Wharfedale Diamond 220 HCP review

One of our favourite stereo standmounters in a reasonably-priced package – an ideal first step into surround sound Tested at £850

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Punchy and detailed: an excellent first step into surround sound

Pros

  • +

    Precise, articulated sound

  • +

    Well integrated

  • +

    Taut and controlled punch

Cons

  • -

    Not quite the last word in outright excitement

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We love the Wharfedale Diamond 220s, and we’re not shy about saying so. As if giving them an Award wasn’t enough, we have previously used language such as ‘best-sounding budget speakers on the market’. So imagine our excitement when we learned we would get to try them in a surround package.

The Wharfedale Diamond 220 HCP (Home Cinema Package) comprises two pairs of Diamond 220 standmounters, a 220C centre speaker, and an SPC-10 active subwoofer – another five-star winner in its own right.

Features

Make sure you experiment with your amp’s output levels. Auto configuration had the centre speaker set higher than ideal

Make sure you experiment with your amp’s output levels. Auto configuration had the centre speaker set higher than ideal

The speakers use 25mm tweeters, set in a deeply dished waveguide to improve efficiency, and 13cm woven Kevlar mid/bass drivers. The cabinet is made of particleboard sandwiched between MDF, designed to reduce unwanted distortions from the cabinet.

The unusual element here is the ‘slot-loaded distribution port’, a downwards-firing reflex port that opens into a small gap between the base of the cabinet and the plinth. This design helps reduce chuffing noise and makes the speaker less fussy about its proximity to walls.

We’re pleased to see this port design has made it to the 220C. This feature was missing in its predecessor the 101C, and we felt there was a mismatch with it and the rest of its package.

Performance

Put it all together and what you get is a fine sound indeed. It’s big, for starters. The Wharfedales have no problem engulfing you. Watching Birdman, we were so immersed in sound that it was easy to imagine we were backstage in a Manhattan theatre.

This is a well-integrated package. The centre speaker no longer sticks out oddly, and the speakers work closely with the subwoofer, which focuses on agility and detail over rearranging your organs. Effects pan across the room in a tightly-knit soundfield, maintaining a consistency of character as they go.

It’s an analytical listen, offering plenty in the way of precision and fine detail. Voices are solid and insightful, there is a high level of clarity and the timing is tight.

Avoid placing the speakers too far out in free space. They work best closer to walls

Avoid placing the speakers too far out in free space. They work best closer to walls

That’s not to say they’re not capable of fun: the sound packs a good deal of punch, handling dynamic shifts with confidence.

Take care when setting up the speakers. The design may have been intended to make them less fussy about placement, but we find they actually perform best when placed close to walls. Do this and you’ll be rewarded with a more solid, precise stereo image.

It’s also worth tinkering with your amplifier’s output levels. On our auto-calibrated settings, we initially found the sound a little clinical. Going into the settings and turning the centre speaker down one decibel or so resulted in a livelier, more atmospheric sound.

Verdict

They succeeded as stereo standmounters, and now they’ve succeeded as a surround package.

Is there anything the Wharfedale Diamond 220s can’t do? Maybe, but this package is an excellent way into the world of surround sound and at budget price too.

Read all our Wharfedale news and reviews

Awards 2014 - Best speaker packages

What Hi-Fi?

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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