Wharfedale Diamond 12.2i Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)

Refined Evolution of a Modern Classic

Since its debut in 2020, the DIAMOND 12 Series has earned widespread acclaim for delivering unmatched performance and value. Now, with the DIAMOND 12i, Wharfedale introduces luxurious finishes and subtle yet impactful acoustic upgrades that mark a considered evolution rather than a complete redesign.

More Than Skin Deep

The Diamond series has always stood apart for its exceptional build quality and thoughtful design. The new premium cabinet finishes elevate the visual appeal, offering a more refined and contemporary look that complements the speaker’s outstanding performance.

Incremental Acoustic Enhancements

Wharfedale’s engineering team returned to the internal design to fine-tune bass port behaviour and airflow. Improvements to port geometry and internal damping have resulted in tighter, more articulate bass and greater low-frequency control in real-world listening spaces.

Using laser interferometry, extensive measurement, CFD airflow analysis, and hundreds of hours of listening tests, the team—led by Peter Comeau with senior engineers Dan Bailey Ornellas and Oliver Davies—achieved a smoother transition between low and mid frequencies and a more consistent soundstage regardless of placement.

Klarity™ Cone Technology

The DIAMOND 12.2i continues to use Wharfedale’s advanced Klarity™ cone material, a blend of polypropylene and mica engineered for low distortion, high stiffness, and excellent internal damping. Lightweight and responsive, it delivers expressive dynamics and fast transient response.

A low-damping surround, ribbed cone shaping, and carefully simulated profiles help ensure a smooth, linear response without unwanted resonance.

Advanced Magnet Assembly

The mid/bass driver features a precise magnet system with an aluminium compensation ring to minimise inductance variation as the coil moves—greatly reducing distortion and improving clarity.

The voice coil uses a high-power epoxy/glass fibre bobbin, allowing superior thermal stability and structural rigidity compared to typical materials used at this price point.

25mm Textile Dome Tweeter

High frequencies are produced by a 1" woven polyester dome with a high-loss damping coating, providing extended, smooth treble with excellent off-axis dispersion. The flat front plate and minimal waveguide are acoustically optimised for natural, open high-frequency reproduction.

High-Quality Crossover Components

The DIAMOND 12.2i uses a sophisticated Linkwitz-Riley crossover with air-core inductors—rare in this class—to maintain phase coherence and achieve seamless integration between drivers. The magnet structure is refined to complement these premium components and preserve bass speed and definition.

Low-Resonance Cabinet Design

The cabinet employs a multi-layer sandwich structure with carefully selected adhesives to minimise panel resonance. Internal spot bracing is computer-modelled to stiffen the enclosure without transmitting vibration, contributing to the 12i’s solid, authoritative sound.

Preserve the Essence, Perfect the Experience

The DIAMOND 12.2i looks, feels, and performs like a meaningful evolution. Its improvements may be subtle, but the listening experience is unmistakably enhanced—while the essence of the DIAMOND sound remains intact.

Technical Specifications – Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.2i