Home > Consumer Reviews > Wharfedale Diamond 7.2 Bookshelf Speakers, Black Ash (Pair)

I will admit that for the price, these are hard to beat - I've heard worse sounding speakers that cost more. However, don't be led to believe that you will get super-high-quality audiophile sound from these (as some of the previous reviews seem to indicate). The 7.2s do indeed get low (although I found the bass a little muddy sounding), and the high frequenceies are very present (I actually turn the treble down). This emphasis on the extremes makes loud rock music sound great. Where I found this speaker lacking is in the mid-range. If you're a jazz or classical music connoisseur this is where you'll wish you had paid more for a speaker. I found solo piano, string quartet, and similar genres to sound empty or hollow on this speaker. This kind of music doesn't rely on a "thumping" bass or piercing highs the way rock music does, but it does require a full and rich midrange. Unfortunately this seems to be where Wharfedale cut the corners on the 7.2 (I suppose they had to cut them somewhere to offer them for this price). I'm giving them four stars because they are a good speaker for the price (from a purely critical standpoint I'd give them a 2-3 stars), and if you are easily impressed by lots of bass these are great. However, if you're a more discriminating listener you probably won't be completely satisified.

I ordered these speakers as a more compact replacement for a pair of older, mediocre quality, three way speakers with 8" woofers that I had in my computer room. I wasn't really sure what to expect from such small and inexpensive speakers. When they arrived I put one of the old and one of the new speakers side-by-side, and switched between them. I was surprised by how similar the two speakers sounded; this was no doubt partly coincidence, as two speakers of very different design will normally have noticeable differences in they way they sound even if the overall sound quality is similar. I then installed the new speakers, and as a pair they sound better than the old speakers did. Some of this may be because the layout of the room forces me to put the speakers too close together, and this may degrade the sound of the smaller speakers less. But the pair also just sound good together. In any event, these speakers sound about as good as they reasonably can given the size and acoustics of the room. I'm sure pedantic audiophiles can find things to object to in these speakers, but if you have a small, acoustically-challenged room, or simply limited space or budget, these speakers are a great deal.

I bought these off the website, more or less without much information other than the editorial and customer reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have had the same Genesis 15-inch speakers since college (which is some time ago!) and while I am no audiophile, wanted something that would sound good for classical and jazz, as well as some pop/rock.

When I installed these on the bookshelf in the same location as my old speakers had occupied, I was really disappointed. The bass was too heavy, the mid-range muddy...

The next night, however, I rearranged some things, took the speakers off the shelf, and used some surfaces that were about the same level as my listening height, in the approximate configuration shown in the instructions. All I can say is--what a difference!! They sound terrific now--clear, nice timbre, good bass AND mid-range, as well as rich-sounding treble.

My conclusion is that the placement in your room will really affect the sound on these speakers, so experiment a bit. I am very pleased with them now, and think they are a great value.

Clean high and mid. Need a seperate powered sub for a stronger bass, then again what do you expect for a 5.1 mini woofer?. The spec said gold 5 way binding post, but they are nickle plated instead. Amazingly loud for this tiny size speakers. A bit flimpsy for the front grill cover. exact overall measurement 9 1/8"D x 11 5/8"H x 7 1/2"W. Wish Wharfedale put in a 6" or 6 1/2" woofer, other than that, these babies look great.

I can't tell you how happy I am with the speakers. I just recieved them and connected them to my stereo, what great sound. The price does not match the quality of these speakers. If anyone is looking for a great pair of speakers that will give a wide range of sound and will fit almost anywhere, look no further these are them. The best part is that they are less than $100. It doesn't get any better than this.