I auditioned these speakers the other day in my home city of Mumbai. The pair was connected to a Marantz AV Atmos-capable receiver. I first heard the 2.5-way younger sibling - The Diamond 230s. I played tracks from Heavy Metal like Iron Maiden to Synth Pop like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran to classic rock from Rush, CCR, Grand Funk Rail Road, Uriah Heep to 60s Sun Bands like Beach Boys, Tommy Shondell to Glam Rock to 90s Grunge (Especially Soundgarden & Alice In Chains) to Pop of the 80s/90s - Duran Duran, George Michael's Hard Day (A very punishing track for mids and bass), Erasure, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys et Al. On a side note Pop tracks usually sound good on any speaker. Then again I have been hearing them since I was a kid on different systems ergo, familiarity with the tracks helps. In between Jazz from Billie Holiday to Cannonball Aderley to Fusion like Spyro Gyra, Prem Joshua to Indian Fusion like The Dewarists etc. brought in a range of music genres and styles that I thought could bring out the nuances in the speakers. The 230s were good. Good mids, great highs BUT the low end was similar to my Dentons (80th Anniversary). Please note they are 2.5 way speakers. And for the price the sound was definitely right. Then I plugged in the 240s. These are full-fledged 3-way speakers sporting distinct separation of Highs, Mids & Low bass. They are also about a good One inch + taller in height compared to the 230s to accommodate the full 3-way drivers. OMG!!! I was blown away. Apart from the obvious platitudes of tonal quality, the 240s have a distinct tonal signature that brought in refined spread and depth to the soundscape. They are in a class of their own. Jazz and Fusion shines through. Billie Holiday's Summertime had people in the store actually stop and direct their gaze towards the speakers. Not so much Heavy Metal and Grunge though. BUT this is subjective because a die-hard metal head who was there during the auditions was awe struck by the sound. On a side note if you folks get the chance arm yourselves with CDs that were mastered during the horrendous digital "Loudness Wars" of the mid to late 90s. A few examples are Creed, Vertical Horizon (First album of both bands). I played them on the 240s for kicks so that I would be discouraged from buying & going broke :-). The speakers are ACTUALLY forgiving to a certain extent. There goes my attempt of not going broke down the drain. Where I went bonkers was playing Classic Rock, especially Rush. Most of my tracks are Remastered FLACs or Japan released CDs and boy, Rush's remastered Presto was a delight to listen to. Likewise with Uriah Heep. George Michael's punishing Hard Day actually had the speakers singing away even at volume levels that I never had the courage to dial up to on my home amp (Yamaha A-S2000) with the Dentons. On a side note I played my all time Annie Lennox favourite tracks - Walking On Broken Glass & Love Song For A Vampire. I was blown away. For the second time. The first time was listening to a pair of Magneplanar Maggies. The speakers sailed through the commercial MP3 formats @ 320 kbps - separate stereo and iTunes format of M4A. On a side note I had my Oppo BDP-105D connected to the Marantz. I played Spandau Ballet's True in original CD, Remastered CD and DSD. The speakers accommodated the original CD with elan. It's only when we played the next better format that the limitations of the earlier format were rendered visible. I also played Depeche Mode's New Dress between original FLAC & DSD format at the same volume level and the speakers played them without any perceived harshness or laying any sort of excessive emphasis on highs or lows or mids as is the case that I have seen in a few "boutique" speakers that I have auditioned. As is with good quality towers, they are heavy and the down firing ports will allow you to place the speakers as close to the walls as possible given that houses in Mumbai are tiny enough as it is. Overall a fantastic value for money out here. I for sure have made up my mind on these towers. *EDIT* It's pouring in Mumbai. And I'm haggling with the dealer for a good deal. If all goes well, will add a footnote on how the 240s measure up being paired with the Yamaha A-S2000. *EDIT* The 240s have finally arrived and been installed with the Yamaha A-S2000. The audio performance is amazing with plenty of low grunt thanks to the down firing ports. Since the A-S2000 by nature is a tad warm the 240s dont sound way too forward in presenting the soundstage. I reckon if they were paired with a bright amp it woukd be brightness galore BUT not harsh. The 240s tonal signature is definitely different from the Dentons (not because of the size - Bookshelf vs Tower), different enough for me to retain the Dentons and operate the speakers individually on separate speaker channels (A+ B). The 240s have been used for more than 100 hours, ergo, my experiences stem from the presumption that the speakers have been to the "break-In" process. The Wharfedale 240s are true lifers. Maybe even last a generation...
@@andreassouth1523 The 240 sound muffled, they start dipping at 800-900Hz. Just like the 225, the 230 start dipping a little at 1.5kHz, which is much better for midrange clarity. The 240 also dip to 2.6 Ohm, which is atrocious, the 230 only go to 3.4 Ohm. I'm talking measurements, not marketing specs. They both sound non-fatiguing, but the 230 sounds clearer in the midrange and won't torture your amp. The only thing 240 has that is better than 230 is the bass, which is a bit deeper, but the difference is very very small, almost negligible.
exceptional choice! Make sure to break them in at very low level volumes for as much time as possible... I do appreciate the KEF reference models on the stands there. they have to be my favorite bookshelf speakers on the market.
thanks to your rewiev i got convinced and I´ve got the 225 and Im very happy with them ( connected to AV receiver from yamaha) 70% movies 30% streamed music or mp3. White colore finish
turock I think room size is the biggest thing you're forgetting here. A bigger speaker isn't always better depending on the application. Too many variables to make a blanket statement like that.
putting big speakers in a small room creates acoustical problems. You're going to have problems with reflections and room modes, especially at higher volumes. Speakers need room to perform best, and a bigger speaker requires even more room from the back and side walls. You'll notice a lot of speaker manufacturers rating and recommending their speakers for certain room sizes; asking you to choose a size of speaker based on your room size. However, bottom line is that if you like it, that's all that matters. Although I suspect you're full of shit.
The 230 is the superior model. The 240 dip to 2.6 Ohm, which is horrible, also, they sound muffled, thet dip in frequency at 8-900Hz. The 225 and 230 start to dip a little at 1.5kHz, which is much better for clarity, because harshness starts above 1.5-2kHz. The 230 has the decent impedance and great tonality of 225 and the deep bass of 240, so it's the best model in the range. In fact, it's even better than the Linton or the Evos, which are a bit shrill in the high midrange or low treble.
Wow! Such a surprise! I'm waiting for the review and the verdict. Great! I'd really like to see and hear a review on flagship - Wharfedale Diamond 250 :) Thanks!!!
Thanks for all the reviews. As far as your English, you're doing fine. At least you can speak 3 languages. Anyway, I just want to ask you how do you manage keeping the speakers stable and secure on the stands especially if they have uneven dimensions. For example, speaker stand plate is measured 7x7 while the speaker bottom is 10x8. Thanks! BTW, I bought the Wharfdale Diamond 225. Because of your outstanding review, you convinced me.
I auditioned these speakers the other day in my home city of Mumbai. The pair was connected to a Marantz AV Atmos-capable receiver.
I first heard the 2.5-way younger sibling - The Diamond 230s. I played tracks from Heavy Metal like Iron Maiden to Synth Pop like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran to classic rock from Rush, CCR, Grand Funk Rail Road, Uriah Heep to 60s Sun Bands like Beach Boys, Tommy Shondell to Glam Rock to 90s Grunge (Especially Soundgarden & Alice In Chains) to Pop of the 80s/90s - Duran Duran, George Michael's Hard Day (A very punishing track for mids and bass), Erasure, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys et Al. On a side note Pop tracks usually sound good on any speaker. Then again I have been hearing them since I was a kid on different systems ergo, familiarity with the tracks helps.
In between Jazz from Billie Holiday to Cannonball Aderley to Fusion like Spyro Gyra, Prem Joshua to Indian Fusion like The Dewarists etc. brought in a range of music genres and styles that I thought could bring out the nuances in the speakers.
The 230s were good. Good mids, great highs BUT the low end was similar to my Dentons (80th Anniversary). Please note they are 2.5 way speakers. And for the price the sound was definitely right.
Then I plugged in the 240s. These are full-fledged 3-way speakers sporting distinct separation of Highs, Mids & Low bass. They are also about a good One inch + taller in height compared to the 230s to accommodate the full 3-way drivers.
OMG!!! I was blown away. Apart from the obvious platitudes of tonal quality, the 240s have a distinct tonal signature that brought in refined spread and depth to the soundscape. They are in a class of their own.
Jazz and Fusion shines through. Billie Holiday's Summertime had people in the store actually stop and direct their gaze towards the speakers.
Not so much Heavy Metal and Grunge though. BUT this is subjective because a die-hard metal head who was there during the auditions was awe struck by the sound. On a side note if you folks get the chance arm yourselves with CDs that were mastered during the horrendous digital "Loudness Wars" of the mid to late 90s. A few examples are Creed, Vertical Horizon (First album of both bands). I played them on the 240s for kicks so that I would be discouraged from buying & going broke :-). The speakers are ACTUALLY forgiving to a certain extent. There goes my attempt of not going broke down the drain.
Where I went bonkers was playing Classic Rock, especially Rush. Most of my tracks are Remastered FLACs or Japan released CDs and boy, Rush's remastered Presto was a delight to listen to. Likewise with Uriah Heep.
George Michael's punishing Hard Day actually had the speakers singing away even at volume levels that I never had the courage to dial up to on my home amp (Yamaha A-S2000) with the Dentons. On a side note I played my all time Annie Lennox favourite tracks - Walking On Broken Glass & Love Song For A Vampire. I was blown away. For the second time. The first time was listening to a pair of Magneplanar Maggies.
The speakers sailed through the commercial MP3 formats @ 320 kbps - separate stereo and iTunes format of M4A. On a side note I had my Oppo BDP-105D connected to the Marantz. I played Spandau Ballet's True in original CD, Remastered CD and DSD. The speakers accommodated the original CD with elan. It's only when we played the next better format that the limitations of the earlier format were rendered visible. I also played Depeche Mode's New Dress between original FLAC & DSD format at the same volume level and the speakers played them without any perceived harshness or laying any sort of excessive emphasis on highs or lows or mids as is the case that I have seen in a few "boutique" speakers that I have auditioned.
As is with good quality towers, they are heavy and the down firing ports will allow you to place the speakers as close to the walls as possible given that houses in Mumbai are tiny enough as it is.
Overall a fantastic value for money out here. I for sure have made up my mind on these towers.
*EDIT* It's pouring in Mumbai. And I'm haggling with the dealer for a good deal. If all goes well, will add a footnote on how the 240s measure up being paired with the Yamaha A-S2000.
*EDIT* The 240s have finally arrived and been installed with the Yamaha A-S2000. The audio performance is amazing with plenty of low grunt thanks to the down firing ports. Since the A-S2000 by nature is a tad warm the 240s dont sound way too forward in presenting the soundstage. I reckon if they were paired with a bright amp it woukd be brightness galore BUT not harsh. The 240s tonal signature is definitely different from the Dentons (not because of the size - Bookshelf vs Tower), different enough for me to retain the Dentons and operate the speakers individually on separate speaker channels (A+ B).
The 240s have been used for more than 100 hours, ergo, my experiences stem from the presumption that the speakers have been to the "break-In" process.
The Wharfedale 240s are true lifers. Maybe even last a generation...
230s vs 240s mids and highs.Which is less fatigue and more "sweet" in your opinion??
@@andreassouth1523 I would reckon the 240s. Although they pack in quite a bit of low end bass...
@@andreassouth1523 The 240 sound muffled, they start dipping at 800-900Hz. Just like the 225, the 230 start dipping a little at 1.5kHz, which is much better for midrange clarity. The 240 also dip to 2.6 Ohm, which is atrocious, the 230 only go to 3.4 Ohm. I'm talking measurements, not marketing specs. They both sound non-fatiguing, but the 230 sounds clearer in the midrange and won't torture your amp. The only thing 240 has that is better than 230 is the bass, which is a bit deeper, but the difference is very very small, almost negligible.
exceptional choice! Make sure to break them in at very low level volumes for as much time as possible... I do appreciate the KEF reference models on the stands there. they have to be my favorite bookshelf speakers on the market.
+Adam Mucklin thanks
Those on the stands are KEF LS50 not reference
I like how you put your voice on the left and the back round noise on the right.
Those cabinets don't sound super dead to me, just another MDF or particleboard cab :-) But that you'd expect from the price + number of drivers
+Rennie Ash It's not super dead but pretty good for the price.
thanks to your rewiev i got convinced and I´ve got the 225 and Im very happy with them ( connected to AV receiver from yamaha) 70% movies 30% streamed music or mp3. White colore finish
same. I really like the 225.
turock I think room size is the biggest thing you're forgetting here. A bigger speaker isn't always better depending on the application. Too many variables to make a blanket statement like that.
putting big speakers in a small room creates acoustical problems. You're going to have problems with reflections and room modes, especially at higher volumes. Speakers need room to perform best, and a bigger speaker requires even more room from the back and side walls. You'll notice a lot of speaker manufacturers rating and recommending their speakers for certain room sizes; asking you to choose a size of speaker based on your room size. However, bottom line is that if you like it, that's all that matters. Although I suspect you're full of shit.
you're a delusional moron
it may mean your are the biggest moron in the world
Looks like the 225's bigger brother. I'm guessing these towers will sound full and robust.
The 230 is the superior model. The 240 dip to 2.6 Ohm, which is horrible, also, they sound muffled, thet dip in frequency at 8-900Hz. The 225 and 230 start to dip a little at 1.5kHz, which is much better for clarity, because harshness starts above 1.5-2kHz. The 230 has the decent impedance and great tonality of 225 and the deep bass of 240, so it's the best model in the range. In fact, it's even better than the Linton or the Evos, which are a bit shrill in the high midrange or low treble.
confused between wharfedale diamond 240 or kef q 750, which has better bass or simply wait for new wharfedale evo 4.4
Wow! Such a surprise! I'm waiting for the review and the verdict. Great! I'd really like to see and hear a review on flagship - Wharfedale Diamond 250 :)
Thanks!!!
Me too!!
Did you ever come to an overall decision/winner on bookshelves???
Thanks for all the reviews. As far as your English, you're doing fine. At least you can speak 3 languages. Anyway, I just want to ask you how do you manage keeping the speakers stable and secure on the stands especially if they have uneven dimensions. For example, speaker stand plate is measured 7x7 while the speaker bottom is 10x8. Thanks! BTW, I bought the Wharfdale Diamond 225. Because of your outstanding review, you convinced me.
For securing monitor speakers a lot of people like to use blu tack amzn.to/2qkGC2Q
Thank You Luis.
awesome vid
Any plans for the Reva towers?
+BHASKAR KRISHNATREYA not this moment.
Nice looking speakers.
looks good.
Tannoy Mercury review, please.
manual focus please!
素晴らしいです。
Tharbamar - we gotta work on your English just a bit. But can't wait for your demo of these speakers.
+neonRTowner Sorry about my English because it's my third language, may be I will learn to improve it, thanks