Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Loudspeakers

Introduction

Wharfedale, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2007, is a quintessential traditional name in British hi-fi speakers, with a history dating back to the product's inception. The company has undergone significant changes and ownership shifts over the years. For the past decade, it has been part of the Chinese-owned IAG Group. This strategy of combining British design expertise with low-cost Chinese manufacturing has proven successful.

Product Focus: Diamond 9.1 Anniversary Edition

The Diamond series has consistently offered budget entry-level speakers. Wharfedale's catalogue includes numerous Diamond 8 and Diamond 9 models for both home cinema and stereo use. Among the six stereo pairs in the Diamond 9 range, the 9.1 miniature has garnered significant attention. While the standard vinyl finish costs £150 per pair, the limited Anniversary edition, featuring a superior fit, waxed walnut wood veneer, gilt trim, and a concealed magnetically attached grille, is highlighted here.

Despite the compact enclosure and small bass/mid driver, the Diamond 9.1 presents as a classy little speaker. Its enclosure features curved sides designed to enhance structural stiffness and disperse horizontal standing waves and reflections. Twin front-mounted ports are claimed to reduce distortion by 40 per cent.

The 125mm main driver utilizes a 'skeletal' cast alloy frame to prevent rearward radiation reflection. It incorporates a 100mm diameter cone made from woven Kevlar-in-polymer-matrix. The tweeter features neodymium magnets and a soft 25mm doped fabric dome diaphragm. Twin terminal pairs are located on the rear of the speaker.

Sound Quality

While the Diamond 9.1 delivers a relatively small sound, lacking significant bass weight or power, it excels in producing a surprisingly generous and spacious soundstage, exceeding expectations based on its size. Positioning the speakers too close to a wall can result in a thick and heavy sound. However, with adequate space around them, the modest coloration, well-controlled boxiness, balanced presentation, and fine overall coherence come to the fore. The sound possesses a warmth often absent in smaller loudspeakers. Some may find the sound slightly laid-back, which can be beneficial when paired with modestly priced sources and amplification.

Unlike many small speakers that tend to 'shout' by over-emphasizing the upper midband and presence zone, the Diamond 9.1 avoids this pitfall. This characteristic, while initially appealing, can become tiresome over time. The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is commendable for sounding like a genuine 'grown-up' hi-fi speaker, despite its affordable price.

Limitations include a reluctance to generate significant dynamic tension and a slightly muted dynamic expression. Nevertheless, the excellent soundstage imaging, substantial freedom from boxiness, and well-controlled tonal balance contribute to a beautifully made hi-fi performer offered at an exceptionally low price.

Lab Report

As expected for a small speaker, the measured performance reflects its size. Sensitivity measures a modest 86dB, as specified, which is reasonable given its relatively easy amplifier load and bass alignment that does not necessitate close-to-wall placement. Best results were achieved with approximately 60cm of space between the speaker and the wall.

The tonal balance is somewhat unusual, with output gently rolling off above 800Hz. The upper audio band (800Hz to 20kHz) is not perfectly smooth but remains within impressively modest limits, demonstrating well-controlled progression. The presence zone, often boosted in small loudspeakers to enhance detail, is gently restrained here.

How it Compares

The document includes a comparison chart illustrating how the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 performs against a "GROUP AVERAGE" across five key metrics. The chart uses a visual scale where "Better >>>" is on the left and "Worse >>>" is on the right. The Diamond 9.1 is positioned favorably relative to the average:

• 1) Sensitivity: The Diamond 9.1 is rated as -20% compared to the average.
• 2) Bass extension: The Diamond 9.1 is rated as -20% compared to the average.
• 3) Ease of drive: The Diamond 9.1 is rated as -20% compared to the average.
• 4) Overall frequency balance: The Diamond 9.1 is rated as 0% compared to the average.
• 5) Response smoothness: The Diamond 9.1 is rated as -10% compared to the average.

This indicates that while the Diamond 9.1 may have slightly less sensitivity, bass extension, and ease of drive compared to the group average, its overall frequency balance is on par, and its response smoothness is only slightly behind.

Specifications

Verdict

Sound: This beautifully appointed miniature offers remarkable value for money. It presents a laid-back, yet nicely progressive tonal balance, delivering a soundstage larger than expected, with low coloration and fine imaging.

Practicality: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Build: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Value: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

Overall Score: The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is highly recommended by HI-FI CHOICE magazine.