Wharfedale Diamond 12.2

The 12.1 is the compact model with a smaller 5-inch mid-bass driver, while the 12.2 is the larger bookshelf with a 6.5-inch woven Kevlar bass driver for fuller low-end output. Both share the same 25mm soft dome tweeter and the Diamond 12 series voicing.

They're an 8-ohm design with a sensitivity around 87dB, so they'll run on modest entry-level amplifiers but reward cleaner power given that moderate sensitivity. They're a popular pairing with budget integrated amps in the same price class.

The Diamond 12 series launched in 2020 as the successor to Wharfedale's Diamond 11 line, with the speakers' tuning overseen by renowned German designer Karl-Heinz Fink. The 12.2 sat near the top of the bookshelf range, below the 12.3 floorstander.

The Diamond 12 series uses Wharfedale's slot-loaded port design, which the company says reduces port chuffing and makes near-wall placement more forgiving than a simple rear-firing tube. As with any rear-ported-style design, some breathing room behind the cabinet still helps bass clarity.