Wharfedale Launches the Aston, a Limited-Edition Blend of Heritage and Innovation

While the Aston belongs to Wharfedale’s revered Heritage Series, it is not a reissue but an entirely new creation, handcrafted in the UK and strictly limited to 500 pairs.

The Aston is the latest signature design from Peter Comeau, Wharfedale’s Director of Acoustic Design, who has spent over four decades refining high-performance loudspeakers. This new model represents the brand’s commitment to premium British craftsmanship, manufactured at Wharfedale’s expanded Huntingdon facility, which also produces the acclaimed Dovedale speakers and select models from sister brands Mission and Castle.

Wharfedale has designed a new two-way bass reflex system for the Aston speaker. This system provides a balanced and natural sound. It includes a 15cm carbon fibre mid/bass driver in a strong die-cast chassis, which can produce bass below 50Hz with great accuracy. The gold phase plug improves midrange clarity, ensuring a rich and clear sound. For high frequencies, the speaker uses a 25mm fabric dome tweeter with a damped rear chamber, inspired by Wharfedale’s flagship Dovedale, which helps create smooth and detailed treble.

Using a multi-layered wood composite, high-density particle board and MDF are bonded with resonance-damping adhesive to minimise cabinet colouration. The result is a cabinet allowing drivers to perform without unwanted interference. Externally, the Aston is available in three elegant real-wood veneers: walnut, mahogany, and black oak, with each pair meticulously matched for consistency. A vintage-style grille attaches magnetically to the recessed baffle, designed to remain in place during listening. Its internal shaping enhances power response while reducing reflections, seamlessly blending form and function.

Wharfedale has developed custom floor stands constructed from British steel with furniture-grade glass inserts to complement Aston's performance and aesthetics. Most uprights are pre-filled with damping material to minimise resonance, while one remains open for discreet cable management. Buyers can choose between stainless steel or black spikes, with spike seats and handling gloves included for easy installation.

Reflecting on Aston’s development, Peter Comeau described it as the culmination of a lifelong pursuit of compact loudspeakers that deliver a full-scale sound. Inspired by his first commercial design in the late 1970s, the Aston embodies Wharfedale’s signature blend of heritage, innovation, and uncompromising performance. With only 500 pairs to be produced, this limited production run will help maintain the Aston’s exclusivity.

The Wharfedale Aston will be available in walnut, mahogany, and black oak finishes from late February 2025. Pricing in the UK is set at £1,999 per pair with stands or £1,699 without. The stands can also be purchased separately for £499 per pair. Pricing and availability in other regions is not yet confirmed.

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