Aura 2 Bookshelf Speakers

Equipped with the now world-famous Wharfedale AMT transducer, each AURA model emits breathtaking high-frequency definition. Unlike conventional dome or other ribbon and planar diaphragms, the Wharfedale AMT high-frequency transducer does not move forwards and backwards like a piston. It is, therefore, not constrained by the mass of its diaphragm, with the attendant blurring of transient response. Instead, the diaphragm is folded and carries conductive elements immersed in an immensely strong magnetic field. Not only is this an efficient way of moving air, but it is also highly accurate as the diaphragm is under close control of the motor system at all times. The result is a wide bandwidth transducer that achieves extremely low distortion and extraordinary musical detail, with scintillating speed and dynamic ability.

As Wharfedale engineers found when designing the flagship ELYSIAN series, the transient accuracy and efficiency of the AMT need to be matched by the midrange and bass drivers for a seamless audio performance. Accordingly, AURA also uses a proprietary woven glass fibre matrix diaphragm for the midrange and bass cones terminated by high-flexibility rubber surrounds. The voice coils driving the cones are immersed in high flux magnetic fields, with eddy currents and inductance controlled by copper-clad pole pieces. These low-distortion motor systems are mounted on die-cast aluminium chassis, each fixed to the cabinet by six high-tensile bolts to maintain the rigidity of the structure and provide an accurate transient response. The rubber trim rings surrounding each chassis are not just a decorative feature but also control any resonance occurring at the junction of the aluminium chassis and wood cabinet.

The crossover is at the heart of every loudspeaker, weaving the overall performance into a 'sum-of-all-parts'. Wharfedale were one of the first domestic speaker manufacturers to utilise a crossover to divide the frequency band between drive units that were each optimised for bass, midrange and treble. With 90 years of learning, not to mention the benefit of having one of the world's most respected crossover architects leading the development, in the form of Peter Comeau, IAG's Director of Acoustic Design, the sophisticated crossover networks are fine-tuned over hundreds of hours of listening tests to ensure a seamless blend between the drive units. As with all Wharfedale series, only the highest grade, acoustically transparent components are used throughout the crossover network, ensuring all the musical detail is heard.

The Wharfedale AURA series comes in the form of AURA 1 and 2 stand-mount options. Each is offered with optional but suitably striking, custom-engineered stands. Like the speakers they present, the AURA stands use the finest materials, such as dark chrome trims matching and exemplifying the attention to detail and sheer quality of the build on offer. Floorstanding options of AURA 3 and 4 are accompanied by centre channels in AURA C and the more compact AURA CS for pulsating, thoroughly entertaining home theatre configurations. Based on the recent award-winning history of Wharfedale Diamond 12, EVO4 and the industry-revered ELYSIAN series, Wharfedale AURA confidently ventures into a new territory and segment.