In this review, we will be comparing Super Denton and AURA 2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Wharfedale Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Super Denton and Wharfedale AURA 2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Super Denton and Wharfedale AURA 2 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale Super Denton and Wharfedale AURA 2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Super Denton and AURA 2 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Super Denton |
Wharfedale AURA 2 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0625 x 3.5-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Super Denton features a 1" woven textile Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 940Hz and 4.6kHz. On the other hand, the AURA 2 features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 520Hz, 4.5kHz.
Frequency Response
Super Denton has a frequency range of 52-20k Hz whereas AURA 2 has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the AURA 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Super Denton's min frequency of 52Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Super Denton and AURA 2 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Super Denton sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the AURA 2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale AURA 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Super Denton, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Super Denton can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Super Denton has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the AURA 2.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both Super Denton and AURA 2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Wharfedale Super Denton's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Wharfedale AURA 2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Super Denton has a rear firing port whereas AURA 2 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale AURA 2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale Super Denton with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Wharfedale Super Denton's and Wharfedale AURA 2's external dimensions. Wharfedale Super Denton has external dimensions of 360 x 246 x 295mm ( 14-1/8inch x 9-11/16inch x 11-5/8inch ) whereas Wharfedale AURA 2 has external dimensions of 561.0 x 286.0 x 402.0mm ( 22-1/16inch x 11-1/4inch x 15-13/16inch ) .
Wharfedale AURA 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 40mm wider, 201mm taller and 107mm deeper than Wharfedale Super Denton.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Wharfedale Super Denton is approximately 725.7cm2 / 112.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale AURA 2 is approximately 1149.7cm2 / 178.2inch2. The Super Denton requires 37% less surface area than the AURA 2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Wharfedale Super Denton weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs and the Wharfedale AURA 2 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the AURA 2 122% heavier than the Super Denton.
Here is a comparison of how Super Denton and AURA 2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Super Denton?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Super Denton:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual
What's in the Box of Wharfedale AURA 2?
Here are the items that come with the AURA 2:
2 Stand-mount loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumper wires8 Rubber feetPair of white glovesUser Manual
Height |
360mm
vs
561mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
725cm2 (246x295mm)
vs
1149cm2 (286x402mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1399USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Minimum Impedance |
3.5 ohms
vs
3.4 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Wharfedale Super Denton |
Wharfedale AURA 2 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-120 watts |
25-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
3.4 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
52-20k Hz |
42-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Glass Fiber Matrix |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0625 x 3.5" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
2" |
4" |
Crossover Frequency |
940Hz and 4.6kHz |
520Hz, 4.5kHz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
360.0mm (14.2") |
561.0mm (22.1") |
Width |
246.0mm (9.7") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Multi-layer wood |
Available Colors |
Red Mahogany, Black Oak, Walnut |
Piano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
|
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
18-20" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |