Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 Floorstanding Speaker Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 Floorstanding Speakers. The DIAMOND series has been a cornerstone of Wharfedale's legacy for over 30 years, known for delivering exceptional performance at an accessible price. The DIAMOND 230 speakers combine traditional aesthetics with advanced driver technology and a unique bass-reflex system to provide a natural and balanced sound experience. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your speakers.

2. Key Features

• Advanced Driver Units: Equipped with meticulously designed driver units that contribute to a rich and musical sound reproduction.
• Optimized Cabinet Structure: The cabinet is engineered to minimize coloration, ensuring a natural and resonant sound.
• Unique Slot-Loaded Bass-Reflex System: Features a proprietary bass-reflex port design for enhanced low-frequency performance.
• Rigorous Fine-Tuning: Each speaker undergoes precise fine-tuning to achieve wide adaptability and consistent audio quality.

3. Setup

Proper placement and connection are crucial for optimal sound performance.

3.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the speakers from their packaging. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or storage. Inspect the speakers for any signs of damage.

3.2 Placement

Position the speakers on a stable, level surface. For optimal stereo imaging, place the speakers equidistant from your primary listening position, forming an equilateral triangle. Keep speakers away from corners or walls to avoid excessive bass resonance, or adjust placement as needed for your room acoustics. Ensure adequate space behind the speakers for the bass-reflex port.

Figure 1: Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 Floorstanding Speakers. This image shows a pair of tall, black speakers with multiple drivers, illustrating their design and size.

3.3 Connections

Connect the speakers to your amplifier using high-quality speaker cables. Ensure that the positive (+) terminal on the speaker is connected to the positive (+) terminal on the amplifier, and the negative (-) terminal on the speaker to the negative (-) terminal on the amplifier. Incorrect polarity can negatively affect sound quality.

The DIAMOND 230 speakers feature binding posts that accept bare wire, spade connectors, or banana plugs. Tighten connections securely but do not overtighten.

4. Operating

Once properly set up, your Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 speakers are ready for use.

4.1 Initial Playback

Start with your amplifier's volume at its lowest setting. Gradually increase the volume to a comfortable listening level. Allow a "break-in" period of several hours of playback for the drivers to settle and achieve their optimal performance.

4.2 Volume Levels

While the speakers are designed to handle a wide range of power, avoid excessively high volume levels that cause audible distortion. Prolonged listening at extreme volumes can damage your hearing and the speakers.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and appearance of your Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 speakers, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Dust the cabinets regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, use a slightly damp cloth and then dry immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or polishes, as these can damage the finish.
• Grilles: The speaker grilles can be removed for cleaning or for a different aesthetic. Handle them carefully to avoid bending or damaging the mounting pegs.
• Environment: Avoid placing speakers in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas of high humidity. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the speaker components.

Figure 2: Available finishes for the Wharfedale DIAMOND 230 speakers. This image displays swatches of Blackwood, Rosewood, and Walnut Pearl, indicating the different aesthetic options for the speaker cabinets. Note: The front baffle color is consistently black across all finishes.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your speakers, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections between the amplifier and speakers, ensuring they are secure and correctly polarized (+ to + and - to -).
  • Verify that the amplifier is powered on and the correct input source is selected.
  • Ensure the volume is not muted or set too low on your amplifier or source device.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the volume level on your amplifier.
  • Check speaker cable connections for any loose strands or short circuits.
  • Ensure the amplifier's power output is within the recommended range for the speakers (25-150W).
  • Test with a different audio source to rule out source-related issues.
• Uneven Sound or Poor Stereo Imaging:
  • Confirm that both speakers are connected with correct polarity.
  • Check speaker placement to ensure they are equidistant from the listening position and symmetrically placed in the room.
  • Verify that the balance control on your amplifier is centered.

If problems persist after attempting these steps, please contact Wharfedale customer support or your authorized dealer.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Wharfedale products are manufactured to the highest standards and are warranted against manufacturing defects. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Wharfedale website for detailed warranty terms and conditions specific to your region.

For technical support, service, or inquiries, please contact your authorized Wharfedale dealer or distributor. You can also find contact information on the official Wharfedale website: www.wharfedale.co.uk.