Wharfedale 12.1 Budget Bookshelf Speaker with “Laid Back” sound but output limited.
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2022
- Written review/data can be found here:
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12.2 owner here. 100% laid back, I listen ALL DAY to it, from grindcore to ska, and it sounds good.
Same.
How is the low end extension on the 12.2 ?
Erin, I have an old pair of Polks that have exactly that crossover dip. Might just be crossover design carelessness or insufficient bandwidth of drivers on a 2-way ? Idk..
Would you let me know what amplifier you used with 12.2?
@@shipsahoy1793 The 12.2 has a better bass extension but the midbass is soft. I will change them. They are lovely for jazz, blues but not for rock.
Love your EQ demos.
Thank you for your tests and evaluation.
Your vids are the best man, I really enjoy when you break all that chit down. As far as the speaker goes, at least it looks decent and isn't screaming in your face. A very good explanation of what this speaker is all about and how to get the best sound out of it.
I own a pair of diamond 9.1 speakers, i can honestly say for their size they have Colossal sound with bass easily hitting 37hz, they are incredible
Hi Erin just want to say i love your reviews in general but your recent reviews i have particularly enjoyed and appreciated because they have all been speakers that have been reviewed before by others and i have seriously considered purchasing myself so i really appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I actually own the Elac B6.2s for about a year and i absolutely love them. But the opinions have been so varied that i have considered purchasing other speakers to see if it is possible to get a better sound at a similar price. I actually considered the Jamo C93 2's and the Wharfdales 12.1 based on other reviewers like Cheapaudioman and there is another English gentleman whose name and channel i don't quite recall at the moment but i remember he spoke very favourably of the Wharfdales for a budget speaker and he usually reviews much higher end equipment. So when you reviewed all three in such a short space of time was like you were reading my mind.. But my take based on your reviews, and correct me if i am wrong, is that i should stick to what i have and there is no need to change as neither speaker is better than the Elac. You are one of the most trusted voices in this space if not the most trusted so continue to shine.👍👍
I really like these mabey not as my only pair of speakers but ever since the 220 and even way back to the diamond 8.1 liked wharfedale . These reviews are getting better n better your starting to hit your groove and style.
The distortion graphs with and without a high pass was useful, wish all reviews had that for smaller bookshelfs. Also, it can be even better if you added a few graphs from "a known quantity" such as a reference in the price class (DBR62?) or a very widely available and sold model (harder, since markets are pretty different).
Agree with others that adding the eq to the audio was extremely effective, keep doing that when the subject has 1-3 such "correctible by PEQ" areas, really makes one a better listener and shopper. 👍🏼
@Erin’s Audio Corner
The more I watch these videos the more I appreciate how much you can learn from the data for if anything, optimally setting your speakers up and/or tweaking them with eq.
If you boosted a pair of speakers without the ‘bbc dip’ in the 1k-3k range by 3dB would it improve clarity? Are there any negative effects?
Have you ever thought about doing a range of videos showing us how we could measure our own speakers with REW to get pseudo results like yours? It would be an interesting watch.
That "laid back" makes these so great. For bookshelf speakers in this price range, they are pretty amazing. I could listen to them all day and not get fatiqued listening to them. I feel you have to take the price of the speaker, and the fact they are smaller bookshelf/stand speakers, into account when doing a review. These are a really great speaker, and so many other reviews are quite positive about them :). Of course my comment is my reflection and view only :)
I appreciate your view point though. I think sometimes a harder review can put all the great ones into perspective. 100% you do need a sub with most speakers this size. They actually match really well with the Wharfedale diamond SWxxx subs. I ahve used them with a SW150 and can get a really nice presence in the low end.
Just got a pair of these for $200.00 about a month ago on a black friday deal. Wow, quite neutral and VERY listenable. The dip I eq'ed and while it seems more accurate with EQ, still love how the dip was implemented overall. I do not seem to have much issue with it not playing loud enough or compression, but I tend to use moderately loud only.
I love the look at all the technical details helping people decide based on strengths and weaknesses. Problem is it makes most speakers look worse than they are in reality. But yeah sub-1000 speakers all tend to have some noticeable issues.
Very good explanation with EQ.
Don’t push the idea that everything “should” be monitor accurate. It’s a great speaker for people that want to enjoy music all day without fatigue. Karl heinz fink implemented that dip on purpose to make it more pleasant. Take the Dali opticon for example, it’s impressive but after 20-30 minutes the sheer bite and snap becomes tiring.
Thanks to this video I pulled the trigger on these. They will be replacing my klipsch rp600m II
Hey, let me know what you think. They’re very different Speakers, but both are pretty good in their own right. I’ll be curious what you wind up thinking about the comparison between them. 👍
@ErinsAudioCorner ok, so only two days in on the wharfedale diamond 12.2, and I will say that I'm very happy them. Compared to the klipsch rp600m II, these sound much warmer and not shrill on the treble as I experienced with the klipsch. I don't think I'll go back to klipsch for vinyl listening, for surround in my theater room? The klispch will do just fine. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I know what I like to hear in my speakers, and the wharfedale gives that to me. Well balanced, smooth, is the word I would use to describe them.
My listening room is in my finished basement, 11 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 7 feet high. Running my sl1200MK2, denon pma-600ne intigrated amp and a nagaoka mp-110 cartridge.
Thank you for the review👍Wish you had tested the 12.2, they look more interesting..
Can't agree more with you, 12.1 has been a dead horse beaten by so many reviewers. This review just confirms other reviews, no new information is provided.
@@swllz No new info. Ok, right, everyone else used a Klippel and combined objective data to back up subjective!? You even watch?
If you haven't got a big room they sound great. Especially with the SVS Subwoofer.
Introductory sounds awesome 😂😂😂😂😂
I'm about to order these speakers for a desktop system to pair with a SMS l a s 300. That's what I have the money for so that's what I'm going to do lol. I'm a big fan of the BBC dip simply because those areas that it tends to decrease tend to be the most fatiguing. But just like noses because I also review fragrances and things on this channel that I'm commenting on or from, everybody's ears a little bit different. Excellent review by the way. I think this will make an excellent pairing especially with a digital amp because they can tend to be on occasion a little bit overbearing. This one however has received good reviews and it doesn't seem to have any of the shrill characteristics that accompany some digital amplifiers. Eventually I will upgrade but I think these speakers will last me for the next 10 years no problem
Karl-Heinz Fink has indeed stated that the dip was intentional or his ears would bleed... lol! Even the Lintons have the dip, just to a lesser extent. Seem like a trend, especially the newer Wharfedales. I own the 12.2 and I personally liked it better than the R200. I bought the Schiit Lokius which has a 2khz knob and as I increase that region even by 2db, some female vocals will start sounding bright and the overall sound loses a bit of depth. Increase it more than 2db and things start to get harsh. I know it isnt accurate but it is very pleasant to listen to. Besides that 1-3khz dip, it looks very neutral everywhere else. Laidback is the right word, but its not 'soft' either.
There has been questions in ASR asking why is there a peak at 12khz on your measuremwnts when Amir's measurement do not show such a peak. What do you think is making such a difference? Mic?
My results show the hump with both my NFS BNC mic and my Earthworks M23 (which I use for my NF MTON measurements)
I went to look at Amir’s data. I noticed his contour plot shows the mic wasn’t placed at the center of the tweeter (it looks offset by about 5 degrees). Maybe that’s what’s causing the difference.
Also his NF driver measurements shows a mild peak at the tweeter around 11kHz.
Not sure what else would cause his results to differ. But that’s what I see. Looks like his vertical is a bit off dead on-axis as well. 🤷♂️
Have you seen that he bought Epos, and is designing a new line of Epos speakers? As for the discrepancy in measurements, it's the same on the Elac B6.2. They are very similar below 10khz on both the on axis and EIR curves, but Amir shows them rolling off quickly above 10khz, while Erin doesn't show them rolling off until around 15khz. I trust Erin more.
@@DougMen1 slight difference in mic they use? Maybe Amir uses midway between drivers as axis? But drivers they also have tolerances, but this seems to be more of a measurement related issue.
Yeah, I tent agree with you, slight dip makes a lot of material more listenable, especially on female vocals, since most microphones used today are on the bright side of neutral.
I like the bbc dip in iems, but I want my speakers flat. The 12.2 cost only 40 euros more (380E) where I live , so that seems like a nice option.
I put my Wharfedale (D225) in my bedroom, because I can fall in sleep with the laidback British sound. Image it's a pair of Klipsch~~~
Imagine having that kippels nearfield scanner for diy speaker building. Thats my dream! Have you built any speakers your self Erin?
I’d love to hear your thoughts && measurements on the Wharfedale Diamond 225 . They sound great in my space. 🎶
Then, the Elac B6.2 has similar dip around crossover point (frankly most 2ways using LR4 do), but it's tuned slightly brighter overall.
Generally many British spkrs were more on the laid back side, other than the popular B&W.
Myself, I rather go with warmer than bright and sterile. But 12.1 compression test is somewhat disappointing, even for a 5" cone.
This, to me, just looks like a crossover region that isn't quite right, so they are down in the crossover, rather than summing together level. Most likely just needs some crossover tweaking. Does wharfedale have tools like this? If not, this may have looked a bit different to them when they sent it for production
I believe this dip is intentional and perhaps a signature for the 12.x series (and Linton?). I owned the 12.2 and 12.4. Both shared a similar (easygoing) midrange that mitigates lesser recordings. Often resulting in a more 'natural' sound. Both 12.2 and 12.4 are ofcourse more mature speakers, where the 12.1 is most likely limited by its size. I do like the fact however, based on your findings, that they maintained their relaxed soundsignature and quality in materials.
Hi Mike. Which Focal did you end up with? Was it the 936K2?
@@DougMen1
Hey DM 👍
I got (in the end) the Focal Aria 936 K2s. They came in via a customer of the dealer with some minor chip-damage at one speaker. Negotiated a fair price and via spot-repair like new. Only one caveat and that's the yellow cones (not my thing), but the fronts conceal it perfectly 😄
Hi mate. How you getting on with the 12.2's. I swapped out the brass link plates. Made a slight improvement. Might want to give it a go😊
Your right, a little laid back. I know I can trust you! (UPDATE: 6/18/23) After about 10 hours of 85 dB break-in they have opened up a bit in the midrange. Still slightly laid back, but very enjoyable.
Great Review Erin. I appreciate the detail and in-depth explanation. Quick question ---Would it make a good surround sound speaker? You said rolling it off at 80 Hz helps the speaker - check one. You suggested making it more nearfield - check 2. Would compression be an issue for it being used as a surround sound speaker? Love to hear your take. Thanks again and keep up the good work...
I think it would be OK as a surround speaker.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Thanks
I whould love to see your thoughts on the jbl studio 698. Would really love vs 590. If I could buy and loan both I would.
LOVE the Trumpet change up !! 🙏🙏🤘👍🏻.. Keep it coming.
Hi Erin, I wish to hear your thoughts on the 12.2
No experience with them. If someone wants to loan me a pair to review, I’d be happy to.
Great neutral exposure towards the measurements, certainly not for the fanboys , nice to hear your own subjective tastes as well. Truth rules. Just about to pull the trigger on a pair of 12.2. I’m replacing my Q Acoustic 3030i with the 12.2. If you think the 12.1 sounds laid back then you should hear the 3030i, so laid back there almost horizontal! Probably great for dinner parties as there is nothing intrusive about them.
What happens if it's placed with its back to the wall?
Speaker turn roundy round. Is good!
I am hoping you will do a full review of the modern reincarnations Falcon ls3/5a since these are legendary in the hifi community. Is it just hype?
I think I will go with q acoustics 3050’s. What do u think?
for 289000 chilean pesos (260-270 usd) i can get either the white jamo s803 or walnut whaferdale 12.1. I asked everywhere for the white version, but stores simply dont work with them. After this video i decided for the 12.1 but it will look awful on my white setup, is there a problem if i cover the speaker with white wallpaper or it could affect sound quality?
We need to see how much more kick drum the 12.2 is packin :)
Are these too laid back for a 2.1 home theater set up? I know they're good with music which is important but what about movies?
Excellent
Great review again. I especially liked the part where you presented the effect of the dip in the frequency response on your speaking voice. This and the 12.2 seem to be slightly overrated speakers. I would like to see measurements and reviews of the Polk R200, Focal Chora 806 and XTZ 99.25.
I would like to see the Polk on Klippel, since there is so much talk about the R series. XTZ - this is new to me. As for Focal, most likely it will have the Focal house sound, 'brightish' kind of tuning due to inverted metal tweeter dome.
I don't think overrated is the correct word. They have a certain sound signature that's important for people to be aware of, but it's not inherently a negative.
Mine is xtz 99.25. Love it but need space to sound good.
@@johankamarudin5155 I own the older version 99.26.
I'm not sure that could really be called the "BBC dip". I think the BBC dip is supposed to a be a dip in the on-axis response to compensate from a peak in that area of the FR in the off-axis response, but your listening window curve show a dip as well in that area, when it should be flatter. Well, that was on interpretation of the reasons behind the "BBC dip" - there are others... 🙂
According to an above comment, the designer indeed calls it a BBC dip.
The BBC dip is awful anywhere. I prefer the sound of my iPad in that regard.
Update- Diamonds are all on sale at Crutchfield right now. The 12.1s, regularly $449, are $299 in white and $349 in all other colors, and the 12.2s, regularly $599, are $399 in white and $449 in the other colors. This leads me to question if they're being replaced by a newer Diamond line, because I've never seen them go on sale before.
Ha! I called them earlier to price match Amazon (I bought these from CF last month). After some back and forth they agreed. They must’ve changed the price after that. Y’all are welcome! 😂😂
@@ErinsAudioCorner I just saw it today on their website
i got my 225's for 200 dollar new, wondering if Wharfedale cant make a winner budget speaker, 12.1 should cost no more than 200 dollar.
May be pandemic inflation is over, all speakers increased price from 2020 to 2021 and 2022 even if they are exactly same speakers. The house prices are coming down already.
Never heard these. From Your description sounds like the cheaper alternative to the Wharfedale Denton 80th. Owned a pair for two years or so. Laidback and not much attack. Don’t misunderstand, they didn’t do anything really wrong just not exciting. Really want to try the Linton but my past Wharfedale experience gives me pause.
This is an upgraded version of the Wharfedale Diamond 225, have you had a chance to compare them? Thanks.
I’d like to see a review of the Diamond 220 or/and the Diamond 225. Interested in the Klippel measurements and how they relate to what Erin is hearing. I’m still saving for the Wharfedale Lintons. I always liked the sound of Wharfedale speakers. I remember hearing the original Lintons and being blown away.
@@normanham6142 the 220 has been klippeled on ASR
@@-MarkWinston- Thanks Mark. I’ll check it out. 👍🏼
@Erin's Audio Corner Do any passive speakers compete with the Kali LP6v2 or Kali IN5/8 in their respective price categories for overall sound quality-especially in regards to dynamics, bass extension and neutrality?
In my experience with Diamond 10.1, while a very nice speaker to listen to, don't think it's quite as good as the Kali with a sub, and not even close without.
I also have the Jamo C95 which I bought primarily based on appearance/WAF in a living room setup and while I good smile curve Speaker again the Kali is better overall and I'm sure the IN5/8 would crush it if I had to guess.
I'm considering another set of living room speakers and think the Kali LP6v2 and IN5/8 look quite nice or the absolutely sexy Monitor Audio Bronze 100. Wife likes the look of both with a slight preference to Monitor Audio, but with prices similar I wonder if the Monitor Audio Bronze even has a chance, let alone the silver with any of the Kalis?
I have A LOT of experience with popular passive bookshelves and the Kali lp6v2 probably can't be beat by a passive setup in its pricerange. Active DSP'ed crossovers like in the Kali's are superior to passive crossovers. The additional DSP gives the Kali more bass than nearly any passive in its cabinet/driver size. I have personally never heard the Kali's, but anyone with a lot of knowledge of passive vs active bookshelf speakers will tell you the same. Just look at the measurements. One problem is that if you want to add a sub at some point, I have no idea how easy that is with the Kali's - but adding a sub and fine tuning your high-pass is easy with passives.
Kind of what I was thinking and appreciate the feedback! Guessing you'd probably have to spend at least double to get the performance of something like a Kali LP6 and even then would be a challenge for a passive.
Where passives when easily is in aesthetics though the Kali LP6, especially in white, is a pretty nice looking speaker. Passives also much more easily integrate with TVs and home theaters with receiver acting as volume control and surround processor. Receivers with preouts are disappearing quickly or very expensive. I think there's a need for more TV friendly/soundbar connections such as optical in powered monitors and I think Kali is considering just that-looking forward to it if they do!
I still think there's space in the market for a nice looking speaker like a Monitor Audio, Kef or Jamo but with the internal dsp and power of a powered studio monitor. I know Kef has the LS50 but it's 4 times the price of the Kalis. Fluance and Klipsch have some offerings too but they're not true Studio monitor style dsp and bi-amping, though they are convenient with remote volume controls.
Headphone and aux outs on TVs are rare in some cases. So basically waiting for someone to produce a Kali LP6 with optical input, remote control for volume, bass and treble and maybe a slightly nicer cabinet (though already pretty nice and modern looking) for around $500ish. I think Kali will end up doing it but for now there is nothing.
@@st.thomas5802
Just as Erin recommended the Kali LP-6 V2 and IN-5/8 V2, I do as well. I've heard them all and currently own & use the IN-8V2. I'm pretty sure that all of them are available in white or black now, too.
The price/performance ratio and entry level pricing of the LP-6 V2 is nearly impossible to beat with comparably priced passive bookshelves, especially considering you don't need a separate amplifier to power them.
To take advantage of your HDTV's digital optical output, and to have a Remote with Volume Control for the powered studio monitors, add the tiny but very high performance Topping E30 II DAC/preamp. $149 on Amazon (use Erin's Affiliate Links).
It will also provide system versatility as it has a USB input for direct computer audio, as well as both Toslink Optical and Coaxial digital inputs. The RCA preamp outputs will easily connect to the LP-6 V2 or IN-5/8 V2 with standard RCA interconnects.
If you would also like the addition of a physical Volume Knob (in addition to the included remote), plus wireless Bluetooth 5.0 input with LDAC/Apt-X/Apt-X HD, and a very capable Headphone Amplifier, pay $50 more and get the Topping DX3 PRO+. Both are available in silver or black.
If you can save a bit longer or have the immediate budget for the more expensive IN-5 V2, the extra expense is worth it over the LP-6 V2. But IMPO, even though I own the IN-8V2, they offer very minimal performance advantages over the IN-5V2.
You'd be better off adding a separate subwoofer to the IN-5V2 or LP-6V2. Simply utilize "Y" RCA adapter cables from the Topping preamp outputs to split the signal to the main monitors and to the subwoofer/subwoofer amp inputs.
HTH!
Aren't the woofers in this series weirdly small? From pictures side by side with other speakers, it seems like the 12.1s "5-inch" woofer is closer to a typical 4-inch.. and the 12.2 seems closer to a typical 5-inch..
So I don't think i would consider anything smaller than the 12.2..
Did you find the woofer to look a bit undersized for spec?
I don’t particularly recall thinking they seemed smaller than a 5” midwoofer. But I see how someone could.
I used to have a Wharfedale 225 and it was the same way. When a chorus hit in a pop song there was just no energy. It just sounded dull and soft.
i had same experience with that speaker, but i did not notice it when i bought it, it was all rose tinted glasses back then.
now i had a chance to experience more speakers and it like you said, i hope speaker at that price point has improved.
@@sudd3660 I owned to MANY speakers in that price range: Elac b6.2, Infinity r162, and Micca rb42. The only two I kept for a long time were the jbl stage a130 and the emotiva b1+. Those are the only two that don't have any blaring audible problems and have enough liveliness in the mids and highs to make pop/rock/rap music sound exciting without it being too piercing in the highs. You must use a sub with those two because neither has anywhere near enough bass. I recommend small subs like 8inch because they fill in the midbass better than bigger ones. I listen mostly on a desktop btw. I want to try active DSP speakers next because I read that they're superior to passives. PA speakers are the absolute best for energetic music though.
@@anaxa4883 i am from nearfield setup also, and i have had some active and powered speakers, they sound really good but all of them had hiss noise. would not call them superior even if they had no hiss, the benefit is the dsp parametric eq you can apply.
i just went for a minidsp shd studio, i use it for preamp/volume control, room correction, main and subwoofer crossover.
then from that into dac's and power amps. now i have real-time dsp i can adjust, complete with time delay. way beyond any powered subwoofer can do.
@@anaxa4883 DSP can do cool things. But it can also makes things alot worse. Many Bluetooth speakers that make absolutely horrid use of it. Like limiting output/volume to try and prevent clipping when it's not necessary. Ultimately leads to having less control over your own purchases. Think of any active/powered speaker as a Smartspeaker. 😉
iirc, you like the wharfedale linton inspire of lacking the attack… still?
Yes. Very similar, if I recall correctly.
I have the tower version of this speaker and I agree with you 100%,same issues
What issues do you have with the 12.3/12.4?
Next speaker suggestion: Triangle Borea Br09 or Br03
I believe that brand hasn't been featured on this Channel yet, but it's a good one
I’ve emailed them but didn’t get a reply. If you want to reach out to them on my behalf feel free.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Triangle's speakers are known for being inaccurate. They probably want nothing to do with you 😁
I've found most Wharfedale products have some sort of "laid back" sound to them
Just a suggestion ... you talked about the finish and build quality being good - but you didn't show it !
Maybe a minute or so looking at the speaker itself ? !
£250 in the uk. Wharfedale is always well priced here in thier domestic market. Same for focal in France.
Yep, a LOT of European speakers (and amps) cost a LOT more in the US than there- B&W, Focal, everything from IAG (Wharfedale, Mission, Quad, Audiolab), Monitor Audio, and more. The exceptions are KEF and Elac, which are only slightly higher here in the US. The worst are B&W, Monitor Audio, and Focal, which cost 2x here what they cost over there
Sounds like a hard no for home theater. Speaking of which, have you heard the PSA bookshelves? I'm looking for a high sensitivity sealed speaker for home theater and they aren't crazy expensive.
On UK Amazon these speakers sell for $314 you're paying to import them if the looks make you better about ok but they are a $300ish speaker
Hi this is Naveen thakur from india .i love your videos.plz help me to choose between KEF r3 or wharfedale linton. You have listened both.plz tell me which one is better sounding speaker between 2. The only thing metter for me is sound
KEF R3 are definitely going to have better overall sound but they will definitely not go as low in bass as Lintons simply because Lintons' woofer is soo much larger. But you can add a subwoofer later (or maybe you already have one) to R3 which will take care of the bass. This will add even more to already higher price of R3 but this is the road to really good sound quality. And it's not that R3s do not have the bass, it's just not going to be as low as with Lintons which actually really improves the overall impression of the sound when you have lower bass - you don't necessarily hear those super low frequencies but they add weight and realism to what you hear. Not that Lintons can go as low as any entry level subwoofer on the other hand. I'd say get R3 if you have the money but if you have any chance to listen to at least one of your options before you buy definitely do it.
One more thing: radiation pattern of Lintons is noticeably wider which means you'll get wider soundstage with them going quite a bit outside the actual speakers which is a fun effect but as the radiation pattern is quite uneven you won't get much of "disappearing" effect when you don't hear the sound going from speakers but rather just existing in the air in front of you. The wider soundstage comes at a price: localization of instruments in space is less precise and also the soundstage is more shallow. If you listen to less complex music like classic rock or pop or electronic dance music wider soundstage could be a lot of fun but if you like music with a lot going on at the same time (symphonic classical, big band jazz, complex ambient, art/prog rock, some more complex funk/soul/RnB like late Prince or Curtis Mayfield) you could need the soundstage precision of R3 to better hear the interaction of all these many sounds in such recordings).
@@AntonMochalin thanks for your reply man.its quite complicated i will go with tour chooice.plz let me know wich one you choose if you have these 2 option and let the subwoofer out of equation.
@@naveenthakur9303 TBH I don't know because Lintons measurements are good and they are so much cheaper. If I couldn't listen to both before buying to see which are better to my taste I would get KEF R3. For a bookshelf they still have a lot of bass and so many people like them and they will sound good with more or less any music. R3s are I think a safer bet overall, both R3s and Lintons require a good amp (because of impedance drops) and with a good amp R3s will sound very good.
Too bad you didn't review 12.2, it's only 50 euro more in Europe.
It’s $150 more here in the US. I’d be happy to review them if you want to arrange a pair to be sent to me, though. :)
I asked for it. And i got it
Review of these i mean
To me that dip sounds “muffled”
450 usd? man you guys get a bad deal on these... they retail at £250 here (translates to roughly $300) wonder if that would effect your thoughts on them? I definitely wouldnt buy them at 450... Personally, I dont think these really class as a budget product though, I'm listening through a set of wharfedale diamond 9.0 bookshelfs which at retail cost only £60 ($71) paired with the wharfedale diamond SW150 which cost £150 ($177.50) and that is a truly impressive budget setup for the £210 ($250) total that it cost.
A lot of European speakers cost a lot more here than over there, not just Wharfedale, but all the other IAG brands (Mission, Quad, and their electronics from Quad and Audiolab too), B&W, Monitor Audio, Q Acoustics, and several others. The worst is Focal, and Monitor Audio, which cost twice or more here what they do over there. The Aria 906 is about $1000 US there, and is $2200 here. Their least expensive speaker, the Chora 806, which is about $565 US there, is $1000 here. The Monitor Audio Bronze 50 is about $260 US at Richer Sounds, and are $575 here, while the Bronze 100 are $305 there and $725 here. The exceptions are Elac, Dali, and KEF, which are only slightly higher here.
@@DougMen1 It's probably related with government taxes or audio industry has something specials. I do not see the reason for that. There are all made in China. The shipping cost difference from China to UAS vs Europe is very minimal, does not justify for the difference in price. iphone are made in China and prices are not much different between USA vs Europe.
What do you expect from a 5 inch mid bass...
what 12.1 was sealed, i wonder if that would have helped with the compresion. but then maybe at this price point 5" woofers can not do much.
So many reviewers have reviewed and measured 12.1, while so many potential buyer wish to have real measurements of 12.2. There is NO new information reveled in this review unfortunately. Neally all bookshelf speakers with a single 5.25 inch woofer have limited output. No one should expect to play at 90 db with low distortion. While bookshelf speaker with a single 6.5 inch woofer will provide at least 3 db more sensitivity or output potential with much lower distortion.
If you want to cover the cost of 12.2’s and send them to me, I’ll review them.
As for your metric of 3dB, that’s not factual. You can’t simply assume larger means higher sensitivity.
@@ErinsAudioCorner From all reviews I have read, all single 5.25 woofer bookshelf speakers have limited output, no ifs, buts ands. All single 6.5 woofer bookshelf speakers from the same speaker line have at least 3 db more output. No replacement for displacement, no body has yet to break that rule.
@@swllz That’s a separate topic from what you just said about speakers with 6.5 inch drivers having 3dB higher sensitivity. That comment is patently incorrect. The size of the driver has absolutely nothing to do with it sensitivity. For example, all 8 inch drivers do not have the same sensitivity just as all 5 inch drivers do not have the same sensitivity. Period. 👍
The diamond series is way too muted not much top end
Some of us like sound that brushes gently against our ears(musicality?),but then some like the sound of a power saw cutting through granite.As with everything this is very subjective.I have the 12.2 and every time I listen to my system(Arcam Alpha 8 amp,Alpha 7 cd player),it amazes me with the beautiful harmonic textures.6 hours later,no listening fatigue.Take care.
We have different definitions of muted apparently. Klipsch sounds like the way you should go
@@CADClicker um no klipsh are to hot there are plenty of brands/speakers in the middle and I've owned both
I drive my diamond 12.1’s with a Vintage Kenwood KR4400. Sounds incredible. The bright sound from vintage Japanese receivers pairs well with these “laid back” speakers.
Too expensive. You might as well spend another $150 and get the much better 12.2
Hi sir please help me. How many days asking me. Please some someone help.
I would try a doctor!
@@shujiiishii go to lol sir
to me the looks are its worse feature!
It's annoying to see and endless series of speakers with directivity mismatching issues. Hey guys, lets make another speaker with a big mid woofer and cross it at 5k! /s
The day I unsub is the day you stop making silly sounds with your voice. That's why I'm here, oh and the data I suppose.
I have speakers with an intentional midrange dip (Classix II DIY) and I agree, it's not really a good thing to implement. I have found myself looking to correct with some xover mods.