Quote:
Originally Posted by dvd_musician /forum/post/18175164
Hi guys
I've been trying to decide what speaker setup to get for quite some time.
I've auditioned the Klipsch F-1 and they sound great to me, however I'd like to compare them to the Wharfedale diamond 9.4 speakers. The problem here is the Wharfdale's are an ebay auction, and I cannot find a local dealer to audition them.
can anyone give me some descriptions on how they compare to the Klipsch?
The truth is, you have to get out and try to audition these speakers for yourself.
Let your own ears make the choice.
You're going to have a difficult time finidng a dealer who has the Wharfedale Diamond 9 Series (and the Diamond 9.4) in their store for auditioning. They have been discontinued and are basically only available from a few on-line retailers on clearance. But if you have your heart set on them, try the "Official Wharfedale Owners " thread here at AVS (use the search function to find it) and see if someone who owns them, lives near you and is willing to let you audition them. Otherwise, you may want to consider something else.
As far as sound goes. The Wharfedale 9.4 and Klipsch F-1 are polar opposites.
The Wharfedale a bit more laid back and warmer. Dynamics are okay, but certainly nothing to brag about. The Diamond 9.5 are better than the 9.4.
The Klipsch F-1 more forward, brighter and more in your face; than the 9.4.
You have to realize both speakers are lower end representatives of their respective manufactors. So there are compromises. The 9.4 cabinets are, in my opinion, much better and more solid. The Klipsch F-1's cabs are rather shoddy, if you ask me. But they're both on the cheaper side of things.
Klipsch makes some exceptional speakers, buit like most manufactors who produce a dozen or two models to address alll the different price points and quality levels; they have some real cr*p in their lower level series and even a cr*ppy model or two in their upper levels. And their brightness is not exclusive to components feeding them. They are bright and some models rather harsh and difficult to listen to for long periods of time. Some people like them, some do not.
Paradigm is no different. The Signature Series speakers are outstanding. As are some of the Studio Series. But their lower level stuff (especially the Monitor Series ) are terrible sounding, to my ears.
Same for B&W speakers. Some exceptional speakers. And a lot of horrid sounding cr*p, too.
Funny thing is. Contrary to the knuckleball ball Mantis10 is trying to throw past you. Many people who are not B&W Speaker owners and lovers. Feel that a lot of B&W speakers fail to convey the heart, soul and essence of the music.
Those not in love with B&W (such as myself) find a sad lack of musicality and musical soul in the B&W.
But that's just personal preferences and tastes. We all hear things a little different.
And you have your own tastes. Whether or not you've discovered what they are, yet. I don't know. Go audition for yourself and let your ears decide.
FYI. Polk Audio, Definitive ......same thing. Some excelllent speakers and some horror shows.