Wharfedale Diamond Active A1 Wireless speakers
At first glance Wharfedale Diamond Active A1 seems to be a classical system, consisting of receiver and a pair of shelf speaker systems. Upon a closer view the differences from standard layout become apparent. Instead of placing the amplifier in the central unit, the choice was made in favor of active speaker system. Such format allows you to optimally harmonize the amp with speakers, to physically separate right and left channels and also to eliminate the extended high-leveled connections. In this case low-leveled analog circuit is also reduced - resistance to distortions increased. The developers not only implemented the popular concept of "double mono" in practice, but also abolished completely the need in cable switching. Digital signal can be sent by air without significant loses and this became the important pros of Diamond Active. All three components of the system do not require any cables, except electricity sockets, what opens attractive prospects in the terms of saving harmony of home interior. However, from an aesthetic point of view this is not the only pros - the speaker systems have a modern design, are made of qualitative materials and look perfect. The finish of bodies with artificial skin noticeably stands them out against the background of usual wood or plastic. Two color solutions are available for the faceplate. The receiver looks very similar to Mac Mini or Apple TV, so it should fit "Apple" ecosystem like native.
Despite of the fact that Diamond Active series signals the dominance of air connection, cable sources can be connected too. Optical and coaxial digital ports and also analog input on two RCA are provided in the receiver. Wireless connections are limited by Bluetooth with the support of aptX protocol. Speaking about compatibility, ease of setting and ergonomics this is the most problem-free format today. Digital-to-analog processor works with digital stream with the parameters up to 24 bit/96 kHz. The connection of central module with speaker systems is implemented adaptively, on the frequency of 5.2-5.8 MHz, not overloading with Wi-Fi signals and other consumer devices. The distance between the components should be within the frames of 20 meters - this is more than enough for any residential home. Power supply units for all components are external. Each speaker system is equipped with the amplifier with the power of 50 W, wideband speaker with the diffuser made of Kevlar fiber and dome cloth tweeter. Acoustic design is the bass-reflex; ports are on the rear side.
Bass component is not beyond the frames of physical capabilities of shelf system. If musical tastes require special talents in lower case, you should consider Wharfedale Diamond Active A2, having in its set full-sized floor standing speaker systems. At first, I confess, we had doubts about how wireless channels of audio transfer will affect natural sound of Hi-Fi system, will they add digital painting. However, Wharfedale Diamond Active A1 managed to dispel doubts completely. The inherent advantages of active system, correct organization of analog and digital paths, and the use of their own format of wireless connection - all of these gave the desired effect and unusual way of inter-unit connections did not affect the musicality of the set at all.
