WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12i SERIES UNVEILED WITH UPDATED DESIGN AND REFINED PERFORMANCE
Wharfedale has introduced the new Wharfedale Diamond 12i Series Loudspeakers, the latest evolution of its long-standing Diamond line.
First launched in 1982, the range has become a cornerstone of affordable HiFi, and the new update refines the outgoing Diamond 12 models while maintaining the same pricing structure.
WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12I SERIES LOUDSPEAKERS
The new Wharfedale Diamond 12i Series Loudspeakers arrives with refreshed aesthetics, replacing the four previous wood-effect finishes with three contemporary options: Deep Black, Stone Grey and Classic Walnut. Wharfedale states the finishes offer a more modern appearance while maintaining the series’ accessible positioning.
Wharfedale says that production advances since 2020 enabled subtle performance adjustments across the range. Engineers focused on bass-port tuning and internal airflow using tools such as computational fluid dynamics and laser interferometry.
WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12i SERIES AND INTERNAL COMPONENT REFINEMENTS
The Wharfedale Diamond 12i Series benefits from tighter production tolerances for its drive units and a revised cabinet design. Each cabinet uses varied-thickness wood fibre board and computer-modelled internal bracing to help manage resonance. Rear-ported enclosures remain standard across the range.
As with the previous Diamond 12 generation, the new models use Wharfedale’s Klarity composite cones formed from polypropylene and mica. The mica increases stiffness, aiming to reduce cone flex and maintain low colouration.
TREBLE UNIT AND CROSSOVER DEVELOPMENT IN DIAMOND 12i
A 25mm woven polyester dome tweeter is used across all models, combined with a minimal-waveguide front plate for broad dispersion. The crossover networks remain based on Linkwitz–Riley topology with air-core inductors, chosen to minimise distortion. Mid/bass driver magnet structures are adjusted to accommodate these components.
WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12I SERIES LOUDSPEAKER RANGE AND PRICES
The Wharfedale Diamond 12i Series Loudspeakers comprises five stereo models, three standmounts and two floorstanders, alongside a matching centre speaker and a dedicated effects speaker. The latter may be wall-mounted or used as an upward-firing unit for height channels in systems supporting formats such as Dolby Atmos.
All models retain the same driver configurations, cabinet sizes and sensitivity ratings as their Diamond 12 equivalents. Wharfedale states that, by holding prices at 2020 levels, the real-terms cost has fallen by around 22% after inflation.
• Diamond 12.0i – £199 per pair
• Diamond 12.1i – £249 per pair
• Diamond 12.2i – £299 per pair
• Diamond 12.3i – £499 per pair
• Diamond 12.4i – £699 per pair
• Diamond 12.Ci – £229
• Diamond 12 3Di – £349 per pair
HiFi PiG Says: A firm favourite that started many audiophiles on their journey, we know the new Wharfedale Diamond 12i Series Loudspeakers will inspire many more!
