Wharfedale Releases AURA Speaker Range

All Image Credit: Wharfedale

Overview – All Models:

SLPP Reflex Design

The Slot Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) bass reflex design that originated from a concept by Gilbert Briggs, provides improved bass performance in the AURA loudspeakers. This downward-facing port directs high-pressure, high-velocity airflow through a series of slot ports in the plinth, coupling it more efficiently with the rooms lower air pressure. The design reduces turbulence and improves the bass reflex system’s overall efficiency. Combined with the low resonance of the bass units, the SLPP system is said to “deliver powerful and articulate bass extension down to the 30Hz region, faithfully reproducing the true acoustic power of musical performances”.

The AURA’s Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency transducer is a folded diaphragm design, placed within a powerful magnetic field. Its unique design is said to outperform conventional dome, ribbon and planar diaphragms, resulting in; “treble detail and shimmering realism that enhances the harmonic overtones of voices and instruments”.

AMT Construction

Glass Fibre Matrix Cones

Both the midrange and bass cones use a proprietary woven glass-fiber matrix diaphragm that are terminated with high flexibility rubber surrounds. Voice coils are placed within high-flux magnetic fields and are controlled by copper-clad pole pieces to minimize distortion. This low-distortion motor system is then mounted in a die-cast aluminum chassis to; “provide rigidity and precise transient response”.

Mid-Range Driver Construction

Multi-layer Cabinet

The AURA cabinets feature multiple layers of different woods that are said to reduce panel resonance below audibility, plus the smooth curves of the cabinet help disperse sound without undesirable edge refractions. They are available in Piano Black, Gloss White and Walnut real wood veneer with a lacquered and polished finish.

AURA 1 Construction

AURA Crossover

Correct design of the crossover is essential to the accurate performance of any speaker system ensuring the seamless acoustic integration and transition between all drive units. The design of the crossovers is said to include hundreds of hours of fine-tuning using both advanced analysis and careful listening. According to Wharfedale; “The crossovers are tested and evaluated for their acoustic transparency and the bass and midrange/treble crossovers are laid out on separate PCBs to minimize electromagnetic interference.”