In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Wharfedale
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Woofer
- 90-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Weight:8.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 7-1/8" x 18-15/16" x 8-1/16" ( 181.0 x 482.0 x 205.0mm )
Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci 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.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci 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 Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
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. On the other hand, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci has exactly the same frequency range of 90-20k Hz.
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
Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Diamond 12.C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci 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.C's and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci's external dimensions. 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) whereas Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci has external dimensions of 181.0 x 482.0 x 205.0mm ( 7-1/8inch x 18-15/16inch x 8-1/16inch ) .
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has the same height and width with Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci. On the other hand, with a thickness of 221.0mm, it is 16mm 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci is approximately 988.1cm2 / 153.2inch2. The Diamond 12.C requires 8% more surface area than the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 12.C and Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci'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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 12.C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 2 Jumper-bars
- (pre-installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User-feets Manual
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci?
Here are the items that come with the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User's Manual
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
798USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Base Surface Area |
988cm2
vs
1065cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
90-20k Hz |
90-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) |
|
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft-dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
482.0mm (19") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
221.0mm (8.7") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
|
| Available Colors |
White, Walnut, Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |