About The Wharfedale Diamond 230 Speakers
Wharfedale's Diamond 230 floor standing speakers are THE speakers to have where budget or space are at a premium but good sound quality is demanded. Take it from us, these speakers blow the socks off the competition at this price!
Simply put, Wharfedale Diamond is one of Wharfedale's and the world's most successful speaker series ever. The latest series of loudspeakers from Wharfedale that aspires to this tradition is the Diamond 200 with 230 being the 'gun' model in the smaller floor standing category. It is 2.5 way, 3 driver configuration with the bass drivers employing a very stiff and woven kevlar cone with more powerful magnets - a trickle down feature from top-of-the range Wharfedale Jade series.
The Diamond 200 range is an upgrade on the very popular Diamond 100 series. They are not a totally new design, but rather a refinement. This newly developed version of what was already a highly capable loudspeaker sees a number of aesthetic and performance upgrades. It always amazes us how simple improvements can really make a difference. This newly developed version of what was already a highly capable loudspeaker sees a number of aesthetic and performance upgrades.
Cabinet: One of these is in the cabinet where improved construction techniques alone have helped reduce low levels of distortion even further. These upgrades include the integration of a stronger and more anti-resonant cabiner mateiral, utilising particleboard sandwiched between MDF (as opposed to chipboard + MDF found with the older 121's cabinet). This means that the vinyl wrap of the speaker unit can be applied to the speaker more easily, resulting in an improved finish.
Drivers: The bass drivers are formed from woven Kevlar and have ribs for added rigidity and the speaker uses a revised magnet system for even tighter control of the sound. Vocals sound more realistic than you'd believe for a speaker of this price and the bass is upbeat and never lagging behind the rest of the mix. At the other end of the scale the treble unit is surrounded by a deeply dished waveguide. This helps to improve the imaging and 'width' of sound, making it easier to pick out individual instruments.
The sonic integrity and capability of the speaker has also been improved, thanks to an upgraded crossover network and bass motor system, while the new slot-loaded port provides an even stronger level of sonic detail. The overall sound quality is still fantastically well-balanced and natural with a sense of realism that is difficult to beat at this price point.
Diamond Series In The News
What Hi-Fi? (UK) has consistently rated Diamond Series very highly and it doesn't get any better than 5 Stars! The Wharfedale 230's not only received a 5 star review but the good folk at What Hi-Fi? said "For the money, you're getting a real deal"
Another UK magazine Hi-Fi Choice also gave the 230's a 5 star rating and said " ... it presents the soundstage in a clear and upfront manner. Because the three drive units integrate so well it sounds very sophisticated considering the price"
Our Take On The Wharfedale 230's
From 1982 Wharfedale Diamond has meant one thing – impeccable performance at an affordable price. Bass, vocals and treble on the 230's all throw out a sound quality which surprisingly you wouldn't expect to hear from a speaker in this price range. The 230's definitely set the benchmark. Small in size for a floor stander but certainly not small in sound. Aesthetics can only be described as "classy" with an all new lacquered front baffle and cosmetically enhanced veneers. Although recommended maximum input power is up to 150 Watts, we would suggest that typically a 50 Watt to 100 Watt amplifier would be the norm. However, the 230's will deliver the best results with a really high-quality, high-current amplifier so as is our usual tip ... don't assume that because these speakers are "bargain-priced" that they only deserve to be hooked up to a similarly priced amplifier. Any system is only as good as its weakest link!
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 2.5 Way floor standing speaker
- Enclosure type: Bass reflex
- HF Driver: 25mm Soft Dome
- Mid/Bass Driver: 165mm Woven Kevlar Cone
- Bass Driver: 165mm Woven Kevlar Cone
- Sensitivity(2.83V @ 1m): 88dB
- Recommended amplifier power: 25-150 Watts (Clean, undistorted power)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Minimum impedance: 3.7 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB)
- Bass Extension: -6dB @ 37Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 2.3kHz
- Cabinet Volume (in litres): 35
- Height (on plinth & spikes): 963mm
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 196 x 938 x 306mm
- Depth (with terminals): 334mm
- Net Weight: 17.8kg each
- Colours Available: Black; Rosewood; Walnut; White
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5-Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE