Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

Custom Ports, Five-Inch Klarity Drivers, Soft-Dome Tweeters, and Advanced Bracing Anchor the Value-Based Diamond 12.1i: Wharfedale Bookshelf Loudspeakers Play with Control, Focus, Energy, and Insight

It may not physically resemble the precious stone from which it takes its name, but everything about the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i bookshelf loudspeaker shines. Like all of its Diamond 12i Series counterparts, this medium-sized monitor-style unit sets performance benchmarks in its class. Featuring a redesigned port crafted using laser interferometry, anechoic measurements, and computational fluid dynamics to access airflow and pressure in its structure, Diamond 12.1i offers articulate and controlled bass responsiveness as well as consistent spatial performance. 

Allowing listeners generous freedom of placement, the two-way bass-reflex speaker renders sought-after detail, tonality, texture, depth, and space from your recordings with investigative insight, engaging definition, and thrilling energy. Able to play with a satisfying low end, Diamond 12.1i touts a five-inch bass driver comprised of trademarked Klarity cone material – formulated from a blend of polypropylene and mica to add stiffness while remaining lightweight for low coloration and fast responsiveness. Fitted with a low-damping surround and shaped to achieve a flat response curve, it produces expressive dynamics even on complex material.

The 12.28 x 7.09 x 10.94-inch (HWD) Diamond 12.1i also possesses a precision-crafted magnet system with an aluminum compensation ring to minimize the effect of variations in inductance as the voice coil travels, ultimately leading to an absence of distortion and intermodulation generated by the motor system. As for the aforementioned voice coil? It comes wound on an epoxy/glass-fiber bobbin produces higher power handling than those assembled on aluminum machines.

In the area of high-frequency reproduction, Diamond 12.1i sparkles. Comprised of woven polyester film with a high-loss coating for open, smoothly extended high frequencies, its one-inch textile-dome tweeter boasts an optimized magnet system and flat front plate to attain wide dispersion and uncompressed playback. Architecturally, a very short duct on the front plate balances the acoustic load and serves to improve SPL measurement. Equally important, Diamond 12.1i utilizes a Linkwitz-Riley crossover network with air-core inductors – the latter commonly found in much more expensive high-end designs due to their low-distortion properties.

Of course, a speaker named Diamond must look fantastic. Diamond 12.1i fits the bill. Not only does this compact unit sport eye-catching finishes and accents, it benefits form-follows-function architecture in which Intelligent Spot Bracing connects opposite walls with a custom, computer-modeled wood brace to reduce resonance – and not transfer it from side to another. 

Want to know more about Diamond 12i or the entire range? Dial us up at 312-433-0200 and let's talk.

Driver Magnet Systems
Each mid/bass driver features a precise magnet system with an aluminum compensation ring to reduce the effects of inductance changes as the voice coil moves. This advanced motor system minimizes intermodulation and distortion, producing cleaner, more accurate sound. The voice coil is wrapped around a high-power epoxy/glass-fiber bobbin, which performs significantly better than standard materials at this price point, offering greater power handling, thermal stability, and structural strength.

High-End Crossovers
Wharfedale engineers use a sophisticated Linkwitz-Riley crossover design complete with air-core inductors — components typically found in high-end speakers. The crossover network is finely adjusted for minimal phase shift and smooth integration between drivers. The magnet structure for the mid/bass driver is modified to address the resistance of the high-quality inductors, ensuring
fast, clean bass without compromise.

Low-Resonance Cabinets
Each enclosure features a multi-layered sandwich construction that reduces panel resonance and distortion. Even the adhesive properties between the layers have been acoustically tested to optimize damping. Inside, intelligent spot bracing connects opposite cabinet walls using computer-modeled braces that reduce vibration without passing it from one surface to another. This contributes to the solid and authoritative sound signature of the Diamond 12i series.