The Diamond 12.2 really have very valuable qualities. I find that they are balanced, not tiring to listen to and rather neutral. Small boxes that sound really good at a more than fair price.
@@ctr289did you own the 12.2's? I do, but struggle to enjoy them with rock/metal. Any other genre they seem to handle. Seriously considering the Evo 4.2's
Agreed! Bought a pair of Q Acoustic 3030i which were a very nice sound but just a bit to reserved for my needs. Returned the 3030i and replaced them with the 12.2. After some time burning them in they sound more lively and with an focused bass, clear midrange and detailed highs. They pair very well with the Denon PMA900HNE. The Denon also needs time to burn in and that’s a truth! Out of the box is was harsh and very sharp so after 10-15 hours playback the Denon’s treble broke through in fine melodic detail. Bass pushing through with warmth and power. It’s still breaking in at the moment coming up to 50 hours but has settled with the 12.2’s very nicely indeed. Huge open, detailed deep soundstage and Airplay sounds excellent! Both of these components are worth the money.
A better comparison would be between the Evo 4.1 and the Diamond 12.2. Here the Evo 4.2 sounds better in most regards than the 12.2. The only thing I don't like is how the mid-range is too forward on the Evo.
First off, the Yamaha RS 202 doesn't seem to be cutting it with either speaker, especially the Evo 4.2. Secondly, I've long felt that the 12.2s have a certain raspiness to the sound which isn't present on the Evo 4.2s here. I can't speak for real life listening of the Evo 4.2s because I've not heard them but pretty much everybody says that they're not easy to set up for good sound viz a viz listener and room positioning. I guess they're not easy to record well either. They just sound a bit compressed/restricted with the highs a bit under represented making them sound a bit dull.
@@34332 it is. the Polks are very neutral . I own a pair of Focal chorus 807v's that actually can sound better than the Polks but it's actually a close battle. I've tries recording a video but the phones microphone doesn't pick up the sound right. I need a real microphone
@@IamVintage72 That ringdome tweeter is very impressive, but you need some distance to the tweeter for a wider sweetspot. And like said before, positioning can be a bitch for some rooms (at least mine). Get it right and it 'rocks' 😄
Exposure, Naim, later series Arcams, Wharfdales respond to High Current amps, I own the Dentons 85 and their behaviour varies markedly with electronics, nothing wrong the Yamaha ( I've owned an AS-1100) Wharfdale respond to Sizzle, that's what I've found in my case !
The EVO is probably the most calm, collected and subtle one, with great mids and a more subdued but refined top-end, however, it didn't exactly excite that much with more demanding tracks.The 12.2 can really kick ass, where percussion is impactfull, and there's more edge and space. In favor of the EVO, It may have underperformed here as it probably needs some good tweeterlevel positioning and distance to shine.
The 12.2 can kick ass yet in Erin's review he said that he found the 12.1 to be laidback and mellow. Imagine what the Evos are like. Mids are pronounced, anywhere near bass region is overdampened, highs are more sensitive than my wife when I call her fat.
@@AbsoluteFidelity Lmao! From AVR: "They have a small sweet spot which sometimes stopped me from relaxing fully as I was distracted by making sure I was in the perfect position at all times". About the 12.1, Perfect Persuit was quite impressed by them. From his demo it didn't sound mellow at all.
@@34332 you wont find the 12s mellow if you do not compare it with other speakers that are flat throughout, the 'BBC Dip' is actually a very cleverly executed response and makes up for the sensitivity in our human hearing. So much so Focals are using it but to a lesser extent; check out the Aria 906's on axis and PIR in ASR, it has a very shallow dip too. Even some Revels have it (forgot which model). This dip almost always presents a greater depth which is always welcome. I do find the dip a wee bit too deep on the 12s though, something like the Revels and the Focals work amazing. Heck even the Meta has it in the PIR, obviously it was intended by KEF. Definitely makes for a smoother listen. Try typing in LS50 Meta vs Genelec 8431 on yt and give it a listen, the Meta sounds smoother and the Genelec has a more analytical sound, as it should. They are not far off though.
@@AbsoluteFidelity It is very intentional, because it's not a studio monitor and more tuned towards a 'fun' sound and/or involvement (you have to appeal a large crowd). When I consider it's a fine line between too analytical and enjoyable, I'm so much more impressed by manufacturers who get that exactly right (Focal for example) 😄
Much prefer the 12.2 here, I shouldn’t given the price difference or maybe system match is the problem but the 12.2s are showing a lot more music here…the others sound veiled in comparison…too restrained…?
@@libertalian_8415…12.2 sound a touch more lively which is why I chose them over the Q Acoustic 3030i after testing both. The 3030i are quite a bit more reserved but not in a bad way just more a subjective way. I have the 12.2 matched with the Denon PMA900HNE and I think it’s a good pairing. Airplay via the internal dac sounds fine for everyday listening. Evo’s are possibly more refined but I’m not sure if they would be the better for my already smooth and apparently ‘laidback’ Denon 900. The sound I have is very easy on the ear, engaging, good depth and width to the soundstage. It’s not the last word in detail according to some if you believe that ‘detail’ is the primary reason for HiFi which many seem to do. Personally, I have found with the more lean analytical sounding amps that provide those details in that approach to music can be tiresome after a couple of hours listening and I often find myself looking for a more warmer, smooth and fuller sound which and with enough detail, the 900hne provides. Those analytical components can be like sitting an A level exam and have giving me the same feeling of mental exhaustion from time to time especially with Class D. The 12.2 compliments the Denon amp with its more neutral approach effortlessly allowing the Denon to push through with ease, authority and clarity but also warmth. A very relaxing sound that also opens up considerably as the volume increases. Great combo! The Evo may improve again and really for the price they should but then for my Denon they maybe just a touch too warm where as for something like the Audiolab 6000a they maybe the better choice, at least in theory.
What amp is good with Diamond 12.2? For now choosing between Yamaha A-S 201 (maybe 301 to add sub later) Pioneer A-40AE, Denon PMA 600, Campridge Audio Azur 640r or AXA20 Maybe smth else.. I'm new to Hi-Fi, pls help 🙏
Cambridge AXR-100, Marantz PM6007, Emotiva TA-1. The Emotiva is my favorite in this range. These are all neutral sounding which pair well with the Wharfedale speakers. Rotel, Audiolab, lower end Music Fidelity are all very detail oriented and may be too much on the top end (fatiguing).
What you earing here is very representative of the Evo 4.2. I just but them and I realized that the AMT tweeter give almost any sound. Put the original crossover in the garbage and redesign another one with quality parts and let the AMT tweeter played at it full potential. The difference in sound is night and day. And the sweet spot is wider.
Alpha audio didn't like 12.2 at all in its review. According to its measurements and listening test, 12.2 has high distortion peak and is far too bright. Perhaps this is exactly what a few heard here before in its treble.
I saw this review too. Yet cheapaudioman lorded this speaker claiming it to be perfect for a well suited englishman (whatever this meant). I dont think reviewers give speakers a blast at times😊
I don't think the Evo's can ever sound balanced, even within their tiny sweetspot, wich your mics must be close to here. Very exaggerated in the center and low mids and dull top and bottom. Theyr'e texturaly nice and easy on the ears, but that can't make them worth a lot. Even the more balanced and livelier 12.2s sound a bit dull here with the R202 though.
Evo literally wipes the floor with Diamonds. Evo speakers deliver several more vertical layers of music, a wider stage, more depth to the stage, airy nuance. It's not a fair comparison at all.
The Evo is a joke in real life, not that it sounds better here. Almost no one wants a 1 inch sweetspot. The Evo's bass is soggy too. But when you are in the right spot, it can sound amazing like a 10,000 dollar speaker. That right spot is +/- 5mm vertically and horizontally. And this doesnt happen to the Elysians if anyone wants to blame AMT.
@@34332 call it as it is Mike, you are not offending anyone besides the speaker. Lmfao! Wait till you setup an Evo for critical listening IRL, you will start cursing if perfection is what you are after.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I just don't get it. "Lets design a 3 way speaker with the most narrow sweetspot ever". Yeah, good idea! 😄 How's the Focal(s) doing?
@@34332 I am amazed everytime I turn them on, its incredible what detail it brings. I wont need to go as far as the 826, the 806 is already incredible. Ive always been searching for such a sound, this type of sound is 'hifi' in my definition since I was really young when I heard my uncle's system back in the 90s. Im not saying that everyone would like such a sound but I love it. Its so 'Ultra HD'!
Man that's good to know. Around 2 years ago I decided to get back into this hobby 😆. I almost bought them but the day I was making he purchase I saw that Polk Reserve line was launched and I bought the Reserve 200s and they actually sound good.
![SOUND BATTLE - Klipsch RP600M vs Wharfedale EVO 4.2 As Expected?[Sound Comparison] Marantz PM7000N](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uTwiOCDSWIA/mqdefault.jpg)
The Diamond 12.2 really have very valuable qualities. I find that they are balanced, not tiring to listen to and rather neutral.
Small boxes that sound really good at a more than fair price.
They are tiring, they have mid-highs aggressiveness, the Evos are a lot easier on the ears and more refined
@@ctr289did you own the 12.2's? I do, but struggle to enjoy them with rock/metal. Any other genre they seem to handle. Seriously considering the Evo 4.2's
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2
I can easily buy another pair of them... excellent speakers... it's a steal for the money they ask...
Agreed! Bought a pair of Q Acoustic 3030i which were a very nice sound but just a bit to reserved for my needs. Returned the 3030i and replaced them with the 12.2. After some time burning them in they sound more lively and with an focused bass, clear midrange and detailed highs. They pair very well with the Denon PMA900HNE. The Denon also needs time to burn in and that’s a truth! Out of the box is was harsh and very sharp so after 10-15 hours playback the Denon’s treble broke through in fine melodic detail. Bass pushing through with warmth and power. It’s still breaking in at the moment coming up to 50 hours but has settled with the 12.2’s very nicely indeed. Huge open, detailed deep soundstage and Airplay sounds excellent! Both of these components are worth the money.
A better comparison would be between the Evo 4.1 and the Diamond 12.2. Here the Evo 4.2 sounds better in most regards than the 12.2. The only thing I don't like is how the mid-range is too forward on the Evo.
First off, the Yamaha RS 202 doesn't seem to be cutting it with either speaker, especially the Evo 4.2. Secondly, I've long felt that the 12.2s have a certain raspiness to the sound which isn't present on the Evo 4.2s here. I can't speak for real life listening of the Evo 4.2s because I've not heard them but pretty much everybody says that they're not easy to set up for good sound viz a viz listener and room positioning. I guess they're not easy to record well either. They just sound a bit compressed/restricted with the highs a bit under represented making them sound a bit dull.
Dang I missed this channel so much. I actually like the Wharfs !!
Both or one in particular?
@@34332 hi Mike 👋 I own the Polk r 200s so that's probably why I like the Wharfs over the Evo 4.2
@@IamVintage72
I imagined that, their frequency response is very similar. 😄
@@34332 it is. the Polks are very neutral . I own a pair of Focal chorus 807v's that actually can sound better than the Polks but it's actually a close battle. I've tries recording a video but the phones microphone doesn't pick up the sound right. I need a real microphone
@@IamVintage72
That ringdome tweeter is very impressive, but you need some distance to the tweeter for a wider sweetspot. And like said before, positioning can be a bitch for some rooms (at least mine). Get it right and it 'rocks' 😄
the diamond 12,2 sounded way better on my hifiman XS. More clear and more fun
Diamond for shure
SURE, not SHURE
@@DougMen1 still Dimond
@Lusifa Diamond for shure
Diamond неожиданно удивили!
I agree with other posters. Would like to have heard both of these Wharfies with a better matching British voiced amp !
Which one? Examples please
Exposure, Naim, later series Arcams, Wharfdales respond to High Current amps, I own the Dentons 85 and their behaviour varies markedly with electronics, nothing wrong the Yamaha ( I've owned an AS-1100) Wharfdale respond to Sizzle, that's what I've found in my case !
@@DieTabbi Leak 130, Mission 775x, Audio Lab 6000a. Also great choices Rotel A11, A12, Arcam SA10/20, Marantz PM6007, Emotiva TA-1.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 sounds clearer for me
Same.
The EVO is probably the most calm, collected and subtle one, with great mids and a more subdued but refined top-end, however, it didn't exactly excite that much with more demanding tracks.The 12.2 can really kick ass, where percussion is impactfull, and there's more edge and space. In favor of the EVO, It may have underperformed here as it probably needs some good tweeterlevel positioning and distance to shine.
The 12.2 can kick ass yet in Erin's review he said that he found the 12.1 to be laidback and mellow. Imagine what the Evos are like. Mids are pronounced, anywhere near bass region is overdampened, highs are more sensitive than my wife when I call her fat.
@@AbsoluteFidelity
Lmao! From AVR: "They have a small sweet spot which sometimes stopped me from relaxing fully as I was distracted by making sure I was in the perfect position at all times".
About the 12.1, Perfect Persuit was quite impressed by them. From his demo it didn't sound mellow at all.
@@34332 you wont find the 12s mellow if you do not compare it with other speakers that are flat throughout, the 'BBC Dip' is actually a very cleverly executed response and makes up for the sensitivity in our human hearing. So much so Focals are using it but to a lesser extent; check out the Aria 906's on axis and PIR in ASR, it has a very shallow dip too. Even some Revels have it (forgot which model). This dip almost always presents a greater depth which is always welcome. I do find the dip a wee bit too deep on the 12s though, something like the Revels and the Focals work amazing. Heck even the Meta has it in the PIR, obviously it was intended by KEF. Definitely makes for a smoother listen. Try typing in LS50 Meta vs Genelec 8431 on yt and give it a listen, the Meta sounds smoother and the Genelec has a more analytical sound, as it should. They are not far off though.
@@AbsoluteFidelity
It is very intentional, because it's not a studio monitor and more tuned towards a 'fun' sound and/or involvement (you have to appeal a large crowd). When I consider it's a fine line between too analytical and enjoyable, I'm so much more impressed by manufacturers who get that exactly right (Focal for example) 😄
There's not much wrong with these Whafedale Diamond series speakers for half the cost.
Much prefer the 12.2 here, I shouldn’t given the price difference or maybe system match is the problem but the 12.2s are showing a lot more music here…the others sound veiled in comparison…too restrained…?
I think that Diamonds sound more artifitial here and EVO's more natural, but I do get why people like the sound of Diamonds.
@@libertalian_8415…12.2 sound a touch more lively which is why I chose them over the Q Acoustic 3030i after testing both. The 3030i are quite a bit more reserved but not in a bad way just more a subjective way. I have the 12.2 matched with the Denon PMA900HNE and I think it’s a good pairing. Airplay via the internal dac sounds fine for everyday listening. Evo’s are possibly more refined but I’m not sure if they would be the better for my already smooth and apparently ‘laidback’ Denon 900. The sound I have is very easy on the ear, engaging, good depth and width to the soundstage. It’s not the last word in detail according to some if you believe that ‘detail’ is the primary reason for HiFi which many seem to do. Personally, I have found with the more lean analytical sounding amps that provide those details in that approach to music can be tiresome after a couple of hours listening and I often find myself looking for a more warmer, smooth and fuller sound which and with enough detail, the 900hne provides. Those analytical components can be like sitting an A level exam and have giving me the same feeling of mental exhaustion from time to time especially with Class D. The 12.2 compliments the Denon amp with its more neutral approach effortlessly allowing the Denon to push through with ease, authority and clarity but also warmth. A very relaxing sound that also opens up considerably as the volume increases. Great combo! The Evo may improve again and really for the price they should but then for my Denon they maybe just a touch too warm where as for something like the Audiolab 6000a they maybe the better choice, at least in theory.
What amp is good with Diamond 12.2? For now choosing between Yamaha A-S 201 (maybe 301 to add sub later) Pioneer A-40AE, Denon PMA 600, Campridge Audio Azur 640r or AXA20 Maybe smth else.. I'm new to Hi-Fi, pls help 🙏
Cambridge AXR-100, Marantz PM6007, Emotiva TA-1. The Emotiva is my favorite in this range. These are all neutral sounding which pair well with the Wharfedale speakers. Rotel, Audiolab, lower end Music Fidelity are all very detail oriented and may be too much on the top end (fatiguing).
Audiolab 6000A
What you earing here is very representative of the Evo 4.2. I just but them and I realized that the AMT tweeter give almost any sound. Put the original crossover in the garbage and redesign another one with quality parts and let the AMT tweeter played at it full potential. The difference in sound is night and day. And the sweet spot is wider.
Ive seen a video with a chap recapping the cross over. If the speakers were old school id be brave enough but these new drivers scare me.
Yes, that's right, sounds like something is holding AMT from playing 100%
Alpha audio didn't like 12.2 at all in its review. According to its measurements and listening test, 12.2 has high distortion peak and is far too bright. Perhaps this is exactly what a few heard here before in its treble.
I saw this review too. Yet cheapaudioman lorded this speaker claiming it to be perfect for a well suited englishman (whatever this meant). I dont think reviewers give speakers a blast at times😊
@@CM-dw3gh Cheapaudioman has said that he has high frequency hearing loss. That's maybe the reason he likes bright speakers.
Not a big fan of the ribbon tweeter. The Evo sounds congested and the 12.2 sounds scooped.
I don't think the Evo's can ever sound balanced, even within their tiny sweetspot, wich your mics must be close to here. Very exaggerated in the center and low mids and dull top and bottom. Theyr'e texturaly nice and easy on the ears, but that can't make them worth a lot. Even the more balanced and livelier 12.2s sound a bit dull here with the R202 though.
So not as good for what they cost, the EVO's I mean.
Meglio il due vie 12.2
🤔🎧🎶🎶🎶🎶Evo 4.2👍👍👍👍🇵🇱
Evo literally wipes the floor with Diamonds. Evo speakers deliver several more vertical layers of music, a wider stage, more depth to the stage, airy nuance.
It's not a fair comparison at all.
EVO 4,2
The Evo is a joke in real life, not that it sounds better here. Almost no one wants a 1 inch sweetspot. The Evo's bass is soggy too. But when you are in the right spot, it can sound amazing like a 10,000 dollar speaker. That right spot is +/- 5mm vertically and horizontally. And this doesnt happen to the Elysians if anyone wants to blame AMT.
I tried to keep it nice, LOL!
@@34332 call it as it is Mike, you are not offending anyone besides the speaker. Lmfao! Wait till you setup an Evo for critical listening IRL, you will start cursing if perfection is what you are after.
@@AbsoluteFidelity
I just don't get it. "Lets design a 3 way speaker with the most narrow sweetspot ever". Yeah, good idea! 😄
How's the Focal(s) doing?
@@34332 I am amazed everytime I turn them on, its incredible what detail it brings. I wont need to go as far as the 826, the 806 is already incredible. Ive always been searching for such a sound, this type of sound is 'hifi' in my definition since I was really young when I heard my uncle's system back in the 90s. Im not saying that everyone would like such a sound but I love it. Its so 'Ultra HD'!
Man that's good to know. Around 2 years ago I decided to get back into this hobby 😆. I almost bought them but the day I was making he purchase I saw that Polk Reserve line was launched and I bought the Reserve 200s and they actually sound good.
Р
The Yamaha can't handle either of these spealers, with very dull flat sound, lacking in any dynamics or life with either of them