Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Balanced presentation and refined sound quality
- Expressive and revealing midrange, particularly excelling with vocals and guitars
- Good build quality with furniture-grade looks
- Impressive bass performance for their size, delivering a solid foundation without overpowering
- Clear and detailed sound, maintaining realism and tone across the frequency range
Product Considerations
- A subwoofer may be required for those seeking a full range listening experience or deeper bass extension, particularly for music
- Treble can be a little peaky depending on the recording
- Best suited for small to medium-sized rooms—may not be ideal for larger spaces
- Rear-firing bass port requires adequate space behind the speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Diamond 12.3 offers more sophistication, while the Fyne F302i sounds more enthusiastic
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 speakers offer a balanced and refined sound that's great for enjoying all types of music. Their build quality, attractive design, and well-rounded performance make them a worthwhile choice for anyone looking for floor-standing speakers.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Diamond 12.3
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- General description: 2.5-way floorstanding speaker
- Enclosure type: bass reflex
- Bass driver: 5"(130mm) advanced PP Cone
- Midrange driver: 5"(130mm) advanced PP Cone
- Treble driver: 1"(25mm) Textile Dome
- AV shield: No
- Sensitivity(2.83V @ 1m): 89dB
- Recommended amplifier power: 30-150W
- Peak SPL: 102dB
- Nominal impedance: 8Ω
- Minimum impedance: 5Ω
- Frequency response(+/-3dB): 45Hz ~ 20kHz
- Bass extension(-6dB): 40Hz
- Crossover frequency: 2.2kHz
- Cabinet Volume: 26.6L
- Dimensions (H x W x D): (925+50) x 180 x (320+28) mm
- Net weight: 19.5kg/pcs
Description
The more compact of the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12 series floorstanding options, the DIAMOND 12.3 loses none of the accuracy and musicality of the standmount (bookshelf) options. With enhanced presence and power, the DIAMOND 12.3 is refined and the perfect, affordable floorstanding speaker for 2-channel hi-fi systems, or as the front pair of a seriously impressive home theatre system.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Drawing from its flagship Elysian series, Wharfedale incorporates trickle-down technology such as AMT tweeters, heavily braced curved cabinets, and slot-loaded bottom ports to deliver a high-end experience at a more accessible price point.
- The brand's loudspeakers are designed with a focus on creating a seamless integration between all components and the surrounding system, allowing the strengths and weaknesses of the amplifier to be more easily discerned.
- Wharfedale speakers offer versatility by being voiced with the intention to be positioned relatively close to the wall, providing set-up flexibility that caters to a variety of listening environments, particularly smaller rooms.
- They provide excellent value by producing an easy-to-enjoy, musical sound in part due to their wide baffle design that captures warmth and delivers an immersive, full sound without being overly analytical.
Select products
Select product comparisons
D330:
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on high performance at a low cost. Features a 2.5-way design with black woven Kevlar cones, providing a robust sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Diamond 12.4, it is more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, making it ideal for those with limited room and budget.
Diamond 12.4:
- Positioning: Mid-range series, offering a balance of performance and value.
- Description: Praised for its room-filling sound and impactful bass, thanks to its Klarity cone material and advanced crossover design. Stands out with its 2.5-way configuration, delivering a more refined sound than the D330.
EVO4.4:
- Positioning: Upper mid-range, blending advanced technology with affordability.
- Description: Uses technology from the high-end Elysian series, such as the AMT tweeter and SLPP bass reflex system, offering detailed high frequencies and deep bass. Provides a more sophisticated soundstage than the Diamond 12.4.
Aura 4:
- Positioning: Premium series, designed for high performance and aesthetic appeal.
- Description: Features the AMT transducer for exceptional high-frequency detail and a proprietary woven glass fiber matrix for midrange and bass. Offers a more dynamic and detailed sound compared to the EVO4.4.
Dovedale:
- Positioning: Heritage series, combining classic design with modern performance.
- Description: A three-way standmount speaker with a vintage look and modern sound quality, featuring a large Kevlar bass driver for rich, controlled bass. Offers a more traditional aesthetic and sound compared to the Aura 4.
Elysian 4:
- Positioning: Flagship series, representing the pinnacle of Wharfedale's technology and luxury.
- Description: A luxury model with a piano-lacquer finish and advanced AMT transducers, delivering a wide bandwidth and low distortion. Surpasses the Dovedale in both design and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
63
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
49
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
65
Founding Year
1932
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
Wharfedale
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Wharfedale
Super Linton
2499
2499
/
9
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Robust cabinet, with a dual-layer fiberboard construction and latex damping glue, reduces resonances and sound coloration
- Improved woofer with larger cabinet and better motor system delivers deeper, more controlled, and impactful bass with better clarity
- Updated tweeter design, similar to the Dovedale speaker, delivers a big difference in treble delivery
- Internal crossovers are upgraded with better quality inductors, coils, and cabling
- Clearer, faster, and more three-dimensional soundstage compared to the original Linton
Product Considerations
- Initial treble response might be lively and energetic, potentially causing sibilance, but this mellows out after a break-in period
- Left-to-right imaging can sometimes feel like the sound is coming directly from the speaker instead of the space around it
- Vocals can sometimes come across a little too forward or present in the upper vocal range, depending on the music and amplifier
- May require careful matching with amplifiers and hifi systems to achieve the desired balance of sound
- Some reviewers initially found the bass punch lacking compared to the original Linton, although this may improve with break-in or by using the loudness control in the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Linton, Super has a clearer, faster, more 3D soundstage, crisper details, and more dynamic bass and treble
- Compared to Mission 770, Super has better clarity, dynamics, speed, liveliness and soundstage, but Mission has smoother vocals
Takeaway: The Super is a clear and transparent speaker, offering a detailed and lively listening experience. It is a good choice for audiophiles wanting flexibility to tailor their sound with different hifi systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Diamond 12.4
1298
1298
/
4
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Strong midrange with a natural and organic sound for both dialogue and vocals
- Wide soundstage, potentially better than the Klipsch RP-8000F, with excellent lateral width and solid center focus
- Good bass extension, with a more dampened and fuller presentation compared to some competitors
- The new Klarity material allows it to form very responsive high-rigidity relief diffusers, which practically do not color the sound with their own resonances
- Well-engineered cabinet design to minimize unwanted resonances, contributing to overall sound purity
Product Considerations
- Dynamics may come off as slightly slower compared to more efficient speaker designs like Klipsch
- Some reviewers found the bass to be slow or muddy, which could affect the midrange clarity depending on the recording and placement, though bass texture improves with better amplification
- High frequencies can be influenced by the amplifier, potentially becoming brittle or thin at higher volumes with certain pairings
- The spiked feet design isn't universally liked
- A subwoofer is needed to get down to 20 Hertz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Diamond 12.4 is more refined and coherent, while the Klipsch RP-8000F is more lively and dynamic, excelling in home theater or live music presentations
- The Diamond 12.4 is more sophisticated, easier to place, easier to live with, and has a more coherent sound top to bottom compared to the more bass-heavy Fluance XL8F
- The Diamond 12.4 offers better center focus and requires less expensive associated equipment to achieve comparable performance
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a refined and coherent sound, with a particularly strong midrange. Its ability to perform well across a range of source material makes it a solid choice for various listening preferences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
Concept 50
2199
2199
/
16
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
- Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
- A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
- Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
- A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner
Product Considerations
- A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
- Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
- The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
- Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
- They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
KLH
Model Five
1249
1249
/
14
Reviews
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss.
The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor. The English Walnut Model Five comes with a beautiful Stone Wash Linen grille cloth that magnifies the rich finish of the real wood veneers. Meanwhile, our West African Mahogany finish is complemented by an Old-World Linen grille cloth that will stop you in your tracks. And lastly, the Nordic Noir finish is shipped wearing the lovely Medici Grey Linen grille cloth.
Want the option of pairing any grille cloth with the finish of your choosing? Don't worry- you can purchase each style separately below! Riser base and grilles included with speaker purchase.
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
- Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
- Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
- Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
- Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
- Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
- Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
- Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
- Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
- Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
- Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
- Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
- Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound
Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Wharfedale
Crystal 4.3
636
/
Released
Crystal 4 series has been engineered for excitement — particularly for movies and music, a Crystal 4 system demonstrates coverage and depth usually associated with much more expensive home cinema systems.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound is lively and exciting, with a bit more fun
- They look very nice with a rounded front that gives it an extra touch of class
- Has more bass than the Elacs
- Top end has a flatter frequency response than the Elacs, therefore were more accurate
Product Considerations
- The treble is a little more revealing, so if using some tracks that are compressed and not the best quality, it will expose those flaws
- Center image is not as strong
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 Towers, the Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 Towers are less expensive and have more bass
- Vs ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 Towers, the Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 Towers have a flatter frequency response
- Vs ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 Towers, the Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 Towers have a wider soundstage
- Vs ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 Towers, the Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 Towers look nicer
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Crystal 4.3 Towers sound lively and are fun speakers that have more bass, and they also look very nice. At a great value, these speakers are a good purchase.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Klipsch
RP-8000F II
749
/
Released
2022
A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
- Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
- The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
- Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music
Product Considerations
- Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
- The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
- The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
- Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
- Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
- Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
- Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
- Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Magnepan
LRS+
995
/
Released
2022
Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed LRS, the LRS+ takes it up a notch. "This is another slam-dunk POY (Product of the Year) nominee, and, IMO, the best buy (along with the MG1.7i) in an affordable loudspeaker for modest-sized rooms." 2022 Golden Ear Award.
Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
- Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
- Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
- Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
- Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
- Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price
Product Considerations
- Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
- Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
- Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
- The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass
Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
Product Page
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Dynaudio
Emit 30
849
/
Released
2021
Emit 30 is a compact two-and-a-half-way speaker designed to impress whether it's used as a stand-alone stereo pair or as part of a 5.1-channel (or more) home cinema. Like its little brother, Emit 10, it uses 14cm MSP woofers similar to those used in the Evoke series – this time doubled-up in each speaker for more low-frequency muscle, plus midrange clarity and punch.
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
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Acoustic Energy
AE109²
999
/
Released
2022
The AE109² is designed to offer effortless, room filling performance from a slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker in much the same way the world acclaimed original AE109 did 20 years ago.
Acoustic Energy is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique 3.5-way Corinium design that separates bass drivers from midrange and tweeter, creating sound similar to a standmount speaker with a bass module. Their speakers feature distinctive materials like coconut husk-paper blend drivers and carbon fiber domes, along with specialized cabinet designs using inert mass damping to reduce coloration and enhance clarity.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Acoustic Energy is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique 3.5-way Corinium design that separates bass drivers from midrange and tweeter, creating sound similar to a standmount speaker with a bass module. Their speakers feature distinctive materials like coconut husk-paper blend drivers and carbon fiber domes, along with specialized cabinet designs using inert mass damping to reduce coloration and enhance clarity.
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