Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speakers

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Discontinued

Discontinued — Bookshelf Speakers

Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speakers

The true all-rounder, the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.1 is a traditional standmount (or bookshelf) speaker that embodies the history and performance values of the Wharfedale DIAMOND series.

The perfect ‘affordable’ hi-fi speaker, the DIAMOND 12.1 offers the best of both worlds – compact size with power and detail.

Perfect for 2-channel hi-fi systems, thanks to its intricate performance but also compact and capable for immersive home theatre, the DIAMOND 12.1 is designed and certified to perform, regardless of room size and application.

The DIAMOND 12.1 features a high-performance 130mm (5”) KlarityTM driver for exceptional timing and refined bass. The superb 25mm (1”) woven polyester dome tweeter delivers open and smoothly extended high frequencies.

$649.99

Expert technical support
3 years manufacturer warranty
Free shipping on orders over $300

Klarity affords focus

NEW Klarity™ cone material, formulated from a blend of Polypropylene and mica adds stiffness to reduce flexing, enabling a lightweight cone with high rigidity, low colouration and lightning-fast response.

Low colour and expression

The Klarity™ cone is fitted with a low-damping surround, thereby achieving both low colouration and expressive dynamics. By simulating many different cone shapes and adding ribs to provide further stiffening, a flat response curve was achieved without resorting to a high-damping surround, thereby striking the ideal balance.

A magnet of forces

A precision-made magnet system with an aluminium compensation ring to minimise the effect of variations in inductance as the voice coil travels. This contributes to an absence of distortion and intermodulation generated by the 'motor system'.

A voice coil beyond this class

The voice coil is wound on a high-power epoxy/glass fibre bobbin highly unusual in speakers at this price level. This has the advantage of not adding eddy currents and delivering greater power handling than an aluminium bobbin, whilst also being much stiffer than the Kapton type associated with this price-class.

DIAMOND highs

The 25mm dome is made from a woven polyester film with a high-loss coating to deliver open and smoothly extended high frequencies. The magnet system and the front plate have been optimised for wide dispersion and uncompressed behaviour. The front plate is flat and exposes the dome as much as possible; only a very short duct on the front plate balances the acoustic load and improves the SPL (sound pressure level) measurement.

A crossover of style

The crossover network uses an acoustic LKR 24dB topology. This includes air-core inductors of the type more commonly found in high-end speakers, selected because they produce the lowest distortion of all inductor types. As the resistance of the coil is higher than a standard laminated steel or ferrite core inductor, the magnetic structure of the mid/bass driver has been modified to compensate, resulting in fast, clean bass with no distortion from the inductor.

Firm and fair

The DIAMOND 12.1's rear-ported enclosure is precisely sized so that the internal volume works in harmony with the drive unit system to deliver the desired sonic result. A multi-layered sandwich design subdues the identifiable characteristics of the cabinet's 'sound'. Even the resonant properties of the glue between the layers was measured to determine the optimum combination.

Brace yourself

Inside the cabinet, Intelligent Spot Bracing connects opposite walls with a specific form of the wood brace to achieve an optimal reduction of cabinet resonance. These braces are precisely modelled by computer simulation to improve upon the commonplace 'figure of eight' brace, which may simply transfer resonance from one wall to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size room suits the Diamond 12.1?

The Diamond 12.1 is a 2-way bookshelf speaker designed for small to medium rooms — roughly 10–25 m². Mount it on dedicated stands (around 60–70 cm so the tweeter sits near ear height) or a solid shelf, 20–40 cm clear of the rear wall to keep the bass tight.

What amplifier should I pair with the Diamond 12.1?

The Diamond 12.1 presents a nominal 8Ω load and 88dB sensitivity, and Wharfedale recommends roughly 20-100W per channel. A quality integrated amplifier or AV receiver in that range drives it cleanly without strain — aim for clean, stable power rather than maximum wattage.

Does the Diamond 12.1 need a subwoofer?

The Diamond 12.1 reaches down to about 65 Hz, so it delivers full, satisfying bass for everyday music listening on its own. For movies, or if you want chest-thumping low end in a larger room, add a Wharfedale subwoofer.

Diamond 12.1 vs Diamond 12.2 — which should I choose?

Both share the same series voicing. The Diamond 12.2 uses larger or additional drivers for more output and deeper bass, so it suits bigger rooms or higher volumes. The Diamond 12.1 is the better fit for smaller spaces and nearer listening — choose it if your room is modest or your budget is tighter.

What finishes does the Diamond 12.1 come in?

The Diamond 12.1 is available in Walnut, Black, Light Oak and White. All finishes are the same speaker acoustically — choose whichever best suits your room. Every option is in stock with free Australian shipping.

Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speakers