is my opinion.. there are many factors that should be considered in getting the best sound from this speaker or any speaker.. factors are ... Amplifier vs integrated amp, music source and the recording source...note that all cd's are not created equal meaning the sound engineering will differ greatly most times. Separates vs intergrated amp will always create a huge difference in sound.. room acoustics as well as speaker placement are other factors that will determine getting good sound from any speaker. I would not connect this speaker to a mid level or better receiver to get a two channel stereo sound. In my opinion Receivers are meant for another purpose other than discrete stereo sound.
Is it me or do the Dali Oberon 5's sound "Boxy" in comparison? (Obviously they have more low end but that seems to mask the mid and top end somewhat?)... I have a "nice" midrange late 80's/early 90's setup and with my 9.1's it has an amazingly open 3D soundstage.
Hi matey. Great Channel. I can only see these speakers for £99 on 'Idealo' ,who im not famaliar with, but then shipping. Im guessing Amazon would be more reliable? (£120)
@@UTILITARIANTVUK could you let me know if theres chuffing from the ports at moderate volume? I noticed its got two which should help let the air escape better. Angel by massive attacks a good tester. Cheers
are they any good for desktop usage in near field (1 to 2 feet) low volume or do you have other speakers to recommend for such usage ? (my preference is for dynamic and detailed sound )
hello, I also have these Wharfedale 9.1 speakers, they sound very good at a low volume, but if I raise the volume above 25%, it starts making a horrible noise, as if it's overloaded. My amplifier has 40w per channel, I don't think it's too strong for speakers, what do you think are defects? you can put the speakers in the video at half volume, as they are heard at high volume, I do the same
I've not had that issue. There's many variables to take into consideration. Is the audio source poor, are the speaker cables connected correctly, with no frayed or loose strands, is the cable faulty, is the amp faulty. If you've tried other speakers and its ok, then there's probably a fault with the speakers themselves.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK I saw the previous videos that you had wharfedale 230 and you changed it for dali oberon 5, what difference did you notice between them, are they better dali?
Me neither. Lasted 5 months in my system. Overly warm bass, closed in treble. Tried with 4 different amplifiers but no real difference to the overall sound signature. An old pair of JPW Sonatas and even the Sony SS-86e's were more entertaining/involving.
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/48PxwspDvrE/mqdefault.jpg)
![ละลาย (LALALYE) - DAOU PITTAYA ต้าห์อู๋ พิทยา [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wo6r9TgausI/mqdefault.jpg)
I've had these speakers for 15 years and not once have I thought of replacing them. Even though I've replaced every other component in my system over the years.
I’ve found that the Wharfedale sounds better than the other ones. They have more clear sound . Maybe is just me. Amazing speakers anyway. Thank you!
I just bought a Wharfdale 9.1 center speaker for £99. I was gobsmacked at how heavy, solid and well made it is. Gold plated connectors at the back. OMG just so well made solid and stylish. In today's times when most things are light plasticky and built like sh!t. Great work from Wharfdale!
Ive got two pairs of these together with two of the Wharfedale CS's for front and rear centre channels. I also have the SW150 10" bass speaker, too, to make it a 6.1 system. I run a Marantz 4400 amp, which kicks out 95watts p/c at 6 ohms. I only play vinyl through a Rega P1+, and the sound quality is simply astonishing.
Nice set up!
same here 1 pair of 9.1's & sw150 stunning sound
I have had these for over 10 years now, powered by a Denon RCD-M38DAB first, and now RCD-M40DAB. Lovely speakers with beautiful walnut finish.
Great speakers - currently rocking roksan caspian m2 cd player and cambridge cxa81 combo - definitely not let down by 9.1s.........but may upgrade mmmmmmm!
If you partner up the 9.1's with a sub...I think they might give any speaker under a grand a good run for their money because they are so nice and open in the upper midrange.
Give the Monitor Audio Monitor 50 Bookshelf Speakers (3G Series) a try, also a bargain!!!
I have just bought these and gona pair it to a xtz 12" sub and se if it will work
I just recently bought a new pair of the 9.6's, brand new in the sealed boxes for $400. I believe they were in storage. They punch way above their price point. They DO require 1, bi wiring and 2, a lot of run in time. The binding posts are a pain in the ass, though. After about 100 hours they really opened up. They have a 2" dome midrange that is beautiful sounding. The spikes they come with are excellent
Bought these for my son as part of a total system - they are marvellous!
I have these, they are good, really good. Especially the very sweet sound from the tweeters, and good sound stage. But becareful that don't push the volume to limit, drivers can go clipping and tweeter flared. ( and that explains its popular in the used spare parts market)
I bought a pair from a uk store delivered to Spain for 163 euros. I still think it is an amazing deal. Here people are selling them for 200 used.
Your right the mids and highs are terrific slap on a sub absolutely 💯 bargain
Amazing how they have not just held their value, but are selling today new, for more than they were 1 to 3 years ago!.. by the way I purchased a pair after watching your review! I have them connected to my iMac via a DOUk Audio valve amp. Sound amazing!!
After reading a lot of conflicting online debate over the new 9.1 models, I have just received a pair for my small music room and they are great speakers for the money. If you're into loud dance or R&B, then they're prob not for you. They don't play really loud well imo. For more moderate listening levels though, they're very good.
Great speakers, have them hooked up to a Cambridge Audio amp. Got mine in New Zealand a few years ago now for $249 which was a great deal at the time.
In my opinion, Wharfedale can't make another budget bookshelf better looking than this (especially the walnut ones). I fell in love with these speakers first time I look at it. I had Diamond 10s, Elac, MS etc.. in the end I still end up with these sweet sounding beautiful speakers.
when you put the diamonds on top of the dalies, i found the diamonds have a sound i prefer. maybe i have weird ears but i prefer more mid range of the diamonds than bass of the dalies.
so maybe its back down to preference of sound over deemed quality of sound.
Agree, the Dali had a more cavernous sound and richer mid. But to my ears the Wharfdales sounded more punchy and clear somehow. Great performance from what are tiny little speakers. The Wharfdales weigh a ton and are very well built.
I bought a set second hand for £40. Ideal for my loft room/office when working from home.
bargain!
@@UTILITARIANTVUK I think for that price they sound excellent. Currently running them with a Technics SL1200 Turntable, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Pre, and a TEAC H300 MIII Amp. Great sound for a medium/small space.
I'm surprised these don't occur more in those YT budget speaker reviews.
You've not done the Wharfedales any favours plonking them on another pair of speakers - but actually they seemed to hold their own.
Using the very same source…. These speakers ( Wharfadale 9.1 100 watts) sound much sharper than my Moukey 3 way speakers ( 55 watts) in which i bought some time ago now. Wouldn’t mind trying those Wharfadale 3d speakers though. Might even sound much nicer in stereo.
Wednesday am 28th June 2023. Southampton England 🏴
I'm about getting a pair of these !
I have infinity alpha 50 right now (floorstanding 2×8" bas element ) so it is going to be different ! I gonna try them with my xtz sub (12") and se if they can pair up.
how it go
Seem like a good option for surround speakers, or paired with a subwoofer in a nice 2.1 system.
Paired with an SW150 sub they sound very good.
Mate em to a sub might have been a good point and a good test, you can't compare a floorstander with a small bookshelf, what's the point
Thanks for the review! If you would pair these with a budget sub, which sub would that be?
Wharfedale SW150. th-cam.com/video/6lFXV4aKlW4/w-d-xo.html
i currently have the klipsch rp150m i wonder how would these compare to the diamond 9.1?
I have Dali Spektor 1 bookshelf speakers, they are even smaller than your Wharfdales, and they are arguably the best on the planet in their own category...
Well said!
Hey , maybe you can do the 12.2 model 💪
Well This is my opinion.. there are many factors that should be considered in getting the best sound from this speaker or any speaker.. factors are ... Amplifier vs integrated amp, music source and the recording source...note that all cd's are not created equal meaning the sound engineering will differ greatly most times. Separates vs intergrated amp will always create a huge difference in sound.. room acoustics as well as speaker placement are other factors that will determine getting good sound from any speaker. I would not connect this speaker to a mid level or better receiver to get a two channel stereo sound. In my opinion Receivers are meant for another purpose other than discrete stereo sound.
wish you could've done a review of these with your SW150 subwoofer
That's a waste of a wish! 😄 I don't own that sub anymore but it would've been good to try with the 9.1s.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK just mentioned it as that’s the setup I just bought. Hopefully your experiences of the SW150 weren’t bad?
Fantastic sound speakers it is popular speakers came out since 2004
I hope they sound better than the 9.0 as they are not very good at all
Is it me or do the Dali Oberon 5's sound "Boxy" in comparison? (Obviously they have more low end but that seems to mask the mid and top end somewhat?)... I have a "nice" midrange late 80's/early 90's setup and with my 9.1's it has an amazingly open 3D soundstage.
Had them, sold them, wish I hadn’t :)
Do you prefer these or q acoustics 3020i. I cant decide which ones for my small music room
3020i's are better IMO but the 9.1s are still pretty good so I guess it depends on your budget?
Hi matey. Great Channel. I can only see these speakers for £99 on 'Idealo' ,who im not famaliar with, but then shipping. Im guessing Amazon would be more reliable? (£120)
£120 is still a good price for them.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK could you let me know if theres chuffing from the ports at moderate volume? I noticed its got two which should help let the air escape better. Angel by massive attacks a good tester. Cheers
@@CM-dw3gh I didn't experience any chuffing at all.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK how do these compare to the 12.1's?
@@CM-dw3gh 12.1s are a little better th-cam.com/video/F0hKrQcIf-Y/w-d-xo.html
are they any good for desktop usage in near field (1 to 2 feet) low volume or do you have other speakers to recommend for such usage ? (my preference is for dynamic and detailed sound )
The sound would be good but they may be a bit too big. Depends on the size of your desk.
hey man have you tried the polk audio xt 20 apparently most people say it doesn’t require subwoofer as its goes down to 38hz and has strong bass
No, I've not heard those sorry.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK its really underrated from what people say its priced quite competitivly too!
Спасибо за обзор, хотел продать, но видимо оставлю себе ))
They Don't Sell These In The U.S.? I Can't Seem To Find a Website/Company That Sells Them Here...
I suppose the only way to get them is import them from eBay but I guess you have to take into account import and delivery fees.
hello, I also have these Wharfedale 9.1 speakers, they sound very good at a low volume, but if I raise the volume above 25%, it starts making a horrible noise, as if it's overloaded. My amplifier has 40w per channel, I don't think it's too strong for speakers, what do you think are defects? you can put the speakers in the video at half volume, as they are heard at high volume, I do the same
I've not had that issue. There's many variables to take into consideration. Is the audio source poor, are the speaker cables connected correctly, with no frayed or loose strands, is the cable faulty, is the amp faulty. If you've tried other speakers and its ok, then there's probably a fault with the speakers themselves.
@@UTILITARIANTVUK thanks for the answer and they think the same faulty speakers
@@UTILITARIANTVUK I saw the previous videos that you had wharfedale 230 and you changed it for dali oberon 5, what difference did you notice between them, are they better dali?
Probably the rubbers are broken. Cheap to fix.
didn't think much of them
Me neither. Lasted 5 months in my system. Overly warm bass, closed in treble. Tried with 4 different amplifiers but no real difference to the overall sound signature. An old pair of JPW Sonatas and even the Sony SS-86e's were more entertaining/involving.
he guys do you know any bookshelves that can beat thejbl encore in bass
I can't find any for less than £125 at the moment. Inflation in action I guess.
They go up and down in price often.