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Wharfedale AURA 1 Review
Wharfedale AURA 1

Main Features

  • 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer
  • 48-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 25-100watts
  • Weight:27.50 lbs / 12.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-7/16"x9-3/4"x13-3/4" / 367.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm
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Wharfedale AURA 1 Review
Wharfedale AURA 1 Wharfedale AURA 1
See at AMAZON

Wharfedale AURA 1 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Wharfedale. It features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Wharfedale AURA 1 has an MSRP of 1999$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Wharfedale AURA 1 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Wharfedale AURA 1  Lifestyle
Wharfedale AURA 1 Lifestyle

Wharfedale's AURA Series of Loudspeakers

AURA 1 is a member of Wharfedale's AURA series of Passive speakers. Borrowing heavily from the advanced technology of the elite ELYSIAN research project, AURA features the Wharfedale AMT high frequency transducer, glass fibre matrix midrange and bass cones, the SLPP ports system and multi-layer cabinets Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Wharfedale AURA Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Wharfedale AURA 2
Compare
42-22k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
Wharfedale AURA 4
Compare
37-22k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale AURA 1
48-22k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 5"
Wharfedale AURA 3
Compare
39-22k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale AURA CS
Compare
56-22k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale AURA C
Compare
48-22k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale AURA Series Speakers
Wharfedale AURA Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Wharfedale AURA 1 Speaker

Wharfedale AURA 1 has a Frequency response range of 48-22k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, AURA 1 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Wharfedale AURA 1, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $2000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how AURA 1's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 1
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the Wharfedale AURA 1?

The Crossover frequency of the AURA 1 is set to 2.9kHz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Wharfedale AURA 1's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 4.1 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 1
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Wharfedale AURA 1 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Wharfedale AURA 1 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the Wharfedale AURA 1

Even though the nominal impedance of the AURA 1 is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Wharfedale is 4.1 ohms Wharfedale AURA 1 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Wharfedale AURA 1:

  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

AURA 1 has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Wharfedale AURA 1 Back View
Wharfedale AURA 1 Back View

Wharfedale AURA 1 External Dimensions and Weight

Wharfedale AURA 1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14-7/16inch x 9-3/4inch x 13-3/4inch (367.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Wharfedale AURA 1 is approximately 868.0cm2 / 134.5inch2.

Weight

The Wharfedale AURA 1 weighs 12.50kg / 27.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how AURA 1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $2000
Wharfedale AURA 1
Min
Average
Max

How does the Wharfedale AURA 1 compare to the Wharfedale AURA 2?

One of the natural alternative to the Wharfedale AURA 1 is the AURA 2 which is located one step higher in Wharfedale's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Wharfedale AURA 1 vs AURA 2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Wharfedale AURA 1 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Multi-layer wood finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Wharfedale AURA 1 is a bottom-firing port speaker

Available colors

Wharfedale AURA 1 is available in Piano Black, Piano Walnut and White Gloss.

Wall Mounting

AURA 1 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

Wharfedale sells a dedicated speaker stand for the AURA 1 with a model name Wharfedale AURA 1. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

Wharfedale AURA 1 for Wharfedale AURA 1
Wharfedale AURA 1 Speaker Stands for Wharfedale AURA 1

Does the Wharfedale AURA 1 come with a Grille?

AURA 1 comes with magnetic grilles in Black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the AURA 1 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Wharfedale AURA 1  with Grille
Wharfedale AURA 1 with Grille

What's in the Box of Wharfedale AURA 1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of AURA 1:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper wires
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • Pair of white gloves
  • User Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Wharfedale AURA 1.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Wharfedale AURA 1, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Wharfedale AURA 1

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Wharfedale AURA 1 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Wharfedale AURA 1

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Wharfedale AURA 1 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Wharfedale AURA 2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 6 ohms 42-22k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 54-22k Hz
    Wharfedale AURA 3
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 6 ohms 39-22k Hz
    Wharfedale AURA CS
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 56-22k Hz
    Wharfedale AURA 4
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 37-22k Hz
    Wharfedale LINTON
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 35-22k Hz
    Wharfedale AURA C
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 48-22k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Wharfedale AURA 1
    What is the External Dimensions of Wharfedale AURA 1
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Wharfedale AURA 1
    is the Wharfedale AURA 1 an easy to drive speaker?

    Wharfedale AURA 1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandWharfedale
    Full Model NameWharfedale AURA 1
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range25-100 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Max SPL103 dB
    Frequency Response48-22k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5-inch
    Woofer CompositionGlass Fiber Matrix
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1.0625 x 3.5-inch
    Tweeter TypeAMT (Ribbon)
    Crossover freq2.9kHz
    Port Positionbottom

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionbottom
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height367.0mm ( 14-7/16-inch)
    Width248.0mm ( 9-3/4-inch)
    Depth350.0mm ( 13-3/4-inch)
    Height367.0mm ( 14-7/16-inch)
    Weight12.50kg ( 27.50 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMulti-layer wood
    Available ColorsPiano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss
    Recommended Stand Height22-24
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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