Short answer: the Wharfedale Diamond 220 for on-axis smoothness, the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom for consistent directivity. The Atom’s on-axis, listening-window and off-axis curves track well, making it easier to equalize, though its uneven on-axis response has a 2-4kHz dip, a peak and a 15kHz resonance that sounds bright and showroom-like without EQ. The Diamond 220 is smooth on axis once the grille is removed, but rolls off below 200Hz.
Buy the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom if you want one new; the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | Paradigm Monitor SE Atom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter | 1” X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5” mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) | 12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 | 4.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | 6.50 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W recommended |
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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
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Paradigm Monitor SE Atom: $399.98 per pair Paradigm eBay
Pros: Good, consistent directivity across the on-axis, listening-window, and off-axis curves makes the Atom easier to equalize and less room-dependent than many budget speakers. Bass tuning is well judged, letting the woofer play loud on demanding tracks without bottoming out even without a subwoofer. Paradigm’s NRC research pedigree shows in the horizontal and vertical dispersion measurements. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: On-axis response is uneven out of the box, with a 2-4kHz dip followed by a peak and a resonance around 15kHz that the reviewer said gives it a bright, “showroom” voicing without EQ correction. There’s no meaningful bass extension for full-range use, so a subwoofer is effectively required for anything beyond desktop or near-field listening.
Full Paradigm Monitor SE Atom review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in |
| Drivers | 1” X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5” mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass |
| Frequency Response | 61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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