Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better pick: it ranks #51 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5), against #131 (rated 2.4/5) for the KEF Q100. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499.
The KEF Q100 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.96 against 3.40 for the Wharfedale Diamond 220. Its bass reaches about 85Hz before falling 3dB, against 117.2Hz for the Wharfedale Diamond 220. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better-sounding option. Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. The catch: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 220 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, which replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Wharfedale Diamond 220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 per pair Discontinued | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #131 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) | 6.64 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q100: $550 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q1 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Wharfedale Diamond 220: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, ranked higher, estimated 4/5.
Pros: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Good horizontal dispersion from the waveguide-loaded tweeter and controlled distortion. After some EQ (a room mode filter and treble shelf), the reviewer called it “a truly hifi speaker” where “every audiophile track..sounded very good,” and said he was “happy to recommend” it for the budget class. Measured bass extension of 117.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use. Some port rattling was noted at high volumes, traced to vibration rather than the woofer itself. Best performance requires removing the grille and applying the reviewer’s EQ filters. Discontinued, with only limited remaining stock available direct from Wharfedale.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 220 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Wharfedale Diamond 220 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
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