The flagship E70 stood at a whopping 81cm tall, with the 'E' standing for 'efficiency' and 70 denoting the internal cabinet volume in liters. A clumsy mover destroyed a pair of vintage Celestion Ditton 33 MKIIs that I had taken care of for over 13 years without a scratch. Gilbert Briggs wife, Doris Edna Briggs WAS the production department, back in those early days; Doris reportedly spent many late nights hand winding and soldering voice-coils for the new Wharfedale loudspeakers. In 1947 the company released the Corner Cabinet, claimed to be the first two-way hi-fi speaker for home use. The current love of all things retro hasnt been ignored at Wharfedale Towers. Hey Ian, im late to reading this article but it is super relevant to the research ive been doing for my next speaker purchase. If so, will they sound at least similar to the original sound of the speakers? It was a sensation, being reprinted numerous times and spreading Gilbert Briggs fame worldwide. I know its the new(old) kid on the block, but the KLH Model Fives are conspicuous in their absence from this article. Derby, Derbyshire. Rather unusually for a modern speaker, Wharfedale says the Dovedales are keeping true to their heritage and will perform better with the grilles on; removing them "will result in a sound that is brighter but less smooth.". JBL, Klipsch, and Wharfedale have been manufacturing award-winning loudspeakers for almost 73 years; all three companies entered the loudspeaker business in 1946 run by three visionaries who had spent the previous decades working on loudspeaker drivers for other audio components such as radio consoles and movie theater loudspeaker systems. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The only thing I did to them was to replace the electrolytic crossover capacitors that couple the mid and high frequency drivers. Wharfedale speakers Glendale XP2. After a relatively fallow period the fifth to seventh generation models werent great there was a return to form with the eighth. The model disappeared from their line-up in the 1970s but was recently reintroduced as the stand-mounted Linton Heritage. So forgive the cynic in me, Wharfedale are cashing in on a historic look and name, but if the "new" Dovedale sounds decent then all is forgiven, can't wait to hear them or read a review! Any input (from you or your readers) would be greatly appreciated! The Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 is a beautiful, well-constructed speaker that clearly demonstrates how far this market segment has come. Against them, they came up trumps. There are few American loudspeaker brands as iconic as Klipsch. As you may know, Wharfedale speakers were highly regarded in Europe and the USA in the 1950s and 1960s. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. Both you and the Human speaker guy seem to have had experience refurbishing old Wharfedales. I was browsing t'ebay the other week and randomly came across some wharfedale speakers (unsure what model) which lead me on to searching for the E30's I had once loved. The onset of WW2 saw Wharfedale handling a huge amount of sub-contract work for Marconi. I had a pair of Dynaco A25s and when I had the Advents next to them in my living room, I heard no reason to make that particular switch. This speaker was special in so many ways and if reproduced today would still stack up with the highest end loudspeakers of today and indeed best most of them, Wharfedale Dovedale is the latest, biggest speaker to join the Heritage Series revival, Save 600 on Arcam's five-star streaming amplifier with this awesome hi-fi deal, What Hi-Fi? Also 10"" bass driver vs. 12". . During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products, been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. The bass was a letdown, however, as there wasnt much of it. The cabinet is constructed using a mix of woods and a two-layer sandwich of MDF and high-density particle board to scatter panel resonances even further. Featuring a woven, yellow, Kevlar driver, the Diamond 8 offered high end technology, once again, at a bargain price point. Wharfedale introduced the original Linton in 1965 and the model which utilized three drive units developed a strong following with its smooth midrange, punchy low end, and sense of scale. AU $17.00 AU $5.00 postage 17 watching I was browsing an antique shop this morning and I came across a pair of very rare vintage Wharfedale Airdale Loudspeakers. Wharfedale - Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Speakers Price $1,499.00 Questions and Answers Model: (Required) Walnut, Matched Pair Red Mahogany, Matched Pair Black Oak, Matched Pair Quantity: Add to cart Add to Wish List Also Available: FREE SHIPPING On Orders Over $49* 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee* Decrease Quantity of Wharfedale - EVO 4 Speaker Stands (Pair) Increase Quantity of Wharfedale - EVO 4 Speaker Stands (Pair) Quick view. Like speaker wire there is a continuous flame war going about "yes it does make a difference" and "You are so full of BS". Sign up for our e-mail newsletterand getexclusive news, tips, deals, & promotions on your favorite speakers. 2023 Audio Affair Blog. The interest in vintage audio loudspeakers has never been higher; especially as brands continue to refresh popular models that have been around longer than most millennials who are getting into better sound quality for the first time. Appreciate the Canadian references as well.the mentions about CFNY brought back some great memories. Founded in 1932Wharfedale is one of the fastest growing Hi-Fi companies in the world. x D 13.75 in. Rosewood wood box. One is still a bit beeping, while other one is completely quite. The original Linton went on to become one of the best selling speakers of its era. The big news here was the enclosure material. How will it sound today? My father has a pair of very old floor standing Wharfedale speakers. Ive heard them with Audiolab, NAD, Cambridge Audio, and Schiit Audio and came away very impressed each time. If southern Pennsylvania and Connecticut were just a leeeeetle bit closer to each other I would seriously consider driving myself. Learn More. The idea behind the filled baffle design was to create a rigid but well-damped structure for the drive units to work from, but the lack of a box behind was just as unusual. Cheers, ProAc K10 celebrates 10 years of the K-Series and uses two Kevlar cone bass drivers to deliver a simply an stunningly natural and extended bass response. All rights reserved. This success earned Wharfedale their first major order, and pretty soon, there was no looking back. What Hi-Fi at the time remarked, for their size they sure produce a big soundthey sell for 65 and so get an excellent value for money rating. Login Cart 0 All Speakers Our entire collection of Wharfedale loudspeakers. The speakers are very efficient and smooth and powerful throughout the audio spectrum. Add to Cart Add to Wish List Availability: 1 Brands Wharfedale Product Code: 22113 What Hi-Fi? Location: Altoona, PA. anyone know the power handling of the wharfedale w70 speaker system ? JBL was eventually acquired by Sidney Harman who turned the brand into the world leader in pro audio, movie theater loudspeakers, and high-end systems that exists today. Quality matters. The new Dovedale was designed by Peter Comeau who recently revived the Mission 770 . WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN 1 WITH STAND. Where to buy: $4,998/pair at Amazon | Crutchfield, Also available in Canada for $7,798/pair at Amazon.ca, Home > Latest > Articles > Loudspeakers > Floorstanding Speakers > The Best Vintage Audio Speakers for the Modern Audiophile. Wharfedale is Britans oldest Loudspeaker manufacturer that has been around sinece the 1930's. So they have made many, many speakers over the decades; some real gems and some dogs. Subscribe to our newsletter: Probably a good thing would be first, to be certain that they function fully. Getting the drivers replaced wasnt very easy and the cabinets were a loss. Doris must have done an excellent job, as the fame of these early loudspeaker drivers was travelling fast. Im going to subscribe to your site and definitely tune into your podcasts. Sansui AA-3900 2-way Midsized . Wharfedale has also designed a custom stand for the Linton Heritage that puts the tweeter around 36 from the floor and includes room for records as well. This refreshed vintage audio speaker sounds much more dynamic than a lot of other new designs. Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Life long musician, Irish Terriers, Ham Radio Operator, vintage vacuum tube equipment. The sound is spectacular, and arguably better than speakers costing twice . 1. Impedance 4-8 Ohms. The 13cm midrange and 25cm bass drivers are now made from Kevlar, and the midrange unit is further housed in its enclosure to ensure the mid frequencies aren't affected by vibrations from the larger bass driver. Listed: a year ago Views: 655 Watchers: 2 About This Listing Times were changing, and a new breed of customer was developing out of the baby-boomer generation. For your consideration a vintage set of two Wharfedale W60 speakers, The 1960s. The one in the 505.2 delivered impressive clarity and insight. Wharfedale Linton Heritage loudspeaker Specifications. The pricier version justified its premium on sonic grounds too, with a clearer and more composed presentation. What HiFi - EVO4.4 5 Star Review Of course, having one of the best metal dome tweeters on the market helped, as did the use of a high quality loaded polypropylene mid/bass. The vinyl revolution was certainly inspired by a heavy dosage of it but that isnt enough to sustain a movement. The Lintons are definitely rolled-off in the treble so that might not be an issue. EUR Music pours out of the Forte IVs drivers and smacks you in the face; in a good way that becomes more natural sounding once you get over the shock. K. krneki10 New Member. The Klipsch Heresy III is an entry-level high-end speaker, while Wharfedale Linton is a mid-range product. The E30 and E20 that followed were similarly reasonable, but lacked the E70s stellar quality. Of course, the vintage design has been a huge part of the Heritage Series' appeal and the Dovedales are no different. steve. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. The claimed frequency response was an impress 40Hz to 18kHz and the power handling was rated at a modest 10 watts. Pair of Wharfedale Delta 10.2 vintage 2 way bookshelf speakers in good condition AU $99.99 AU $50.00 postage or Best Offer Wharfedale Diamond 1 (the Original version) AU $180.00 Wharfedale 506 2-Way Large Bookshelf Stereo Speakers - Vintage - Made in England AU $289.95 AU $79.95 postage or Best Offer 11 watching The pricetag on the Lintons sure fits the bill for me. Best Vintage Stereo Speakers - Affordable - Wharfedale Diamond 225 6 Inch Two Way Bookshelf Speakers Best Vintage Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Overall - Klipsch Heritage Wireless The One II Tabletop Stereo Walnut Best Vintage Powered Monitor Speakers Overall - Klipsch The Sixes Powered Monitor Walnut Veneer (Pair) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Back in the day, we often sold them paired up with classic Japanese amplifiers like Kenwoods KA-6000 (and the successor KA-7002) or a McIntosh MC-2505 power amp with a C-26 preamp. or Best Offer. But yes the KLH Model Fives will likely get added based on early impressions. Its a speaker needs an amplifier with excellent low end control and a very clean sounding midrange if you want to hear what it can do. Plus, do places like these have the expertise to deal with speakers that are 50 years old? By the mid-90s, the Diamond had evolved again, to the Diamond 9 a range which scored an incredible clean sweep of awards, year after year. Carefully restored, 100% genuine. Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? As youve seen, the company has a rich history to mine, and the first fruits of that are the new Lintons. Having auditioned many quality brands with bitter disappointment, I have ALWAYS come back to my 20-30 year old Tannoys, Spendor and not forgetting the majestic Magisters. I am amazed at how good they still sound. Shortly, he will be moving into smaller living spaces and will have to give up a lot of furniture, probably including the speakers (which haven't gotten much use in the past two decades or so). That original drive unit was initially sold as a single driver, as back then early audio enthusiasts built their own enclosures. From when Gilbert A. Briggs still was at the helm of Wharfedale, less than ten years after the 1958 sale of the latter to the ubiquitous RANK organization. About This Listing. I keep mine oiled with a beeswax and lemon oil furniture finish. As with AR speakers for example, some classic models may bring in super top dollars, other newer models aren't worth the cardboard box to ship them in, collectively speaking. That, in a nutshell, summed up the Wharfedale Diamonds perfectly; small, affordable boxes which produced a big, enjoyable sound. Diamond 12.3 Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), Diamond 12.4 Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers (Pair), Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers (Pair). They had a much more modern, transparent sound with ample but very tight bass than the brands typically featured on vintage lists. Nice article, would be great to see more like this. and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. The original Dovedale was first made in 1965, but this revived version has taken inspiration from the later Dovedale 3 model originally launched in 1971. Briggs was one of the new breed of amateur electronics engineers, experimenting with what was, at the time, cutting edge technology. thanks. As you may know, Wharfedale speakers were highly regarded in Europe and the USA in the 1950s and 1960s. Vintage Wharfedale Linton Walnut Main Speakers $139.99 Seller: wolfdog615 (814) 96.9% Buy It Now +$162.22 shipping 23 watchers Sponsored Pair of Rare Vintage Wharfedale W60E Speakers 60-70s 3-Way. Copyright 1999-2023 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. . I have a friend that has a set of L810 that are pretty impressive but Im thinking the L1090 might fit my ear? Wharfedale Gallery. The 50 ohm pots appear to be redundant except for the fact that the speakers face upwards and . None the less, high power at low frequencies causes very long excursions in these speakers that can destroy them. Klipsch Reference Premiere II speaker range. Within every marketplace, there exist brands which defined the sector; brands with a history of innovation stretching back to the very beginning of that markets inception. The E70 was deceptively quick and loud in motion, exuding genuine confidence and bravery. . Before I heard the ADS, I almost bought a pair of the improved, large Advents that were the rage in the late 70s. This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. As Wharfedale entered the 1980s, Wharfedale embraced new analysis technologies such as Laser Holography. Bigger shelf kind of bookshelf loudspeakers, siblings of the Denton 3. Repair Wharfedale speakers. The three-way loudspeakers are larger than most bookshelf loudspeakers making the stands a logical accessory to maximize their performance. This was the Diamond back to its ambitious best with fancy curved cabinets, a sophisticated Kevlar-coned mid/bass unit and a rather sweet-sounding tweeter. Wharfedale speakers loudspeakers are larger than most bookshelf loudspeakers, siblings of the speakers face upwards and had experience old! Ohm pots appear to be certain that they function fully they had much. A good thing would be greatly appreciated than most bookshelf loudspeakers making the stands a logical accessory to their! Regarded in Europe and the USA in the 1950s and 1960s Diamond 12.2 is a beautiful well-constructed... Or your readers ) would be first, to be redundant except for the fact that the?! Pair of very old floor standing Wharfedale speakers were highly regarded in Europe and the fruits. 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