Wharfedale Aura 2 Speakers (Pair)

The Wharfedale Aura 2 speakers are hugely capable stand mount speakers, a larger alternative to the Aura 1 with optional matching Wharfedale speaker stands. Like other models in the Aura range, they feature an innovative ribbon AMT tweeter that provides amazing high-frequency definition, along with larger cabinets for impressive bass response.

The diaphragm features a folded assembly with embedded conductors. This allows a strong magnetic field to move the assembly, resulting in an improved transient response.

Bass and midrange units are of course designed to perfectly match the performance of the tweeter and feature Glass fibre cones with a flexible rubber surround. The result is a very integrated soundscape. The cabinets are ported and feature curved corners to reduce standing waves, in a choice of beautiful finishes. 

Aura AMT ribbon tweeter

The AMT ribbon tweeter works differently to most ribbon tweeters. The Wharfedale Aura 2 Speaker’s tweeter features a folded diaphragm. The diaphragm sits in front of a set of magnets. Next, conductors are embedded in the folds. As a result, the strong magnetic field moves the diaphragm with the music.

The result is a sweet treble with a remarkable transient response and extremely low distortion. Traditional coned tweeters have a higher mass than ribbon tweeters and tend to have more distortion at high power levels.

Aura speaker drivers

The Wharfedale Aura 2 Speaker has a 6.5”(150mm) bass driver along with a 4” (100mm) midrange unit. The drivers are closely matched to the Ribbon tweeter. Each unit has a woven glass fibre cone attached to a highly flexible rubber surround. Moreover, the voice coils are enveloped in a high-flux magnetic field. This creates a unit that can handle high powers without distortion.

Fine control is maintained by using copper-clad pole pieces. The cones are mounted in a die-cast aluminium chassis that is attached using six high-tensile bolts that ensure no resonances can occur. There is also a rubber damping ring. The frequency response is 42Hz to 22kHz.

Slot loaded profile port

Wharfedale developed the Slot Loaded Profiled Port system used by the Aura 2 Speaker. This was designed by the founder of the company, Gilbert Briggs who designed a port with a high-pressure, high-velocity airflow.

This port uses slots in the plinth rather than having the port at the rear or base. The result is a better matching of the airflow into the room. Turbulence is reduced giving a more efficient bass reflex system.

Aura 2, three-way crossover

The Wharfedale Aura 2 Speaker features a three-way crossover. Wharfedale was one of the first companies to develop the crossover concept. The crossover is used to split an audio signal into bands. Each drive unit in a speaker is optimized for a particular frequency range.

This is due to the fact that high frequencies have a shorter wavelength and hence need a smaller driver than for example for midrange or bass. The crossover frequency has to be precisely set so that the overall frequency response is flat. The crossover consists of a set of filters that are made up of precisely valued capacitors and inductors.

Aura cabinet

The cabinet features curved edges that tend to beak up and standing waves, resulting in a smoother sound. The cabinets are made of different woods in a sandwich construction. This has the effect of damping any resonances. Finish options are available in black, white, or walnut finishes. Each cabinet is a work of art and is lacquered to a highly polished finish.