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Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i: One-minute review

The Wharfedale Diamond 12i standmount speakers are the latest in the line of 'Diamond' speakers that has, one way and another, been around since 1982. The most recent (and wildly acclaimed) series, the Diamond 12, launched back in 2020 – so it’s about time the Diamond 12i range made an appearance.

(Obviously not everyone loves a ‘13’ name, and Wharfedale is open enough to acknowledge that this new range of loudspeakers is not a ground-up redesign of the range it’s replacing - so ‘12i’ it is.)

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i tested here is a two-way bookshelf (or, more accurately, standmount – I'll come back to this) design that sells for the same £249 that the outgoing Diamond 12.1 launched at – which does, of course, mean it’s less expensive in real terms. It's not a situation that occurs all that often with the sort of hi-fi equipment I deal with. In the US, the new model costs $499, and in Australia it's AU$699.

But if you think Wharfedale has cut corners to get the Diamond 12.1i to market at this very aggressive price, think again. Build quality is more than acceptable. The trio of available finishes look (and even feel) good. Best of all, though, is the way the Diamond 12.1i sound. They’re perfectly OK at lower volumes – but let them loose even just a little and they really come to life, combining insight, balanced, dynamic potency and simple entertainment to periodically thrilling effect.

The specification (with highlights including a 25mm woven polyester tweeter, a 130mm mid/bass driver made from mica-enhanced polypropylene, a carefully tuned rear-facing bass reflex port, and some very judicious cabinet bracing), results in a speaker that’s easy to drive and has a frequency response of 65Hz - 20kHz.

The front baffle of each Wharfedale features the tweeter positioned behind a minimal waveguide – the idea is to expose the driver as much as possible in an effort to achieve wide dispersion. Below here is the 130mm ‘Klarity’ mid/bass driver, backed by a substantial magnet with an aluminum compensation ring, with a voice coil that’s wound on a glass-fibre/epoxy resin bobbin.

The crossover between the two drivers is positioned at a sensible 2.6kHz, and is performed by a Linkwitz-Riley network featuring air-core inductors – it has been specified with minimal phase-shift and smooth integration in mind.

Wharfedale’s description of the Diamond 12.1i as a ‘bookshelf’ speaker is, I think, just a little bit naughty. Yes, you may have a bookshelf big enough to accommodate the cabinet’s 250mm depth (which rises to 280mm once you include the speaker binding posts, and more if your speaker cable is terminated with plugs) – but when you factor in the breathing space the rear-facing reflex port needs, even the deepest shelf is unlikely offer the breathing space the Wharfedale require. Let’s just go with ‘standmount’ and leave it at that, shall we?

At 312 x 180 x 250(ish)mm (HxWxD) the Diamond 12.1i are tidily proportioned for standmounts, and the standard of build and finish is more than good enough to justify the asking price. Both of the available colors (‘deep’ black and ‘stone’ grey) are in a kind of semi-matt finish that looks nice (to me, at least), isn’t all that reflective and is actually slightly soft to the touch. Your other option is ‘classic’ walnut, and I will have to reserve judgment on its qualities as I have yet to see (or feel) it.

Each of the finishes is supplied with magnetically attached, full-length grilles finished in black fabric – it certainly makes for a clean look, but I feel it’s a shame to hide the mildly shiny driver surrounds and clean overall appearance. You may feel differently.

On the inside, the Diamond 12.1i feature minimal and carefully targeted ‘spot’ bracing designed to keep both resonance and resonance transfer to a minimum. In conjunction with cabinet walls of varying thickness, plus the resonant properties of the glue holding everything together taken into account, this is a slightly more sophisticated piece of engineering and design than the asking price might lead you to believe.

Some loudspeakers don’t alter their character no matter the volume level you’re listening at. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1.i don’t undergo drastic volume-related changes, I must emphasize – but at very modest volume levels they can sound just a little matter-of-fact. All you need to do is nudge the level north just a little, though, and these speakers come bounding to life – and then they reveal themselves to be one of the very best budget options around.

Get a Tidal-derived stream of Zaho de Sagazan’s version of Modern Love playing as a 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC file, for instance, and you’ll find out exactly what’s what. The Diamond 12.1i are a direct and spirited listen, with an uncomplicatedly upfront sonic signature and an almost palpable enthusiasm for the recording.

Low frequencies are respectably deep, and nicely controlled where attack and decay is concerned, with knock-on effects to the rhythmic expression and momentum that are entirely positive.

Detail levels are impressive, too, so there’s plenty of variation where tone and texture are concerned to go along with the straight-ahead punch. Transition into the midrange is clean, and once there the Wharfedale demonstrate a similarly insightful and animated attitude – the details of attitude and character in the voice are just as readily available as those regarding phrasing and technique.

At the top of the frequency range, the Diamond 12.1i have quite sensibly decided that discretion is the better part of valor, staying relatively constrained in the mix – but although the highest rebel sounds are dialed down just a little, there’s still no shortage of bite or the overall enthusiasm for attack.

With the discretion at the very top of the frequency range borne in mind, the frequency response here is nicely even and even-handed – and while the overall tonality has a nice little suggestion of heat to it, it’s not even close to becoming overcooked.

The attention to detail the speakers pay extends to the most transient or fleeting harmonic variation, and there’s a respectable amount of dynamic headroom available for when the tune shifts through the ‘volume and intensity’ gears.

Soundstaging is convincing, and the Diamond 12i are able to escape the confines of their cabinets, just a little, in every direction. The layout of the stage is plain, and while the Diamond 12.1i manage to give every participant on it just a little breathing space they’re capable of offering a sense of unity and togetherness at the same time.

The Wharfedale seem in no way demanding of their partnering equipment, either – they don’t get flustered by sitting at the end of a disproportionately expensive system, and they don’t seem to mind being driven by some standard all-in-one electronics costing less than they do. There are qualitative differences, of course – but broadly speaking the Diamond 12.1i are easy-going and adaptable.

Bear in mind that the Diamond 12.1i, just like every other pair of passive loudspeakers, needs a degree of ‘running in’ before they sound how they are intended to sound – certainly you should ensure they have quite a few hours on the clock before you judge them.

The entry-level in passive loudspeakers has enjoyed a very successful decade so far – and this is in no small part thanks to Wharfedale’s efforts. Yes, the company has inspired some very credible rivals to take this area of the market properly seriously (I’m thinking particularly of the excellent Dali Kupid), but there’s just no getting around the fact the Diamond 12.1i offer prodigious value for money in every respect.

They look and feel more expensive than they are, and once they’re properly positioned they sound it too. Unless you’re been suckered in by the promise of an actually bookshelf-friendly design, I cannot think of a single meaningful downside to Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i ownership.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i review: Price & release date

• Launched in December 2025
• Priced at $499 / £249 / AU$699

The new Wharfedale Diamond 12i range of entry-level loudspeakers launched in December of 2025. This 12.1i model is, at £249 in the UK, the second-least-expensive of the five-strong newest Diamond range of stereo speakers. In the United States it sells for $499, while in Australia the going rate is AU$699.

This compares very favorably to options from the likes of Dali, Monitor Audio or Q Acoustics.

Should I buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i?Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i score card

Attributes

Notes

Score

Features

Obviously very limited, being passive speakers, but great driver setup.

5 / 5

Sound quality

Punchy and rapid low-frequency response meets detail and positivity across the range – but best if the volume isn't too low.

5 / 5

Design

Lovely finishes and build quality – but just know they're bigger than you might expect from 'bookshelf' speakers.

5 / 5

Usability and setup

Ideal passive speakers – plug in and go! And they're not fussy about what drives them.

5 / 5

Value

As good as speakers at this price get.

5 / 5

Buy them if…

You’re setting out on your ‘authentic hifi’ journey
Once you hear what a modestly priced pair of speakers designed and built by a specialist can do, you’ll be locked in for life.View Deal

You’re after good looks as well as good sound
The Diamond 12.1i look and feel good, especially in the ‘stone’ gray of my review sample.View Deal

You have a half-decent micro-system that deserves a new lease on life
You might think the speakers that came with your nice little Denon all-in-one are good enough. Wharfedale begs to differ…View Deal

Don't buy them if…

Your bookshelf is only the size of a bookshelf
These are slightly larger cabinets than the description ‘bookshelf’ rather optimistically implies.View Deal

You want to fill an especially large room with sound
There is, of course, a limit to what an affordable pair of speakers fitted with fairly small drivers can do in terms of outright scale.View Deal

You prefer to listen at quite low volumes
The Diamond 12.1i are perfectly OK at low levels, but really come to life if you wind the volume up just a little.View Deal

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i review: Also consider

Dali Kupid
The Dali Kupid seem to offer a little less (in physical terms) than the Diamond 12.1i while costing a little more – but they’re an energetic, punchy and entertaining listen and can actually comfortably fit on a bookshelf. They’re not quite as easy to drive as the Wharfedale, though. Here's our full Dali Kupid review.View Deal

Q Acoustics 3020c
These are not much more expensive than the Wharfedale these days, and they’re a great-sounding pair of speakers for the money. The cabinet is notably deep, though, so they’re even less of a bookshelf proposition than the Diamond 12.1i. Here's our full Q Acoustics 3020c review.View Deal

How I tested the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i

I positioned the speakers on a pair of Custom Design speaker stands in my home and usual speaker testing room, and connected them to a Naim Uniti Star and also an A&R Cambridge A60 for amplification.

Sources of music were the Naim (as a network streamer), a Rega Apollo CD player and a Technics SL-100G (with a Goldring 1042 cartridge and pre-amplified by a Chord Huei) as a turntable. So I was able to listen to music from lots of different formats, and of various styles and genres.

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee
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Eureka Ergonomic Axion: One-minute review

Founded in California, Eureka Ergonomic is an office and home furniture manufacturer that – predictably – focuses on ergonomic hardware. The Axion sits roughly in the middle of the brand's vast array of chairs, and is a "hybrid chair that focuses on ergonomics and adjustability."

Immediately, it's clear that this is an attractive bit of kit. Decked out in all-black with a splash of color here and there, it's tasteful enough to be at home in a fairly neutral home office, but energetic enough to satisfy an RGB-obsessed gamer. With plenty of reclining range and an astounding amount of adjustable support areas, there's a lot going on – much of it very well executed, too.

My few complaints are picky ones. I took delivery of the fabric-upholstered version, and this comes with a nylon base. While I'm sure it's more than tough enough for the job, the aluminium base of the mesh version would certainly inspire a little more confidence in the chair's longevity.

However, at less than $500 – and considering the amount of ergonomic features on offer – it's a reasonably-priced daily driver that I've enjoyed using. Of course, spend even more on the very best office chairs and you can get a few higher-end materials from the likes of Steelcase and Herman Miller, and more purpose-built gaming chairs will suit a proper streaming setup better. However, for most, the Axion will be a trusty throne that offers considerable support where you need it the most.

(Image credit: Future)Eureka Ergonomic Axion: price and availability

• Price: US$499

The Axion is found in Eureka's gaming chair section, and at the time of writing, it's the second-most expensive out of four on the company's website. Notably, on the website it's the only one that hasn't got the tag "best seller." Make of that what you will.

However, viewed in the wider context of Eureka's dozens of office chair designs, it sits firmly in the mid-range when it comes to price.

In the US, the list price is $499. However, at the time of writing, this has been reduced to $469, which is a decent, if not super-cheap price for a very adjustable ergonomic hybrid chair.

Compared to gaming chair stalwarts Secretlab, the Axion is about $200 cheaper, which makes it a decent pick in this sector of the market – especially if you're looking for something more understated.

• Value: 4/5

Eureka Ergonomic Axion: Design and setup

• Very smart design
• Huge array of adjustable ergonomic features
• Requires assembly

(Image credit: Future)

As you might expect, the Axion is delivered in a big cardboard box, and requires assembly at home. Each component is neatly wrapped, and I found the level of protection very good. As you'd expect, nothing was damaged in transit.

All of the requisite screws, bolts, and fitting are well-marked in separate bags, and I had no issue completing the assembly. I'd recommend setting aside about an hour of time so you're not in a rush to complete the job.

In terms of instructions, the ones Eureka provides are good, but not great. I didn't run into any issues – it's a quite simple build – but I've definitely had clearer booklets with flat-pack furniture in my time. While fully understandable, the instructions definitely betray the chair's Chinese origins.

(Image credit: Future)

During the procedure, each part of the chair felt very solid and well-made. For example, the base was very neatly stapled together, and while not entirely high-end, it everything felt like it'd stand the test of time. For an example of a chair I felt very differently about, check out my review of the Fezibo C3. Thankfully, so such manufacturing concerns here.

Something I would've appreciated was a little more documentation on all the excellent features of the chair itself. For example, through my testing I discovered most of the angles of adjustment offered by the chair. However, it was only when I referenced the product page on the Eureka website for this review did I realise the lumbar support could move horizontally as well as vertically. A nice problem to have, but a walkthrough guide would have got me using everything the chair offered from the start.

(Image credit: Future)

It's worth noting too that I was supplied with a second gas strut for use on carpets. I'm not sure if this is a known issue or something confined to testing models, but it's interesting to know there's a minor design flaw here that has to be patched by the user. That said, the strut was easy to install, and presumably free to anyone buying the chair themselves.

On to the good stuff though – being a newbie to truly ergonomic seating, I've never used such an adjustable chair. The headrest, lumbar support, and armrests all have three degrees of adjustment, along with an adjustable seating pad too. I found it was very easy to dial in my perfect seating position.

Some parts could be a little "stiffer" – I found myself moving the headrest while leaning back – but overall there's very little that has been overlooked in terms of design.

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, it's interesting that the two upholstery options – mesh and fabric – come with a different base. I can find no reason given for this other than perhaps aesthetics, but I have a feeling most people would rather have a metal base regardless of the upholstery. The nylon base, present on my test model is fine, but at risk of sounding old-fashioned, I find anything metal just feels better.

Overall, there are few chairs that are as adjustable as the Axion in this price range, and beyond some small concerns about the materials, there's not a lot to complain about at all.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of looks, the Axion is very attractive. It's a simple design, dominated by black plastic and fabric/mesh, but the pop of color on the back gives some welcome levity to the appearance.

There are a number of different colors available too, including blue (the color of the test model), bright green, red, and gray. There is also a "silver gray" version available – although personally I'd avoid this, because I've had silver-painted plastic items before, and they develop scratches and dings far faster than plain black in a real-life environment.

Some may be disappointed that there's no all-black colorway, but the gray version is neutral enough to fit most setups.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Eureka Ergonomic Axion: Comfort

• Tons of support for long sessions
• Comfortable for everyday use
• I had some issues with the castors on my thick carpet

There's no denying the Axion is a great daily driver. The amount of adjustment in almost every area means that no matter your body shape or seating preference, it's easy to get comfy.

In the past, I've found that ergonomic chairs can be more trouble than they're worth – with squeaking hardware and lumps all over making the whole experience unenjoyable. That's not the case here, and there's a great balance between moderate ergonomic intrusion and general easy-going comfort.

The areas you touch while using the chair are made of pleasant materials. The fabric-upholstered version is wrapped in high-quality synthetic material that has a slight fluff to it. Don't worry, it's not fleecy – but it feels warm enough not to feel staticky or slippery.

I haven't had the chance to test the mesh version, but I expect it's slightly lighter-weight, more cooling, and slightly smoother. The choice you make is down to your preference.

(Image credit: Future)

Some of the materials could fell more premium, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap. For example, the rear plastic is nowhere near the scratchiest I've felt, but some really high-end chairs will feel less hollow, and have slightly more give if you were to press them with a fingernail.

Finally, I had a few issues with the castor wheels – most notably that when sitting and rolling towards my desk, the wheel would get slightly stuck in my carpet. Now, I'm aware that the carpet I have is fairly luxurious, but shuffling to move the chair was a little annoying. Of course, if you use a chair pad or have hard flooring, this won't be a problem.

• Comfort score: 4/5

Should I buy the Eureka Ergonomic Axion?Buy it if...

You want tons of adjustable ergonomic features

Almost every part of the Axion can be moved in at least two directions to make sure you're getting the support you need.

You want a hybrid gaming/office chair

The Axion won't embarrass you in your work-from-home meetings, but you also won't feel like you're sat in a boardroom while you're nailing headshots. The best of both worlds.

Don't buy it if...

You want the highest-end materials

The Axion by no means feels cheap. However, there are some parts of its construction that could slightly elevated.

You want a very plain chair

With no all-black colorway and a fairly sci-fi build, the Axion may look too jazzy for the most demure settings.

Also consider

Corsair TC100 Relaxed

Despite being almost $200 cheaper, the TC100 is one of our highest-rated chairs – and our top choice of budget office chair. Granted, it has a gamer-esque design, but the color scheme is muted enough to get away with it, and its build quality is much better than you might expect from the price

Read our full Corsair TC100 Relaxed review

SIhoo Doro C300

If you don't mind missing out on a fair amount of adjustable ergonomic features, the SIHOO Doro C300 is a cheaper alternative top the Axion. Plus, its all-mesh construction will be more comfortable in warmer climes than the fabric version of the Axion.

Read our SIHOO Doro C300 review

• ^ Back to top

The Axion office chair from Eureka is is a great do-it-all option, suitable for executives and gamers alike

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