Short answer: the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G. It ranks #14 of [92 bookshelf speakers](/passive/bookshelf-medium/#monitor-audio-silver-50-0 lbs (7 g)) by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $799 and is still sold new; the Wharfedale Diamond 220 ranks #28 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Buy the Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G | Wharfedale Diamond 220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter, 5.25” C-CAM RST II mid bass driver | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Dimensions | 11.1”H x 6.5”W x 10.7”D (282 x 165 x 272 mm) | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB @ 2.83V/1m | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum | 8 ohms |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | - |
| Port Tuning | 58Hz | - |
| Power Handling | 100W RMS handling, 40-100W recommended amplifier power | - |
| Warranty | Lifetime, parts and labor | - |
| Country | China | - |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.40 | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.01 | 6.64 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G: $799 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Pros: The 7th generation C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter with UD Waveguide II and RST II mid bass driver produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.50 at an accessible price, earning a Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product Award. A HiVe II reflex port system is tuned to 58Hz for real bass weight from a compact 5.25 inch two way. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on axis response trends noticeably upward toward the treble (rising about 0.5dB per octave, a steep tilt), which can read as bright on already bright recordings. Off axis sound also tracks the on axis response less consistently than most speakers here. Bass extension is limited to a measured 87.9Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is recommended for full range use, and minimum impedance dips to 3.9 ohms at 250Hz.
Full Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | China |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1”H x 6.5”W x 10.7”D (282 x 165 x 272 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter, 5.25” C-CAM RST II mid bass driver |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Port Tuning | 58Hz |
| Power Handling | 100W RMS handling, 40-100W recommended amplifier power |
| Sensitivity | 86dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.01 |
| Warranty | Lifetime, parts and labor |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Wharfedale Diamond 220: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
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
- Wharfedale Diamond 220 vs Polk Audio XT15
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- Wharfedale Diamond 220 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
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