Still breaking in, infinitely better than the 12.2, obviously due to the correct crossover (2,600 Hz versus 2,000 Hz in the 12.2). Here I will give it 5 stars straight away. Bodies and volume (which were absent in the 12.2), musicality, timbre, warmth, emotion, there is no harshness of the 12.2, the sound is bright, has sweetness, and does not offend you even in the slightest to tire you. Generally, they have something velvety in their sound. Also, the bass is noticeably clearer. Obviously the same tweeter (not the best in the world, I will stick to my initial opinion - on 6/9/24 I might take this back, as the speaker breaks in, it seems just fine for its price or even generally, as long as it is driven correctly regarding the frequency range it is called to reproduce) but here the crossover cuts at 2600 Hz and does not stress it at all, resulting in (a) it plays much better (it doesn’t whine, it doesn’t “scratch”) and (b) you do not realize that there are 2 speakers (i.e., where one stops and the other starts) so that you hear a sound with coherence where nothing is disconnected. I won’t write anything more now (maybe another time, when they break in) but I believe you can buy them without worry (I bought them for 279 euros) because, yes, they are very good, worth it, I recommend them. Don’t buy the 12.2 for example just because they go lower in bass. You will regret it. If you listen to them side by side, you won’t believe how much “bigger” the 12.1 sound compared to their big brother the 12.2, among other things, i.e., while the 12.1 sound like they are singing, the 12.2 sound like they are screaming because the crossover has torn the tweeter apart by making it go so low. 8/9/24 The speakers have broken in quite a bit, their already good sound has improved tremendously and they are much better than I imagined (but they do need breaking in, don’t rush to judge them, in fact one thing that improved particularly impressively is the highs, which I didn’t expect to become so good - also the clarity of the outlines and the bass I would say). Wonderful, very musical, open sound, tones, everything, buy them without worry. They justify every last euro of their price and quite a bit more. They are made to provide enjoyment and I believe you will love them. I confess I didn’t expect to get so hooked on them. What else can I say? I will have a hard time listening to another speaker for a long time and whenever I decide to listen, no matter how good it is (which may objectively be better than the 12.1, I have such or such), I will appreciate it duly, but I see myself going back to the 12.1 again (until some point to detach, but that will take time - these speakers have made some "click" for me, they have something, it’s not just that they are really very good, it’s something in "how" they play). It is an excellent and absolutely safe purchase that no one can regret. I consider myself lucky to have made the decision to acquire them, even though I already have so many speakers (and indeed quite a few very good to excellent) in my possession. I would also say that they do not fall into the trap of over-analysis, being however CRYSTAL CLEAR and CRYSTAL CLEAR, they do not confuse anything, they have detail, they have truly sufficient analysis (which has little to no importance that it is not the best possible), there may simply be something slightly more analytical on the market, but something very difficult for their price category in Greece and especially for the money I bought them (e.g. The ELAC Debut B5.2 are considered more analytical, they have the same price abroad, but in Greece they are 360 euros compared to 279 for which I bought the Diamond 12.1. Their character is simply more easy-going rather than overly analytical and clinical; they prioritize musicality and emotion over over-analysis, and they are right to do so because they sound wonderful (and don’t think they lack energy; with break-in, liveliness and musical intensity increased significantly). Generally, they deserve nothing but superlatives. Finally, I remind you, if you absolutely want the deeper bass (because these reach up to 65 Hz - maybe a bit lower, with the help of the room's acoustics), look elsewhere and not at the 12.2.
12/9/24
They have almost completely broken in, and now you wonder how this "bell" sound, this timbre, this feeling, and this clarity come out. Does the material of the woofer play a role? I don’t know what to say about this speaker. I don’t think Wharfedale has ever made a budget speaker in the past that comes close to the 12.1. I prefer it over more expensive (and objectively better) speakers. Music sounds more interesting through this, and whatever you listen to sounds so wonderful that you can’t believe your ears. Am I exaggerating? I don’t think so.
P.S.

Amazing speakers. They replaced the Wharfedale D310 for desktop use. They exceeded my expectations. Very well-balanced in all frequencies, with a touch of warmth in the lows, but overall neutral. Simple and beautiful design with excellent build quality and flawless assembly, considering the specific price range. Works very well with the ifi Zen Dac v2.

They were purchased to replace the Roister DS100. They were connected to a Yamaha RXV540rds. Very clear sound in movies. Clean bass and amazing midrange. They were purchased for 300 euros and for that money, I didn't hear anything better

I have had them for about a month and I am completely satisfied with their performance. I previously had the 10.1 series, but these are incomparably superior. Justifiably awarded by foreign magazines. Excellent across the entire frequency spectrum and very impressive in appearance. They can be compared to speakers that cost twice as much. Well done, Wharfedale.