The Wharfedale Diamond 12.C is the dedicated centre channel speaker in the Diamond 12 series, designed by Karl-Heinz Fink to deliver clear, articulate dialogue in home cinema systems. It sits alongside the Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speakers, Diamond 12.2 standmounts, and Diamond 12.3 and 12.4 floorstanders, sharing the same driver technology and voicing to ensure seamless tonal matching across a complete surround sound system.
Driver Technology
At the heart of the Diamond 12.C are two 130mm Klarity mid/bass drivers flanking a 25mm soft dome tweeter. The Klarity cone technology uses a woven material designed to combine low mass with high rigidity, allowing the drivers to reproduce midrange detail and vocal frequencies with precision. The dual-driver arrangement increases the radiating area for improved power handling and dynamic headroom without requiring a larger cabinet.
Cabinet Design
The sealed (acoustic suspension) cabinet has an internal volume of 8.7 litres and measures 180 x 480 x 208mm (H x W x D), making it compact enough to sit above or below a screen. At 8.5kg, the cabinet is solidly constructed to minimise resonance. The front baffle features a high-gloss finish with the drivers and tweeter arranged in a classic centre-channel MTM (midrange–tweeter–midrange) configuration, while the side panels are finished in a wood-grain vinyl.
Performance
With a sensitivity of 90dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the Diamond 12.C is straightforward to drive from any home cinema amplifier or AV receiver rated between 20 and 120 watts. The crossover point is set at 2.2kHz, handing off smoothly between the Klarity woofers and the dome tweeter. Frequency response extends from 90Hz to 20kHz, with usable output down to 80Hz before a subwoofer takes over the lowest octaves.
What the Press Says
- What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner — Diamond 12.1 Home Cinema Pack (includes Diamond 12.C)
| Type | 2-way centre channel speaker |
| Tweeter | 1 x 25mm (1″) soft dome |
| Woofers | 2 x 130mm (5″) Klarity cone |
| Frequency Response | 90 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Bass Extension | 80 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB |
| Peak SPL | 96 dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.2 kHz |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20–120 W |
| Bass Loading | Sealed (acoustic suspension) |
| Cabinet Volume | 8.7 litres |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 180 x 480 x 208 mm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg |
| Also Available As | Black |