Wharfedale has introduced a new two-way standmount loudspeaker named the Aston. While it belongs to Wharfedale’s Heritage Series, the Aston is not a reissue; rather, it is a completely new design that features a retro look. Drawing inspiration from classic British loudspeaker design, it merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary acoustic technology. In contrast to mass-produced alternatives, only 500 pairs will be manufactured.
The Aston is a hallmark creation by Peter Comeau, the Director of Acoustic Design at Wharfedale, who brings over four decades of expertise in crafting premium loudspeakers. This model is produced in the United Kingdom.
The Wharfedale Aston features a sophisticated two-way bass reflex configuration, utilizing newly engineered drivers developed in-house. The robust die-cast chassis houses a 15cm carbon fibre mid/bass driver capable of producing bass frequencies below 50Hz, complemented by a gold phase plug that enhances mid-range clarity. The tweeter draws inspiration from the design of Wharfedale’s premier Dovedale model, incorporating a 25mm fabric dome and a damped rear chamber to deliver smooth and detailed high frequencies.
To ensure optimal driver integration, the Aston employs a crossover filter that utilizes premium air-core coils and polypropylene capacitors. The crossover slopes and power response have been meticulously refined through comprehensive listening evaluations.
Measuring 13.5 x 8 x 10 inches, the Aston’s cabinet is constructed from multiple layers of wood composite to effectively manage resonance. A blend of high-density particleboard and MDF is bonded with a resonance-dampening adhesive, resulting in minimal cabinet coloration. The exterior is elegantly finished with a real wood veneer, available in walnut, mahogany, or black oak, with each pair carefully matched for visual consistency.
A vintage-inspired cover grille is magnetically secured to the recessed baffle of the Aston, ensuring it stays in position during use. The internal design of the grille enhances the speaker’s power response while reducing reflections, aligning with the speaker’s timeless aesthetic and performance attributes.
Wharfedale has created custom floor stands specifically for the Aston, utilizing British steel and incorporating furniture-grade glass inserts. The majority of the stands feature uprights filled with cushioning material, while one upright remains open to facilitate discreet cable management. Buyers can choose between stainless steel or black spikes, and the stands are supplied with spike seats and gloves for easy installation.
