In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto CI and Diamond 12.C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sonus Faber and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto Center I and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto Center I 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 Sonus Sonetto Center I 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 Sonetto CI and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Sonus Sonetto Center I |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
Sonetto CI features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6" aluminum cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1.550 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
Sonetto CI has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the Sonetto CI 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
Sonetto CI is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Diamond 12.C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sonetto CI can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 90 dBdB.
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.
Sonetto CI can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 12.C has a max power handling value of 102 watts RMS, 98 watts less than the Sonetto CI.
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
Both Sonetto CI and Diamond 12.C features dual binding post speaker terminals for 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 Sonus Sonetto Center I's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto Center I has external dimensions of 242.0 x 495.0 x 303.0mm ( 10 x 20 x 12inch) 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) .
Sonus Sonetto Center I is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 13mm wider, 61mm taller and 82mm deeper than Wharfedale Diamond 12.C.
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 Sonus Sonetto Center I is approximately 1499.9cm2 / 232.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The Sonetto CI requires 41% more surface area than the Diamond 12.C 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 Sonus Sonetto Center I weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs. This makes the Diamond 12.C 31% heavier than the Sonetto CI.
Here is a comparison of how Sonetto CI 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 Sonus Sonetto Center I?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto CI:
1 Masks1 Fabric dust guards1 Basis2 Jumpers1 Manual
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 |
200 watts
vs
102 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
181mm
vs
242mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1065cm2 (482x221mm)
vs
1499cm2 (495x303mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
1099USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center I |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
50-200 watts |
20-102 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
90-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
aluminum cone |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD Dome |
soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1.550 Hz |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
242.0mm (9.5") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
495.0mm (19.5") |
482.0mm (19") |
Depth |
303.0mm (11.9") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
6.50kg (14.3lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Available Colors |
Wood, White, Black, Wenge |
White, Walnut, Black |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |