Wharfedale Aura Series Loudspeakers

October 4, 2023

WHARFEDALE AURA SERIES PROMISE HIGH QUALITY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

Wharfedale has introduced its latest creation, the Wharfedale Aura Series. Born out of the Elysian development project, this new range promises high-quality engineering without the hefty price tag.

WHARFEDALE R&D PROJECT

In 2016, Wharfedale embarked on an ambitious R&D project aimed at crafting upscale designs that would surpass the company’s classic entry-level Diamond speakers. This initiative led to the development of the Elysian Series and the mid-level EVO4 Series, both of which were launched approximately three years later.

WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN AND EVO

The Elysian and EVO4 speakers share several key technical features, including AMT treble drivers, three-way configurations, and advanced cabinet engineering featuring Wharfedale’s Slot-Loaded Profiled Port. These features were surprising considering the price points of the EVO4 Series models, while the Elysian Series took things to the next level.

WHARFEDALE AURA SERIES LOUDSPEAKERS

The Aura Series, now emerging from the Elysian project, offers a range of models priced above the EVO4 Series but below the flagship Elysian speakers. This series includes two standmount models (Aura 1 and Aura 2), two floorstanders (Aura 3 and Aura 4), and two centre speakers for home cinema systems (Aura C and Aura CS). The driver configurations are similar to the EVO4 designs, with AMT treble drivers and dedicated midrange units.

Compared to EVO4, the Aura Series is slightly larger but more compact than the equivalent Elysian models. However, the Aura Series borrows directly from the Elysian’s technical elements, including drivers, cabinets, and crossover networks.

AMT TWEETER

One standout feature of the Aura Series is the Wharfedale AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency transducer. Unlike traditional dome tweeters, the AMT does not move forward and backward like a piston, resulting in “exceptional transient response and clarity of treble detail”. In the Aura loudspeakers, the AMT unit has been improved to extend the response to 36kHz, delivering a smooth and linear response to 22kHz.

DRIVERS

The Aura Series also features drive units descended from the Elysian drivers, with cones made from coated woven glass fibre material and low-distortion motor systems for accurate transient response. The crossover networks are fine-tuned to ensure a seamless blend between drivers.

WHARFEDALE AURA SERIES CABINETS

The cabinets of the Aura Series are available in black, white, and walnut wood veneer, with lacquered and polished finishes. These cabinets are designed to disperse acoustic output smoothly into the room and reduce panel resonance. Wharfedale’s Slot Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) bass reflex design, utilized in the Aura Series, has been designed to ensure excellent bass extension and articulation.

AVAILABILITY

Wharfedale’s Aura Series will be available starting from the week of 9th October, offering a choice of finishes, including piano-lacquered black, white, or walnut wood veneer. Optional speaker stands are also available for Aura 1 and Aura 2, designed for ideal listening height and constructed with materials to manage vibrations and sound reflections.