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Cheeky Monkey
New member
Just wanted to put this thread to 300 posts (yet it says #301 on the actual post). My Wharfies are on the way!
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MikeA
New member
Wharfdale vs Hafler?
Does anyone have any experience comparing the Wharfs to the Hafler TRM6s? I know that the Hafs go for $500 each and the Wharfs are $275/pr but what I'm trying to find out is if there is enough difference between the two to warrant spending $725 more on the Haflers? I've heard Hafler amps and was very impressed. I wasn't even aware that the Wharfdales had a "Pro" line or that they were used as serious studio monitors. I've got the money to spend on the Haflers but if I don't have to spend that much it would of course, be better.
Also, several have asked but not many answers were coming back, what subwoofer to pair with the Wharfdales. I think I saw where a couple of people suggested a KRK sub. Any others? Anybody know anything about the Hafler subs?
Another question is, when is your website coming back online Deepwater?
Does anyone have any experience comparing the Wharfs to the Hafler TRM6s? I know that the Hafs go for $500 each and the Wharfs are $275/pr but what I'm trying to find out is if there is enough difference between the two to warrant spending $725 more on the Haflers? I've heard Hafler amps and was very impressed. I wasn't even aware that the Wharfdales had a "Pro" line or that they were used as serious studio monitors. I've got the money to spend on the Haflers but if I don't have to spend that much it would of course, be better.
Also, several have asked but not many answers were coming back, what subwoofer to pair with the Wharfdales. I think I saw where a couple of people suggested a KRK sub. Any others? Anybody know anything about the Hafler subs?
Another question is, when is your website coming back online Deepwater?
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MikeA
New member
Diamonds
Well, I just got back from a lunch time visit to a local B&M Music store. The biggest place in town here. I hadn't been there in awhile so I didn't know what they might have. Turns out he had the 8.1s and 8.2s on display. He took me right to the 8.2s and played a CD. I have to say I was very impressed. Now granted, I didn't have any of the stuff that I usually use to judge speakers with me, (this was a spur of the moment trip) and I only listened for a total of about 5 minutes but the sound that came out of those speakers was a WHOLE LOT BIGGER than I would have ever expected. And they weren't even set up correctly. They were spaced less than 2' apart but I could still pinpoint pan positions of various instruments. I will go back to listen some more with some stuff I'm familiar with but he's gonna have to come down off of that $399 price before I walk out of there with them under my arm...
Well, I just got back from a lunch time visit to a local B&M Music store. The biggest place in town here. I hadn't been there in awhile so I didn't know what they might have. Turns out he had the 8.1s and 8.2s on display. He took me right to the 8.2s and played a CD. I have to say I was very impressed. Now granted, I didn't have any of the stuff that I usually use to judge speakers with me, (this was a spur of the moment trip) and I only listened for a total of about 5 minutes but the sound that came out of those speakers was a WHOLE LOT BIGGER than I would have ever expected. And they weren't even set up correctly. They were spaced less than 2' apart but I could still pinpoint pan positions of various instruments. I will go back to listen some more with some stuff I'm familiar with but he's gonna have to come down off of that $399 price before I walk out of there with them under my arm...
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fernandoesmaron
New member
Scooter B said:
8.1 vs 8.2 = homerecording winner ist 8.2 but please read following "MONITORS versus HI-FI SPEAKERS Part I" Published in SOS June 2002. OK you will say that those 8.2 are not he pro version but i think that both versions must be very very similar and i think the 8.1 could be a good choice with an subwoofer too.
"Figure 3 (above), the plot of the Wharfedale Diamond 8.2, demonstrates another neat frequency response. However, an upper-bass to lower-mid emphasis, while not making it a bad speaker, perhaps rules out the 8.2 for monitoring duties if it likely to be positioned close to a rear wall. Speakers demonstrate an effect analogous to the proximity effect with microphones. If a speaker is positioned close to a solid boundary (for example the wall behind), its natural tendency towards omnidirectional dispersion at low frequencies and narrow dispersion at higher frequencies will mean that only lower frequencies will be reflected forward and add to the perceived output. So a speaker such as the Wharfedale that already has an emphasis below a few hundred Hertz will begin to sound tonally unbalanced. And a neutral perceived tonal balance is one of our vital criteria for a monitor. The Wharfedale also has a discontinuity in its off-axis response at 12kHz that suggests a not entirely well-behaved tweeter. Generally the 8.2's down-tilted balance would probably result in over-bright mixes.
The Wharfedale's waterfall plot has no obvious dominant problems, but is still less good than the exemplary B&W. There's evidence of some cone/surround mismatch problems around 1kHz but the energy decays quickly, and, although it's likely to add some character, it's relatively benign."
Conclusions
So, in terms of frequency response measurement, there's no obvious split between 'pro' and 'hi-fi' among these four speakers. In fact, if anything, they fall into two rather different groups, with the B&W and Dynaudio offering a balance appropriate for nearfield use in small rooms (coincidentally, the Dynaudio and B&W have low-frequency response shapes so similar they could almost be a pair), while the Wharfedale and KRK offer something more suited to listening at a greater distance in larger rooms. The B&W is also the best in terms of resonant behaviour.
MONITORS versus HI-FI SPEAKERS Part II
Conclusion
The Wharfedale is pretty similar to the KRK in terms of its thermal-compression performance, but loses out through being around 3dB less sensitive. Its frequency response isn't really the stuff of a nearfield monitor either.
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I hope deepwater could tell here more about the differences 8.1 vs 8.2 and how would be the comparison 8.1 vs krk RP5 --- 8.2 vs KRK rp6 ?
It´s interesting that wharfedale´s have kevlar woofer, but only the more expencive krk V series have those woofer´s too. Is it better to go with wharfedales kevlar woofer´s than with KRK Rokit series & there Glass Aramid Composite Woofer´s ?
I have a small room ( 5 x 2,5 Meters ) and have to use the monitors at one 2,5 meter wall. I would buy later a little subwoofer too --> KRK RP 10 or an wharfedale subwoofer ?
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deepwater
New member
Nice read!!!
Wharfedale has since discontinued the pro passive version and gone with the actives. The actives seemed to me to have a smoother response with a touch more low end. The article solidifies the fact that you have to treat your room for your equipment to get the best out of it. Every monitor has strengths and weaknesses that will need to be address with some acoustical treatment and compromises.
When I compared the 8.1a and 8.2a it took about 2 mins for the to favor the 8.2A. The 8.2A just had a better balance and was easier for me to mix on. I've always found 5" woofers to be lacking and at time 8" woofers are too much for a lot of rooms. The best combination I've heard was the 8.2A and KRK RP10s, which was a perfect match. Anytime you can run a system in 3-way you'll get a cleaner sound. Without the sub the monitor woofer is putting 80% of its energy into trying to reproduce bass and the low-mids gets what left. Where as, if you can divide that load with a sub then the monitor woofer can more accurately reproduce the low mids.
I own both the KRK RP8s and 8.2A and I've said many times before the 8.2A tell the truth - what you hear is what you are getting. I know that 90% of the time if it sounds good on my 8.2A it will sound good elsewhere. The KRK RP8s are nice to but I have trouble getting the vocals to sit in the mix with them. I always seem to get them to soft and have to remix the track. Here again it could be my room. However, for tracking I really like using the KRKs. I guess that’s why most studios have a few pair of monitors.
Hope this helps
Wharfedale has since discontinued the pro passive version and gone with the actives. The actives seemed to me to have a smoother response with a touch more low end. The article solidifies the fact that you have to treat your room for your equipment to get the best out of it. Every monitor has strengths and weaknesses that will need to be address with some acoustical treatment and compromises.
When I compared the 8.1a and 8.2a it took about 2 mins for the to favor the 8.2A. The 8.2A just had a better balance and was easier for me to mix on. I've always found 5" woofers to be lacking and at time 8" woofers are too much for a lot of rooms. The best combination I've heard was the 8.2A and KRK RP10s, which was a perfect match. Anytime you can run a system in 3-way you'll get a cleaner sound. Without the sub the monitor woofer is putting 80% of its energy into trying to reproduce bass and the low-mids gets what left. Where as, if you can divide that load with a sub then the monitor woofer can more accurately reproduce the low mids.
I own both the KRK RP8s and 8.2A and I've said many times before the 8.2A tell the truth - what you hear is what you are getting. I know that 90% of the time if it sounds good on my 8.2A it will sound good elsewhere. The KRK RP8s are nice to but I have trouble getting the vocals to sit in the mix with them. I always seem to get them to soft and have to remix the track. Here again it could be my room. However, for tracking I really like using the KRKs. I guess that’s why most studios have a few pair of monitors.
Hope this helps
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fernandoesmaron
New member
thank you deepwater.
your posting was very helpfull.
my last problem is my little room and that i can use my monitors only at a 5 meter wall ( i did make a mistake in my last posting ). I am sitting between those 5 m walls and in front and behind me ar 1,25 meters ( = 2,5 ).
So I have to place the monitors 5 or 10 cm before the wall and think that those 5´´ woofers ( 8.1 ) could be the better choice for me. Will by later this year an subwoofer too.
But when you say don´t buy the 8.1 and go with 8.2´s. They are definetely better choice for my room too, then i would by 6,5 ´´ woofer ( 8.2 ).
I am living in germany and did recognize today an dealer here, who have the 8.1 for 219 euro and the 8.2 for 299 euro only for the next days. Is it worth to pay the 80 euro cause i did buy a new pc last week and have to buy a good soundkard too. Difficult for me to pay 300 but 220 could be possible.
You did tell about the low mids effect with the subwoofer but would this be not the same with the 8.1 too ?
220 vs 299
your posting was very helpfull.
my last problem is my little room and that i can use my monitors only at a 5 meter wall ( i did make a mistake in my last posting ). I am sitting between those 5 m walls and in front and behind me ar 1,25 meters ( = 2,5 ).
So I have to place the monitors 5 or 10 cm before the wall and think that those 5´´ woofers ( 8.1 ) could be the better choice for me. Will by later this year an subwoofer too.
But when you say don´t buy the 8.1 and go with 8.2´s. They are definetely better choice for my room too, then i would by 6,5 ´´ woofer ( 8.2 ).
I am living in germany and did recognize today an dealer here, who have the 8.1 for 219 euro and the 8.2 for 299 euro only for the next days. Is it worth to pay the 80 euro cause i did buy a new pc last week and have to buy a good soundkard too. Difficult for me to pay 300 but 220 could be possible.
You did tell about the low mids effect with the subwoofer but would this be not the same with the 8.1 too ?
220 vs 299
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rick4001s
New member
Hello All & Just got my Pro 8.2 A's
Hello all. I've been reading this thread and forums concerning these Pro 8.2 A's and I finally bought a pair.
I bought these here in Australia for $265 AUD each ($530 AUD a pair!).
Their reputation for stereo imaging is well justified.
I do have one grip though.
The speaker grills need to be refitted VERY CAREFULLY to avoid puncturing speakers.
Will now continue to break them in with the sine wave sweep mentioned earilier in the thread to smooth the bottom end response.
I thank you for saving me investing in a pair of 2031a's.
Hello all. I've been reading this thread and forums concerning these Pro 8.2 A's and I finally bought a pair.
I bought these here in Australia for $265 AUD each ($530 AUD a pair!).
Their reputation for stereo imaging is well justified.
I do have one grip though.
The speaker grills need to be refitted VERY CAREFULLY to avoid puncturing speakers.
Will now continue to break them in with the sine wave sweep mentioned earilier in the thread to smooth the bottom end response.
I thank you for saving me investing in a pair of 2031a's.
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robgb
New member
Well, I just ordered my 8.2As as well. Thanks, Deepwater for the great prices. And thanks to everyone for the good word on the Wharfedales. I almost went with the Berry's.
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deepwater
New member
fernandoesmaron said:thank you deepwater.
your posting was very helpfull.
my last problem is my little room and that i can use my monitors only at a 5 meter wall ( i did make a mistake in my last posting ). I am sitting between those 5 m walls and in front and behind me ar 1,25 meters ( = 2,5 ).
So I have to place the monitors 5 or 10 cm before the wall and think that those 5´´ woofers ( 8.1 ) could be the better choice for me. Will by later this year an subwoofer too.
But when you say don´t buy the 8.1 and go with 8.2´s. They are definetely better choice for my room too, then i would by 6,5 ´´ woofer ( 8.2 ).
I am living in germany and did recognize today an dealer here, who have the 8.1 for 219 euro and the 8.2 for 299 euro only for the next days. Is it worth to pay the 80 euro cause i did buy a new pc last week and have to buy a good soundkard too. Difficult for me to pay 300 but 220 could be possible.
You did tell about the low mids effect with the subwoofer but would this be not the same with the 8.1 too ?
220 vs 299
The 8.1A with sub would work fine - I should have been clearer. The 8.2A alone are fine without a sub, but nicer with them. Now the 8.1A by them selves I do not favor, but add a sub and you have a nice combination.
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bh4554
New member
that took a long time to read but was well worth it - i've been looking my first set of monitors as i build up equipment for my home studio - all the way i've been looking not to buy cheap stuff that i'll just want to upgrade after 1/2 a yr or something - still in terms of monitors i don't want to top £400 really - had been looking a the event tr8 which had come highly recommended if i couldn't afford to fork out for some mackie hr or other such £600/700 monitors.....i'm definitely gonna go active - read that the wharfedale 8.2 pro active beat the m audio bx8 is most ppl's opinion and all the behringer, alesis stuff - but compared to the event tr8 does anyone have any opinions? i realise mr. deepwater is offering a pretty awesome deal here on the forum - and whilst i realise some brands are overpriced the wharfdales aren't all that expensive in comparison to something like the mackie's that have been mentioned alot......i listened to alot of monitors recently and was impressed by the yamaha msp5's but not enough bass i didn't think - whilst the tannoy active reveal x's i thought were maybe a bit bass heavy......just wondering if anyone wanted to add any more to this already huge thread! also deepwater how much for shipping to UK? Thanks for the awesome thread.
noisedude
New member
Go and have a good listen to them in the shop. I chose Alesis M1A MkIIs over the Wharfedales ... your mileage may vary but that was my decision after an hour of listening. The Alesis ones are a bit bass-heavy but I plugged the ports with socks. I don't know, I just felt the Wharfes sounded a bit 'plasticky' ... don't know how else to describe it. That may not be a bad thing per se but you should give yourself the opportunity to decided.
Sound Control has pretty decent prices on the Wharfedales in the UK by the way, and you won't have to worry about wrong voltages from imported gear.
Sound Control has pretty decent prices on the Wharfedales in the UK by the way, and you won't have to worry about wrong voltages from imported gear.
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Kid Downunder
New member
I would have gotten FOSTEX PM-1's if I could have gotten them as cheap as they are in the USA... There is very little hype on those monitors and people rave about them..If you have a chance check 'em out..
In the end I got a good deal on the 8.2a' they sound great to my ears...
In the end it doesn't matter too much if they are your first monitor...so long as you learn how they sound and audition your mixes on different systems you will get good results from all these active style speakers....so just get some....ones that look good...sound good enought....and don't break your purse strings...
Get on with makin' music...!!!!
In the end I got a good deal on the 8.2a' they sound great to my ears...
In the end it doesn't matter too much if they are your first monitor...so long as you learn how they sound and audition your mixes on different systems you will get good results from all these active style speakers....so just get some....ones that look good...sound good enought....and don't break your purse strings...
Get on with makin' music...!!!!
honedawg
New member
Quick Question
This may be for the newbie forum. I have a DAW with rca outs for recording and a breakout box with 1/4" outs that I just started using for mixing down on my PC. Is it okay to leave them both plugged into my Wharefdales since I'm only using one at any given time
This may be for the newbie forum. I have a DAW with rca outs for recording and a breakout box with 1/4" outs that I just started using for mixing down on my PC. Is it okay to leave them both plugged into my Wharefdales since I'm only using one at any given time
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rick4001s
New member
I would just like to ask Wharfedale 8.2 A owners what type of sub they have or would recommend. I cant see that wharfedale are recommending a specific sub to create a 2.1 system on their website. Any suggestions for a suitable sub?
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alexthacowboy
New member
to whardfys owners, all know these ones are made in china.
but i need to know what the box or the seaker has stamped?
made in china, made in uk?
cuz i gonna order a pair from DW but since i gonna pass customs if these ones comes as MADE IN CHINA taxes are so expensive.
if anyone can help i appreciate.
but i need to know what the box or the seaker has stamped?
made in china, made in uk?
cuz i gonna order a pair from DW but since i gonna pass customs if these ones comes as MADE IN CHINA taxes are so expensive.
if anyone can help i appreciate.
MadAudio
Damned if I do
I recycled the boxes once I was sure I was gonna keep them. Sorry, wish I could help.
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Projbalance
New member
Alex, the boxes are stamped Made in China.
Just got mine today (God bless FedEX) and I have to say that listening through them is humbling. I auditioned them with some of my favorite CD's (Duncan Sheik, The Cures Greatest Hits, Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights. I chose these because i love the CD's, not because they are special in some way) and it was hard to realize the plain truth: what I always through I was hearing was not what was actually there. It really does take getting a set of "real" monitors to put you in your place. For all those still asking, yes, these monitors do sound as clean as they say. The detail that you get is absokutely astounding. It was a little weird not getting that really deep, penetrating bass but, if I'm correct in my thinking, anything that makes these speakers really throb would probably turn regular speakers into jelly. Deepwater, your information was right on. Don't stop being cool.
Just got mine today (God bless FedEX) and I have to say that listening through them is humbling. I auditioned them with some of my favorite CD's (Duncan Sheik, The Cures Greatest Hits, Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights. I chose these because i love the CD's, not because they are special in some way) and it was hard to realize the plain truth: what I always through I was hearing was not what was actually there. It really does take getting a set of "real" monitors to put you in your place. For all those still asking, yes, these monitors do sound as clean as they say. The detail that you get is absokutely astounding. It was a little weird not getting that really deep, penetrating bass but, if I'm correct in my thinking, anything that makes these speakers really throb would probably turn regular speakers into jelly. Deepwater, your information was right on. Don't stop being cool.
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Projbalance
New member
By the way, the paperwork that came with the speakers says something about a Diamond Pro series subwoofer. Anyone got any info on this?
MadAudio
Damned if I do
Why not check their website?