Table of Contents
Introduction to Wharfedale Speakers
Wharfedale speakers have earned a prestigious reputation over the decades, captivating audiophiles with their exceptional sound quality and innovative designs. Established in the 1930s, Wharfedale is Britain’s oldest loudspeaker manufacturer, and it has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology. The brand offers a diverse range of speakers, catering to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking high-end audio experiences.
Wharfedale’s product lineup includes several acclaimed series such as Jade, Opus, Evo, and Diamond, each known for its distinct sound characteristics and superior performance. The Wharfedale line encompasses a variety of models, from entry-level options to high-end speakers, each offering unique sound performance and build quality. One of the key reasons behind Wharfedale’s popularity is their commitment to delivering a warm and musical sound signature, which resonates with audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Notably, the Evo 4.4 speakers won a ‘Best Buy’ award for their engineering, showcasing the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality.
The company’s dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in their speaker designs. From the choice of materials to the meticulous engineering of each component, Wharfedale ensures that their speakers deliver an immersive and captivating listening experience. Whether you’re exploring the deep bass of a symphony or the clear midrange of a vocal track, Wharfedale speakers provide a balanced and engaging sound that brings music to life.
In addition to their sonic prowess, Wharfedale speakers are known for their aesthetic appeal. The elegant designs and high-quality finishes make them a stylish addition to any room, seamlessly blending with various interior styles. With Wharfedale, you’re not just investing in a speaker; you’re embracing a legacy of audio excellence that continues to inspire and elevate the way we experience sound.
Key Factors in a Wharfedale Speaker
Tweeter Technology
When considering the purchase of Wharfedale speakers, several key factors should guide your decision to ensure you get the best possible audio experience. First and foremost, the type of tweeters used in the speakers is crucial. Wharfedale frequently employs metal dome tweeters, which are celebrated for their ability to produce a clear and detailed sound, enhancing the overall listening experience and bringing out the nuances in your favorite tracks.
Power Handling Capabilities
Power handling capabilities are another critical aspect to consider. This refers to the maximum power level the speaker can handle without distortion or damage, ensuring optimal performance when paired with your amplifier. A speaker with good power handling will maintain clarity and precision, even at higher volumes, making it suitable for both intimate listening sessions and larger gatherings.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of the speaker is also vital, as it determines the range of sounds the speaker can reproduce. Wharfedale speakers are known for their wide frequency range, which provides controlled bass, a clear midrange, and crisp highs. This versatility makes them ideal for various music genres, ensuring that you can enjoy everything from the deep bass of electronic music to the delicate highs of classical compositions.
Cabinet Resonances
Cabinet resonances can significantly impact sound quality, and Wharfedale’s meticulous attention to minimizing these resonances ensures that the sound remains pure and unaffected by vibrations. This focus on reducing unwanted resonances contributes to the overall clarity and precision of the audio, allowing you to hear music as it was intended by the artists.
Price Points and Value
Finally, Wharfedale offers speakers at a range of price points, from budget-friendly options to more premium models. At higher price points, Wharfedale speakers typically offer advanced features and superior engineering, providing sound quality that exceeds expectations. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry-level speaker or a high-end option with superior performance, Wharfedale offers a variety of choices to match your needs and preferences.
Best Wharfedale Speakers
Wharfedale Linton with Stands
- Included: WHARFEDALE - Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
- Included: WHARFEDALE - Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Stands (Pair)
The Wharfedale Linton with Stands is a testament to the brand’s commitment to blending classic design with modern acoustic performance. Originating in the 1960s, the Linton series has been revered for its rich heritage and timeless appeal. The latest iteration of the Linton speakers continues this legacy, offering audiophiles a perfect combination of vintage aesthetics and contemporary sound quality.
These speakers are designed with a three-way configuration, featuring a 200mm Kevlar cone woofer, a 135mm midrange driver, and a 25mm fabric dome tweeter. This setup ensures a wide frequency response, delivering deep bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs, making them suitable for a variety of music genres. The speakers’ ability to produce an expansive soundstage with precise imaging makes them an excellent choice for both music and movie enthusiasts.
The build quality of the Linton speakers is exceptional, with each cabinet crafted from high-quality wood veneers, adding a touch of elegance to any room. The included stands are not just for aesthetic purposes; they are engineered to enhance the speakers’ performance by reducing vibrations and optimizing the listening position. This integration of form and function ensures that the Linton speakers deliver an immersive audio experience.
Wharfedale’s attention to detail extends to the speaker’s design, with a classic look that pays homage to the original Linton models. The combination of retro styling and modern acoustic technology has earned the Linton speakers rave reviews from audiophiles and critics alike. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, jazz, or orchestral music, the Wharfedale Linton with Stands offers a listening experience that is both nostalgic and thrilling, making it a standout choice among bookshelf speakers.
Wharfedale Linton
- Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Speakers only - stands sold separately
- Sensitivity (2.0V @ 1m): 90dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-200W
The Wharfedale Linton is a classic speaker model that has stood the test of time, captivating audiophiles with its blend of vintage charm and modern acoustic performance. Originally launched in the 1960s, the Linton series quickly became one of the best selling speakers of its era, known for its rich, warm sound and elegant design. The latest iteration of the Linton speakers continues to honor this legacy, offering a perfect combination of retro aesthetics and contemporary audio technology.
Designed with a three-way configuration, the Wharfedale Linton features a 200mm Kevlar cone woofer, a 135mm midrange driver, and a 25mm fabric dome tweeter. This setup ensures a wide frequency range, delivering deep bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs. The speaker’s ability to produce an expansive soundstage with precise imaging makes it an excellent choice for both music and movie enthusiasts.
Wharfedale Diamond 240
- Engaging, Detailed, Room-Filling Sound
- Soft-Dome Tweeter, 5 1/4” Kevlar Midrange, Dual 6.5” Kevlar Woofers
- Nominal impedance: 4 ohms / Minimum impedance: 3.0 ohms
The Wharfedale Diamond 240 is a remarkable addition to the Diamond series, renowned for its exceptional sound quality and affordability. This floorstanding speaker is designed to deliver a powerful and immersive audio experience, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. With its sleek design and robust build quality, the Diamond 240 not only looks elegant but also performs exceptionally well across various music genres.
The Diamond 240 features a three-way design, incorporating a 25mm soft dome tweeter, a 130mm woven Kevlar cone midrange driver, and two 165mm woven Kevlar cone woofers. This configuration ensures a wide frequency range, offering deep bass, clear midrange, and detailed highs. The speaker’s ability to handle complex musical passages with ease makes it ideal for both music and home theater setups.
One of the standout features of the Diamond 240 is its advanced driver technology. The woven Kevlar cones are engineered to reduce distortion and enhance sound clarity, while the soft dome tweeter provides smooth and accurate high-frequency reproduction. This combination results in a balanced and natural sound signature that is both engaging and enjoyable.
In addition to its impressive audio performance, the Diamond 240 is designed with aesthetics in mind. The speaker’s elegant cabinet is available in a variety of finishes, allowing it to seamlessly blend with any room decor. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the Diamond 240 is evident, with each speaker crafted to minimize cabinet resonances and optimize sound quality.
Overall, the Wharfedale Diamond 240 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio products at an affordable price point. Its combination of performance, design, and value makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a superior listening experience. Additionally, the Diamond 9.1 model within the series has received positive reviews for its sound quality, showcasing the consistent excellence of the Diamond lineup.
Wharfedale Diamond 225
- Frequency response (+/-3dB): 45Hz ~ 20kHz
- Sensitivity(2.83V @ 1m): 87dB
- Nominal impedance: 8 ohms Compatible
The Wharfedale Diamond 225 is a standout model within the acclaimed Diamond series, celebrated for its remarkable sound quality and value. As a bookshelf speaker, the Diamond 225 is designed to deliver an impressive audio performance that belies its compact size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as part of a larger audio setup.
The Diamond 225 features a two-way design, incorporating a 25mm soft dome tweeter and a 165mm woven Kevlar cone woofer. This combination allows the speaker to produce a wide frequency range, delivering controlled bass, clear midrange, and detailed highs. The soft dome tweeter ensures smooth and accurate high-frequency reproduction, while the Kevlar cone woofer provides deep and impactful bass, making the Diamond 225 suitable for a variety of music genres.
One of the key strengths of the Diamond 225 is its ability to create a balanced soundstage with precise imaging, enhancing the overall listening experience. The speaker’s cabinet is meticulously crafted to minimize resonances, ensuring that the sound remains pure and unaffected by vibrations. This attention to detail in the design and construction contributes to the Diamond 225’s reputation for delivering a natural and engaging sound signature.
In addition to its sonic performance, the Diamond 225 is designed with aesthetics in mind. The speaker’s elegant cabinet is available in a variety of finishes, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into any room decor. The combination of its sleek design and robust build quality makes the Diamond 225 not only an auditory delight but also a visually appealing addition to any setup.
The Wharfedale Diamond 225 has received rave reviews from audiophiles and critics alike, praised for its excellent value and performance. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, rock, or jazz, the Diamond 225 offers a listening experience that is both immersive and enjoyable, making it a standout choice among bookshelf speakers.
Wharfedale Diamond 220
- Award-Winning Performance, Wide-Open Sound
- One-Inch Soft-Dome Tweeter and 5.1” Kevlar Woofer
- Layered Cabinet Construction and High-Quality Finish
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is another exemplary model in the Diamond series, renowned for its exceptional sound quality and value. As a bookshelf speaker, the Diamond 220 is designed to provide an impressive audio experience that is both immersive and detailed. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces, while its performance capabilities allow it to be a vital component of larger audio setups.
The Diamond 220 features a two-way design, incorporating a 25mm soft dome tweeter and a 130mm woven Kevlar cone woofer. This combination ensures a wide frequency range, delivering controlled bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs. The soft dome tweeter provides smooth and accurate high-frequency reproduction, while the Kevlar cone woofer offers deep and impactful bass, making the Diamond 220 suitable for a variety of music genres.
One of the standout features of the Diamond 220 is its ability to create a balanced soundstage with precise imaging, enhancing the overall listening experience. The speaker’s cabinet is meticulously crafted to minimize resonances, ensuring that the sound remains pure and unaffected by vibrations. This attention to detail in the design and construction contributes to the Diamond 220’s reputation for delivering a natural and engaging sound signature.
In addition to its sonic performance, the Diamond 220 is designed with aesthetics in mind. The speaker’s elegant cabinet is available in a variety of finishes, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into any room decor. The combination of its sleek design and robust build quality makes the Diamond 220 not only an auditory delight but also a visually appealing addition to any setup.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 has received rave reviews from audiophiles and critics alike, praised for its excellent value and performance. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, rock, or jazz, the Diamond 220 offers a listening experience that is both immersive and enjoyable, making it a standout choice among bookshelf speakers.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.0
- Speaker Type: 2-way Bookshelf
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 70Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 85dB
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 is a remarkable addition to the renowned Diamond series, celebrated for its superior sound quality and exceptional value. As a bookshelf speaker, the Diamond 12.0 is designed to deliver an impressive audio performance that belies its compact size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as part of a larger audio setup.
The Diamond 12.0 features a two-way design, incorporating a 25mm advanced soft dome tweeter and a 100mm Klarity cone woofer. This combination allows the speaker to produce a wide frequency range, delivering controlled bass, clear midrange, and detailed highs. The advanced soft dome tweeter ensures smooth and accurate high-frequency reproduction, while the Klarity cone woofer provides deep and impactful bass, making the Diamond 12.0 suitable for a variety of music genres.
One of the key strengths of the Diamond 12.0 is its ability to create a balanced soundstage with precise imaging, enhancing the overall listening experience. The speaker’s cabinet is meticulously crafted to minimize resonances, ensuring that the sound remains pure and unaffected by vibrations. This attention to detail in the design and construction contributes to the Diamond 12.0’s reputation for delivering a natural and engaging sound signature.
In addition to its sonic performance, the Diamond 12.0 is designed with aesthetics in mind. The speaker’s elegant cabinet is available in a variety of finishes, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into any room decor. The combination of its sleek design and robust build quality makes the Diamond 12.0 not only an auditory delight but also a visually appealing addition to any setup. The Diamond 12.2 model, in particular, has been noted for its solid build quality compared to other budget bookshelf speakers, further emphasizing Wharfedale’s attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 has received rave reviews from audiophiles and critics alike, praised for its excellent value and performance. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, rock, or jazz, the Diamond 12.0 offers a listening experience that is both immersive and enjoyable, making it a standout choice among bookshelf speakers. Its ability to handle complex musical passages with ease makes it ideal for both music and home theater setups, providing a balanced and natural sound signature that is both engaging and enjoyable. The Diamond 12.0’s compact size and impressive performance capabilities make it a versatile option for any audio enthusiast looking to enhance their listening experience. Furthermore, the Diamond 12.3 model has been acclaimed for delivering excellent audio at an affordable price, highlighting the series’ commitment to quality and accessibility.
Conclusion
Wharfedale speakers have established themselves as a cornerstone in the audio industry, providing exceptional sound quality and innovative designs that appeal to both audiophiles and casual listeners. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, Wharfedale has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology, offering a diverse range of speakers that cater to various listening preferences and budgets.