Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Floorstanding Loudspeaker

Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 is the larger of two floorstanding loudspeakers in the Diamond 12 series, which is a line of high-performance, low-cost speakers.

The Diamond 12 series features a new composite called Klarity, made from polypropylene, which excels in distortion control, and mica, which improves rigidity and response. The Klarity diaphragms are driven by a substantial, precision-made magnet system with an aluminium compensation ring to minimize the effect of variations in inductance as the voice coil travels. The voice coil is wound on a high-power epoxy/glass fibre bobbin.

The tweeter combines seamlessly with the mid/bass driver via a crossover network using an acoustic LKR 24dB topology, including air core inductors of the type more commonly found in high-end speakers.

In terms of the cabinet, rear-ported enclosure of each model is precisely sized so that the internal volume works in harmony with the drive unit system to deliver the desired sonic result. The cabinet walls are made from sections of wood fibre board of varying thickness, constructed to optimize each speaker's sonic profile.

Other units in the Diamond 12 series include three bookshelf speakers, Diamond 12.0, Diamond 12.1, and Diamond 12.2, a smaller floorstander, Diamond 12.3, and a center channel, Diamond 12.C. All are 2- / 2.5-way speakers, unlike the higher-end EVO4 series.