Wharfedale is a reputable HiFi speakers brand, that any audiophiles in the world would have heard of. They have designed and produced many successful speaker series, and one of them will be the legendary Wharfedale Diamond. The Wharfedale Diamond series has been around for decades and is constantly improving its sonic performance with each new model.
Wharfedale Diamond 220 is one of the most popular speakers in the series and has won many prestigious awards. They are affordable, and at this price point, they perform superbly. Simply worth every penny and the Wharfedale Diamond 220 deserve to be matched with the best amp. Before we start showing you the best matching amplifiers you can pair with this amazing speaker, we should first find out more about their sound characteristics and what are their limitations.
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Sound Characteristics and Limitations of Wharfedale Diamond 220
For a budget speaker, the aesthetic of Wharfedale Diamond 220 does look like it cost more than its asking price. This pair of bookshelf speakers will blend in well in most modern homes, and in terms of visuals, they can be easily paired with most modern design amplifiers. It is a 2-way bass-reflex speaker type, with a down-firing bass port which makes speaker placement easier. It uses a 25mm (1 inch) soft dome tweeter and a 130mm woven Kevlar cone bass driver. The overall size of the speaker is compact which makes it ideal for rear surround speakers or desktop speakers.
For a speaker this size, Wharfedale Diamond 220 has a very impressive frequency response of 56Hz – 20kHz (+/-3dB). Based on this, there may not be a need to add a subwoofer and we can exclude this requirement when finding the best amps for Diamond 220. The speaker sensitivity is on the low side, which is at 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) and this means you will need high power amplifiers to drive these bookshelf speakers in order to reach a certain level of loudness. The recommended amplifier power is from 25-100 Watts, unless you are listening to your music nearfield, we should probably get an amplifier with a power output of more than 70 Watts per channel.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220
With the above data, we have more or less filter down the potential amps and now we should find out about the Wharfedale Diamond 220 sonic characteristics. First impression, the weight of the bass is unbelievable, it shooks our sofa seats with ease. A subwoofer is really not required as the speaker can dig deep into bass extension and reproduce the bass with authority. It is tight and agile, but the bass does lack detail. Still, to achieve that level of detail, you will usually need a get your hands on much more expensive speakers and/or subwoofers, and so at this Diamond 220’s price point, we really can’t complain.
They have a really good bass response, and we are equally amazed by the rest of the frequency reproduced by these talented speakers. Sharp stereo imaging and full of insights, delivering a powerful detailed sonic performance, partly because of the deep bass reproduction that coats a layer of texture over the sound delivery. As you turn up the volume, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 still sounds smooth and warm. When the music starts to get busy, the fantastic bookshelf speakers are still able to hold their own, be it a little congested. The Wharfedale Diamond 220 are certainly better in sonic performances and look more stylish than their predecessors.
Wharfedale Diamond 220 are fun speakers to listen to, as they ride the music and roar when required to. They indeed have an approachable sound characteristic which makes them easier to match with amplifiers. We are still flabbergasted over the sonic performance and the price these speakers are asking, it is really so worthwhile. No wonder Wharfedale Diamond 220 was throne as the best stereo speaker at their price range. Now we have gathered all these data, it is time to select the best amps that will push these talented speakers to their fullest potential.
Wharfedale Diamond 220 Specifications
- Speaker Type: 2-way reflex (down-firing)
- Drive Units: 25mm (1 inch) soft dome tweeter and a 130mm woven Kevlar cone bass driver
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 56Hz – 20kHz
- Recommended Power: 25-100 Watts
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms (min. 4.1 Ohms)
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 86dB
- Dimensions (H x D x W): 315mm x 227mm x 174mm, 12.4″ x 8.9″ x 6.9″
- Weight: 5.3kg (11.7lbs)
Best Amps to match with Wharfedale Diamond 220
The Yamaha A-S501 has the power to fully unleash the potential of the Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers, this amp will also bring out more clarity and transparency into the overall sound reproduction. Bringing the music presentation more closer and faithful to what the artists have intended. You can also use Pure Direct mode for even greater sound purity. The combination of Wharfedale Diamond 220 and Yamaha A-S501, will deliver a brighter and livelier music presentation, which is great for audiophiles who don’t like too warm-sounding audio systems.
More Details at Amazon – Yamaha A-S501 Integrated Stereo Amplifier (Silver)
For an entry-level integrated amplifier, the Denon PMA-600NE will be one of the best amps to match with the Diamond 220 speakers. It has more than enough power output to drive the standmounters, comes with a built-in DAC and also a phono preamp. If you are planning to use vinyl records as your main music source, you can switch on the PMA-600NE Analog mode for even more clarity and detailed sound reproduction. Both Denon PMA-600NE and Wharfedale Diamond 220 are flexible entry-level HiFi components that will work very well together.
More Details at Amazon – Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
For more similar sound characteristics and exceptional sonic performance, you should check out Cambridge Audio CXA61 as it is probably the closest to being the best amp for Wharfedale Diamond 220. It is an amazing integrated amplifier that delivers more excitement and punches into your music delivery. The amplifier is transparent and yet still fun to listen to, giving its users an entertaining musical performance. It also enhances the scale and authority of the overall sound reproduction. You should definitely audition them and hear them out.
More Details at Amazon – Cambridge Audio CXA61 Stereo Amplifier with Built-in DAC
NAD C 316BEE will be another cool entry-level integrated amplifier for your Wharfedale Diamond 220. The IHF dynamic power of the NAD C 316BEE ensures ample clean power is been driven to the speakers during music peaks. Pairing the Diamond 220 with C 316BEE has that upfront sound quality to it which gives more energy into the sound reproduction. If you want a more compact amp or planning to use the Diamond 220 speakers for desktop use, you can switch to NAD D 3020 V2 which is smaller, at the same price point and has a built-in DAC but slightly lower power output. Overall, the NAD D 3020 is just a tad better and popular as well.
More Details at Amazon – NAD C 316BEE
More Details at Amazon – NAD D 3020 V2 Amplifier
Rega Brio is an excellent amplifier choice, it is a very musical amp that has a lot of energy and enthusiasm that pulls you into the music without fail. It also has an exceptional moving-magnet phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. One of the best amps you should go for and match it with your Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers, and simply let them enchant you. Among the budget stereo amplifiers, Rega Brio is one of the top performers and definitely worth your time to hear them out. This is certainly one of the best budget stereo systems you can get your hands on.
More Information at Amazon – Rega Brio Integrated Amp
For home cinema setup, you can’t really go wrong with Denon or Marantz AV receivers. I do find that the Denon AVRs deliver a fuller-bodied sound reproduction when paired with the Diamond 220 bookshelf speakers. We don’t really recommend going the HiFi separates route, as it could be a little too much for entry-level bookshelf speakers. Integrated amplifiers or AVRs will be more than enough to drive the Wharfedale Diamond 220. To add an active subwoofer into the mix is entirely up to you, but the bass output of the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is already very impressive. Unless you want body-pounding midbass and earth-rumbling deep bass, then a powered subwoofer will be required.
More Details at Amazon – Denon AVR-S750H Receiver 7.2 Channel
To Sum It Up
The amplifiers listed here some of the best amps that you can match with one of the most amazing budget bookshelf speakers that are Wharfedale Diamond 220. The price points of the amplifiers aren’t far off from the price of these bookshelf speakers, if you want to go for more expensive amplifiers than this list, then by all means knock yourself out. You can use the listed amplifiers as a reference when searching for the best matching amplifier on your own. Just remember to hear them out, only after the audition then you should decide if you will be choosing that particular amplifier.
