Thoughts and Non Thoughts

We’re talking about two-decade old speakers. The Diamond series is one of the longest running models in the Wharfedale brand. Considered above entry-level but not pretending to compete against ultra high end speakers. These were well-reviewed when these Made in England speakers came out. Are they still good in 2026? A resounding yes. These speakers, recalled to active duty, have exceeded my expectations. When one cable used is more expensive than the speakers, the expression “punching above its weight” is an understatement. But maybe that’s all it needs, to be partnered with good equipment and source to let them shine.  Amplifier: LSA Standard Integrated  Cables: VdH CS122, Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference Source: Technics SL1200 mk2 with Nagaoka MP110 Phono stage: Jolida JD9 Vinyl: Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out, Columbia 6-eye 1996 Listening room about 16 square meters Impressive musicality, textured mids, tuneful bass, enough high frequency detail. Smooth, non-fatiguing. This...

  The PSE index has been range trading post-pandemic at the 6400-6800 level. It needs to go on the rising trend line to make another breakthrough. 

Audio quality is not the first thing that comes to mind when you look at Bluetooth speakers. Let alone a single speaker. I’m not saying it will beat my Rega Elex driving floorstanders. But close your eyes and throw away any bias, and you’ll hear music. Fun, loud, and clear. The bass is quite full and tuneful. It’s primarily aimed at portability, for parties without worrying about wired connections. But I personally enjoyed it most playing Duke Ellington via Spotify. Perhaps those mono jazz recordings suit the Beats Pill’s warm and full-bodied mono sound. That was pleasant and unexpected. As a side note, I think there was a marginal improvement connecting it via USB cable to my iPhone 16 vs Bluetooth. But you can totally enjoy it with Bluetooth.  Happy New Year!