These $299 Speakers Blew Me Away! Wharfedale Diamond 225 Review.

Рет қаралды 30,904

3 жыл бұрын

#wharfedale #HiFi #Audiophile
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Today I want to share my enthusiasm for a great pair of speakers that will not break the bank! Today I review a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 225's and they come in at $299 while looking like a $1000 or more speaker. The question is how do these Wharfedale's sound? Well, I test them in my reference setup and a lower cost setup from Shiit Audio. You can hear my thoughts in the video as well as see how gorgeous these speakers are for the money!
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Пікірлер: 77

@mindriot010 25 күн бұрын

Awesome review!!! Do you think these speakers would pair well with a Yamaha AS501 integrated amp?

@johnd7268 14 күн бұрын

Your review influenced my decision to purchase these on Ebay for $229 that were in excellent condition with all original packaging. I hooked them up to a Music Hall a15.3 integrated amplifier and was really blown away by how much more the instruments were separated and presented a more spacial sound stage! Before, I was listening to Q Acoustic Concept 20's with an SMSL AO 200 class D amp and a DO 200 mk ii DAC. I do supplement the low end with a 10" sub, but I still can't get over the instrument separation and depth! Apparently, I need to hear some high-end gear to understand how much more depth and imaging a more expensive system will produce. To my ears, at this point, this system sounds great for under $800.

@tonydeniro284 2 жыл бұрын

The BEST affordable speaker available. I've known this for years. Amazing product designed by Peter Comeau, he did a wonderful job on these. They were originally $449...the $299 is the clearance price.

@18yearsoldnot 3 ай бұрын

Great review. I bought these for my parents' house and it's a steal as you say.

@g.fortin3228 3 ай бұрын

I have a set of these I picked up used for 200 looking like brand new and sounding incredible on a 1978 Nikko NR-815. Really love them.. this is an extra system in the den and not my main system but geez i LOVE them... I never ever am dissapointed at all when I have this set on ! Highly recommended.

@freemenofengland2880 2 ай бұрын

Love the way you pronounce Schitt!!!😂😂😂

@josevarela6352 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such an open, humble and revealing rewiew. I've got a pair of Wharfies (Diamond 9.1) and can confirm that both the sound and the finish punch way above its weight. They are great speakers, honest and a real pleasure to listen to (my 9.1 have great bass too). Greetings from Spain!

@tonydeniro284 2 жыл бұрын

These won both the Stereophile and absolute sound budget component of the year award in 2017....read the stereophile review whereas Herb, Ken, and the late Art D. were all taken aback by these speakers. All three heartedly recommended them.

@nbrowser 2 жыл бұрын

A little late to the comments but I bought a pair of these a couple of years ago, chain is a Cambridge Audio Topaz CD10 disc spinner and a Cambridge Audio SR20 receiver...granted not ultra high end stuff here but the sound is just so sublime, warm and a nicely relaxed top end. Such an enjoyable listening rig for what it's worth, if I don't need to shake the foundations of the house with my much larger 2 channel system the CA/Wharfedale combo is just so sweet.

@DirkDirkin Жыл бұрын

how do the 225s compare to the Diamond 9.1 bookshelves

@tg6373 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought a pair to go with my Audiolab 6000A

@gjdc Жыл бұрын

How would these compare to the Elac 6.2 b62s?

@simionioanbabos7173 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your review. Can I please ask you a technical question. The speakers are right now sale in this part of the world (East Europe - Romania). Can I connect the speakers to a Receiver Yamaha MusicCast R-N303D. Thank you.

@borreltjuh83 Жыл бұрын

Diamond 220's are now in some places just 150-175 dollar, bargain of the century. I have a pair in 2.1 bi amp set up with a sub and boy what a sound

@rianredfield5252 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of quality are the crossovers? How do they compare to the Sony 3way core bookshelves?

@jpaleas 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, interesting speakers! They share a little DNA with my vintage Design acoustics by Audio Technica PS10 circa 1986. I understand the Wharfedale is ported at the base and not down firing as the PS10 , but it’s a related design ! I hadn’t seen another speaker with that idea until now, except in subwoofers..... I am definitely getting a pair, I don’t know which room I will use them in but at this price point they can just keep company to their ancestors😁 Thanks for reviewing them!

@calebkeen8967 3 жыл бұрын

I owned these for a few years and agree 100% with your appraisal. The performance is way beyond what you'd expect at the price point, and when I 'upgraded' to Harbeth P3ESR's I discerned an improvement but nothing like what I expected as these speakers are that good.

@Plastpackad 7 ай бұрын

Tweak tips: getting bigger spacers between the bottom plate and the cabinet will open up the sound and make them even better (Wharfedale have this extra big spacers if one don't want to DIY). Also, bi-wire makes a audible improvement. WD 225 was probably the best bang for the buck in audio.

@zhemin 2 жыл бұрын

What stands are those??

@Chris-sj5fh 2 жыл бұрын

I've owned a pair of 225s for 6 months but am wondering if I'm missing a lot more powering them with a basic AVR the Denon AVR-S750H; would the sound be much better with a better amp? Also can anyone suggest ideal placement ideas, distance from wall, distance apart, toe in? Thanks

@johnsweda2999 2 жыл бұрын

They per well with the Wharfedale powered subwoofer sw150 $150 each get 2

@xcvbxcvb2179 2 жыл бұрын

Tweak tips. Double the spacers between the box and bottom plate. It will open up the sound. Also, bi-wire them will improve them further. True modern classics.

@weaselpopper Жыл бұрын

Great tip ! I did that with my D220`s, double spacer was a bit too much I thought. I just used thick SS washers with stock spacers.

@TheCharlesAtoz 2 жыл бұрын

I think you'd have the premiere review channel if it was all about gear and music. Good stuff.

@movitz1579 Жыл бұрын

Just got these for $140 now I just need a decent amp for them.

@willychen21222 2 жыл бұрын

What happened to your dynaudio heritage special? Why you sold it?

@rafaelalberto5051 3 жыл бұрын

these or jbl stage 130?

@Dave-if5qj 5 күн бұрын

Wharfdale diamonds compete With speaker's many times There price the 225 can be had For $299 at the moment

@joeydelmarsjr.646 5 ай бұрын

are the diamonds 225 better for music or movies or both?

@18yearsoldnot 3 ай бұрын

music. Just be warned that they are quite fussy with the amp you pair them with. I'd say they have half the kick as my kef r3 but they are better than the kefs for lilstening to rock, jazz, classical, and especially "world" music. Definitely use a neutral and revealing sounding amp with a linear midrange - these speakers are actually quite demanding. I use an audiolab 8300a with them and I couldn't be happier. I tested a bunch of different amps in store and audiolab seemed to be the best match.

@kamilrakowski23 3 жыл бұрын

I've had these speakers for two years (white version) To me, they sound better than my b&w which cost 3x more.I use them together with a b&w subwoofer for music and with polk audio (in home theater) Of course, it depends on what music you listen. I forgot something important. They don't need much space around them. This may be important for some. Mine are made in the UK. One more thing. They need a good quality amplifier. It is a pity that today it is so difficult to find a good amplifier at a good price.

@andykeena8767 2 жыл бұрын

I picked them up for $229 when Crutchfield was blowing them out.

@wim1983 3 жыл бұрын

I've been listening to Wharfedale Denton 80th (not 85th though) for 6 years , worth to spend a little bit more, 225 sounded more dynamic and less refine on treble compare to Denton 80th, but it's hard to beat to find a pair of speakers like Denton 80th with romantic & soul touch to the sound and affordable price, and I think it's not that bad in dynamic too, it can sound kinda rocking good too.

@HiFiHuff 3 жыл бұрын

The Dentons are wonderful for what they cost and IMO better than the 225's, but they cost a little more : )

@johnhoffman8041 3 жыл бұрын

Great review and I have Heresy IV's and the Freya +/Aegir combo! So with the tube stage you didn't get the holographic soundstage? Wonder if the lower sensitivity caused that issue. I have Zu's coming soon and may wind up buying another Aegir to go mono blocks.

@HiFiHuff Жыл бұрын

It was most likely the sensitivity thing. : )

@toddkeller8775 2 жыл бұрын

Better than elac debut 2.0 speakers?

@HiFiHuff 2 жыл бұрын

I have been listening to these in my 2nd system almost daily as they are in an area where my office is. They are insanely good for the money, and I do not think there is any way you can best these for $300. Elac Debut 2.0 are good but to me they sounded a bit hollow in the mids, which is why I did not review them. But sound is a personal thing. These are downright amazing and I am running them with a lowly Sprout 100 (with Bass boost off). Am using nice stands though that cost 3X the cost of the speakers, and Nordost Blue heaven cables. They have a full rhythmic sound that leans a little warm but this means they sound good with almost any music.

@andreassouth1523 2 жыл бұрын

Quality of construction way better than elac.Also better mids.

@gjdc Жыл бұрын

I currently have the Elac Debut 2.0 b62 running from a yamaha as-501. Powerful for sure. But Would this speaker provide a wider soundstage and better bass response? Thank you!!

@DeMorcan 3 жыл бұрын

Now that the Klipsch RP-600M is $377 how we they compare with Wharfedale 255? Which would you recommend? These would be used with a PS Sprout 100 and Bluesound Node 21 in an 12X 16 room in an RV. I am 71 and do not hear the highs as clearly as my younger ears did. I still go to Blues Clubs for live music and listen to some metal and rock but mostly vocals. I am wanting something I small I can listen to the rest of my life and lay back and close my eyes and remember with the music. Any suggestion would be most helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration.

@gizzy2403 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, you might want to go w/ a speaker that has a ' Sparkley ' or very detailed tweeter like KEF or Focal, especially if you've lost hearing in that range. Hope you find something 🍻

@DeMorcan 3 жыл бұрын

@@gizzy2403 Thank you. I tried some like that in the house. But kept getting a sound that was too bright and flat on the bass. I like some bass and warmth but cannot do the booming anymore. Gone are the days when I could set in my chair, close my eyes and follow the lead singer around the room and pick out each instrument. Not even sure I want that now since my budget is smaller with retirement. I want (and does not exist) instead a great sweet spot where everything is perfect, a speaker set that will give a pleasant zone I can lay back on the coach hold my wife and we can both hear decent quality. We are going to live full time in an RV traveling for the rest of our lives and need small size. Do you have any specific speaker you would recommend I listen to.

@ld4974 3 жыл бұрын

@@DeMorcan I have auditioned the 225 and the RP-600M (at the $377 price). Returned both. You may like the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2. I own them and they get great reviews. You can order either (or all) of the three speakers from Crutchfield, audition for 60 days, and return for a flat $10 for each pair.

@HiFiHuff 3 жыл бұрын

With a sprout I would go with the RP-600's for sure. Much easier to drive and will bring more dynamics and "WOW" over the Wharfedales with a sprout.

@-MarkWinston- 3 жыл бұрын

Try B&W 700 series. Its should help with the hearing problem as theys are a little bright yet musical.

@g4nd4k 3 жыл бұрын

Hi. You should try Wharfedale Elysian 2 bookshelf speakers if you have a chance. I'm curious how they compare with the Dynaudio Heritage Special . I think they will surprise you . Great review like always

@HiFiHuff 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely speakers, I am familiar with them.

@ld4974 3 жыл бұрын

I auditioned an open box pair. May have been duds but I did not like the sound. Ended up returning them.

@HiFiHuff 3 жыл бұрын

I think it will depend on many things. Amplification, room, etc. The Pass Labs brought them to life more than the Schiit gear, which was a tad bright and hollow in comparison. For $299 I haven't heard better.

@tonydeniro284 2 жыл бұрын

They need to be broken in...I thought same, but they changed for the better, much better. They are keepers...

@cremersalex 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't expect real veneer for that price.

@Mark198d 2 жыл бұрын

They're not. The Diamond 225 has a vinyl wrap. You have to step up to the Evo or Heritage series (Denton 80/85, Linton) to get real veneer.

@deeplyclosetedindividual Жыл бұрын

Correct, it's a vinyl laminate, not veneer

@ericharrelson2045 3 жыл бұрын

I just ordered a pair of these, sent to them straight to GR Research for Danny Richie to evaluate for a crossover upgrade. I think it will be a fun next level little project.

@4ST11 2 жыл бұрын

Any news from GR ? I have a pair of the 225's and would love to upgrade them..

@ericharrelson2045 2 жыл бұрын

@@4ST11 Last I spoke to GR, he had several in the queue. I've recently sent Danny the following speakers for evaluation: Sony SSCS3; Neumi BS5; Wharfedale 225 and 240; Dali Oberon 3. I think the SSCS3 will be up first, not sure order of the rest or if other customers are ahead of me.

@albertstern6343 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to hear from you and Danny!

@albertstern6343 2 жыл бұрын

Heard anything yet from GR?

@ericharrelson2045 2 жыл бұрын

@@albertstern6343 nothing yet.

@ThomasDercole2230 2 жыл бұрын

GR research says take the grills off these speakers and never put them back on. I have them and i agree

@robertmarshall7712 2 жыл бұрын

I had the Diamond 220 for a while and thought they sounded awful, just flat and unengaging. So the 225 must have improved a whole lot over the 220 if they sound that good!

@selassie123GA Жыл бұрын

Heavily depends on the amp in this case, those speakers are Divas. Awful on my Denon, great with my Marantz.

@glennjones6574 2 жыл бұрын

now c'mon. the heresey is real wood as apposed to vinyl wrap.

@deeplyclosetedindividual Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@TheAlberto6842 2 жыл бұрын

At 299, Just think how little the people in China get paid .....lol

@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 3 жыл бұрын

👍👍🤗😎😍😍😍

@foblivio 3 жыл бұрын

Next review item: Sony STR-DH190 LOL.

@-MarkWinston- 3 жыл бұрын

Yup... that will be a very good pair up. The 225 is laidback, the dh190 is very clean and forward sounding, dynamic is dare I say. Put out a real 97w per channel @ 8 ohms, they are powerful.

@CrazyAudioFan 3 жыл бұрын

And apparently, the Sony 190 receiver can be had for around $100 USD if you catch it on sale (but not here where I live).

@-MarkWinston- 3 жыл бұрын

@@CrazyAudioFan its worth it even for 150 usd... i dont think anything can come close in its price range, not even those mini amps with a 48v/10a brick.

@anaxa4883 2 жыл бұрын

I had the Wharfedale 225 on a desktop and although it sounded nice, they were way too slow and boring sounding for rock or any kind of popular music. I found the JBL Stage a130 to be much better. Even my old Polk Monitor 7a peerless sounded better.

@ljbrandt500 2 жыл бұрын

JBL 530s are even better

@anaxa4883 2 жыл бұрын

@@ljbrandt500 Why? Have you compared the a130 and studio 530? I avoided the 530 because several reviews said it was a neutral and sometimes boring speaker. The a130 shows better hf extension in measurements.

@ljbrandt500 2 жыл бұрын

@@anaxa4883 the 530s are anything but a boring speaker...these are MADE for rock

@18yearsoldnot 3 ай бұрын

Amp?