Wharfedale Aura Shares Elysian DNA

The new Aura series from Wharfedale consists of two standmount models (the Aura 1 and Aura 2), two floorstanders (the Aura 3 and Aura 4), and two centre speakers (the Aura C and Aura CS) enabling you to create a complete Aura-based 5.1 system. The Aura 1 standmounters are a two-way design, whereas the Aura 2 and both floorstanders are three-way designs with dedicated midrange units accompanying the signature AMT (Air Motion Transfer) tweeter.

The Aura speakers are similar in size to the comparable EVO4 models, with the newcomers measuring slightly larger overall. However, the internal components and technical elements, such as the drivers, cabinets and crossover networks, share their DNA with the Elysian flagship series.

Key to the new range is the AMT tweeter, whose folded design, according to Wharfedale, allows for a diaphragm that operates over a larger area and can deliver high frequencies up to 36kHz (-6dB) with greater efficiency and provide clarity and realistic transient response.

Meanwhile, down below, the Aura series uses woven glass fibre matrix bass and midrange cones for low mass but high rigidity, as seen in the Elysian range. Furthermore, a high-plasticity coating is added to control acoustic behaviour. Finally, Wharfedale's SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) design aims to minimise turbulence and deliver a more efficient bass reflex system.

The crossover networks in the Aura series are designed to accurately match each drive unit's acoustic performance to achieve an acoustically seamless blend between the drivers. In the three-way Aura models, the bass/midrange and midrange/treble crossover networks are laid out on separate PCBs to reduce electromagnetic interference, each network coupled to its respective terminals to facilitate bi-wiring.

The two-way Aura 1 standmounter is loaded with a 13cm mid/bass driver, while the three-way Aura 2 standmounter comes armed with a 10cm midrange driver with a 15cm woofer. The two floorstanders feature the same 10cm midrange unit as the Aura 2, with twin 13cm bass drivers for the Aura 3, going up to two 15cm bass drivers in the Aura 4 tower.

Aura's gently curved, lacquered and polished cabinets are formed of layered woods of differing densities designed to minimise panel resonance and stop unwanted internal sound energy from affecting the drivers' forward outputs. They are designed not only to look good but "help to disperse the acoustic output of the drive units smoothly into the room without undesirable reflections", says Wharfedale.

The Wharfedale Aura series will be available from October 9th in piano-lacquered black, white or walnut wood veneer finishes. Prices start at $1,999 USD per pair for the Aura 1, with the Aura 2 costing $2,499 USD and the Aura 3 coming in at $3,999 USD per pair. The series flagship Aura 4 will sell for $4,999 USD per pair. The Aura CS and Aura C centre channels are priced at $1,499 USD and $1,799 USD, respectively.

Optional stands are available for the Aura 1 and Aura 2, costing $1,199 USD per pair and $1,299 USD per pair.

Visit Wharfedale for more information