MAGAZINE
The British manufacturer Wharfedale wants to offer speakers that are relatively affordable as well as high-quality with the new "Aura" line. The speakers are available in white, black and walnut finishes. All six models – there are two compact and floorstanding speakers each, as well as two centers for home theater use – are equipped with an AMT tweeter, which is supposed to bring speed and precision; similar to the speakers from Wharfedale's flagship Elysian series, from which the Aura takes some developments. For the cones of the woofers and midrange drivers, on the other hand, the company relies on their proven woven fiberglass matrix and highly flexible surrounds.
Another Wharfedale trademark is the SLPP bass port design (Slot Loaded Profiled Port). This uses slot openings in the base to equalize pressure differences inside and outside the enclosure. This is intended to reduce unwanted turbulence at the port and improve the efficiency of the bass port system. According to the manufacturer, only high-quality parts are used in the crossovers. For the tuning, Wharfedale refers to its more than 90 years of experience in loudspeaker construction.
The Aura series is available from August* and; the compact Aura 1/Aura 2 are said to cost around €1500/2000*, while the floorstanders Aura 3/Aura 4 come for €3000/4000*. For the two centers Aura CS/Aura C, the price will be about €1100/1400*, and the stands Aura 1 Stand/Aura 2 Stand cost about €900/1000*.
*Availability and all prices for Germany.
