Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 Review - Better than the 11.2????

[@log791]

I love this guy! What a charming, resigned, semi-depressed attitude! :)) I came for the speaker reviews, but stayed because of the reviewer! :)

[@annebokma4637]

Yeah that's how he got all of us. Don't drink the Sith audio cool aid, you will never ever leave again 🤣🤣🤣

[@a.j9645]

Randy is a cool guy.. AND he knows alot of stuff + he makes informative and good reviews. Back to this old video because I am thinking of buying another pair of Wharfs🙂🇸🇪

[@diggerant]

Thanks Randy I bought the 12.1s and now have ordered the 12 .2s .fantastic speakers thanks for making my mind up. It was SVS prime, 12.1's or the Q 3020i .

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad I could help. thank you so much for your support.

[@MrCroaticus]

"I dont think you buy this and get upset"..Great sell point!

[@angelOcrisu]

I bought these diamonds 12.2 6months ago to pair with the Denon pma 600NE wich after 5 months of run in opened up the higs and didn t do well anymore with the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and ended up selling them. But what I did wrong until recently was misplace the speakers. I had them at only 20cm/8in from the back wall. The sound was wery congested with frequencies overlapping, no sounstage, nothing. After I pulled them further into the room the system livened and now I can enjoy what it was missing. So the conclusion is that the placement is the most important with speakers.

[@wswsn7396]

Did you sell your Monitor Audio Bronze 2 or Diamonds 12.2? Which of them work better with your Denon? Thanks,

[@angelOcrisu]

@@wswsn7396 I ended up selling the Bronze 2 because of the harshness and the lack of bass overall. I still have the Diamonds (wich lack midbass but in sub bass they excel).with the Denon and I am pleased. They have good midrange

[@wswsn7396]

@@angelOcrisu thanks, I have older MA silver RS1 (MSRP $699, 2005 to 2009). I am not sure if D12.2 will be downgrade or lateral move.

[@JohnB-ws4ge]

i keep watching these videos... his of type humor kills me i love it

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Good review as usual, Randy. I'm still happy with my Diamond 11.2's, they're getting better as they break-in; love that bottom port design........... I'll wait for the sale on the 12.2's.........I'm a REAL cheap audio man!

[@skny2282]

11.2 was on sale after 3 years when 12.2 came out. You may need to wait till early 2024 to get promotional price when 13.2 comes out. By then you may need something else.

[@annebokma4637]

@@skny2282 not buying anything sure would make him the cheapest audio man

[@jaredstokes2204]

Break in is bullshit my guy. No such thing.

[@pkn5607]

You sold me because of your music selection 😂

[@Rob1972Gem]

Great video as always BUT i have to thank you for mentioning you Amazon music play list i clicked the link and THANK YOU for Introducing me to some bloody great songs and artists i had never heard before ... Once again thanks and keep making the videos in the manner you do . its always nice to hear someone speak straight and to the point and gives a good overall review of the products on test

[@endoplasreh]

I like your delivery. Sarcastically pointing out the insanity of the cost of some things with open moments silence sprinkled in there. Aside from the reviews, I look forward to just that, someone else who sees the absurdity of what things or services cost today.

[@Giovanni_Lippert]

I was pleased and surprised you started talking about testing the speakers with the same rock music i wanna play with them

[@timothymoorman7437]

Good work getting the Wharfedale 12.2 review to follow so soon after the 11.2s. Back when I was guarding the Western Front, my very first speakers were Wharfedale bookshelf speakers, 6' woofer in a sealed box made from Teak. Loved them. Elac turntable, Sansui 2000 receiver. All components had wood cases back then - 1970.

[@odwatchguy]

Great review Randy, it's amazing what certain sound engineers can bring out of speakers. Get people following Karl-Heinz Fink and Andrew Jones like Air Jordan shoes. Hard to overcome discontinued price over better sounding speakers.

[@geezer5236]

A general comment separate from my other posts. I really appreciate how your reviews try to educate people's ears when evaluating speakers. I also like when you let people know there are some really great speakers being discounted because they're being discontinued. Get them while they last. Bought my Q 3020s based on your review and advice. Quite happy with the result.

[@noahc6246]

Im drinking at the pub right now listening to your review! Cheers!

[@vefTymto]

THANK YOU!! you're da man!

[@hmrowland6114]

I have Wharfedale Evo 4.2, they're incredible. They make many $2,000 dollar speakers go into embarrassed mode. I can't wait to hear these Diamonds... I need another set of speakers for my mono system. Great review. There were rave reviews for Diamond 12.1.Pursuit Perfect System had them in the top 4 of '20 with the 4.2 as his speaker of the year '20.

[@benireges]

Do you use an amp with the Evo?

[@CADClicker]

​@@beniregeswell they're a passive speaker soo...

[@zergbong]

I have these and I agree with your review. Just one thing - to get the good imaging you need to at least 2-3m between them.

[@mattkalis1567]

As you described the sound signature, I couldn’t help but think that it must sound similar to the debut 6.2. Good, even, non offensive, but nothing really stands out. I was delighted when you brought up that comparison in your final thoughts.

[@Harald-MacGerhard]

Way to go, I love that humor..... I think Wharfedale is at the top of the leauge in this category of speakers; Love what they´re doing 🤩

[@carewser]

every time I watch your videos I want to drink coffee

[@carewser]

@Stonnie Mikita yeah, Randy drinking that "Windex" was funny

[@geezer5236]

Your final thoughts talking about how the 12.2s sound with different amps is very interesting. It seems like the basic review should come from using a "neutral" amp to find if a speaker tends warmish or tends bright or remains neutral. My own audio education never really covered how an amp or receiver leans. Could be why sometimes folks are disappointed after buying a recommended speaker and then hearing them on their own system. Could explain why equalizers were a thing once but not so much now it seems. You have done so many reviews on good speakers at a variety of price points it would be nice if you did a basic recap from your experience of the best speakers at different price points that lean warm, bright,or neutral. Maybe include a general observation on whether different amp or receiver brands have a signature sound that tend warm, bright or neutral to help neophyte audiophiles with different budgets to build a soul satisfying system

[@geezer5236]

After hitting send and then rereading my post I note several odd words that don't fit the context. I blame this on my tablet's spell changer and my response is usually FSC. You can probably guess what that means

[@ryousuketakahashi5038]

Also i think the best affordable speakers are : Wharfedale Diamond 11 series , EVO series and Elysian series designed by Peter Comeau. They sound and look like speakers that cost 3 or 4 times more , they are unique and very good built. I HAVE SPOKEN :D

[@RennieAsh]

This is the way.

[@dlloyd6300]

We got D roll, and now we got chapter markers! Look at you go Randy! You're picking this stuff up quick, well done!

[@dragonstone6594]

I just got mine last week brand new for 214€. Possibly the best deal in HiFi history. I heard everything you talked about in this video about sound stage and imaging. It's amazing!

[@FireVejesus]

How in the hell... They cost 450 brand new for me

[@dragonstone6594]

@@FireVejesus You gotta look out for deals. At holidays it's 300€.

[@b.borrelli8688]

@Randy I believe these are the heart of traditional British speaker design w/mid forward presentation

[@titan90000]

From your review these seem to be what I am looking for and the right price as well. I watched your speker shootout that they won as well.

[@shiivu1873]

At £300 in the Uk these sound like my cup of tea mate. Great review and glad u got em to try out. Being in the uk its one of those where u buy uk brands or pay way more so sounds like a great deal to me. And from what u said about them being more neutral and slightly more mid pushy sounds exactly what I want. Thanks mate great review as always!

[@thomasstone1363]

Also try the Q Acoustic 3020i if you can as an alternative to the Wharfedale (I know it will be ages before we can go into uk hi-fi shops again though).

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Sometimes included on ebay promotions( as now Black Friday 2021 weekend 20% off brand new

[@shiivu1873]

@@andrewbrazier9664 Sadly I already went and got some Q Acoustics 3030i and really enjoying them must say.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

@@shiivu1873Forgive me I've only very recently started commenting on You tube vlogs Q Acoustics 3030i are also very well rated in this price range 🙂

[@shiivu1873]

@@andrewbrazier9664 Haha no problem mate :P still fancying the wharfedales at some point for a mix hehehe

[@b.borrelli8688]

Time to checkout Wharfedale EVO 4.1 !!!! I know they’re stretching budget around $700/pair, but maybe a deal can be found to get them around $600/pair near UniFi price?

[@FlyGuy457]

Bass test and tightness / response a great reference is Michael Jackson Streetwalker. Very detailed, lots of punch and very deep. Give it a shot once.

[@Victorius-ua]

do they have a decent bass in your opinion?

[@FlyGuy457]

@@Victorius-ua It's proportioned to the size. I think if you expect a bookshelf presentation, with a British sound profile you will enjoy them very much.

[@Victorius-ua]

@@FlyGuy457 ok, thank you

[@kevin_m]

Just listened to Streetwalker on my system. Great track. I had the Bad cassette back in the day. 😊

[@thefactor6909]

My Final Thoughts.. 😁 Another great review Randy !! It’s amazing how you can hit on all the important sound qualities of a speaker along with mixed in comedy and straight forward keeping it really honesty. Thanks Brother for another outstanding review !! Note to Self.. I need to not want to buy all the speakers you review ! Well almost all of them 😁

[@cheapaudioman]

I hear your pain. There is so much good stuff in this price range.

[@jorgenavas6704]

​@@cheapaudiomanHello! Which integrated amplifier do you recommend? Marantz pm6007 or Denon pma600ne to get started in audiophilia? and watch movies? greetings from Argentina!

[@jonaspetersen7327]

Great video man 🍺

[@blackburnparty]

I'm giving you a like which I dont often do and subscribing .I like your easy to understand no fancy bullshit description s

[@crimsonghost6454]

Nice review and video.

[@laugeb12]

Hi, this video and another of your comparisons led me to buying a pair of whafedale 12.2 which I am very satisfied with. Can you give me some advice to optimize my setup to utilize the speakers' potential for the money. My setup is Amp: Marantz pm5005 Dac: AIYIMA DAC-A2 DC5V Mini Streamer: wiim mini Streaming service: Spotify premium Should I upgrade the amp and/or the Dac?

[@paulkerr9128]

Nice review, thanks Randy. You are getting good at this. You should do it for a living :) Now, Wharfedale. I have a pair of the the original Diamonds - the Diamond 2 from the mid 80's, which i bought in 1987. Tiny compared to the latest Diamonds, but still sound very good and hold up well. I've had my money's worth I think.

[@ar_xiv]

listening to this review through a pair of Diamond III's from 1989

[@sonebombone]

Hey! Liked the video! How do these compare to q acoustics 3030i?

[@BabeTheAstrologer]

He's gonna blow up like crazy

[@philipsimpson5513]

I have a pair of Wharfedale diamond 12.2 with a Cambridge audio axa35 and am disappointed at the bass and low end. I was thinking of changing to the Yamaha A-S501. I have spotted one at a good price and although I am far from being an expert was thinking the Yamaha will give more power and give a fuller bottom end from the Wharfedale speakers. 🤔

[@latinochico]

Did you end up changing it to a as501? How does it sound with the 12.2 ?

[@Roof_Pizza]

Always liked Wharfedale speakers.

[@test40323]

Would love your assessment on Monitor Audio Bronze 2. Produced 2015 - 2020, excellent discount if available, affordable in second hand market. Some prefer it over Wharfedale Diamonds.

[@padmeshsethuraman5617]

i have the previous version BX2. Marantz PM6005 amps + Audioquest 14/2 flex + Audioquest green RCA + Helm Bolt DAC + Tidal MQA + Audirvana + Macbook Pro...sounds good

[@JimboJason]

Thanks for another great review, I recently found your channel, now I'm going through your playlist of bookshelf speakers. I'd love to see a shootout between these and the Kef Q350.

[@terrycard6775]

I will stick to my vintage Kef oda 3s.Best speakers I have ever had.Sealed boxes no chuffing ports.

[@cristi724]

Nice to find another reviewer with a lot of speaker content, and the affordable ones. The "big" audio reviewers on youtube seem to be mostly headphone/IEM focused, and it doesn't appeal to me that much. No fault with them, I imagine it's not fun having giant boxes of speakers in your house, so ear/headphones are easier overall to make content about.

[@BabeTheAstrologer]

Dr Sebi!!!

[@leonardblush2557]

These are what I'd buy were I having to buy tomorrow and there were no sales of closeouts available. As it is, my Diamond 225s are excellent and secure in their role, but maybe someday. when these cost less, I can give away the 10.1s that play with the Pioneer SX-737 in the adjoining basement bedroom/mancave. (The Denton 85ths are the real ideal, but I'm, well...cheap.) It's kinda cool that the designer also did the Q Acoustics 3030i and created an entirely different beast. (There are so many speakers to lust after.)

[@andreassouth1523]

I think that the new designer (who also designed Q acoustics 3030i) altered the warm/non fatiguing sound of 200 series to something else (more agressive highs).Elevated higher frequencies and less bass in comparison with previous wrfs.I'll stick to my diamond 225s (very deep bass,sweet mids and gentle highs).Many buyers complaint about harsh/fatiguing highs.

[@MrRadiorobot]

If Bill Murray did speaker reviews....

[@andreassouth1523]

What about 12.2 vs elac dbr 62?Near to back wall performance (bass-mids),which is the best 12.2 or 11,2 ?Which has less fatigue and more "sweet" treble?

[@sirluke7]

WOW ... how things have changed since my Wharfedale Diamond 1's from when I was in college as a sophomore in college. For itty bitty t***y speakers... they were wonderful in their time. This was beautiful...

[@ryanw0987]

I watched this n the bought these to use as my mains on a denon avrx, awsome speakers sound superb,

[@Grumbledookvid]

Diamond 12.0 or Dali Spektor 1 for nearfield desktop listening?

[@kurthill7030]

Wharfdale make great speakers 👍

[@donaldbrown9976]

How do the 12.2s compare to the evo 4.1s. Is the upgrade to a ribbon tweeter worth it?

[@donaldbrown9976]

Update: I found a used pair of maple Evo 4.1s on ebay and won the auction @ $531. Absolutely love them. However I would still like an A/B comparison.

[@АлексейАлексеев-р4р]

Замечательные колонки, сэр.интересно слушать Вас .у нас они сейчас 470$.куплю их.

[@donpettit7107]

Is that a tin of Prince Albert next to the kid’s toys? Good to get them on the Tobacco Wagon early.

[@RJBynon]

Anyone got a good recommendation for a subwoofer pairing for the diamond 12.2? I have an audiolab 6000a (which i love). The diamonds 12.2 are incredible for most of what i listen to (mostly rock and metal) can't even begin to express how amazing pink floyds album wish you were here sounded on this; but i also listen to a lot of hiphop which uses a lot of ultra low frequencies and you just dont feel them with these speakers thus my need for a sub. I'm in a small appartment and my listening area/office/lounge is about 4x5 meters, despite wanting something earth shatteringly loud I wouldnt actually be able to use it for fear of disturbing my neighbours downstairs. I'm fairly new to all this so would love any advice. Thanks again Randy! I bought the Diamonds because of your recommendations and they've been utterly amazing, everyone who has visited has been blown away, Yes, Michael Jackson, Haken, The Cranberries, Disturbed have all come through amazingly. (definitely not a critique, im of the opinion that all bookshelves need subs to compliment them)

[@marksolstafir]

In 5 years time ELAC will be celebrating their 100th anniversary - what do you think Andrew should produce to commemorate this special occasion?

[@Anand.Asrani]

Nice one Randy !!

[@b.borrelli8688]

I spy some Aperion Novus lurking in background, just hoping to be reviewed . . .

[@mattcolburn8885]

Tell me which speaker to buy! I am finishing a Loud Garage Gym setup with a vintage sony receiver 125watts per channel 8ohm 2 channel setup, speakers are to be mounted in corners of ceiling. Need loud clear mid-bass and vocals. Thanks to your reviews I have my speakers narrowed down to polk s20, diamond 12.2 or svs prime satellite? I dont love super bright treble.

[@zardoz2627]

Thumbs up for the dogs shouldn't cost much comment. Go to the pound. Get a dog that needs you as much as you need it.

[@tpn8402]

Been enjoying your reviews 👍 How would you say these compare to Elac Debut Reference bookshelves tonally? Do you consider the more expensive Elacs a higher tier in sound quality or just a different flavor?

[@emilnagy3549]

Can you get your hands on a pair of Diamond 225s ? I would like to see a comparison and if it's worth upgrading

[@andreassouth1523]

Strongly Agree! I also have 225 and I am very happy.

[@paulo1901]

Nice review, Rand! I just ordered a pair of these from Crutchfield. Do these need a break in period? Thanks, man!

[@c.r.sherman1795]

How are the diamond 225s? They're only $349 on Amazon now?

[@uglyduckling81]

Would you use this speaker as a rear speaker in a home theatre? My old rears are dying. One of them is making horrible static sounds in certain ranges now.

[@TonicofSonic]

9:20 he takes a huge steamy dump on the faces of 95% of speaker designers and then gives them an epic staredown complete with smirk. I love this man already.

[@janis5027]

is it worth to pay extra for denton 85?!

[@karimd.6951]

Just watched 1 Video of randy and subscribed immediately. I already have a nubert setup but looking for a pair for my summer holiday home. Great reviews. But guys give me your advise. Klipsch 11.2/12.2 or Klipsch rp150m?????

[@goozlo]

I originally got the Diamond 12.2 and it was a box of distortion and harmonics , awful speaker. I returned the 12.2 and got the EVO 4.1 and what a difference. The EVO 4.1 is light years ahead , the sound is crystal clear , the amount of clarity and details you hear are immense, the base is super deep and tight, much better than Diamond 12.2. And the looks are to die for.

[@Grumbledookvid]

Reviews say otherwise

[@goozlo]

@@Grumbledookvid not really a valid argument

[@donvittoriosierra]

Try the newest cheapest series of Wharfedales... The D300 series. Try the D320. These are supposedly Wharfedale's answer to the Elac debut series.

[@rodplanet5901]

Are they any good?

[@donvittoriosierra]

@@rodplanet5901 I an curious as well but if a short video sound demo is any indication, they seem to be.

[@rodplanet5901]

@@donvittoriosierra These 320s seem to be the least popular among the diamond series. And not much of a review over the net. Thanks

[@donvittoriosierra]

@@rodplanet5901 it looks cool and with a bottom port

[@technology4647]

Sir one question. I heard the sound of wharfedale 11.1 and 12.1 with same amplifier marantz pm 6006 . What I felt that 11.1 is much more warmer and soothing comared to 12.1. Does the keevler cone in wharfedale 11 series had some advantage?

[@starg47]

I'm thinking of buying these, but I also like the Dali Spektor 2, which is better for a bedroom desk ?

[@corkydukeII5898]

Hahaha! I don't know about your kids, but i'd love to babysit your audio equip for a week! : )

[@thomasward00]

I would love to see a comparison between the 12.2 and the MA Bronze 100, wonder what that 8 inch woofer will do for the sound.

[@Pearlyson]

Excellent channel!! Could you please call Amazon and tell them to make Amazon Music HD available in Sweden?

[@cheapaudioman]

I’d love to but I don’t think they’ll listen. I need to link my playlist in Tidal and Quobuz as well.

[@goingfurther8092]

Would you choose these over the kef q150s?

[@angelllacuna8889]

why this Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 speakers are not on your list of recommended speakers "around $500" along with the SVS Prime ?

[@cheapaudioman]

I think they are on the later videos. they are. just checked

[@estenray6685]

Sorry had wrong designation of speakers I meant to write Wharfdale Diamond 12.2 not 12.1

[@hothousebebop6627]

I gotta tell you Randy.....You are One Strange Guy.....but you do a Great job!

[@paulo1901]

Nice one, Rand! What kind of amplification would match theses? Thanks!

[@pavelrinn5714]

What is the back side made of please? Is it thick and sturdy?

[@nathandaniels4823]

That opener! Like the KZbin audio reviewer’s Ron Swanson.

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

Did I see that correctly? Is the red speaker terminal on the left?

[@wg5768]

Should I pair these English speakers with tea and crumpets or fish and chips? Waiting for the Woofdale Designer Series 13.3 to come out!

[@skny2282]

Diamond 13 series will come out in the 4th quarter of 2023.

[@tunesart4542]

Is the diamond 12.2 or 225 overall better sounding?

[@keng7517]

found someone cheerier then me , I may have missed it, but did you recommend a budget amplifier for these speakers

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Some have said on here Marantz pairs well with Wharfdale 12.2 . Shouldn't be difficult to drive . Very popular speaker in the UK

[@crazy4u20]

Are you able to tell me which bookshelve speaker placed four inches from wall is best for listening to George Strait and Led Zeppelin ? Thank you for your expertise and your channel. ~~~~ peace

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Sounds like there's a definite tradeoff between musicality and detail, and this speaker leans musical rather than detailed -- but I haven't always experienced those things as a tradeoff. I wonder if these would do unusually well when paired with an inexpensive class-D amp, to "recover" some of those missing details.

[@71Wraith]

Always liked Woofdales 🐕

[@mindriot010]

Do you think these or the wharfedale diamond 220’s would pair well with a Yamaha AS501 integrated amp?

[@sherwood5103]

Hi Randy. What do you think about the Wharfedale Diamonds 11 and 12 comparing to the ELAC's Debut References? I have the older model Diamond 225. I like it, but it's very flat sounding, and sometimes it feels like it lacks some highs or clarity in the vocals. The thing is, I got them brand new for only $200. The ELACs are $600. Are the DBRs that much better? Some reviews are saying they are also laid back. I'm afraid to not spend that much money and be similar in highs or having the vocals too distant or muddy. I also don't want very bright speakers like the Kilpsch or Monitor Audio. Thanks!

[@nc3419]

I heard both the 225s and the Quad s-2 in an audio shop and the differences at the time were the Quads had better layering and a larger sweetspot. But the 225s sounded nice too. When I tried the Quads at home, they were the most resolving speaker I ever had in my system but were flat as a pancake SS with no depth and I didn't hear anything coming from behind the speakers like I do on my own. So I understand what you say regarding flat. For the price, you should be able to get most of your money back as they are a nice set of speakers. If you want some depth, you may have to up the ante with speakers but depth also also has to do with the source, amp and recording working together. How highs are rendered as well as having a tighter bottom end probably adds to the effect. Returned the Quads because they didn't engage me with music but they were great for movies and soundtrack.

[@cheapaudioman]

Debut reference are great and one of my favorite speakers. The Diamond 12.2’s are a bit more neutral than the debut reference. The reference has a little more butter than the 12.2’s. The 225 may perk up with a SMSL ad18 or topping mx3 as well.

[@nc3419]

I think 9:17 thru 9:22 just summed it up.

[@skny2282]

The music speakers that have personality and taste.

[@SacreDro]

Any Dynaudio tests or some Monitor Audio?

[@cheapaudioman]

Thought I’d have some monitor audio bronze speakers in but it didn’t happen. Would love to do both if I can

[@jeffwhiteaker7033]

Randy, if you had a smallish 12 x 15 ft. room, which speakers would you be more inclined to use, the Diamond 12.2s or the floor-standing 11.4s?

[@raventalla6926]

Hi Randy, How are you? how about Diamond 12.0? have you tried it? thank you!

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

These are £249 here in the U.K. great value for the money

[@gillian_seed8358]

Thinking about picking these up for my Marantz NR1200 to upgrade the sony sscs5s. It’s got that annoying setting for 8 6 and 4 ohms....we all agree thats BS and to leave it on 8 ohm no matter what right ? Just wondering cause it seems like when i set it to 6 ohms to match the sony i had to crank it louder

[@kevinwest1607]

Been wanting to demo some these.

[@jlo8775]

Tnx for turning me on to the Pale Emperor!

[@11chorizo]

Great videos! Do you think these will pair well with the Wharfedale Diamond 11.cs?

[@danallan4860]

Curious if you prefer this over the SVS Prime? I listen to all genres of music, and especially like accurate male vocals, at about 65-75 dBs. I currently use both a Yamaha and NAD amplifier, and I'm trying to decide between the two speakers?

[@feanir]

I really like these speakers and I also like to know, if these are good match for Yamaha stereo amp (kind of r-n303 - 802 line).