The Diamond 12.4i is the largest floorstander in Wharfedale's refreshed Diamond 12i Series, a 2.5-way bass-reflex design that sits at the top of the company's affordable hi-fi range. The 12i update preserves the well-regarded Diamond 12 platform that launched in 2020 and refines it with new luxurious finishes and a revised port and damping arrangement intended to improve low-frequency control in real-world rooms.
Klarity Cone Mid-Bass Drivers
Two 150mm (6.5 inch) mid-bass drivers feature Wharfedale's Klarity cone material, a polypropylene and mica blend chosen for its stiffness and low distortion. A low-damping surround supports the cone's responsiveness, and ribbed shaping with profile simulation is used to keep the frequency response linear without adding distortion. The drivers operate in a 2.5-way configuration so the upper mid-bass unit hands midrange duties to the tweeter while both drivers contribute to bass output.
Advanced Magnet Assembly
Each mid-bass driver uses an aluminium compensation ring within the magnet system to reduce inductance modulation as the voice coil moves, helping to lower intermodulation and distortion. The voice coil is wound on a high-power epoxy/glass fibre bobbin for greater power handling, thermal stability and structural strength than typical plastic formers.
25mm Textile Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are produced by a 25mm woven polyester dome with a high-loss damping coating. The front plate uses a flat profile and minimal waveguide to widen dispersion, supporting clear treble with consistent off-axis performance.
Linkwitz-Riley Crossover
The crossover follows a Linkwitz-Riley topology with air-core inductors more typically associated with high-end designs, tuned for minimal phase shift and smooth integration between drivers. The mid-bass magnet structure is adjusted to compensate for the resistance of the high-quality inductors so bass remains fast and clean.
Refined Port Design
For the 12i revision, Wharfedale's engineering team led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau revisited bass port tuning and internal damping. Development used laser interferometry, anechoic and in-room measurement, and computational fluid dynamics to assess airflow and pressure within the port, alongside extended critical listening sessions. The result is improved bass clarity and a more articulate low-mid transition with consistent performance across different placements.
Low-Resonance Cabinet
The cabinet uses a multi-layer sandwich construction with acoustically tested adhesive properties between layers to damp panel resonance. Internal spot bracing connects opposite cabinet walls using computer-modelled braces designed to absorb vibration without transferring it across the structure.
Stone Grey Finish
The Stone Grey finish is one of three new options introduced with the 12i update; a striking modern colour intended to suit minimalist interiors. The Diamond 12.4i is also offered in All-Black and Classic Walnut with a semi-matte black baffle.
