In this review, we will be comparing 3090Ci and Diamond 12.C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Q Acoustics and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3090Ci and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3090Ci Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer
- 75-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:6.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 153.0" x 16.9" x 8.5"( 153 x 430 x 216 mm )
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) Woofer
- 90-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-102watts
- Weight:8.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 18-15/16" x 8-11/16"( 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3090Ci 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics 3090Ci 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both 3090Ci and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
3090Ci features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700 Hz. 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
3090Ci has a frequency range of 75-30k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 75Hz, the 3090Ci can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 12.C's min frequency of 90Hz.
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
3090Ci is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Diamond 12.C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 3090Ci sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Diamond 12.C's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3090Ci, 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.
3090Ci can handle a max power of 102 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3090Ci has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 2 watts less than the Diamond 12.C.
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. 3090Ci has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 3090Ci's Binding post terminals
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3090Ci has external dimensions of 153 x 430 x 216 mm ( 6 x 16.9 x 8.5 in) 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 52mm wider, 28mm taller and 5mm deeper than Q Acoustics 3090Ci.
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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci is approximately 928.8cm2 / 144.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The 3090Ci requires 13% less surface area than the Diamond 12.C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.