In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Wharfedale. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer
- 45-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:19.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 38-3/4" x 9-3/4" x 13-3/4" ( 985.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm )
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer
- 50-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-120watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 13-1/4" x 7-15/16" x 12-5/16" ( 337.0 x 202.0 x 313.0mm )
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i are members of Wharfedale's Diamond 12 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Wharfedale Diamond 12 Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-infused polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i has a frequency range of 50-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i.
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
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i's external dimensions. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i has external dimensions of 985.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm ( 38-3/4inch x 9-3/4inch x 13-3/4inch ) whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i has external dimensions of 337.0 x 202.0 x 313.0mm ( 13-1/4inch x 7-15/16inch x 12-5/16inch ) .
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 46mm wider, 648mm taller and 37mm deeper than Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i.
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 12.3i is approximately 868.0cm2 / 134.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i is approximately 632.3cm2 / 98.0inch2. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i requires 37% more surface area than the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i:
- 2 Floorstanding loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Outrigger feet
- 8 Spikes (pre-installed on outrigger feet)
- 8 Isolation pucks
- Eight M6x25mm phillips-head screws
- User's Manual
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i?
Here are the items that come with the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User's Manual