Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Wharfedale Diamond 9.5 Speakers by Arnel

Model:	Diamond 9.5
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$250
Description:	3-way floorstanding
Manufacturer URL:	Wharfedale
Model Picture:	View

Review by Arnel ( A ) on January 22, 2005 at 09:26:36
IP Address: 203.76.241.218

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So what could the Diamond 9.5 possibly have to grab your attention? Lots. Sexy curved cabinets. High-quality bi-wire terminals much like the huge WBT binding posts on high-end speakers. Woven Kevlar woofers now prettier in black. Your choice of black, silver or wood finish. A well-balanced sound akin to many high-end speakers. All these for less than $500 (well make that $250 in southeast Asia).
The sound I heard is best described as balanced (didn't I say that already?) to an extent you rarely find in a speaker at this price range. Treble didn't stick out, mids didn't overbloom, and bass never boomed.
I didn't hear the level of treble detail I'm used to hearing from B&W and PMC monitors, but the delicate delivery of highs was even more natural to these ears. Reminds me of my MartinLogan, the treble is all there but not emphasized.
The mid was neither as richly textured as a Sonus Faber's nor as spookily lifelike as an electrostatic's. However, it was remarkably detailed and sweet for a speaker in its league.
Bass was punchy and agile with careful placement. I was able to follow through complex bass lines without any boom getting in the way. The rear-ported speakers seemed to require a bit of clearance from the rear wall. Bass was on the fat side in reference to B&W as slightly overdamped.
Compared to the Diamond 8 series, the sound was generally more upfront but not exceedingly so. Overall it sounded fuller especially in the mids. Frequency response was definitely more balanced.
Let me end this review by reminding you that I was talking about a sub-$500 full-range speaker. For just $250 here in Manila, you get an excellent performer for both music and home theater. Like all other Wharfedales, the Diamond 9.5 is one of the best values in audio.

Product Weakness: rear port requires careful placement
Product Strengths: well-balanced strengths, GREAT VALUE for money

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rotel multi-channel (model?)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rotel surround processor (model?)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rotel DVP (model?)
Speakers:	---
Cables/Interconnects:	all van den Hul
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	varied
Type of Audition/Review:	Friend's System

Product Weakness:	rear port requires careful placement
Product Strengths:	well-balanced strengths, GREAT VALUE for money