<\/p>\n
Video review<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46690\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Design and build<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1037\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1037\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1037 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1037\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The quality of finish on the 220s is much better than on the old 121s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The 220s are the replacement for the hugely talented 121s, but while they look quite similar there are some important changes. They\u2019re neatly finished for starters. This might sound like a small point, but it was the older speaker\u2019s big weakness.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>At its heart, this shortcoming had as much to do with Wharfedale\u2019s ambition to make the 121s sonic class-leaders as it did with the factory\u2019s quality control. In a bid to improve performance, Wharfedale\u2019s engineers used cabinet walls made of a layered construction that mixed chipboard and MDF.<\/p>\n<p>It was felt that using MDF alone \u2013 as on most speakers \u2013 led to an undesirable level of cabinet coloration. The chipboard side was on the outside in contact with the (rather thin) vinyl covering.<\/p>\n<p>The result? An uneven surface that made the speakers look poorly finished. It didn\u2019t help that the factory seemed to have a rather lax attitude to the neat application of the vinyl wrap, particularly at the cabinet corners.<\/p>\n<p>We also had issues with the front baffle which, once again, looked uneven in appearance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46691\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Improved quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1038\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1038 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bass port fires downwards into a small air gap between base of the cabinet and the plinth below<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">We\u2019re glad to report the Diamond 220s are much better in all respects. While still not the classiest speakers we\u2019ve seen around this price (Q Acoustics and Monitor Audio set the standard), they\u2019re good enough to avoid criticism.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p> <\/p>\n<p>Wharfedale has kept the layered cabinet construction, though \u2013 in this case two thin layers of MDF sandwich the chipboard section \u2013 and glue the vinyl onto the smoother MDF <span class=\"skimlinks-unlinked\">surfaces.The<\/span> blackwood vinyl on our sample is tidy and ripple-free and we can only expect this to be the case with the walnut pearl, rosewood quilted and white finishes.<\/p>\n<p>Goodbye ripples, hello better finish. Now that the finish issues are sorted, the advantages of these composite panels come to the fore. The combination of chipboard and MDF helps to damp resonances, preventing the cabinet from contributing too much to the overall sound.<\/p>\n<p>Quite simply, you hear more of the drive units and less of the cabinet. But there\u2019s more than just better finish involved in the move to the new model.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a bigger magnet on the 13cm woven Kevlar mid\/bass driver. This makes the speakers easier to drive and improves its responsiveness.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1040\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1040\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1040 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There\u2019s a bigger magnet on the 13cm woven Kevlar mid\/bass driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The unusual slot-loaded port arrangement first seen on the 100 series reappears here too, and it has been tweaked to reduce distortion. Such a design is claimed to be more efficient than a conventional port.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46692\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>The proof, as ever, is in the listening. The tweeter remains unchanged. It still sits in a deeply dished waveguide, which helps efficiency (particularly through the crossover region).<\/p>\n<p>A ferrite magnet,\u00a0rather than the more usual neodymium,\u00a0is used in the unit\u2019s motor system: not only is ferrite cheaper \u2013 always a consideration with products at this price level \u2013 but the engineers also feel it produces a smoother sound.<\/p>\n<p>Wharfedale has tweaked the crossover to improve integration too.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1039\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1039\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1039 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1039\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The tweeter remains unchanged and it still sits in a deeply dished waveguide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46696\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Wharfedale\u2019s engineers haven\u2019t taken the easy route with the Diamond 220s’ bass tuning. Instead of going down the usual route of a rear- or front-firing reflex port, they\u2019ve decided to fire the port downwards into a small air gap between base of the cabinet and the plinth below.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>This arrangement has been further refined from that seen on the earlier <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/wharfedale\/diamond-121\/review\">121<\/a>s. Not only does this technique help with port efficiency and the reduction of chuffing noise, it makes the speaker less fussy about placement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46693\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1041\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1041\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1041 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Make sure you place the Wharfedales as close to a rear wall as possible for best solidity and balance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The arrangement pays off: surprisingly for their size, the Wharfedales have the low-end ability to eat up even the thickest basslines (Led Zeppelin\u2019s <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"http:\/\/spotify:track:6hu1f1cXSw7OAqhpSQ2zDy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Dazed and Confused<\/em><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">, for example). Bass is deep and agile, too.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p> <\/p>\n<p>And it\u2019s not only bass weight that belies their dinky proportions; there\u2019s a sense of power and scale we\u2019d normally expect from a much larger box than the 32cm-tall Diamonds. Give them a good, solid pair of stands such as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/atacama\/moseco-6\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Atacama Moseco 6<\/a>s (\u00a3120) and they will sparkle.<\/p>\n<p>Their solidity and authority throughout the frequency range relies on placement near or against a rear wall: pull them out too far in the open and that sure-footedness is diluted slightly; bass notes are looser and vocals lose a bit of substance.<\/p>\n<p>Talking of vocals, the 220s clear and candid delivery is very expressive. Run through Eminem\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/spotify:album:04r9yvH25PwePggAYZQYq8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Relapse<\/em><\/a> album and his choppy raps are communicated effortlessly. The 220s erupt with the attack and rhythmic drive to really devour the hard, edgy nature of the songs too.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1043\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1043\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1043 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1043\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You can biwire each speaker using the twin sets of binding posts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">There\u2019s scale here with a degree of authority and substance that no rival we\u2019ve heard can better. Stereo imaging is good too, nicely projected and <\/span><span class=\"skimlinks-unlinked\" style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">layered. The\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">good news continues where integration is concerned, with everything tying together into a seamless whole.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46694\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>We like the stereo imaging too, but it\u2019s the Diamond\u2019s level of insight and dynamic aptitude that really lifts them above their peers. In a version of Grieg\u2019s Piano Concerto, instruments are packed with variation and subtlety; piano sequences are fluid and telling, violins textured.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s an exceptional finesse to the delivery that rivals fail to match. Dynamic presence in even the quietest sections conveys the gradual swell of the piece. The 220s seem happy delivering the dramatic moments too \u2013 as orchestration gathers momentum, the speakers enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n<p>While these speakers aren\u2019t unduly fussy about partnering kit you\u2019ll get out\u00a0only\u00a0what you put in. The Wharfedales will be a huge upgrade for any microsystem \u2013 the Denon <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/denon\/d-m39dab\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D-M39DAB<\/a>, say \u2013 partnering them with a punchy, dynamic amp like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/rega\/brio-r\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rega\u2019s Brio-R<\/a> (\u00a3480) will get you two thirds of the way to a really exceptional system. For a source, we\u2019d look at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/marantz\/cd6005\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marantz CD6005<\/a> CD player as a good start.<\/p>\n<p>How do they compare with the older 121s? The character is similar but the newer speakers are a little better in most respects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final\">\n<div id=\"section46695\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Verdict<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<div>\n<p>In any case, the talented Diamond 220s will likely be the jewel in the crown of any budget \u2013 or even mid-range \u2013 set-up. Would we go as far as saying they\u2019re one of the best hi-fi products you can buy sub-\u00a3200?<\/p>\n<p>Without a doubt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Video review Design and build The 220s are the replacem … <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/?p=1036\" class=\"more-link\">\u95b1\u8b80\u5168\u6587<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">\u3008Wharfedale Diamond 220 – WhatHiFi?\u3009<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wharfedale"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1047,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions\/1047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46690\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Design and build<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1037\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1037\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1037 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_7-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1037\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The quality of finish on the 220s is much better than on the old 121s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The 220s are the replacement for the hugely talented 121s, but while they look quite similar there are some important changes. They\u2019re neatly finished for starters. This might sound like a small point, but it was the older speaker\u2019s big weakness.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>At its heart, this shortcoming had as much to do with Wharfedale\u2019s ambition to make the 121s sonic class-leaders as it did with the factory\u2019s quality control. In a bid to improve performance, Wharfedale\u2019s engineers used cabinet walls made of a layered construction that mixed chipboard and MDF.<\/p>\n<p>It was felt that using MDF alone \u2013 as on most speakers \u2013 led to an undesirable level of cabinet coloration. The chipboard side was on the outside in contact with the (rather thin) vinyl covering.<\/p>\n<p>The result? An uneven surface that made the speakers look poorly finished. It didn\u2019t help that the factory seemed to have a rather lax attitude to the neat application of the vinyl wrap, particularly at the cabinet corners.<\/p>\n<p>We also had issues with the front baffle which, once again, looked uneven in appearance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46691\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Improved quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1038\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1038 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_5-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bass port fires downwards into a small air gap between base of the cabinet and the plinth below<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">We\u2019re glad to report the Diamond 220s are much better in all respects. While still not the classiest speakers we\u2019ve seen around this price (Q Acoustics and Monitor Audio set the standard), they\u2019re good enough to avoid criticism.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p> <\/p>\n<p>Wharfedale has kept the layered cabinet construction, though \u2013 in this case two thin layers of MDF sandwich the chipboard section \u2013 and glue the vinyl onto the smoother MDF <span class=\"skimlinks-unlinked\">surfaces.The<\/span> blackwood vinyl on our sample is tidy and ripple-free and we can only expect this to be the case with the walnut pearl, rosewood quilted and white finishes.<\/p>\n<p>Goodbye ripples, hello better finish. Now that the finish issues are sorted, the advantages of these composite panels come to the fore. The combination of chipboard and MDF helps to damp resonances, preventing the cabinet from contributing too much to the overall sound.<\/p>\n<p>Quite simply, you hear more of the drive units and less of the cabinet. But there\u2019s more than just better finish involved in the move to the new model.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a bigger magnet on the 13cm woven Kevlar mid\/bass driver. This makes the speakers easier to drive and improves its responsiveness.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1040\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1040\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1040 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_2-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There\u2019s a bigger magnet on the 13cm woven Kevlar mid\/bass driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The unusual slot-loaded port arrangement first seen on the 100 series reappears here too, and it has been tweaked to reduce distortion. Such a design is claimed to be more efficient than a conventional port.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46692\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>The proof, as ever, is in the listening. The tweeter remains unchanged. It still sits in a deeply dished waveguide, which helps efficiency (particularly through the crossover region).<\/p>\n<p>A ferrite magnet,\u00a0rather than the more usual neodymium,\u00a0is used in the unit\u2019s motor system: not only is ferrite cheaper \u2013 always a consideration with products at this price level \u2013 but the engineers also feel it produces a smoother sound.<\/p>\n<p>Wharfedale has tweaked the crossover to improve integration too.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1039\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1039\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1039 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_3-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1039\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The tweeter remains unchanged and it still sits in a deeply dished waveguide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46696\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Wharfedale\u2019s engineers haven\u2019t taken the easy route with the Diamond 220s’ bass tuning. Instead of going down the usual route of a rear- or front-firing reflex port, they\u2019ve decided to fire the port downwards into a small air gap between base of the cabinet and the plinth below.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>This arrangement has been further refined from that seen on the earlier <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/wharfedale\/diamond-121\/review\">121<\/a>s. Not only does this technique help with port efficiency and the reduction of chuffing noise, it makes the speaker less fussy about placement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46693\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1041\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1041\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1041 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_1-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Make sure you place the Wharfedales as close to a rear wall as possible for best solidity and balance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The arrangement pays off: surprisingly for their size, the Wharfedales have the low-end ability to eat up even the thickest basslines (Led Zeppelin\u2019s <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"http:\/\/spotify:track:6hu1f1cXSw7OAqhpSQ2zDy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Dazed and Confused<\/em><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">, for example). Bass is deep and agile, too.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p> <\/p>\n<p>And it\u2019s not only bass weight that belies their dinky proportions; there\u2019s a sense of power and scale we\u2019d normally expect from a much larger box than the 32cm-tall Diamonds. Give them a good, solid pair of stands such as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/atacama\/moseco-6\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Atacama Moseco 6<\/a>s (\u00a3120) and they will sparkle.<\/p>\n<p>Their solidity and authority throughout the frequency range relies on placement near or against a rear wall: pull them out too far in the open and that sure-footedness is diluted slightly; bass notes are looser and vocals lose a bit of substance.<\/p>\n<p>Talking of vocals, the 220s clear and candid delivery is very expressive. Run through Eminem\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/spotify:album:04r9yvH25PwePggAYZQYq8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Relapse<\/em><\/a> album and his choppy raps are communicated effortlessly. The 220s erupt with the attack and rhythmic drive to really devour the hard, edgy nature of the songs too.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1043\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1043\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1043 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4.jpg 790w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/famous-av.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/wharfedale_220_4-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1043\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You can biwire each speaker using the twin sets of binding posts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">There\u2019s scale here with a degree of authority and substance that no rival we\u2019ve heard can better. Stereo imaging is good too, nicely projected and <\/span><span class=\"skimlinks-unlinked\" style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">layered. The\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">good news continues where integration is concerned, with everything tying together into a seamless whole.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item even\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full\">\n<div id=\"section46694\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<p>We like the stereo imaging too, but it\u2019s the Diamond\u2019s level of insight and dynamic aptitude that really lifts them above their peers. In a version of Grieg\u2019s Piano Concerto, instruments are packed with variation and subtlety; piano sequences are fluid and telling, violins textured.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s an exceptional finesse to the delivery that rivals fail to match. Dynamic presence in even the quietest sections conveys the gradual swell of the piece. The 220s seem happy delivering the dramatic moments too \u2013 as orchestration gathers momentum, the speakers enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n<p>While these speakers aren\u2019t unduly fussy about partnering kit you\u2019ll get out\u00a0only\u00a0what you put in. The Wharfedales will be a huge upgrade for any microsystem \u2013 the Denon <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/denon\/d-m39dab\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D-M39DAB<\/a>, say \u2013 partnering them with a punchy, dynamic amp like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/rega\/brio-r\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rega\u2019s Brio-R<\/a> (\u00a3480) will get you two thirds of the way to a really exceptional system. For a source, we\u2019d look at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/marantz\/cd6005\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marantz CD6005<\/a> CD player as a good start.<\/p>\n<p>How do they compare with the older 121s? The character is similar but the newer speakers are a little better in most respects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"field-item odd\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final\">\n<div id=\"section46695\" class=\"entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-sections-collection clearfix\">\n<h3 class=\"section-title closed processed\"><strong>Verdict<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content section-container closed\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-field-body field-type-text-long field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<div>\n<p>In any case, the talented Diamond 220s will likely be the jewel in the crown of any budget \u2013 or even mid-range \u2013 set-up. Would we go as far as saying they\u2019re one of the best hi-fi products you can buy sub-\u00a3200?<\/p>\n<p>Without a doubt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Video review Design and build The 220s are the replacem … <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/?p=1036\" class=\"more-link\">\u95b1\u8b80\u5168\u6587<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">\u3008Wharfedale Diamond 220 – WhatHiFi?\u3009<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wharfedale"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1047,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions\/1047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/famous-av.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n