I had some older Wharfedale Diamond 8.1's in a second system, and liked them for what they cost me. They do a couple of things very well - rich and tuneful midrange, and good spatial presentation. Their biggest sins are sins of omission - a slight lack of sparkle on top, and of course as a for smallish stand mount there is a lack of deep bass.
I have heard the 9 series Diamonds and they are better in every way than the 8's - same compelling midrange, but better treble and bass and less coloration from the cabinets at higher volumes. The 9.6's are a good bargain, better speakers than most of the other new speakers listed here for your budget - maybe comparable to the PSB's, and would give some (much) older Vandersteens 2's available for that price a run for their money. Of course, garbage in, garbage out of any decent speaker, and better associated gear will be rewarded with the Wharfedale speakers.
I have heard the 9 series Diamonds and they are better in every way than the 8's - same compelling midrange, but better treble and bass and less coloration from the cabinets at higher volumes. The 9.6's are a good bargain, better speakers than most of the other new speakers listed here for your budget - maybe comparable to the PSB's, and would give some (much) older Vandersteens 2's available for that price a run for their money. Of course, garbage in, garbage out of any decent speaker, and better associated gear will be rewarded with the Wharfedale speakers.