In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Wharfedale. Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Diamond 12.C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Advanced polypropylene Woofer
- 65-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-100watts
- Weight:6.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 12-5/16" x 7-1/16" x 10-15/16" ( 312.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )
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): 7-1/8" x 18-15/16" x 8-11/16" ( 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm )
DIAMOND 12.1i and Diamond 12.C are members of Wharfedale's Diamond 12 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Wharfedale Diamond 12 Series
History
What size room are the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i 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* |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i |
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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both DIAMOND 12.1i and Diamond 12.C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
DIAMOND 12.1i features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Advanced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. 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
DIAMOND 12.1i has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas Diamond 12.C has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the DIAMOND 12.1i 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 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
DIAMOND 12.1i and Diamond 12.C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DIAMOND 12.1i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Diamond 12.C's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, 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.
DIAMOND 12.1i can handle a max power of 102 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DIAMOND 12.1i 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. DIAMOND 12.1i has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's external dimensions. Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i has external dimensions of 312.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 12-5/16 x 7-1/16 x 10-15/16inch) 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 131mm shorter and 57mm less deeper than Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i but it is also 302mm wider.
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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2. The DIAMOND 12.1i requires 53% less surface area than the Diamond 12.C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 12.C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 2 Jumper-bars
- (pre-installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User-feets Manual