Wharfedale Diamond 10.5 review

They're plenty of speaker for the money, but the 10.5s' timing lets them down Tested at £480.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The 10.5s have a lot of sonic plus points, but their timing and dynamic ability let them down

Pros

  • +

    A lot of speaker for the money

  • +

    detailed

  • +

    superb integration

  • +

    tight, controlled bass

  • +

    good soundstage

Cons

  • -

    Lack of rhythm

  • -

    weak dynamics

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The more you read about the Diamond 10.5s, the more you wonder if someone's pulling your leg.

Wharfedale has managed to produce a sub-£500 floorstanding speaker that's a true three-way design, that uses a 5cm, purpose-built, fabric-domed midrange driver. These are features usually reserved for speakers costing three or four times the price.

The 10.5s share many design attributes you'll find throughout Wharfedale's Diamond range. There's the strengthened, curved cabinet for increased rigidity.

They also use a 16.5cm Kevlar bass driver, which features an interesting diamond pattern, designed to reduce and dampen the effects of any standing waves.

Seamless integration of sound
The 2.5cm soft-dome tweeter is prevalent throughout the Diamond range and sits beneath a metal diffusion grid to protect the unit and to encourage a smoother, more detailed sound.

Spin some tunes and any fears about integration are soon cast aside. The sound from each driver is knitted together seamlessly and you're greeted with a broad, expansive and extremely solid soundstage.

Play Charlotte Gainsbourg's In The End and the mixture of strings, percussion and delicate vocals are presented clearly and concisely.

With Prince's When Doves Cry, the Wharfedales impress with powerful, taut, well-defined bass. The speakers remain composed and controlled at high volumes and maintain their vice-like grip with all genres of music.

Rhythm is out to get them
But you've seen the star rating. Bizarrely, the 10.5s manage to somewhat undo this good work, thanks to their inability to convey precise timing and maintain a decent rhythm.

Prince's Let's Go Crazy is a high-tempo party piece that the Wharfedales turn into a slow-paced boreathon.

Speakers costing less than half the price highlight the 10.5s' lack of excitement and dynamic shortcomings. By comparison, they struggle to connect emotionally with the listener.

On paper, the 10.5s should be some of the finest sub-£500 speakers out there. In reality, their lack of drive and dynamics disappoints.

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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