Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2, if you are buying new. The Wharfedale Diamond 220 ranks higher than it (#28 vs #49 of 90 bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sony SS-CS5 M2 is still sold new at $278.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 new; the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | Sony SS-CS5 M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $278.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 82.5dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Wharfedale Diamond 220 compares with other leading options:
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- KEF LS50 Meta vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
- Arendal 1961 Monitor vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
- Revel M105 vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
- Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
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
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Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR: no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous: it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.
Full Sony SS-CS5 M2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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