In this review, we will be comparing Q Acoustics 5090 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 5090 and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Q Acoustics 5090 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 Q Acoustics 5090 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 Q Acoustics 5090 and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Q Acoustics 5090 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Q Acoustics 5090 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100 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
Q Acoustics 5090 has a frequency range of 57-30k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Q Acoustics 5090 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
Q Acoustics 5090 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. Q Acoustics 5090 sensitivity is rated at 90.5 dB and the Diamond 12.C's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 5090 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Diamond 12.C, 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.
Q Acoustics 5090 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 12.C has a max power handling value of 102 watts RMS, 48 watts less than the Q Acoustics 5090.
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. Q Acoustics 5090 has a Binding 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 Q Acoustics 5090's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 5090 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 431.0 x 245.0mm ( 6-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch ) 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) .
Q Acoustics 5090 is 51mm narrower and 15mm shorter than Wharfedale Diamond 12.C but it is also 24mm 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 Q Acoustics 5090 is approximately 1056.0cm2 / 163.7inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The Q Acoustics 5090 requires 1% 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 Q Acoustics 5090 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Q Acoustics 5090 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 Q Acoustics 5090?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q Acoustics 5090:
1x 5090 loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
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 |
150 watts
vs
102 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
166mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1056cm2 (431x245mm)
vs
1065cm2 (482x221mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Minimum Impedance |
3.7 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Q Acoustics 5090 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
25-150 watts |
20-102 watts |
Sensitivity |
90.5 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
57-30k Hz |
90-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuous Curved Cone |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2100 Hz |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
166.0mm (6.5") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
431.0mm (17") |
482.0mm (19") |
Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Relfex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Holme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood |
White, Walnut, Black |
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 |