Short answer: the Wharfedale Diamond 220, since the X14 measures worse. The X14 pairs a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter with a 5.7-inch polymer woofer and rates 85dB sensitivity, but its CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response, no waveguide for tweeter beam width, a port resonance boosting the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching. The Diamond 220 is smooth on axis once the grille is removed, but rolls off below 200Hz.
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, start with the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | Dynaudio X14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #28 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #62 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure | ported |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 | 4.57 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | 6.94 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
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
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Dynaudio X14: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.94 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons