Features:
- 2-way bookshelf loudspeakers, rear-ported for stronger bass response
- 5.12-inch mineral-loaded polymer woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter offer strong, light drivers for accurate sound from almost any amplifier
- Audiostealth construction minimizes unwanted resonances in the speaker cabinet
- Nickel-plated 5-way speaker posts accommodate easy-plug banana-terminated cables
- 5-year warranty
Description:
Wharfedale's Diamond series of bookshelf speakers can rightfully be dubbed "classic." Originally introduced some 20 years ago, these ever-evolving British bookshelf models are prized for their stellar midrange, silky treble, and remarkable bass response. That's one reason why they've never left the U.K.'s bestseller list. The other is value--and the new Diamond 7.2 redefines the term "best buy." Well built with a black-ash vinyl-wrap veneer, the Diamond 7.2s are striking little speakers. But underneath that skin is where the Diamonds' true beauty lies. Reproducing the middle of the frequency range (the body of voices, guitars, and pianos) and doing bass duty is a 5.1-inch mineral-loaded polymer woofer. Embedding finely crushed stone into polymer creates a rigid, fast driver. This high-performance woofer is then crossed over via audiophile-grade film capacitors to a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, yielding superb overall balance and a sweet, extended top end. The Diamond 7.2's Audiostealth cabinet is rigid and free of coloration. The speaker's bass and sensitivity are further enhanced by a rear-firing port, so please note that the Diamond 7.2 should be placed a few feet from the rear wall and on a dedicated stand to sound its best. Though Wharfedale uses nickel-plated 5-way posts for speaker terminals (perfect for banana-plug-terminated speaker cable), gold-plated terminals would have been even nicer. The Diamond 7.2s sound simply remarkable for a pair of speakers in this price range. Vocals sound open, detailed, and present, very "there." Instrumental textures, from guitars to saxophones to massed symphonic strings, sound lifelike, with a warm, rich balance. The bass has amazing weight and punch, reaching down to below 50 Hz with lovely detail. The tweeter is airy and sweet--it never spits or otherwise offends. Finally, it's hard to believe that a speaker the size of the Diamond 7.2 can play as loud as it does without strain. Yes, you can overdrive it, but chances are your ears will give out first. The latest Diamond 7.2 continues Wharfedale's classic tradition of providing superb sound and incredible value. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Natural, detailed sound
- Excellent drivers
- Rigid construction
Cons:
- Require add-on subwoofer for home theater use
- Nickel-plated posts instead of gold
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