ONce again, the old adage rings true... your ears are the ones listening, they should be the ones to decide. IF you can do a direct comparison using music that you are very familiar with, and with both sets of speakers in a similar setting, this will provemore helpful than on-line comments. Remember a couple of the truths of speaker auditions. People usually prefer the louder speaker, so make sure the speakers are set as close as possible to the same level. If you listen to them at different shops, you will not be able to get an accurate comparison, as auditory memory is unreliable fi it exists at all.
Regarding stories of the demise of Wharfedale, most accounts of Wharfedale's recent diamond line have been pretty strong. Sound, construction quality, fit & finish are at least what one would expect in their speaker range, and the european press loves the sounds of the wharfedale diamonds. Cnet has a review of the diamond 9.5 that is very positive... they call it the best sounding speaker under a grand.
A large part of the fun is the hunt. Enjoy shopping and comparing, then take home what sounds best to you.
Enjoy
X
