Wharfedale - Denton 80th (Walnut) Walnut

Product Information

Plenty of audiophiles have a fondness for retro design, but many would agree that it’s modern technology and fresh thinking that shapes our world. This is true up to a point, but plenty of hi-fi companies such as JBL and Technics, for example, are re-examining past ideas too. It was time to try an album that I am very familiar with, one that I have heard across several systems - a British pressing of Supertramp, Crime of the Century. The lead in song, School, is bombastic with very deep bass and explosive dynamic contrasts. How does the Wharfedale hold up compared to my departed UREI 813A speakers, which could really deliver the goods? In a word (or three), not so well.

With the family out of the way for an hour, I fired up the Thorens TD309 and spun my US copy of Pink Floyd's The Wall. At a higher listening level: within their dynamic limitations, the KEFs do a bit better here too. The busy sound effects come across cleanly and have real depth too. Definition - inner detail and body - are certainly not the best I've heard. These are, after all, no electrostatic speaker or an Altec 604 driver with a time-aligned crossover, but given the price the KEFs are more than acceptable. The old "PRAT" factor is high with lots of toe tapping enjoyment. Bass with the 6.5" driver is good but if you want to go deeper and louder a sub (or a larger Q-series) would be needed.I need to find NAD dealer and listen to it again. In the mean time I have bought Pro-ject Pre Box DS2 Analogue (with walnut side panels to match Denton's) from a local HiFi shop and very strongly consider XTZ Edge A2-400 or less expensive A2-300 to pair with Denton's. The other option option that I am eyeing currently is Bruno Putzeys Eigentakt Purifi amp from VTV but still hesitant since I can not evaluate them in person prior buying it. The Dentons are noticeably more restrained on top, with a gentle roll-off that gives them their "touch of warmth," as their designer described it. In this respect they do remind me of vintage speakers from the '60s, which I believe was Peter Comeau's intention. What HiFi accurately summarized them thusly: "Smooth, rich and expressive presentation."

Interested in hearing from anyone who wants to share their experiences with either/or, but preferably both sets of speakers. Maybe the 85s solve the top end problem? Save 30% in our exclusive deal on Wharfedale Denton speakers. Built to celebrate Wharfedale's 80th anniversary, these beautiful speakers are an updated version of the original Denton and combine a nod to traditional design with the latest in loudspeaker design. Original Model The treble on this 12" cut was clean though perhaps a bit rolled-off. Very British polite, if I do say so myself. The brashness of the cymbals were muted, though to what degree would require further exploration. But the first impression was of a very listenable speaker that didn't sound forward or overly bright. That can be a difficult thing for many small speakers since the temptation for manufacturers is to make a speaker that has a lot of fake detail by having a tipped-up response. The Dentons never give the impression they are [emphasizing] one part of the music to the detriment of another yet still manage to avoid sounding overly dry and clinical. Instead, they just make music sound fun...."

Classic bookshelf tradition

Upon my return last night night, I rewired them in phase and put them into listening position. Stands are heavy, sand-filled metal (Target?), with the tweeters raised to proper ear level. was considering NAD C 326BEE or C 375BEE but since plenty of them have power module issues I have dropped those two)

Warm, extremely detailed and very musical, the new Wharfedale Denton is a superb speaker for the price – highly recommended.

Wharfedale Linton

The Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and a modern design, making them a great option for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and transparency in their sound system. I like to build another system around Wharfedale Denton 80th Anv. speakers and looking to replace above components as I will move those from current to my secondary habitat.

To mark Wharfedale’s 80th Anniversary, this special edition of the Denton is a classic, bookshelf two-way speaker. Beautifully crafted with hand veneered mahogany, an inset front baffle and traditional Tungsten cloth grille. The updated Denton is a classic update of the original speaker. At 86dB sensitivity was high as small loudspeakers go, largely because a 4 Ohm bass unit has been used and, below 500Hz, this is a 4 Ohm loudspeaker our impedance curve shows (5.7 Ohms overall). This curve also confirms excellent bass unit damping by absence of residual peaks either side of the anti-resonant port system. The load is largely resistive, another plus point, as energy is not returned to the amplifier. On that note I also tried them with the grilles both on and off and couldn’t notice any significant difference – so left them on as, frankly, they look better that way. The new Denton 85th Anniversary Edition will sound lighter and brighter than the 80th, due to raised tweeter output. It has smoother bass that runs deeper and will sound controlled when close to a wall. Sensitivity is very high too. Very good, but with overly strong treble.

Wharfedale Denton Speakers (Pair) - Mahogany

Can anyone who has used both sets of speakers clarify the differences and similarities between the two? I had anticipated finding the LS50's to be screaming bright after having been acclimated to the warm-voiced Dentons for the past couple of weeks. What I am finding is both speakers have comparably accurate mids and bass, and both speakers go approximately down to the same bass depth. Both speakers are approximately equal in their efficiency, and both are superb pairings for my 14wpc Fisher, in my 8' x 12' room. I have not been using my subwoofer, nor does one seem necessary with either set of speakers. Wharfedale Denton 85 Anniversary Speakers (Pair) in Walnut is a classic bookshelf dual-way design with elegantly hand-veneered cabinets in walnut with an inset front baffle and classic Tungsten cloth grille. It showcases the principles of founder Gilbert Briggs who made Wharfedale one of the most famous loudspeaker brands in the world by concentrating on quality and value for money. Cutting-edge Performance I like the character and the aesthetic of the 80s, but the misnomer about the 'treble roll off' kills it for me.