In this review, we will be comparing Omada No.1 and Diamond 225, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Omada No.1 and Wharfedale 225 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Focal Omada No.1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Inverted Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Carbon Fiber + Polymer Woofer
- 56-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 89.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Weight:7.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 388.0" x 8-5/8" x 10-3/4"( 388.0 x 220.0 x 274.0mm )
Wharfedale 225 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer
- 45-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Weight:6.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 355.0" x 7.7" x 11.4"( 355.0 x 196.0 x 290.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Omada No.1 and Wharfedale 225 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Omada No.1 and Diamond 225 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Omada No.1 |
Wharfedale 225 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Omada No.1 features a 1" Al/Mg Inverted Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Carbon Fiber + Polymer Woofer . On the other hand, the Diamond 225 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
Omada No.1 has a frequency range of 56-30k Hz whereas Diamond 225 has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Diamond 225 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Omada No.1's min frequency of 56Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Omada No.1 and Diamond 225 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Omada No.1 sensitivity is rated at 89.5 dB and the Diamond 225's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Focal Omada No.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 225, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Omada No.1 and Diamond 225 has the same power range of 25-120 watts.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Diamond 225 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Omada No.1 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale 225's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Omada No.1 has a front firing port whereas Diamond 225 has a bottom firing ports. Focal Omada No.1's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale 225 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Focal Omada No.1's and Wharfedale 225's external dimensions. Focal Omada No.1 has external dimensions of 388.0 x 220.0 x 274.0mm ( 15-1/4inch x 8-5/8inch x 10-3/4inch ) whereas Wharfedale 225 has external dimensions of 355.0 x 196.0 x 290.0mm ( 13.9 x 7.7 x 11.4inch) .
Wharfedale 225 is 24mm narrower and 33mm shorter than Focal Omada No.1 but it is also 16mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Focal Omada No.1 is approximately 602.8cm2 / 93.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 225 is approximately 568.4cm2 / 88.1inch2. The Omada No.1 requires 6% more surface area than the Diamond 225 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Focal Omada No.1 weighs 7.00kg / 15.4lbs and the Wharfedale 225 weighs 6.55kg / 14.4lbs. This makes the Omada No.1 7% heavier than the Diamond 225.
Here is a comparison of how Omada No.1 and Diamond 225's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Omada No.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Omada No.1:
2 Bookshelf speakers 2 Grilles 8 rubber feet Cleaning cloth User Manual Focal brochure
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 225?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 225:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User's Manual Installation Guide
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
355mm
vs
388mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
568cm2
vs
602cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
898USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Omada No.1 |
Wharfedale Diamond 225 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-120 watts |
25-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89.5 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
56-30k Hz |
45-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon Fiber + Polymer |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Inverted Hard-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2300Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
388.0mm (15.3") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Depth |
274.0mm (10.8") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
7.00kg (15.4lbs) |
6.55kg (14.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-24" |
24" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |