SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton Castle DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Esoteric Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SOUNDBARS
    • Soundbars
      Soundbars Home All Soundbars (filter + sort) Size Simulator
      By TV Size
      43-50 inch TVs 55 inch TVs 65 inch and larger
      By Feature
      Dolby Atmos height channels Subwoofer included Can add rear speakers Compact (30 in or narrower) Under $500
      By Brand
      Bluesound Bose Denon Devialet Dual Furrion Harman Kardon JBL KEF Klipsch Marshall Polk Audio Samsung Sennheiser Sonos Sony WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. Wharfedale Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Review
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 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: 20-102 watts
  • Weight: 18.70 lbs / 8.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-1/8"x18-15/16"x8-11/16" / 181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm
MSRP: $349 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Review
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Wharfedale Diamond 1...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Wharfedale · United Kingdom · since 1932 · sold through dealers

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is a 2-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Center Channel speaker by Wharfedale. It was released in 2020. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 90-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has an MSRP of 349$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Wharfedale's Diamond 12 Series of Loudspeakers

Diamond 12.C is a member of Wharfedale's Diamond 12 series of Passive speakers. Diamond 12 is the latest generation of Wharfedale's acclaimed budget Diamond range. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 Wharfedale Diamond 12 models compared »

Wharfedale Diamond 12 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Wharfedale 12.2
Compare
50-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
Compare
45-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale 12.0
Compare
70-20k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.4
Compare
40-20k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale 12.1
Compare
65-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
90-20k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i
Compare
50-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.0i
Compare
70-20k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i
Compare
45-20k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12.4i
Compare
40-20k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale Diamond 12 Series Speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 12 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Speaker

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has a Frequency response range of 90-20k Hz and Power Range of 20-102 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Diamond 12.C's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Min
Average
Median

Crossover frequency of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?

The crossover frequency of the Diamond 12.C is set to 2000Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C driver frequency bands90-2kWoofer 5"2k-20kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C plays in your room →

Minimum Impedance of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C

Even though the nominal impedance of the Diamond 12.C is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Wharfedale is 3.7 ohms Wharfedale Diamond 12.C so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–100 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Diamond 12.C has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Back View
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Back View

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C External Dimensions and Weight

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-1/8 x 18-15/16 x 8-11/16inch (181.0 x 482.0 x 221.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is approximately 1065.2cm2 / 165.1inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Wharfedale Diamond 12.C, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Real Life Body Size Comparison
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Diamond 12.C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Speaker Feet

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C comes with 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is available in White, Walnut and Black.

Does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C come with a Grille?

Diamond 12.C comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C  with Grille
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C with Grille

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

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Wharfedale Diamond 12.C

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C speaker:
Official Brochure for Wharfedale Diamond 12.C

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Wharfedale Diamond 12.C

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Wharfedale 12.2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-20k Hz
Wharfedale Diamond 12.4
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 40-20k Hz
Wharfedale 12.0
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 70-20k Hz
Wharfedale 12.1
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 65-20k Hz
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 45-20k Hz
Wharfedale D300C
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 65-20k Hz
DALI Spektor Vokal
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 66-26k Hz
SVS Prime Center
Compare
3-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Wharfedale Diamond 12.C

What amplifier do you need for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?

Wharfedale rates the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C for 20-102 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C easy to drive?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C need a subwoofer?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C reaches down to 90Hz (full range 90-20k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C use?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is a 2-way design using a 1" soft-dome tweeter and 2 x 5" Klarity woofers (polypropylene and mica) woofers.

Is the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C sealed or ported?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Can the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C be wall mounted?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C come with grilles?

Yes. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs each and measures 7-1/8 x 18-15/16 x 8-11/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C cost?

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $349 per pair.


Wharfedale Diamond 12.C Detailed Specifications

General
BrandWharfedale
Full Model NameWharfedale Diamond 12.C
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range20-102 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response90-20k Hz
Release Date2020
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionKlarity woofers (polypropylene and mica)
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typesoft-dome
Crossover freq2000Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height181.0mm ( 7-1/8-inch)
Width482.0mm ( 18-15/16-inch)
Depth221.0mm ( 8-11/16-inch)
Height181.0mm ( 7-1/8-inch)
Weight8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
Available ColorsWhite, Walnut, Black
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

Esoteric F-01 vs F-02: Same 21,000 Dollars, 30 Watts of Class A or 120 Watts
Castle Tintagel and Walmer: Four New British Speakers, and the Amp Each One Needs
Yamaha's R200A Replaces a Ten-Year-Old Receiver, and Keeps the Same 100 Watts
Paradigm Premier v2 vs the Original Premier: All Six Models, What Changed
Which Speaker Brands Keep Their Shoppers, and Which Get Shopped Against
Harbeth XD2 Range: All Five Compared, Which Size and What Amp


Latest Passive Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5403C
Klipsch RP-5403C
2-way Center Channel | 96 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5203C
Klipsch RP-5203C
2-way Center Channel | 94 dB | 8 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5
Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5
3-way Center Channel | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Triangle Solstice C3
Triangle Solstice C3
2-way Center Channel | 92 dB | 8 ohms
Paradigm Premier 620C v2
Paradigm Premier 620C v2
3-way Center Channel | 93 dB | 8 ohms
Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2
Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2
2-way Center Channel | 93 dB | 8 ohms
Revel Performa4 C245
Revel Performa4 C245
2-way Center Channel | 86 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK CINEMA
DALI SONIK CINEMA
2-way Center Channel | 89.5 dB | 6 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision