Wharfedale has been on a mission to bring the heart of music into homes around the globe. Briggs envisioned creating loudspeakers that would not only convey the thrill of live performances but do so in a natural and realistic manner. This vision led to groundbreaking innovations such as the first commercial crossover and the introduction of foam surrounds and the slot port system. Today, Wharfedale engineers carry on this legacy, focusing on technology that enhances the listening experience while maintaining the emotional connection inherent in music.
Introducing the ASTON
In keeping with its dedication to the discerning listener, Wharfedale presents the ASTON, a loudspeaker designed with the connoisseur in mind. For those who appreciate the details in sound, the ASTON promises an unparalleled experience, combining control, performance, and exquisite quality. Crafted in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the ASTON is a testament to British Hi-Fi craftsmanship.
A Signature Model
The Wharfedale ASTON stands as a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to fine loudspeaker design and manufacturing. Developed under the guidance of Wharfedale’s Director of Acoustic Design, Peter Comeau, the ASTON is part of the limited edition “Made in UK” Heritage series, with only 500 pairs produced. This compact stand-mount loudspeaker defies its size, delivering performance levels typically associated with larger, more complex designs.
Traditional Meets Modern
The ASTON is a traditional two-way vented-box model that encapsulates the values and musical delivery that have made Wharfedale a household name. Its wood-veneered cabinet reflects a vintage aesthetic while showcasing a contemporary finish, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship that goes into its production. By marrying time-honored techniques with cutting-edge technology, the ASTON is both a classic in style and a modern marvel in performance.
Engineering Excellence
At the heart of the ASTON is a newly developed Carbon Fibre bass/midrange cone, marking a first for the Wharfedale Heritage series. This driver is mounted in a rigid cast chassis, with a high-performance motor system designed to minimize energy losses. Complemented by a profiled phase plug, the cone achieves a smooth and natural-sounding upper mid-range.
The high-frequency performance is managed by an innovative soft dome tweeter, developed to work in harmony with the bass/midrange driver. The ASTON’s crossover, refined through advanced computer modeling and extensive listening tests, ensures seamless integration, elevating the music reproduction quality to new heights.
Cabinet Craftsmanship
The cabinet of the ASTON is constructed from layers of varying woods, embodying furniture-grade quality in both finish and construction. Through rigorous testing and analysis, this multi-layer design enhances the performance of the transducers while effectively controlling resonance and managing air pressure. Featuring dual rear ports, the ASTON is capable of producing high sound pressure levels and delivering clean bass extension that reaches below 50Hz, even in challenging room environments.
An Astonishing Experience
Despite its compact size, the Wharfedale ASTON offers broad, even sound dispersion without colorations, delivering an almost holographic representation of recordings. Listeners will find themselves immersed in a soundstage that confirms the presence of a truly exceptional loudspeaker system.
A Touch of Elegance
Styled after iconic loudspeakers of the past, the ASTON is finished in a rich, hand-matched real-wood veneer, adorned with gold accents and a distinctive Wharfedale Heritage trim. To complement this remarkable speaker, Wharfedale offers a matching stand made in England from hardened high-carbon British Steel. This custom-engineered stand not only showcases the ASTON but is designed for optimal listening experience, featuring a luxurious glass insert that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the entire setup.
