Wharfedale Aura 3 Speakers (Pair)

Wharfedale Aura 3 speakers are a more compact alternative to the Aura 4 with two 5” bass drivers along with single midrange unit, a three-way design and can be used with amplifiers up to 150 watts. These beautiful speakers are perfect for both stereo hi-fi setups or as part of a multi-channel system and are available in a choice of finishes.

Notably, a special feature of the Aura range is the folded ribbon tweeter. The tweeter uses a folded design with built-in conductors that are surrounded by a strong magnetic field. This provides an improved transient response.

Additionally, the two bass drivers and the midrange unit are well-matched to the tweeter and have a very flexible rubber surround. Lastly, the cabinet uses Wharfedale's slotted bass port for improved low-frequency response.

Innovative, Aura AMT ribbon tweeter

At the top of the Wharfedale Aura 3 Speaker sits the innovative AMT ribbon tweeter. This is a complex assembly that features a folded diaphragm. The diaphragm has embedded conductors that sit in front of a row of magnets. Behind this, pole pieces are driven by the audio signal.

As a result, the whole diaphragm moves in an even way, creating a very smooth treble, with a remarkable transient response. Moreover, distortion is very low compared to traditional coned tweeters.

Aura fibre glass coned drivers

Woven fibre-glass is used by the driver cones of the Aura 3 speaker.Two 5” (130mm) bass drivers are used along with a 4”(100mm) midrange driver and a 27mm ribbon tweeter. The performance of each is carefully matched. The fibre-glass cones have a superior performance to paper types are are mounted in very flexible rubber surrounds. This improves the transient response.

Next, the voice coils are placed in a high flux magnetic field giving the drivers a large excursion for a powerful output. Additionally, fine control is maintained by using copper-clad pole pieces. Lastly, the drivers are mounted using six high-tensile bolts that ensure no resonances can occur.

Slot-loaded bass reflex Port

The slot-loaded bass reflex port used by the Aura 3 Speaker was developed by Wharfdale. Gilbert Briggs the founder of the company developed the port design in the 1930s. The system uses high-pressure, high-velocity airflow to reduce turbulence.

As a result, the slot provides a better match to the relatively low-pressure air in the room. Bass is extended and the efficiency is improved. Ported enclosures will always have a deeprr low-frequency response than sealed boxes.

Aura 3, three-way crossover

The Wharfedale Aura 3 Speaker Has a three-way crossover and Wharfedale was one of the first companies to develop a crossover. The crossover consists of a series of filters that splits the audio band into different frequency ranges. This is due to the fact that a single speaker cannot accurately reproduce sound over the entire audio spectrum.

For example, high frequencies have a shorter wavelength and need a smaller driver. Additionally, bass sounds need a large, high excursion cone to generate low frequencies. Wharfdale use high quality high precision components to ensure that the crossover is accurate and provides a flat frequency response.

Aura cabinet

Another important part of any speaker is the cabinet. The Wharfedale Aura 3 Speaker is not just a beautiful piece of furniture but also has rounded corners that reduce standing waves. The result is a smoother sound.

Also, different woods are used. This has the effect of damping any possible resonances. Black, white and walnut veneer finishes are available. Notably, the Aura 3 can be used as part of a surround system and two centre speakers are available in the range.