Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers Review
Specs:
| MSRP | $1000 |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) |
13.44” × 9.44” × 11.94” 341mm × 240mm × 303mm |
| Power Type | Passive |
| Frequency Response | 45-20,000 Hz |
Key Takeaways
TLDR Summary: The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary speakers blend nostalgic charm with a refined sonic character. Their warm, rich mids and a smooth top end pay homage to the classic British sound, while the exquisite mahogany veneer cabinets evoke a bygone era. On the downside, they may lack the ultimate detail resolution and bass extension that some modern listeners crave. Nevertheless, for those seeking a lush and inviting listening experience, the Denton 85th Anniversary edition is a delightful nod to Wharfedale's storied heritage.
Wharfedale Denton 85th: Our Take
The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are a commemorative audio device released by the longstanding British speaker manufacturer, Wharfedale. These speakers were designed to celebrate the company's 85-year legacy of crafting high-quality audio products. Boasting a classic design reminiscent of the original Denton, they feature updated technology and materials intended to meet contemporary audiophile standards while honoring their vintage roots.
At the heart of the Denton 85th Anniversary speakers are their drivers. The speakers come equipped with a woven Kevlar cone mounted on a rigid die-cast chassis, which allows for an engaging and dynamic sound performance. This is complemented by a soft dome tweeter that aims to produce a smooth and detailed high-frequency response. The combination of these drivers is engineered to provide a balanced and natural sound signature, characteristic of Wharfedale's house sound.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers harkens back to classic speaker aesthetics, featuring a vintage look with its wood veneer finish and traditional cloth grille. While the nostalgic appearance is attractive to many, it may not suit those who prefer a more modern or minimalist aesthetic in their audio gear. The construction quality is robust, utilizing high-grade materials that speak to the durability and craftsmanship that Wharfedale is known for.
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One of the notable features of the Denton 85th is the speaker's cabinet. It is made from high-density particleboard and is meticulously braced to reduce unwanted resonance. The cabinet's refined design ensures that the audio performance is clean and free from distortions that could be caused by cabinet vibrations. However, this sturdy build also results in the speakers being relatively heavy compared to some other bookshelf models, which might be a consideration for those with space constraints or who prefer more portable speakers.
Compare to similar speakers:
Performance and Sound Quality
The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are designed to offer an immersive listening experience, delivering rich and full-bodied sound. They excel in midrange clarity, making them especially suitable for vocal-centric tracks and acoustic music. The bass response is respectable for speakers of their size, although those seeking room-shaking low frequencies may need to pair them with a subwoofer or consider larger floor-standing speakers.
High-frequency performance is another highlight, with the tweeters providing crisp and detailed highs without being overly bright or fatiguing. This makes them a great choice for long listening sessions and for users sensitive to treble harshness. However, audiophiles with a preference for an exceedingly bright top-end might find them lacking in sparkle compared to some competitors in the market.
Comparisons with Similar Products
Potential buyers might consider comparing the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers to similar products like the KEF LS50 or the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition. The KEF LS50 is known for its unique Uni-Q driver that provides exceptional imaging and soundstage, whereas the Bowers & Wilkins model offers Continuum cone technology for precise midrange reproduction. Each of these alternatives has its unique strengths and may appeal to different preferences in terms of sound signature and aesthetics.
When evaluating the value proposition of the Denton 85th Anniversary speakers, one must also consider their price point in relation to features and performance. They are positioned as mid-range speakers in terms of cost, offering solid performance that competes well with others in their price category. However, buyers on a tight budget may look towards more affordable options like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 or the Polk Audio Signature S20, both of which offer commendable sound quality but with different trade-offs.
In conclusion, the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are a blend of classic design and modern acoustics that aim to deliver a pleasurable listening experience. While they may not be the ultimate choice for every audiophile due to specific sound preferences or design considerations, they offer a robust set of features that should be considered alongside other speakers in their class. The final decision will depend on individual priorities such as sound signature preferences, design aesthetics, and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Edition differ from the original Denton in terms of sound quality?
The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Edition speakers offer a nod to the past with a retro design while incorporating modern acoustic advancements. They aim to provide a warm and rich sound characteristic of classic British loudspeakers, but with a contemporary touch. The updated design includes refined drivers and crossover networks that aim to enhance detail retrieval and overall clarity compared to the original Denton. While the original Denton speakers were known for their smooth and lush presentation, the 85th Anniversary Edition speakers aim to maintain that foundational sonic signature while offering improved dynamics and a more open soundstage. The result is a balance between homage to the original's tonality and the detail and refinement expected in modern high-fidelity speakers.
What type of amplification pairs well with the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers?
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary speakers are renowned for their ability to pair well with a wide range of amplification. Whether you are using a solid-state or a tube amplifier, these speakers are designed to be forgiving and flexible. However, to truly bring out the richness and warmth they are capable of, many enthusiasts recommend tube amplifiers as an ideal match. The natural warmth and harmonic richness of tubes can complement the Denton's retro sound signature beautifully. Nonetheless, they also perform admirably with high-quality solid-state amplifiers that can provide a clean and robust power output, ensuring you get a detailed and dynamic musical experience.
Are the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers suitable for small rooms?
The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are quite versatile in terms of room placement, and they are generally considered well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms. Their design aims to deliver a full-bodied sound that doesn't necessarily require a large space to breathe. However, as with any speaker, placement can be key to achieving the best sound. In smaller rooms, it's important to experiment with positioning to avoid bass boom or an overly reflective sound. Adequate spacing from the rear and side walls, as well as some toe-in towards the listening position, often helps in optimizing the sound within a smaller environment. Overall, their relatively compact size does not compromise their ability to fill a small room with rich and detailed audio.
