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the opus Poise, control and a distinguished performance are the characteristics we strive to achieve throughout the Opus Series. Seamless timing, tonal neutrality and exceptionally low distortion even at high volume levels allows the serious listener a level of insight into the recordings which has previously been unattainable. Capable of reproducing the most complex of scores, Opus offers a wide dynamic and frequency range. From the deepest of bass lines and to well beyond the audible limits at higher frequencies, Opus performs with confidence and authority. Importantly, from driver to driver, uniform, wide angle dispersions ensure excellent compatibility with all room types, resulting in an even and coherent soundstage throughout any listening room or “Home Theatre”.

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“Poise, control and a distinguished performance are the characteristics we have strived to represent throughout the Opus Series.”

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cabinet design Opus cabinets are constructed using a special

controlled, these produce

variety of wood composite which provides

damaging

extremely low internal resonance. Manufactured

cancellations and resonances

from Australian Eucalyptus and Pine, blended

that manifest themselves as

with synthetic resins, it is a versatile material

slow bass decay or ‘overhang’. In

prized by wood workers for its inherent qualities

the Opus series, the complete

of strength, homogeneous consistency and its

absence of parallel sides, with

flawlessly smooth finish.

oblique lateral and transverse bracing

The curved shape is, itself a revolution, not

interactions.

means standing waves are prevented

in design, but in process, for whilst the benefits

from starting and bass energy is

of curved cabinets have been understood for

maintained rather than absorbed. This gives

some years, producing them has until now, been

not only higher output, but good neutrality. With

fraught with problems and has, for any

the control of damaging resonant frequencies,

reasonable attempt, been prohibitively expensive.

bass becomes clearer, much more dynamic with

The theory is simple. In conventional

faster transients, displaying textbook rise and

enclosures, compressions and rarefactions

decay times. This in turn, impacts throughout

behind the cone cause standing waves to be

the frequency range to make Opus eminently

produced in the box enclosure. When not

tuneful without adding character.

“In the Opus series, the complete absence of parallel sides, with oblique lateral and transverse bracing means standing waves are prevented from starting and bass energy is maintained rather than absorbed.”

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materials Opus represents significant advances in the application of materials technology as well as in manufacturing process. Advanced neodymium and alnico magnets produce intense and focused flux densities for a tight grip on drive unit motion. Very high standards in voice coil manufacture mean accuracy and constancy of all drive units. This combined with our innovative use of graphite carbon, advanced composite woods and extremely high-quality components throughout ensure the entire Opus series is truly cutting-edge in both design and performance.

“Heavy duty, shielded and gold-plated terminals ensure the best possible connection. Bridge links are supplied to enable single, bi or tri wiring or amping.”

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production Advanced production techniques not only allow us to produce efficiently and without waste, they also allow us to produce to unprecedented quality and exceptional value. In Opus, a combination of traditional skill and modern technology is used to produce one of the finest loudspeakers available today. Our hand-crafted and finished cabinets are prepared over a period of two weeks. We use selected hardwoods, protected with upwards of 10 coats of varnish, each coat cut and polished by hand after being naturally dried at atmospheric temperature. Only the very highest standards of finish are deemed acceptable. Drive units are produced in matched pairs – two tweeters at a time, two dome mid-ranges and so on. Each individual driver is tested to a tolerance of 1db with its twin through its entire operational frequency range. Both measurement and listening tests are made at every stage to ensure consistency and flawless matching – the key to outstanding performance and imaging. Only once the cabinets are completely finished are they cut and drilled to accept the drivers, crossovers and internal wiring. After final assembly, every twinned pair is again tested to the closest tolerances across their complete frequency spectrum. Only then are the speakers sealed and boxed to arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

As we design and manufacture all drive units, crossovers and cabinets entirely in-house, our quality is not dependent on other’s promises. Over the years we have learned that only by producing every possible element of a speaker in our own facilities can we control and guarantee the highest levels of quality and consistency. We even manufacture our own tools for the castings and production of the various cone and dome sections. This level of independence has numerous advantages for ourselves and our customers. Firstly, complete matching is guaranteed. Whilst other manufacturers have to rely on off-the-shelf components, every part of every loudspeaker we make is bespoke designed to suit its exact purpose. This yields considerable sonic benefits: Opus components are made to sound correct in themselves. Instead of using overly complicated crossovers to force the drivers into obedience (which introduces phase inaccuracies and inefficiencies) we design drivers to blend perfectly with each other and their cabinets within remarkable tolerances under critical listening as well as measurement standards. Instead of batch-testing we test and listen to each and every component, producing accuracy and longevity, ensuring our speakers are amongst the most long lived and reliable in the world. The tremendous investment in R&D, design, and our extensive production facilities, yields cost efficiencies which are realised by end-user listeners as exceptional value. Opus is a premium product of the very highest order yet in real-terms represents quite superb value.

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The 75mm dome mid range is used in every model for excellent tonal balancing.

drive unit technology Each drive unit is designed in synergy as a part

Similarly, a high frequency drive

of the “whole” to give balance and headroom

unit asked to produce high output

and to operate comfortably within its intended

at 3,000-3,500 Hz must have a larger

range.

Under even the extreme dynamic

area and hence greater mass. Both create

demands today’s program can generate, each

serious challenges for the designer and materials

As well as being housed in a sealed

unit comfortably produces the kind of gravitas

engineer. How to operate effectively from 30kHz

enclosure, the mid range chamber in

and command only experienced in truly ‘high-

to 45kHz and at the same time integrate with the

the cabinet is completely isolated from

end’ loudspeakers.

frequencies produced by the woofer. Although

the rest of the speaker.

Our revolutionary soft dome mid-range is the

many creditable two way speakers are available,

most advanced unit we have ever produced and

these are limited to smaller systems where the

is designed to cover the most important fraction

cone is a relatively small component. In larger,

of the frequency spectrum without interruption.

higher output speakers, the gap is usually

The critical range, from 800Hz to 6kHz is

bridged by smaller mid-range conical drive units

covered without crossover, directivity collapse, or

- if at all.

anomalous materials interaction. The dome mid

Even a brief listening experience with the Opus

range produces only around a tenth of the

range will reveal the advantages of the soft dome

distortion produced by a conventional mid-range

mid range, not only through its operational

unit. The heart of the Opus range, this dome

range, but at both frequency extremes. Most

mid-range enables our designers to focus both

significantly, the total distortion of the Opus

the woofer and tweeter components within their

range, at less than one tenth of most cone or two

own optimum operating ranges. No longer is the

way systems, is remarkably low, revealing detail

woofer asked to extend from the low bass all the

in music that had previously been masked. Add

way up to the tweeter. The woofer motor, cone

to this the uniform and smooth coverage of the

and suspension parts can now be designed

systems and their ability to integrate into a wide

optimally for the 30Hz lower extreme to the

variety of acoustic spaces, and the integrity of

800Hz crossover point with the soft dome mid.

these loudspeakers is unquestionable.

The cone strength and mass needed for low bass

Gentle roll-offs at either extreme of the mid-range

integrity and power could cause problems at

response maintain phase integrity throughout

higher frequencies. At 3.5kHz a woofer is asked

the transition to the tweeter and to our woven

to stop and start over 7,000 times a second!

carbon bass drivers respectively. A strong

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Each drive unit is permitted significant ‘headroom’ and operates comfortably under even extreme dynamic pressure to produce the kind of gravitas and command only experienced in truly ‘highend’ loudspeakers.

conformal backing structure behind the dome

according to the traditional

provides protection against accidental physical

understanding of acoustics, has

incursion.

accuracy implications throughout the

Almost uniquely in a domestic hi-fi system, the

operational range as well as significant

Opus surround speakers and centre channel also

implications in the field of ‘physchoacoustics’.

use this special dome mid-range unit. As well as

The advantages of such accuracy in the tweeter

The ideal has always been to design a system

providing total tonal continuity around a Home

unit is self-evident in the soundstage produced.

wherein each transducer is only asked to

Theatre room, this is also highly significant in the

The effect is nothing short of breathtaking. Every

produce what it reasonably can, without being

centre channel. Perhaps the most important

instrument and vocal is given its own space and

stretched. For this driver, that means we needed

loudspeaker in a Home Theatre, the centre

identity, steadfastly refusing to become

to produce a cone that exhibits strength (so it

channel, has been designed not just to

‘muddled’ even during the most complex of

doesn’t flex and hence produce further

compliment the range, but to ensure that as a

scores. Levels of ‘openness’ are without question

distortion), is light, so it can accelerate and

system, Opus adds an entirely new dimension.

amongst the finest in the world.

brake quickly within a strong magnetic field, yet

Where most centre channel speakers sound

A significant step forward in acoustic

has a very low ‘Young’s modulus’ - the factor

different to the other “screen channels”, the

reproduction has been introduced from our latest

that determines the level of internal cone

Opus Centre is designed to match the Left and

flagship model, the ‘Airedale Heritage’ into the

resonance. Balancing these three factors has

Right main speakers, in exactly the same way as

Opus series. Itself a ‘Grand-Prix’ finalist, the

been the acousticians worst nightmare and to

motion picture dubbing and mixing studios are

Wharfedale Airedale Heritage is a technological

date, most materials display advantages in one

built. The dome mid-range covers the complete

triumph, the result of nearly fifteen years

or even two factors, but often at the ultimate

vocal spectrum and with the additional drivers to

research in a quest to solve one of the biggest

cost of the others.

provide reinforcement at the lower and higher

dilemmas in high-fidelity reproduction.

Using a unique new drive unit construction

frequencies, it comfortably meets all the

Large cones used across too wide a frequency

method, we have produced a cone that exhibits

requirements of the ideal centre. The vertical

range traditionally display quite high levels of

incredible linearity and control with a textbook

orientation/relationship of the mid dome to the

distortion. The pressure of moving large volumes

response and rise time. Dynamics are

tweeter gives the centre essentially the same

of air at low frequencies, as well as stopping and

dramatically harder and faster than before with

dispersion pattern as the left and right speakers,

starting rapidly at high frequencies, causes cone

no noticeable bass overhang. Coupled with our

creating an integrated sound stage across the

materials to twist and flex. Imagine running into

curved cabinet, standing waves are all but

three screen channels.

the wind with a dustbin lid for example. This

eliminated. As a result, the bass is clearer, better

The tweeter itself has an effective response

flexing and twisting generates unwanted “cone

defined with clearly audible and demonstrable

beyond 50kHz. This, although inaudible

cry” and other types of fatiguing distortion

advantages.

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“Perhaps the most important loudspeaker in a Home Theatre, the centre channel, has been designed not just to compliment the range, but to ensure that as a system, Opus adds an entirely new dimension.”

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surround Opus was developed from the outset to

a wall, or into space. The drivers that fire inward

produce the finest sound quality possible

toward the listener, provide localisation of

regardless of the recording medium. We have

effects, positioning them exactly within the rear

created the Opus ‘Tri-pole’ surround speaker to

sound field. The outward firing driver pairs

recreate with clarity, the ideal rear soundstage

produce ambience and a sense of scale.

for modern multi-channel systems. Designed to

Although simple in concept, this system really

be hung on a rear wall in pairs, each of the

has to be experienced to appreciate the

drive units operates in-phase to produce a

acoustic benefits.

wide, uninterrupted surround field.

It goes without saying that everything is tonally

The front firing 6.5” or 170mm bass driver

matched to create a seamless transition from

extends the bottom end response to around

one speaker to the next. This, combined with

60Hz. Twin pairs of dome mid-ranges and

the wide dispersion characteristics of every

tweeters fire at angles, one set directly toward

drive used, produces a sense of complete

the ideal listening position, and one set towards

immersion and involvement.

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specifications

options All models within the Opus series are finished to a piano gloss standard. A choice of colours is available. The standard colours are Black (shown left), Maple (shown right) and Rosewood. Other colours and finishes may become available in limited editions. Please check with your supplier for current availability. All of the floorstanding models are supplied with integral plinth (not shown) and spikes. The

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spikes are easily adjusted to allow for uneven

Bass

8" 200mm

floors or carpet pile.

Mid

3" 75mm

All models are supplied in pairs except for the

Tweeter

25mm tex

Power

150W

Nominal Imp.

6 ohm

Sensitivity 1W@1M

89dB

Frequency Range

37 – 44kHz

Crossover Frequency

700 & 4kHz

Frequency Fb

40Hz

Size ( H x W x D )

950 x 260 x 410mm

centre channel, which is supplied as a single unit. All models can be tri-wired except for the Tri-surround rear speakers. This has a single wire terminal for safety and ease of installation. As well as the single wire bridge clips, a bi-wire bridge clip is supplied, enabling a wide choice of amplifier and cable options to suit every budget and taste. All models are supplied with a removable grille, detailed owners manual and soft cotton gloves for handling and positioning. All models are front ported to allow positioning close to a rear wall, although a distance of around 2 feet is considered optimal.

(Spike height 35mm)

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Bass

8" 200mm x 2

Bass

10" 250mm x 2

Mid

3" 75mm

Mid

3" 75mm

Tweeter

25mm tex

Tweeter

25mm tex

Power

250W

Power

300W

Nominal Imp.

6 ohm

Nominal Imp.

6 ohm

Sensitivity 1W@1M

90dB

Sensitivity 1W@1M

91dB

Frequency Range

33 – 44kHz

Frequency Range

30 – 44kHz

Crossover Frequency

700 & 4kHz

Crossover Frequency

700 & 4kHz

Frequency Fb

35Hz

Frequency Fb

35Hz

Size ( H x W x D )

1075 x 260 x 410mm

Size ( H x W x D )

1150 x 315 x 440mm

(Spike height 35mm)

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(Spike height 35mm)

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Bass

6.2" 170mm x 2

Bass

6.2" 170mm

Mid

3" 75mm

Mid

3" 75mm x 2

Tweeter

25mm tex

Tweeter

25mm x 2

Power

200W

Power

100W

Nominal Imp.

6 ohm

Nominal Imp.

6 ohm

Sensitivity 1W@1M

89dB

Sensitivity 1W@1M

89dB

Frequency Range

75 – 44kHz

Frequency Range

60 – 44kHz

Crossover Frequency

900 & 4kHz

Crossover Frequency

700 & 3.5kHz

Frequency Fb

75Hz

Frequency Fb

60Hz

Size ( H x W x D )

232 x 575 x 320mm

Size ( H x W x D )

280 x 460 x 180mm

*Height with feet 242mm

*With wall brackets

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Wharfedale International Ltd. IAG House, Sovereign Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon. PE29 6XU Tel: 0845 458 0011 / +44 (0) 1480 447700 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 431767 www.wharfedale.co.uk Photography courtesy of Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge