In our last issue we discussed Wharfedale's newest Diamond series and concentrated on the D220 bookshelf model. Over the past year, the company received many requests for a slightly larger model with more extended bass performance. To fill this need, we now have the D225 bookshelf model at $449. It has, as described, a slightly larger cabinet and a new 6.5-inch Kevlar woofer that result in a nicely extended bass end. All other characteristics and performance factors remain the same as the D220.

The newest line of loudspeakers from Wharfedale is called Reva. The line is comprised of two bookshelf models, the Reva-1 at $799 and the Reva-2 at $999, two floor-standing models, the Reva-3 at $1499 and the Reva-4 at $1999, and a center channel, the Reva-C at $699.

The company performed extensive research into cabinet construction and materials to find methods that would greatly diminish unwanted resonances. This research showed that certain materials like raw MDF have peak resonances, particularly in the midrange, that transmit sound out of a cabinet at volume levels that interfere with the sound from the drive units. Not surprisingly, this causes a distinct coloration and character to the sound of such cabinets. To solve this problem, Reva panels are comprised of a special lamination of wood composites, reducing the sonic character of the cabinets to a level that cannot be heard below the sound from the drive units.

The Reva Series also features Wharfedale's signature slot-loaded port technology. The slot-loaded port, which uses a gap between the bottom loudspeaker plinth and the port exit in the base of the cabinet, smoothes the pressure differential between the port and the air in the room. This increases the energy transfer and makes the system more efficient. It also removes the unwanted low-frequency and high-output distortion which is often found in conventional rear ported loudspeakers. The slot-loading technology also means the loudspeaker can be positioned near the wall, allowing it to fit more seamlessly into smaller living environments.

Musical accuracy and articulation are carried into the midrange by bass/midrange driver cones that incorporate a proprietary glass fiber weave that is naturally self-damping. This reduces and distributes resonances to virtually negligible levels. These cones are mounted in a special cast alloy chassis to ensure dynamic rigidity. A fixed, profiled phase plug ensures a smooth acoustic roll-off that enhances integration with the treble unit. A new, fine-weave, textile dome with a critically-damped coating was designed for the 25mm treble unit. This dome is powered by a Neodymium magnet fitted with a finned heat sink to disperse heat more efficiently and help reduce dynamic compression. This unit offers excellent bandwidth, with a smooth response from 2kHz to above 20kHz, and is mounted on a subtly dished waveguide that enhances dispersion.

Once all components have been specified and integrated by the UK-based design team, an equally-important part of the process is to voice each loudspeaker properly. The advanced drive units are integrated with a precision crossover using Linkwitz-Riley slopes calculated with Wharfedale's advanced Computer Aided Optimization techniques. While CAO tuning plays an essential part in the voicing process, the final crossovers are the result of hundreds of hours of fine tuning using a variety of musical genres.

Finally each Reva loudspeaker is hand-finished by cabinet craftsmen with multiple layers of polished lacquer to achieve a high gloss finish that complements any interior design. They are available in Piano Black, Piano White, Walnut and Piano Deep Rosewood.

The Reva-2 model recently received a rave review in the July 2016 issue of Hi-Fi Choice where it achieved a five star rating in every category! That's quite an accomplishment for a loudspeaker under $1000. You can read a summary of the review at the link below if you don't have an online subscription.