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REVIEW: Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Speakers

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Model: Diamond 9.1
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $150
Description: 2-way bookshelf
Manufacturer URL: Wharfedale
Model Picture: View

Review by LI150 on August 06, 2008 at 21:40:32
IP Address: 75.158.40.63
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for the Diamond 9.1


It is kinda funny how things come around.
Many years ago it was a pair of Wharfedale's that first introduced me to Hi-Fi, now some 20 years later and dozens of different speakers I finally bought a pair.

The Diamond 9.1's were the first step in a complete system upgrade for me. With every change/audition and addition to my system the 9.1's noted the change, especially once I put a 300w Bel Canto behind them! They like to have power.

I was surprised that no one else here in the Asylum has written a review for this one, seeing as the commercial press gave it such good reviews and the cost is so low. ($350/pr)

Regarding the sonics of the 9.1's, I agree fully with Mr. Reina in the November, 2005 Stereophile mag. Everything he said is right on the money, so I will not get too much into the sonics. Just read his review free online and you have a pretty good idea what it sounds like. I will add that the tweeter is not as 'crisp' as a real life cymbal or guitar string but everything else, like the timing cues and decay, sure keep you enthralled so you do not notice after a while. Perhaps this will be addressed once I settle on a better source.

For me there was a number of reasons I chose on them in addition to the sonics, which should be reason enough for most.
First I needed something that fit well on my 28" tall stands. I did not want to replace my stands as well as replacing speakers.
Second, I wanted something that is front ported, my room is small and requires that I have my speakers close to the wall.
3rd, I really needed something that addressed standing waves in my room. The Diamond 9.1's have a curved enclosure that addressed this well.
4th, I did not want to spend a great deal of money on speakers at this point as there are threats to speakers in my home for the next few years. (That being little inquisitive fingers.)

In hind sight I maybe should have recalled by first Wharfdales experience in my quest for good sound and saved myself a lot of headache over the years. Very happy with my purchase.

Have a listen and enjoy.


Product Weakness: The binding posts may come lose off the mounting plate after a few cable changes. Just use banana's.
Product Strengths: Well made with lots of Hi-Fi bang-for-the-buck, thank you China.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto e.300i (150w/chnl)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): (none)
Sources (CDP/Turntable): NAD 515
Speakers: Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 (86db)
Cables/Interconnects: QED Biwire MKII, Atlas Questor
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Lots-o-stuff
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 15 x 9
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Speakers - LI150 21:40:32 08/6/08 ( 0)