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 #152 (rated 1.6/5) for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better-sounding pick. 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 tradeoff: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use.
The Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR is the deeper-bass option. Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 117.2Hz for the Wharfedale Diamond 220. The tradeoff: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $749 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #51 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #152 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | 5.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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, 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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Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Pioneer Elite SP-EC73 (center, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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