WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 11
Wharfedale has released the 11th iteration of its long-running ‘Diamond Series’ speakers. This newest release has been dramatically changed by the use of long-throw Kevlar drivers with lightweight foam surrounds, vented pole-piece tweeters and sandwich construction cabinets that have continued the curved cabinet side look of the Diamond 10 that had disappeared on the Diamond 100. Eight models are available: three floor-standers (11.3, 11.4 and 11.5) three bookshelf/standmount models (11.0, 11.1 and 11.2), and two centre-channels (11.CC and 11.CS).
A feature that was introduced on the Diamond 100 and continues on in the Diamond 11 is the slot-loaded distributed port, where an internal port tube opens into a slot formed between the cabinet and the plinth. According to Peter Comeau, Wharfedale’s Director of Acoustic Design, this design reduces turbulence and audible chuffing while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of energy transfer into the listening room.
The system has been further improved on the Diamond 11 Series by fitting both ends of the port with semi-parabolic curving that is said to: ‘ linearise airflow through the port tube, increase the volume of air in the slot-loaded system and further improve the performance of the low frequency output.’ The redesign apparently also makes it possible to position Diamond 11 models closer to a rear wall so they can be less obtrusive in the listening room without affecting performance.
The Diamond 11 Series drivers have improved baskets that leave a greater open area behind the cones while maintaining the baskets’ rigidity. Magnetic strengths have also been lifted to increase sensitivity and ensure better control over cone movement at lower frequencies. In addition, the Series 11 designs use specially shaped single-forged pole pieces with copper caps to bettercontrol magnetic flux. The new lightweight foam surrounds, in conjunction with superlong-throw voice coils, are claimed to deliver extended midrange response compared to previous versions.The tweeter used in all models in the Diamond 11 Series now has an over-sized ceramic magnet system with a copper cap for flux control and a specially shaped rear chamber to permit pole-piece venting. These changes are said to have dropped the tweeter’s resonance frequency and improved linearity. For further information, please contact Audio Visual Revolution on (02) 9521 4844 or visit the website at www.avrevolution.com.au