Wharfedale Diamond 12.3

For this 12th-generation Diamond makeover, Peter Comeau (parent company IAG's design director) handed the reins to freelance 'gun for hire' Karl-Heinz Fink, boss of Fink team and consultant to Tannoy, Mission, Q Acoustics and Naim among others. So, a clean sheet, a fresh pair of ears and a new set of design sensibilities.

The curved cabinets of the previous Diamond have gone with the return to straight, crisp edges and flat panels. A less sophisticated look, maybe, but the very well-made spiked metal outriggers are indicative of the high overall standard of build. The rear-ported cabinet is constructed with different thicknesses of MDF as a first line of defence against resonance and is backed up with strategic internal bracing. The resulting cabinet feels very solid and well damped.