About the Wharfedale AURA 1

Product highlights:
- 2-way design
- 27x90mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter
- 5" woven glass-fiber matrix woofer
- frequency response: 48-22,000 Hz (±3dB)
- recommended amplifier power: 25-100 watts
- sensitivity: 86 dB
- impedance: 4 ohms
- bass reflex (ported) design
- downward-firing Wharfedale SLPP port reduces turbulence and increases efficiency
- two sets of binding post speaker terminals allow bi-amping or bi-wiring
- removable magnetic grilles
Dimensions and warranty:
- 9-3/4"W x 14-7/16"H x 13-7/8"D
- weight: 27.5 lbs. (each)
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # WHDSPAUR1HGBLK
- Item # 336AUR1HGB
Our take
Detail/Clarity score | |
Bass score | |
Vocals score |
What's in the box:
Wharfedale AURA 1 owner's manual
If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Jumper wires
- 8 Rubber feet
- Pair of white gloves
- User Manual
More details on the Wharfedale AURA 1

Features & specs
Cabinet & design | ||
---|---|---|
Enclosure | Ported | |
Finish | Multi-layer wood | |
Color | Gloss Black | |
Recommended stand height (inches) | 22-24 | |
Wall-mountable | N/A | |
Bracket included | No | |
Connector type | Binding post | |
Bi-amp inputs | Yes | |
Driver details | ||
Tweeter type | AMT (Ribbon) | |
Tweeter size (inches) | 1.0625 x 3.5 | |
Midrange size (inches) | N/A | |
Woofer size (inches) | 5 | |
Woofer composition | Glass Fiber Matrix | |
Woofer surround | Rubber | |
Audio specs | ||
Power range (watts) | 25-100 | |
Sensitivity | 86 dB | |
Impedance (ohms) | 6 | |
Frequency response | 48-22k Hz | |
Dimensions & other info | ||
Height (inches) | 15-1/4 | |
Width (inches) | 9-3/4 | |
Depth (inches) | 13-3/4 | |
Weight (pounds) | 27.5 | |
Parts warranty | 5 Years | |
Labor warranty | 5 Years |
Product Research
Features
AMT (Air Motion Transformer): The Wharfedale Aura 1 bookshelf loudspeaker uses a 1.0625" x 3.5" AMT (Air Motion Transformer) for its high-frequency transducer. The AMT (Air Motion Transformer) is a radically different way of moving air. A large, pleated, lightweight diaphragm is driven across its surface by rows of strategically placed metallic strips immersed in a strong magnetic field. Under the influence of the musical drive the pleats in the diaphragm contract and expand, squeezing the air between them to form the desired waveform. Not only is this an efficient way of moving air but it is also very accurate as the diaphragm is under close control of the motor system at all times. In addition the AMT is a velocity, rather than pressure, transducer, capable of producing extremely fast transients and dynamics. The result is a wide bandwidth device that achieves low distortion naturally and delivers wonderful musical detail.
Glass Fiber Matrix Cone Woofer: To complement the AMT transducer, the Aura 1 bookshelf speaker utilizes a proprietary woven glass-fiber matrix cone for its 5" midbass woofer. The cone is terminated by high flexibility rubber surrounds, delivering transient accuracy and efficiency. The voice coil is immersed in a high-flux magnetic field and is controlled by a copper-clad pole piece to minimize distortion. Mounted on a die-cast aluminum chassis, the low-distortion motor system provides rigidity and precise transient response for exceptional audio performance.
Meticulously Designed Crossover: The crossover is the heart of every loudspeaker, and Wharfedale's Aura series features a meticulously designed crossover that ensures seamless integration between drive units. By accurately dividing the frequency band and matching the acoustic performance of each driver, the Aura series loudspeaker achieves a blend that is acoustically seamless. The crossovers are tested and evaluated for their acoustic transparency, and the bass & treble crossovers are laid out on separate PCBs to minimize electromagnetic interference. With hundreds of hours of fine-tuning using both advanced analysis and careful listening, the Aura series of speakers delivers a stunningly realistic musical experience.
Multi-Layered Cabinet: The Aura 1's speaker cabinet is not only beautiful, but also engineered to optimize sound quality. Crafted with multiple layers of different woods, the speaker cabinet reduces panel resonance below audibility, ensuring a clean audio output. In addition, the smooth curves of the cabinet help disperse sound without undesirable reflections, enhancing the overall listening experience. Available in Black, White, and Walnut real wood veneer, the Aura cabinets are beautifully lacquered and polished to add a touch of elegance to practically any room. The speaker cabinet also comes with a black fabric grille that attaches magnetically to the front baffle of the cabinet.
SLPP Reflex Design: Wharfedale's SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) bass reflex design, originating from a concept by Gilbert Briggs, provides enhanced bass performance in the Aura Series of loudspeakers. The downward-facing port directs high-pressure, high-velocity airflow through a series of slot ports in the plinth, matching it more efficiently with the low air pressure in the room. This design reduces turbulence and improves the bass reflex system's overall efficiency. Combined with the low resonance of the bass drivers, the SLPP system delivers powerful and articulate bass extension, faithfully reproducing the true acoustic power of musical performances.
Dual Binding Posts: The Aura 1 bookshelf loudspeaker has two sets of binding post terminals and comes with a set of jumper-wires for standard, bi-wire, or bi-amp installations. If you decide to bi-wire or bi-amp, you must make sure the jumper wires between the terminal posts are removed (failure to do this could result in damage to your amplifier and loudspeakers). The jumper wires should be installed for standard connection to a single amplifier channel. Bi-wiring or bi-amping the speaker provides improved bass & treble performance. The binding posts will accept bare wire (up to 10AWG), pin connectors, spade connectors, & banana plugs (single only). Using these dual binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speakers.
- Bi-Wiring: Bi-wiring can provide noticeable improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers. Run separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier (the upper set of binding posts are for the high frequency drivers; the lower set of binding posts are for the low frequency drivers).
- Bi-Amping: Bi-amping allows you to use separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency sections of your loudspeaker for greater dynamic range & lower distortion. We recommend that your separate amplifiers have identical gain to preserve the speaker's voicing balance.
Mounting & Placement Options: The Wharfedale Aura 1 bookshelf loudspeaker is a great choice for 2ch stereo music listening, as well as home theater enjoyment. It can be placed on a speaker stand (sold separately - see Accessories Tab), tabletop, or other flat mounting surface. Self-adhesive rubber feet are included to isolate the speaker from the mounting surface in order to prevent unwanted vibration and protect the finish of the mounting surface. The rubber feet add approximately 0.375" to the overall height of the speaker. Follow these guidelines when positioning a pair of Aura 1speakers in your room.
- If you are sitting within 6.5' of a pair of Aura Series speakers, the distance between the speakers should be the same as between you and the speakers. Otherwise sit the speakers between 6.5' to 13.125' 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 acoustics play a large role, experiment with different configurations and play a wide range of music before finalizing the position of the speakers.
- 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.
Note: The Aura 1 does not included any brackets, threaded-inserts, or keyhole-slots to wall-mount the speaker.
Wharfedale Aura Series: Building upon Wharfedale's legacy of audio excellence, the Aura series of speakers embody the perfect blend of innovation and performance for an exceptional listening experience. Drawing inspiration from Wharfedale's esteemed Elysian line of speakers, the Aura series showcases advanced features including the acclaimed Wharfedale AMT high-frequency transducer, glass fiber matrix midrange and bass cones, the revolutionary SLPP port system, and meticulously crafted multi-layer cabinets. Experience the perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and unrivaled performance with Aura. The Aura series consists of two floorstanding loudspeakers (3 / 4), two bookshelf/stand-mount speakers (1 /2), and two center-channel speaker (C / CS).
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