When I first saw this speaker in the showroom, I was not quite tempted that it would be the one I have been looking for. Short on budget, since I had to build a system from nothing, having been able to sell my Home Theater in a Box for 70% of its original price and with some extra from my saving, ... Read review
A review by ses1978 on Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 June 25th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Sound Quality
Good
Bass Quality
Good
Treble Quality
Satisfactory
Look & Design
Excellent
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Deep bass for a small speaker, nice look, UK made speaker
Disadvantages:
A litte bit on the bright side, will need support from a subwoofer
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
When I first saw this speaker in the showroom, I was not quite tempted that it would be the one I have been looking for. Short on budget, since I had to build a system from nothing, having been able to sell my Home Theater in a Box for 70% of its original price and with some extra from my saving, I planned to look for a speaker system which can start up a decent stereo system which can be developed into a full home theater system once I will be able to stack some bucks in my saving account.
But luckily I was attracted by its somewhat bright but calm color cabinet, then therefore I requested an audition. Combined with a good DVD player and an AV Receiver in which I planned also to acquire, I tested the speaker without a Subwoofer. And the result was stunning. The bass is deep and round, although it will not shatter your glass windows, it is enough to inject tremble on your listening nerves. The mid and high tones are warm, and with a little bit of adjustment on the AV Receiver, the light bright treble can be put down to minimal.
So far I have been very satisfied, moreover now that it has gone through its burn-in phase, it sounded even better.
I like to listen to slow rock, pop, R&B and a little bit of country, and I will put this speaker on the 'superb' level to satisfy my listening needs.
I have not been able to fairly made comments about it being a compliment for a home theater system, since for the moment I have it only in a pair without any additional speakers to form a complete home theater system, yet.
It is very recommended for those with low budget or starting up to build a complete mid-low budget home theater system and looking for a decent front speaker.
Advantages: Clear and distinct; very bright sound; great for classical music Disadvantages: Maybe too good for pop and rock music?
I was very impressed with these speakers, although should point out that I'm far from an audio expert. But the sound was extremely clear and well-defined, which is all I wanted (my previous speakers, Q Acoustics 1010s, were slightly muddy and indistinct). Mid-range and top-end are very well-defined, to the extent that the speakers sounded almost too bright to my ears, especially when playing pop and rock music. Added to the fact the speakers lack ... ...for pop and rock?
However, I listen to classical music and these speakers seemed nearly perfect to my ears. Close your eyes and you really can believe you're in the audience, rather than hearing a recording. That's surprisingly rare. I have to boost the bass on my amp very slightly to help warm up the sound, however. The speakers are plugged into an Onkyo CR-515 and rested on a large sturdy sideboard in my front room, so maybe not the perfect situation, ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
I use a pair of these speakers in my second system in the kitchen. I recently sold the floorstanders from my main system and decided to use the Diamonds until I could afford replacements. Coupled to my Musical fidelity kW 550 amp (£5000 and 700 watts per channel)Placed on top of some serious stands(Partington Heavi 1) I was completely bowled over by the sound of these small monitors, deep well controlled bass, beautiful midrange and a smooth, sweet and non fatiguing top end. I cannot recommend these speakers highly enough. There isn't anything that I don't like about these speakers. The finish, although not real wood veneer, looks great( mine are black). Try these speakers in your system, you won't be disappointed!
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Look good Disadvantages: Poor sound quality
...better than their price tag. These don't. You get what you pay for and not even a smidgin of anything better.
Fidelity was good, and there was no real problem picking out sounds in the mix. The soundstage was good, although I listen in a small living room so it's not a fair test. In other words, there is some quality here. These are not bad speakers. It's simply that in some important areas the quality drops below acceptable.
I suspect these speakers are designed to be supported by other speakers in a surround-sound ensemble, rather than used as stereo speakers. In fact, the manufacturers frequently make mention of the rest of the product line. For stereo use, they're a no-no.
As for the 90dB sensitivity rating, I question this. Not on any scientific grounds, but simply because I reattached my WharfedaleDiamond9.1 speakers (86d...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
12.02.2008
