WHARFEDALE AURA Series Stereo Speakers System User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Wharfedale
Table of Contents
WHARFEDALE AURA Series Stereo Speakers System User Manual
Important Safety Information
Before installing this product read all these instructions!
This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying this unit
Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions.
Set the volume control at minimum when you switch on your system or change sources, and turn the level up gradually.
Ensure that all loudspeakers in the system are correctly wired.
DO NOT subject your loudspeakers to excessive cold, heat, humidity or sunlight.
DO NOT place heavy objects on top of loudspeakers.
Some manufacturers forbid the placing of objects on top of their TV sets.
Check your TV handbook before installing the speaker directly on your TV set.
Consult your TV dealer if you are in any doubt.
DO NOT connect speaker terminals to the mains supply.
DO NOT dismantle the loudspeaker. There are no user-serviceable parts inside it and you will void the warranty by doing so.
Founded in 1932, Wharfedale’s founder, Gilbert Briggs, had one goal in mind –to bring music into the home by designing loudspeakers that conveyed the impact, thrill and emotion of performance in an entirely natural and realistic way.
Today Wharfedale engineers follow the same dictum, utilising technology where it truly matters to develop loudspeakers that reveal the passion and excitement behind the musical performance.
Designer’s Notes
AURA continues the Wharfedale tradition of offering exceptional performance and value for money with a range of speakers that offer the home listener and dedicated audiophile a combination of monitor-class audio transparency together with class-leading levels of musical enjoyment.
Borrowing heavily from the advanced technology of the elite Elysian research
project, AURA features the Wharfedale AMT high-frequency transducer, glass
fibre matrix midrange and bass cones, the SLPP port system and multi-layer
cabinets.
Wharfedale AMT High Frequency Transducer
Unlike conventional dome or other ribbon and planar diaphragms, the
Wharfedale AMT high-frequency transducer does not move forwards and backwards
like a piston. It is therefore not constrained by the mass of its diaphragm,
with the attendant blurring of transient response. Instead the diaphragm is
folded and carries conductive elements immersed in an immensely strong
magnetic field. When the music signal from the amplifier traverses the
diaphragm, the foldsconstrict and expand. This has the effect of squeezing the
air between the folds, rapidly altering its pressure to accurately transmit
the equivalent pressure wave received by the microphone(s) in the recording
studio.
The AMT diaphragm is also operating over a large area, for advanced
efficiency, and is able to generate transient acoustic power quite easily.
Wharfedale’s design team have improved the AMT unit in AURA loudspeakers to
extend the response to 36kHz (-6dB) allowing a smooth and linear response to
22kHz (+-3dB). Theresult is exceptional clarity of treble detail allied to
realistic transient response, smoothly enhancing the harmonic overtones of
voices and instruments whilst providing shimmering realism to percussion such
as cymbals.
Glass Fibre Matrix cones
As Wharfedale engineers found when designing the Elysian series, the
transient accuracy and efficiency of the AMT needs to be matched by the
midrange and bass drivers for a seamless audio performance. Accordingly, AURA
also uses a proprietary woven glass-fibre matrix diaphragm for the midrange
and bass cones terminated by high flexibility rubber surrounds. The voice
coils driving the cones are immersed in high-flux magnetic fields, with eddy
currents and inductance controlled by Copper-clad pole pieces.
These low-distortion motor systems are mounted on die-cast aluminium chassis,
each fixed to the cabinet by six high-tensile bolts to maintain the rigidity
of structure and provide accurate transient response. The rubber trim rings
surrounding each chassis are not just a cosmetic feature but also control any
resonance occurring at the junction of the aluminium chassis and wood cabinet.
Multi-layer lacquered cabinet
AURA cabinets are, in many ways, a work of art. Available in Black, White
and a feature grained Walnut real wood veneer, each cabinet is lacquered and
polished to present a beautifulpiece of furniture you will be proud to have in
your home. The smooth curves to the cabinet are more than just eye catching.
They help to disperse the acoustic output of the drive units smoothly into the
room without undesirable reflections from otherwise sharp edges.
Underneath the polished lacquers lie cabinet walls built from multiple layers of differing woods designed to reduce panel resonance below audibility. This multi-layer construction, PROS (Panel Resonance Optimization System) has afurther benefit – it inhibits the leakage of unwanted sound energy from inside the cabinet which would otherwise interfere with the forward output of the drive units.Already, much of this internal sound energy is absorbed by multiple layers of matted long hair fibre – its damping factor specifically calculated to avoid rear reflection back out through the drive unit cones whilst still allowing unrestricted airflow to the SLPP reflex port system.
SLPP Reflext Design
Wharfedale’s SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) bass reflex design was
developed from an original idea of Gilbert Briggs, the entrepreneur who set up
and ran Wharfedale from 1932 to 1964. In AURA loudspeakers, the high-pressure,
high-velocity airflow from a downward-facing port is better matched to the low
air pressure in the room by distributing the airflow through a series of slot
ports in the plinth. This both reduces unwanted turbulence from the port and
also improves the efficiency of the bass reflex system.
AURA Crossover
In conjunction with the low resonance of the bass units, the SLPP system
provides bass extension to well down into and below the 30Hz region for AURA
2, 3 and 4, revealing the fundamentals of most musical instruments with
excellent articulation, clarity and power. You can feel as well as hear the
true acoustic power of the musical performance.
In many ways the crossover is the ‘heart’ of every loudspeaker. Wharfedale were one of the first domestic speaker manufacturers to utilise a crossover to divide the frequency band between drive units that were optimised for bass, midrange and treble.
But today’s crossovers have to do more than just divide up the musical input
to the loudspeaker and distribute it to the relevant drive units. The
crossover also has to be matched accurately to the acoustic performance of
each drive unit to achieve a blend between the drivers that is acoustically
seamless. Although this process is aided by the sophisticated computer
analysis available from measurements made by Wharfedale’s engineers, the fine-
tuning has to be done by ear using a variety of musical sources and styles.
In addition each crossover component has to be tested and evaluated for its
acoustic transparency. Bass and midrange/treble crossovers are laid out on
separate PCBs in order to reduce electromagnetic interference and coupled to
their respective terminals to allow bi-wiring if required.
In fact this crossover fine-tuning can take hundreds of hours of listening and
testing in order not only to provide a seamless blend butalso to balance the
fundamental and harmonic overtones of voices and instrumentsso that they sound
stunningly realistic whenreplayed in the home. The result is that, when you
close your eyes, the AURA speakers seem to disappear and you are simply
enfolded in the musical experience.
In 1979, Peter Comeau co-founded Heybrook Hi-Fi to design and manufacture the
multi-award-winning HB1 and classic HB2 loudspeakers. In 2009, after leading
IAG speaker development since the acquisition of Mission, Peter assumed
overall acoustic design responsibility for all of the brands within the Group,
including Wharfedale. With a deep respect for the history of these brands and
the necessity to maintain each individual brand’s design integrity, Peter
continues to design award-winning speakers at IAG’s research centres in
Huntingdon, England, and Shenzhen, China.
PETER COMEAU
Director of Acoustic Design IAG Group Ltd.
AURA CS
AURA C
AURA 2
AURA 1
AURA 3
AURA 4
Loudspeaker Installation
Unpacking Your Loudspeakers
Please read this manual as soon as you have opened the carton.Lift the
loudspeaker carefully out of the packing. Do NOT try to lift the loudspeaker
using the cloth bag. Unpack any accessories carefully. If there is any sign of
damage or if the contents are incomplete, report this to your dealer as soon
as possible. Retain the packing for future safe transport of the product.
Dispose of the packing with respect to any recycling provisions in your area.
Attaching the Spikes to Floorstanding Model
- Make sure you have plenty of unobstructed working space and assistance for lifting and moving the speaker.
- protect the loudspeaker.
- Invert the loudspeaker onto the cloth or protective surface. the thread.
- Thread the spikes into the spike inserts. Tighten them by hand until tight (do not use mechanical or power assisted tools for tightening)
- Invert the loudspeaker to the upright position.
Levelling the Loudspeakers
- Spike seats are included in the accessories box for use with AURA 4 / AURA 3 feet, or corresponding AURA stand mount speaker stands.
- the natural properties of the speaker cabinet. We advise protecting the speaker from extreme variances in temperature and environment conditions
- We advise that you do not place anything on the surface of the cabinets, to protect from
- Occasionally, remove the loudspeaker grilles and brush them gently with a soft brush before replacing them carefully.
- Avoid getting any liquid behind the grille. If you accidentally spill liquid on d on your loudspeakers, take them to your dealer for attention before using them again.
Standard Connection
- Connect the supplied link cables (from the accessories box) to the terminals of the loudspeaker.
- Choose a suitable length of twin core speaker cable for each channel and prepare the ends. Unscrew each terminal a few turns. Connect the red positive (+) terminal of the Left negative (-) terminals similarly. Tighten the terminal securely.
- Repeat this procedure for the Right Channel. If you are standard wiring make sure the terminal links are securely in place
Bi-Wiring Connection
Positioning Stereo Loudspeakers
- If you are sitting within 2m of the speakers, the distance between the speakers should be the same as between you and the speakers.
- Otherwise site the speakers between 2 to 4 metres apart, clear of rear walls and room corners.
- If the loudspeakers are placed too close to the walls the bass will increase but may be boomy and indistinct. If the loudspeakers are placed further away from the walls, the inward angle (“toe in”) may be increased by up to 30%. As personal taste and room
- The optimum listening position is in an area between the speakers broadly known as the “sweet spot”. The more extreme the angle of toe-in the narrower the sweet spot. Wharfedale loudspeakers are designed to cover a wide sonic perspective so there should be no need for extreme settings. A mild angle inwards will cover a wide range of seating positions.
- The grilles are provided to protect the loudspeaker drive units from accidental damage. For critical listening, please remove the grilles.
Setting Up a Home Theatre System
- The front faces of the centre and surround television screen, 2 to 3 metres apart. The speakers should be angled slightly so they are position, behind the listener’s head. If the rear or side walls are a long way from the listening seat, consider stand mounting the loudspeakers. If the centre loudspeaker is very high or low, angle it towards the listener’s ear level.
- The front faces of the centre and surround loudspeakers should also be in line as far as possible.
- Subwoofer: As the ear is unable to detect the direction from which deep bass originates, you have freedom to position the unit. Varying the distance from the wall alters the bass. Placing the subwoofer across a corner boosts the bass but may impair clarity. The performance of a home theatre system can be enhanced by using two subwoofers.
- Dolby Labs these systems will depend on the capabilities of your processor and you should be guided by those instructions, we would make some observation.
- For 6.1 and 7.1 formats the listening seat should not be too close to the rear wall.
- Optimising the time delay so that information from all speakers arrives the listening seat to be fully realisted.
- Dolby Labs Recommended Placement for Multichannel Home Theater System
Warranty Coverage
Your loudspeakers have been constructed to the highest standards. From top
grade furniture construction and finish to carefully designed and selected
acoustic components. Wharfedale speakers are built to provide a lifetime of
sonic pleasure. We hope you will derive many years of good service from our
products.
Wharfedale warrants its products. subject to the following terms and
conditions below, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Online Registration
Scan the QR Code using a smart phone device for product warranty registration
online.
- The three (3) year extended warranty is applicable to items purchased from Jan 1st 2021, onwards. Items purchased prior to this date are not eligible for this extended warranty service but are subject to statutory warranty claims and all applicable consumer rights.
- To qualify for the extended 3 year warranty, you must register your product within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase. Visit to complete your online registration.
- Items not registered online will have a Limited Warranty for one (1) year, or for the period of your country’s statutory warranty, whichever is longer.
- This with date, model and details of the authorised dealer clearly stated on the receipt/invoice. Please keep the original receipt/invoice in case it is required for a warranty claim. original owner.
- This Limited Warranty is valid only in the original country of purchase.
- Repairs or replacements are provided under this warranty are the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Wharfedale shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any expenses or implied warranty with any product. Except to the extent prohibited by law, this warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties whatsoever, both expressed and implied, including but not limited to the warrant of merchantability and statutory consumer rights.
- This submitted in your application. Incorrect dates or mismatched purchase receipt dates that are outside of the warranty terms will immediately invalidate any warranty claim. Online Registration wharfedale.co.uk/warranty-registration/
*Please check with your dealer local distributor for further information.
Exclusions
- The following items are excluded from the Wharfedale warranty:
- Normal wear and tear and cosmetic damage (including but not limited to any wear from reasonable use, environmental deterioration or neglect)
- Products on which the serial number has been removed, altered or otherwise made illegible.
- Products not purchased from an authorised Wharfedale dealer.
- Products that were not new at the time of original purchase.
- Products sold ‘as is’, ‘as seen’ or ‘with faults’.
- Product not purchased from an Authorised Dealer/Distributor within the region of the claim (ie parallel imports or grey market products)
- Accidental damage or faults caused by commercial use, acts of God, incorrect installation, incorrect connection, incorrect packaging, misuse or careless operation or handling which is not in accordance with the user instructions.
- Equipment that has been operated in conjunction with unsuitable, inappropriate or faulty apparatus.
- Damage in transit that cannot be attributable to the fault of Wharfedale, the authorised distributor or dealer (ie. claims otherwise covered by transit insurance.)
- Faults relating to abnormal or inappropriate power supply voltage or power surges.
- Faults relating to extremities in temperature, exposure to heat, water or other liquids, insects, excessive moisture, sand, chemicals, battery leakage or any other contaminants.
- Any other causes beyond the reasonable control of either Wharfedale and its Authorised Distributor.
- Please note items purchased before 1st Jan 2021 are not eligible for the extended warranty claim.
How to Claim
- To obtain warranty service please contact the authorised dealer from which warranty offer.
- Do not dispatch goods without the prior agreement of the dealer distributor or authorised service centre.
- If asked to return products for inspection and or repair, please pack carefully returned via insured, trackable courier service.
- The instructions. However, please note if unsuitable packaging is used the warranty may be deemed void due to improper action in return.
- Wharfedale or the authorised distributor, dealer or service centre may make a charge for the supply of new packaging for the return of the repaired item. Please note, insurance is recommended as goods are returned at the owner’s risk. Authorised distributors or service centres can not be held liable for loss or damage in transit. insurance and freight charges on the return journey will be paid for by Wharfedale, authorised dealer, distributor or service centre if corrective work proves to be necessary.
- In the event of ‘no-fault found’ or ‘no repair necessary’, the return shipping charge will be the responsibility of the owner.
Repairs
- All repairs will be carried out by the appointed distributor (or locally appointed service centre). Repairs handled or processed without authorisation or approval of the appointed representative will be excludedfrom this limited warranty. Please note, Wharfedale is not able to supply authorised service centre.
- Other than the warranty and services set out in this warranty, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Wharfedale shall not be liable to you and/or any third party or entity whatsoever for:
- Any loss, damages and/or malfunction caused to any product(s) which is/are connected to any of the products covered by this warranty.
- Any damages, loss and liability, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential special, punitive or otherwise, howsoever caused by, arising out of or otherwise, in relation to the installation, delivery, use, service, repair, replacement and/or maintenance of the product.
- Any damages, loss and liability under this warranty in respect of any act, omission, or negligence of any of their technicians, employees, agents, representatives or independent contractors relating to the actual or purported performance of any of the obligations under this warranty
Service Centre Address
-
For technical support, servicing or product queries and information please:
-
IAG Service Dept., 13/14 Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7DL, UK.
Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: service@wharfedale.co.uk -
For information on other authorised service centres worldwide contact Wharfedale International, UK.
-
A world-wide distributors list is available on the Wharfedale website: www.wharfedale.co.uk
IAG House, 13/14 Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7DL, UK
Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: service@wharfedale.co.uk
http://www.wharfedale.co.uk
