In this review, we will be comparing Blackstone TL1 and Diamond 12.C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TL1 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk TL1 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk TL1 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C 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 Blackstone TL1 and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk TL1 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.5-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 2.5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Blackstone TL1 features a 0.5" silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer . On the other hand, the Diamond 12.C features a 1" woven polyester soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Blackstone TL1 has a frequency range of 125-20k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 90Hz, the Diamond 12.C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Blackstone TL1's min frequency of 125Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Blackstone TL1 and Diamond 12.C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Blackstone TL1 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Diamond 12.C's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TL1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Blackstone TL1 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 12.C has a max power handling value of 102 watts RMS, 23 watts less than the Blackstone TL1.
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 12.C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Blackstone TL1 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Polk TL1's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Polk TL1 has external dimensions of 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm ( 3-15/16 x 15 x 3-7/16inch) whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 18-15/16 x 8-11/16inch) .
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 101mm wider, 80mm taller and 133mm deeper than Polk TL1.
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 Polk TL1 is approximately 335.3cm2 / 52.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The Blackstone TL1 requires 69% less surface area than the Diamond 12.C which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk TL1 weighs 1.84kg / 4lbs and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs. This makes the Diamond 12.C 362% heavier than the Blackstone TL1.
Here is a comparison of how Blackstone TL1 and Diamond 12.C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk TL1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Blackstone TL1:
Gloss-black center-channel loudspeakerDetachable black cloth grille (attached)System Diagram/Warranty sheetTemplateOnline Product Registration cardImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 12.C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-bars(pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets Manual
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
102 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Height |
101mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
335cm2 (381x88mm)
vs
1065cm2 (482x221mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
79USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
2.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
90 Hz
vs
125 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
General |
Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
10-125 watts |
20-102 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
125-20k Hz |
90-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
2.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Dynamic Balance |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
Tweeter Size |
0.5" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
dome |
soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
101.0mm (4") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
381.0mm (15") |
482.0mm (19") |
Depth |
88.0mm (3.5") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
1.84kg (4lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
White, Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |