Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used, though neither ranks well in its class. Used, the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is the better pick: it ranks #197 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5), against #212 (rated 2.3/5) for the Chesky LC1. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 222 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the AsciLab C6B instead, ranked #6 at $1,145.
The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A discontinued ported Wharfedale bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch Kevlar woofer and deep bass for its size. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 71Hz for the Chesky LC1. The catch: Owners report that later production units weigh about 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) less, use cheaper parts and sound worse than early ones.
The case for the Chesky LC1: A discontinued premium bookshelf speaker with dual passive radiators, quality crossover parts and an extremely easy load. The tradeoff: Overall tonal balance sounded dull, hollow, and unengaging in extensive listening, with recessed vocals (both male and female) and minimal bass: the reviewer independently confirmed the same impressions auditioning the speakers at an audio show, ruling out a fluke with his own pair.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 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 9.1.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 reaches 40 Hz (3 dB down) against 71 Hz for the Chesky LC1, about an octave deeper. Low bass that the other only hints at comes through with real weight.
- Efficiency: the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is rated at 87 dB sensitivity against 81.4 dB for the Chesky LC1, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 | Chesky LC1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 per pair Discontinued | $1,000 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #197 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #212 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (8.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 81.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Kevlar cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (good version), 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (bad version) each | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.6”W x 10.9”D (296.0 x 194.0 x 278.0 mm) | 10”H x 8”W x 10”D (254.0 x 203.2 x 254.0 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Hi-Fi World) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.87 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1: reviews by GR-Research and Hi-Fi World Warfedale’s.
- Chesky LC1: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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