Wharfedale

Wharfedale has two new series of loudspeakers. The D300 series replaces the Crystal series and has two bookshelf models, the D310 at $199 and the D320 at $249, a tower, the D330 at $598, and a center channel, the D300C at $249. The EVO 4 series has two bookshelf models, the EVO 4.1 at $699 and the EVO 4.2 at $998, two tower models, the EVO 4.3 at $1598 and the EVO 4.4 at $1998, a center channel, the EVO 4.C at $798, and a surround model, the EVO 4.S at $1598. The D11-series prices have been lowered to replace the D200-series.

Wharfedale has created a range of budget-priced loudspeakers that perform far above their price range, elevating expectations of what can be achieved at such low price points. Despite the loudspeakers' compact sizes, the sound stage they produce is substantial and engaging, their expressive midrange definition transitioning seamlessly to fluid high-frequency detail. The bass reaches surprising depths yet remains lucid, accurate, and controlled. This is thanks to the loudspeakers' advanced bass drivers and P-EQ bass reflex port.

The tweeter was developed for the Diamond 11 Series and fine-tuned for the D300 range. A large magnet, selected to give a smoother transition from midrange to high frequencies, is attached to a pole piece with copper cap for flux control. The pole piece is vented through to the rear chamber to achieve a low resonant frequency, ensuring excellent linearity and allowing the textile dome, sited within a dished waveguide, to contribute to a wonderfully lucid midrange and smooth, pure and richly-defined high-frequency detail.

The output of the drive units is carefully combined by a thoroughly-researched crossover developed using Wharfedale's Advanced Software and Listening Iteration system. Each crossover is carefully evaluated using a wide range of music, with the emphasis being on the lifelike reproduction of voices and instruments in addition to the dynamics of the musical performance. Crossover components feature low-loss polypropylene capacitors and laminated core inductors for optimum transfer of the music signal.

The acoustically-profiled cabinets feature 1.1-inch thick front baffles, a luxury engineering touch for such low-cost loudspeakers. The cabinet is curved at the edges to reduce diffraction edge reflections at mid to high frequencies. Critical bracing of the cabinet panels contributes to the elimination of audible resonance, and, combined with the rounded cabinet edges, yields a rigid base on which to mount the drive units. In addition, the cabinet walls are lined with a specially-developed internal fiber, chosen for its outstanding absorbent qualities across a wide bandwidth. The result is that the listener hears the drive unit output unsullied by unwanted colorations caused by panel vibration or internal resonances. This reveals more of the detail of the musical performance.