Audio T Verdict
If you want proper surround sound but don't want five large loudspeakers taking over the room, the Wharfedale DX-3 HCP makes a lot of sense. Four tiny satellite speakers, a compact centre channel and a powered 200mm subwoofer provide all six loudspeakers required for a conventional 5.1 system, leaving you to add the AV receiver and cabling that best suit your television, sources and room.
The clever part is that Wharfedale has not treated "compact" as an excuse to build disposable plastic satellite speakers. The DX-3 borrows design thinking from the highly successful Diamond 12 range, with improved cabinet construction, woven polypropylene mid/bass cones and dedicated silk-dome tweeters. Even the centre speaker gets two mid/bass drivers and its own aperiodic loading system, helping dialogue remain substantial and clearly anchored to the screen.
The active subwoofer then takes responsibility for the frequencies the small satellites cannot reproduce convincingly, using a 200mm driver, 70W amplifier and adjustable crossover, volume and phase controls. Properly configured through a suitable AV receiver, the result is an excellent first step into genuine discrete-channel home cinema and a considerably more flexible proposition than relying on a single soundbar beneath the television.
Wharfedale DX-3 HCP 5.1 Home Cinema Speaker Package
The Wharfedale DX-3 HCP is a complete compact 5.1 loudspeaker package designed for films, television, gaming and multichannel music without demanding a room full of large speaker cabinets.
The package combines four DX-3 satellite speakers for the front and surround channels, one dedicated DX-3 Centre speaker and one powered DX-3 Subwoofer.
Inspired by engineering and styling developed for Wharfedale's Diamond 12 loudspeaker range, the DX-3 updates the hugely successful DX-2 concept with revised cabinets, improved resonance control, updated drive units and carefully matched system tuning.
- Complete compact 5.1 home cinema loudspeaker package
- Four DX-3 satellite speakers
- One dedicated DX-3 Centre speaker
- One active DX-3 Subwoofer
- Two-way closed-box satellite speakers
- 75mm woven polypropylene satellite mid/bass drivers
- 19mm high-frequency silk-dome satellite tweeters
- Two-way aperiodic centre-channel design
- Twin 75mm woven polypropylene centre drivers
- 19mm silk-dome centre tweeter
- 200mm woven polypropylene subwoofer driver
- 70W subwoofer amplifier output
- 150W subwoofer peak output
- Adjustable 40Hz–150Hz subwoofer crossover
- 0° / 180° subwoofer phase adjustment
- Automatic subwoofer power sensing
- Stereo RCA line-level inputs
- Single RCA LFE connection
- Wall-mountable satellite and centre speakers
- Compact shelf-friendly cabinets
- Black Oak and Walnut manufacturer finishes
- Expandable beyond 5.1 with additional DX-3 satellite pairs
What's Included in the DX-3 HCP?
Passive Speakers
- 2 x DX-3 front satellite speakers
- 2 x DX-3 surround satellite speakers
- 1 x DX-3 Centre speaker
- Five discrete passive speaker channels
Powered Bass
- 1 x DX-3 powered subwoofer
- 200mm front-firing driver
- 70W amplifier output
- 150W peak output
- Adjustable crossover and phase
A Proper 5.1 System in a Small Package
The DX-3 HCP provides the conventional six-speaker arrangement used by a 5.1 home cinema system:
- Front Left
- Front Right
- Centre
- Surround Left
- Surround Right
- Subwoofer / LFE
Unlike a soundbar using processing and reflections to create the impression of speakers around the room, a DX-3 installation places physical loudspeakers at the front and behind the listener.
Why Use Separate Surround Speakers?
A soundtrack mixed for 5.1 contains genuinely separate audio channels.
Effects can therefore move from the front of the room to the rear, ambience can surround the seating position and dialogue can remain anchored to a dedicated centre speaker rather than sharing the same cabinet as everything else.
That physical separation is one of the key reasons a well-installed conventional surround system can create a more convincing sense of space than an all-in-one speaker placed beneath the television.
DX-3 Replaces the Award-Winning DX-2
The DX-3 was developed as the successor to Wharfedale's long-running DX-2 HCP.
Rather than abandoning the compact 5.1 concept, Wharfedale retained the same basic formula and updated the cabinet construction, styling, drivers, crossover behaviour and system tuning.
Diamond 12 Influence
Wharfedale drew on work carried out for its Diamond 12 loudspeakers when developing DX-3.
The influence can be seen in:
- Cabinet styling
- Front-baffle design
- Driver surrounds
- Improved enclosure structure
- Tweeter development
- Crossover refinement
- Black Oak and Walnut finishes
Not Simply a Mini Diamond 12
DX-3 takes inspiration from Diamond 12 but is not simply a Diamond speaker shrunk to a smaller cabinet.
Its 75mm mid/bass cones use a woven polypropylene matrix, whereas Wharfedale's larger Diamond 12 models use the company's mineral-loaded Klarity polypropylene formulation.
The two ranges share design thinking rather than identical drive units.
Why This Distinction Matters
You'll sometimes see the DX-3 described online as using Diamond 12 or Klarity drivers. Wharfedale does not make that claim. The DX-3's woven polypropylene cones were developed using experience gained from Diamond 12, but they are a different driver design suited to the much smaller cabinet.
Four Compact DX-3 Satellite Speakers
Each satellite measures only 190mm high, 120mm wide and 122mm deep including its terminals and grille.
That makes them small enough for shelves, furniture and suitable wall-mounting positions without reducing the system to single-driver satellite cubes.
Two-Way Satellite Design
Every satellite is a genuine two-way loudspeaker with:
- One 75mm woven polypropylene mid/bass driver
- One 19mm silk-dome high-frequency driver
- Dedicated 2.8kHz crossover
- Closed-box enclosure
The separate tweeter allows the polypropylene driver to concentrate on bass and midrange information rather than trying to reproduce the entire audible spectrum from one small cone.
75mm Woven Polypropylene Mid/Bass Driver
The satellite's 75mm cone is made from a woven polypropylene matrix.
Wharfedale selected this material for its combination of low mass, rigidity and controlled resonance behaviour.
For a compact surround speaker, those qualities are useful because the driver needs to reproduce effects, music and voices cleanly while remaining small enough for discreet installation.
19mm Silk-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by a dedicated 19mm silk dome.
Wharfedale revised the tweeter profile for DX-3 using experience gained during Diamond 12 development, along with changes to the crossover that improve integration between the high-frequency and mid/bass units.
Wide Listening Area
A surround system is rarely enjoyed by one person sitting perfectly motionless in one central seat.
Wharfedale therefore developed the satellite's tweeter and crossover for stable performance across a useful listening angle, helping maintain clarity for several people across a sofa or seating area.
Improved Satellite Cabinet
The enclosure itself was also revised for DX-3.
An additional structural panel strengthens the front baffle and braces the cabinet, helping reduce unwanted resonances as the drivers move.
Why Cabinet Rigidity Matters
The loudspeaker drivers should be responsible for creating sound.
If a lightweight cabinet flexes strongly in sympathy with the soundtrack, it can add unwanted energy and blur fine detail.
Improving cabinet rigidity gives the small DX-3 drive units a more stable mechanical foundation.
Closed-Box Satellite Enclosures
The four DX-3 satellites use closed-box cabinets rather than rear-facing bass-reflex ports.
This is particularly useful in a compact home cinema system because the speakers are more practical to place on shelves or close to walls.
Good for Wall Mounting
Wharfedale designed the satellite speakers to work either on suitable furniture or in appropriate wall-mounted positions.
This provides useful flexibility for rear surrounds, where floor space for a conventional speaker stand may not be available.
Dedicated DX-3 Centre Speaker
The centre channel is not simply another satellite turned sideways.
It uses a wider cabinet containing:
- Two 75mm woven polypropylene drivers
- One centrally positioned 19mm silk-dome tweeter
- A 2.6kHz crossover
- Aperiodic bass loading
Why the Centre Speaker Is Important
Dialogue and a large proportion of screen-centred soundtrack information are commonly reproduced through the centre channel.
Using a physical speaker directly associated with the picture helps voices remain anchored to the screen even when the listener is sitting away from the exact centre of the room.
Twin Drivers for Greater Scale
Using two 75mm drivers gives the centre speaker additional radiating area compared with a single satellite.
This helps voices and effects possess suitable body while maintaining the low 120mm cabinet height needed for placement around a television.
Aperiodic Centre Loading
Wharfedale uses an aperiodic bass-loading arrangement in the DX-3 Centre.
A vent containing resistive porous material controls the flow of air from the cabinet rather than operating as a conventional open reflex port.
The aim is controlled bass and midrange behaviour from a physically compact centre-channel enclosure.
Centre Speaker Placement
The centre can be placed either above or below the television screen.
Where practical, position it centrally between the left and right front speakers so dialogue and other central effects remain visually connected to the picture.
For more advice on getting this important speaker right, read Centre Stage: The Speaker That Holds It All Together on the Audio T blog.
The Powered DX-3 Subwoofer
The satellite speakers are deliberately small, so the system hands the lowest frequencies over to a dedicated powered subwoofer.
The DX-3 Subwoofer uses a 200mm woven polypropylene driver powered by its own internal amplifier.
200mm Bass Driver
An eight-inch driver provides vastly greater cone area than the 75mm units used in the satellite speakers.
This allows the subwoofer to move the greater volume of air required for cinematic bass effects, explosions, music and the dedicated LFE channel.
70W Amplifier With 150W Peak Output
The internal subwoofer amplifier is rated at 70W with 150W peak output.
Because the amplifier is built specifically for the subwoofer and driver it powers, the main AV receiver does not need to supply the electrical power required for deep bass reproduction.
Active Subwoofer
The DX-3 Subwoofer is the only active loudspeaker in the package.
It requires its own mains connection and receives a low-level audio signal from the AV receiver or processor.
The four satellites and centre speaker remain passive and are powered by the AV receiver through normal speaker cable.
LFE Connection
The simplest connection with a modern AV receiver is normally the receiver's subwoofer or LFE output.
Wharfedale provides a dedicated RCA LFE input on the subwoofer as well as stereo RCA line-level connections.
You'll Need a Subwoofer Cable
Wharfedale's manual specifies a screened RCA phono lead for connection between a suitable AV receiver or processor and the powered subwoofer. Choose one long enough to reach the final subwoofer position without being pulled tight.
Adjustable Subwoofer Crossover
The subwoofer includes an adjustable low-pass control covering 40Hz to 150Hz.
This determines how high in frequency the subwoofer is allowed to operate when its own low-pass filtering is being used.
Why Crossover Integration Matters
If the subwoofer stops operating too low, there can be a gap between its output and the lowest frequencies reproduced effectively by the satellites.
If it operates unnecessarily high, upper bass can become too prominent or easier to localise physically within the room.
Use the AV Receiver's Bass Management
Modern AV receivers usually include their own speaker-size and crossover settings.
Wharfedale recommends configuring the DX-3 front, centre and surround speakers as Small and enabling the subwoofer within the processor or receiver.
This allows low-frequency information from the five compact passive speakers to be redirected to the subwoofer.
What Does "Small" Mean?
It does not mean the AV receiver is judging the physical appearance of your loudspeakers.
In bass-management terminology, "Small" tells the receiver that the speaker should not be expected to reproduce the deepest bass independently.
Why This Suits DX-3
The satellites are specified down to 100Hz at the manufacturer's -6dB reference point.
The centre reaches to 70Hz at -6dB.
Using the powered subwoofer for frequencies beneath the most appropriate crossover region therefore allows the compact cabinets to concentrate on the frequencies they reproduce most effectively.
Subwoofer Phase Control
A 0° / 180° phase switch is provided.
If bass sounds weak, indistinct or lacks depth at the main listening position, changing the phase setting can improve how the subwoofer combines acoustically with the other speakers.
How to Check Phase
Play familiar material containing extended, consistent bass and compare both phase positions from the main seating area.
Use whichever position produces the most natural, solid and extended bass rather than simply selecting the one that sounds loudest during a single note.
Subwoofer Volume Control
The rear panel includes its own level control.
Wharfedale recommends beginning around the 12 o'clock position during initial setup before balancing the subwoofer against the other channels.
Don't Overdo the Bass
A subwoofer should extend and support the system rather than drawing constant attention to itself.
If every soundtrack sounds dominated by low-frequency energy, the subwoofer or AV receiver LFE level is probably set too high.
Auto Power
The subwoofer includes an Auto Sense mode.
When enabled, the subwoofer detects an incoming audio signal and switches into operating mode automatically, returning to standby after a period without signal.
Subwoofer Positioning
Deep bass is considerably less directional than midrange and treble, so there is more flexibility in where the subwoofer can sit.
Wharfedale recommends positioning it towards the front of the listening area and relatively close to a wall, while leaving sufficient access to the rear controls and mains switch.
Corner Placement
Putting a subwoofer into a room corner generally increases bass output because several room boundaries reinforce low frequencies simultaneously.
Wharfedale notes that this can provide more bass, but potentially at the expense of clarity.
Don't Hide the Subwoofer Behind Rattling Furniture
The DX-3's main driver fires forwards.
Keep the front of the subwoofer clear of surfaces and loose objects that can vibrate or rattle when powerful bass is reproduced.
Front Speaker Positioning
The two front satellites should be positioned to the left and right of the television, creating a coherent front soundstage with the centre speaker between them.
Wharfedale recommends a slight inward angle towards the listening area to improve stereo imaging.
Don't Use Excessive Toe-In
Very aggressive inward angling can make the stereo listening position more focused but may reduce the natural spread required for film sound and a wider seating area.
Start with a small angle and adjust by listening.
Surround Speaker Placement
Wharfedale recommends positioning the surround speakers behind the listener and approximately 400mm to 1.5m above ear level.
The preferred location is on the side walls, although rear-wall mounting or suitable high stands can also be used where the room demands it.
Why Put Surrounds Above Ear Level?
The surround channels are intended to create an enveloping field of effects and ambience rather than behaving like another stereo pair immediately beside your head.
Raising the speakers can help their output spread more naturally across the seating area.
Rear-Wall Alternative
If suitable side walls are unavailable, Wharfedale's manual also illustrates mounting the surround speakers on the rear wall, centrally arranged relative to the listening position.
Wall Mounting
The compact closed-box satellites are designed to suit wall-mounted installations as well as shelves and suitable stands.
The centre speaker can also be shelf or wall mounted according to the room and screen installation.
Use Appropriate Fixings
Wall construction varies considerably. Any wall bracket and fixings must be suitable for the wall material and the weight of the speaker. If you are unsure, use a competent installer rather than relying on unsuitable general-purpose fixings.
Satellite Dimensions
Each DX-3 satellite measures:
- Height: 190mm
- Width: 120mm
- Depth including terminals and grille: 122mm
- Weight: 2kg each
Centre Speaker Dimensions
The DX-3 Centre measures:
- Height: 120mm
- Width: 310mm
- Depth including terminals and grille: 122mm
- Weight: 2.7kg
Subwoofer Dimensions
The powered DX-3 Subwoofer measures approximately:
- Main cabinet height: 298mm
- Additional plinth / foot allowance: approximately 30mm
- Approximate overall height: 328mm
- Width: 268mm
- Main cabinet depth: 300mm
- Terminal / grille allowance: approximately 22mm
- Approximate overall depth: 322mm
- Weight: 7.8kg
Small Enough for a Normal Living Room
The physical size of the satellite and centre cabinets is one of the DX-3's strongest advantages.
It lets you build a discrete 5.1 system in rooms where five conventional bookshelf or floorstanding speakers would be impractical or visually overwhelming.
What AV Receiver Do I Need?
You need a home cinema amplifier or AV receiver capable of powering at least five passive speaker channels and providing a line-level subwoofer output.
A basic modern 5.1 receiver is sufficient for the included loudspeaker configuration, although a seven-channel or larger model can provide greater expansion possibilities.
Browse Home Cinema Amplifiers and AV Receivers at Audio T.
Satellite Amplifier Requirements
Wharfedale recommends 25–100W of amplifier power for each satellite speaker.
They have a sensitivity of 86dB and nominal 4O impedance, dropping to a minimum of 3.6O.
Centre Amplifier Requirements
The centre speaker is specified for 30–100W, with 87dB sensitivity, 4O nominal impedance and the same 3.6O minimum.
Don't Choose an AV Receiver by Watts Alone
Multichannel amplification is more demanding than powering just two stereo speakers.
The quality of the receiver's power supply, its behaviour with several channels operating simultaneously and its ability to drive relatively low impedance loads all matter alongside the headline wattage specification.
Allow Some Amplifier Headroom
Wharfedale specifically advises against driving a low-powered amplifier into audible distortion. If the system begins to sound strained or harsh as volume increases, turn it down rather than continuing to push the amplifier beyond its comfortable operating range.
Will DX-3 Work With Dolby Digital?
Yes, when connected to an AV receiver or processor that decodes the relevant soundtrack format.
The speakers themselves are passive acoustic components and do not decode Dolby or DTS formats internally.
Will DX-3 Work With Dolby Atmos?
The included package is a conventional 5.1 system and contains no dedicated height speakers.
It can, however, form the five-channel bed layer of a larger Dolby Atmos installation when used with a compatible AV receiver and appropriate additional height or ceiling speakers.
Will It Work With DTS:X?
Yes, on the same principle.
The AV receiver handles soundtrack decoding and routes each channel to the appropriate speaker.
Can DX-3 Expand to 7.1?
Yes. Wharfedale specifically offers additional pairs of DX-3 satellite speakers for systems that extend beyond the supplied 5.1 configuration.
You will need an AV receiver with sufficient amplification channels for the expanded arrangement.
5.1 or 7.1?
5.1 remains an excellent choice for smaller rooms and provides genuine front, centre and surround channels.
7.1 adds two further surround channels and can provide smoother rear localisation in a room with enough space behind the listening position.
There is little benefit in adding more speakers simply because the AV receiver has spare terminals if the room cannot position them sensibly.
DX-3 for Movies
Film sound is the system's obvious application.
The dedicated centre handles screen-anchored information, the four satellites create a physical surround field and the powered subwoofer deals with the low-frequency impact that small loudspeaker cabinets cannot produce alone.
DX-3 for Television
A multichannel receiver can use the system with television broadcasts, streaming services and apps according to the soundtrack formats supplied by the source.
Even conventional stereo television can be reproduced through the front speakers or expanded using the receiver's available processing modes.
DX-3 for Gaming
Modern games can make particularly effective use of physical surround speakers because directional effects can move around the player according to the game's sound mix.
A correctly positioned surround pair provides real acoustic sources behind the listener rather than relying solely on virtual processing.
DX-3 for Music
The satellite speakers can reproduce conventional stereo music through the front left and right channels, while the subwoofer extends their low-frequency capability.
Wharfedale also sells the DX-3 satellites as a stereo pair, reflecting their ability to operate as conventional compact loudspeakers rather than functioning only as cinema effects speakers.
Multichannel Music and Concert Films
Concert Blu-rays, multichannel audio and surround music mixes can make use of all five passive channels plus the subwoofer where supported by the source and AV receiver.
DX-3 Versus a Soundbar
DX-3 HCP
- Physical front left and right speakers
- Dedicated centre speaker
- Physical rear surround speakers
- Dedicated powered subwoofer
- AV receiver required
- More cables and setup
- Upgradeable and expandable
Typical Soundbar
- Very simple installation
- Minimal cabling
- Amplification built in
- Often relies on processing for spatial effects
- Less flexible speaker placement
- Usually less scope for individual upgrades
Who Should Choose the DX-3?
DX-3 HCP is particularly attractive if:
- You want genuine 5.1 surround sound
- You have limited room for large loudspeakers
- You want something more flexible than a soundbar
- You already own or plan to buy an AV receiver
- You want physical rear surround speakers
- You need satellite speakers that can be wall mounted
- You want a dedicated centre for dialogue
- You want an included powered subwoofer
- You may expand the system later
- You want an affordable first separates-based cinema system
Who Might Need Something Larger?
Consider a larger conventional speaker package if:
- Your room is large
- You sit a long distance from the speakers
- Two-channel music is just as important as films
- You regularly listen at high levels
- You want deeper bass from the main front speakers themselves
- You already own more ambitious amplification
Upgrade the Front Speakers Later
A useful advantage of using a conventional AV receiver is that the speakers can be changed individually over time.
Wharfedale's manual specifically suggests that larger speakers from the wider Wharfedale range can be used for the front channels while DX-3 satellites continue to serve as surrounds.
This means the package can be the beginning of a home cinema system rather than necessarily its final configuration.
Start With 5.1, Upgrade When It Makes Sense
There is nothing inherently incomplete about a well-installed 5.1 system.
Get speaker positioning, levels, bass management and subwoofer integration right first. Extra rear or height channels can be added later if the room and AV receiver genuinely benefit from them.
Initial Subwoofer Setup
Wharfedale recommends the following basic starting procedure:
- Switch the subwoofer off.
- Turn its level control to minimum initially.
- Check all system connections.
- Connect the subwoofer mains lead.
- Set the subwoofer level approximately to 12 o'clock.
- Switch on the mains supply.
- Play familiar material containing extended bass.
- Fine-tune the level from the main listening position.
- Compare 0° and 180° phase if bass sounds weak or indistinct.
- Use the AV receiver's speaker and bass-management settings to integrate the complete system.
Recommended DX-3 HCP Setup Routine
- Unpack all four satellites, centre speaker and powered subwoofer carefully.
- Retain the packaging for future transport.
- Position the front satellites either side of the television.
- Angle the front pair slightly towards the main listening area.
- Place the centre speaker directly above or below the screen where practical.
- Position the surround speakers behind the listener.
- Raise the surrounds approximately 400mm to 1.5m above ear level where practical.
- Use suitable wall brackets or high stands according to the room.
- Position the powered subwoofer towards the front of the room.
- Leave enough room behind the subwoofer to access its controls and mains switch.
- Keep the front-firing driver clear of furniture and loose objects.
- Switch the AV receiver and subwoofer off before making connections.
- Connect all five passive speakers with correct positive and negative polarity.
- Connect the AV receiver's subwoofer output to the DX-3 Subwoofer using a suitable RCA lead.
- Connect the subwoofer to mains power.
- Set the five passive speakers to Small in the AV receiver where appropriate.
- Set the receiver's Subwoofer option to Yes or On.
- Start with the subwoofer volume around the middle of its range.
- Run the AV receiver's room-calibration routine where available.
- Check that speaker distances and levels appear sensible.
- Play familiar dialogue and check that voices remain anchored to the screen.
- Play a film sequence containing movement around the room and check surround localisation.
- Play familiar bass material and adjust subwoofer integration.
- Compare the 0° and 180° phase settings if bass lacks depth.
- Avoid excessive LFE or subwoofer levels.
- Re-run calibration after substantial speaker-position changes.
Correct Speaker Polarity
All five passive speakers must be wired consistently.
Positive on the AV receiver should connect to positive on each speaker, with negative connected to negative.
Wharfedale warns that incorrectly phased speakers can produce indistinct bass and poor localisation of effects.
Switch Everything Off Before Connecting
Make or alter speaker and subwoofer connections with the equipment switched off. Make sure no loose strands of speaker cable can bridge adjacent positive and negative terminals.
AV Receiver Calibration
Most current AV receivers include an automatic room-measurement system.
This can help establish:
- Individual speaker levels
- Speaker distances and delays
- Subwoofer level
- Channel balance
- Bass-management crossover points
- Room-response correction where supported
Check the Automatic Results
Automatic calibration is a useful starting point, but it is still worth checking that the measured distances, channel assignments and speaker sizes make sense.
For DX-3, Wharfedale specifically recommends treating the compact front, centre and surround speakers as Small and directing deep bass to the subwoofer.
Subwoofer Level
More bass is not necessarily better bass.
If the subwoofer is obviously audible as a separate booming box in the room, reduce its level and check its crossover, phase and position.
What If the Bass Is Too Strong?
Try:
- Reducing the subwoofer level
- Reducing excessive LFE boost in the AV receiver
- Moving the subwoofer away from a corner
- Reviewing the crossover setting
- Checking that room correction has been run correctly
What If the Bass Is Too Weak?
Check:
- The subwoofer is switched on
- The receiver's Subwoofer setting is enabled
- The RCA connection is secure
- The level is not set too low
- The crossover is appropriate for the satellites
- The 0° / 180° phase setting
- The subwoofer's position within the room
Auto Standby for Everyday Use
Once the system is configured, Auto Sense allows the subwoofer to wake when an audio signal arrives and return to standby after inactivity.
For extended periods when the system will not be used, Wharfedale recommends switching the subwoofer off.
Black Oak or Walnut?
Wharfedale currently offers DX-3 in two finishes:
Both finishes are shared across the satellites, centre and subwoofer for a consistent system appearance.
Recent Award Recognition
The DX-3 HCP has continued the strong critical record established by the DX-2, including repeated recognition in the Best Speaker Package Under £500 category.
That does not mean it will be the perfect solution for every room, but it underlines how successfully Wharfedale has combined compact dimensions, a complete 5.1 configuration and accessible pricing.
Key Features
- Wharfedale DX-3 HCP
- Complete 5.1 speaker package
- Four satellite speakers
- Dedicated centre speaker
- Powered subwoofer
- Six loudspeakers in total
- DX-2 successor
- Diamond 12-inspired engineering
- Compact satellite cabinets
- Closed-box satellites
- 75mm satellite mid/bass drivers
- Woven polypropylene cones
- 19mm satellite silk-dome tweeters
- 2.8kHz satellite crossover
- 86dB satellite sensitivity
- 25–100W satellite amplifier recommendation
- 4O satellite nominal impedance
- 3.6O satellite minimum impedance
- 100Hz–22kHz satellite response
- 100Hz satellite bass extension at -6dB
- 190 x 120 x 122mm satellites
- 2kg satellite weight
- Aperiodic centre speaker
- Twin 75mm centre drivers
- 19mm centre silk-dome tweeter
- 2.6kHz centre crossover
- 87dB centre sensitivity
- 30–100W centre amplifier recommendation
- 4O centre nominal impedance
- 3.6O centre minimum impedance
- 80Hz–22kHz centre response
- 70Hz centre bass extension at -6dB
- 120 x 310 x 122mm centre cabinet
- 2.7kg centre weight
- 200mm subwoofer driver
- 8-inch woven polypropylene subwoofer cone
- 70W subwoofer amplifier
- 150W peak subwoofer output
- 105dB average maximum subwoofer output at 1m
- 40Hz–150Hz adjustable subwoofer crossover
- 0° / 180° phase control
- Subwoofer volume control
- Auto power sensing
- Stereo RCA inputs
- Dedicated LFE RCA input
- Approx. 328mm overall subwoofer height
- 268mm subwoofer width
- Approx. 322mm overall subwoofer depth
- 7.8kg subwoofer weight
- Wall-mountable satellites
- Wall-mountable centre speaker
- Shelf-friendly speaker cabinets
- Expandable to 7.1 with additional satellites
- Suitable as 5.1 bed layer for expanded home cinema systems
- Black Oak finish
- Walnut finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wharfedale DX-3 HCP current?
Yes. DX-3 HCP is Wharfedale's current compact 5.1 home cinema speaker package.
What does HCP stand for?
Wharfedale uses HCP to identify the complete Home Cinema Package version of the DX-3 system.
What is included?
Four DX-3 satellite speakers, one DX-3 Centre speaker and one powered DX-3 Subwoofer.
Is this a complete 5.1 system?
It provides all six loudspeakers required for 5.1. You still need a compatible AV receiver or amplifier and the appropriate cabling.
Does an AV receiver come with it?
No. The DX-3 HCP is a loudspeaker package.
Do I need an AV receiver?
Yes. The five passive channels need suitable multichannel amplification and the powered subwoofer needs an appropriate line-level or LFE signal.
What happened to the Wharfedale DX-2?
DX-2 is discontinued and DX-3 is its current successor.
Is DX-3 based on Diamond 12?
It takes design and engineering inspiration from Diamond 12, but its drive units are not identical to the larger Diamond speakers.
Do DX-3 speakers use Klarity cones?
No. Wharfedale specifies woven polypropylene cones. The company explicitly distinguishes them from the mineral-loaded Klarity polypropylene used by Diamond 12.
How many satellite speakers are included?
Four.
Are the front and rear satellites the same?
Yes. The package uses four matching DX-3 satellite loudspeakers.
What size is the satellite bass driver?
75mm or three inches.
What size is the satellite tweeter?
19mm or three-quarters of an inch.
What is the satellite tweeter made from?
Silk.
Are the satellites two-way speakers?
Yes. Each has a separate mid/bass cone and silk-dome tweeter.
Are the satellite speakers ported?
No. Wharfedale specifies them as closed-box speakers.
Can the satellites sit on shelves?
Yes. Their compact closed-box design is intended to make shelf placement practical.
Can the satellites be wall mounted?
Yes, using suitable mounting hardware and appropriate wall fixings.
How big is each satellite?
190mm high, 120mm wide and 122mm deep including the terminals and grille.
How much does each satellite weigh?
2kg.
What amplifier power does each satellite need?
Wharfedale recommends 25–100W.
What is the satellite impedance?
4O nominal with a 3.6O minimum.
What is the satellite sensitivity?
86dB at 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the satellite frequency response?
100Hz to 22kHz within +/-3dB.
How low do the satellites play?
Wharfedale specifies 100Hz at -6dB.
Why is a subwoofer necessary?
The satellites are deliberately compact and hand the deepest bass to the dedicated powered subwoofer.
Is there a dedicated centre speaker?
Yes.
How many drivers are in the centre?
Two 75mm polypropylene drivers plus one 19mm silk-dome tweeter.
What does aperiodic centre speaker mean?
The centre uses a resistive vent containing porous material to control airflow rather than a conventional open reflex port.
Why is the centre speaker important?
It provides a physical acoustic source for centrally mixed soundtrack information such as dialogue and screen-centred effects.
Can the centre go below the television?
Yes.
Can it go above the television?
Yes. Wharfedale's manual supports either position.
Can the centre be wall mounted?
Yes, with appropriate supporting hardware.
How large is the centre speaker?
120mm high, 310mm wide and 122mm deep including terminals and grille.
How much does the centre weigh?
2.7kg.
What power does the centre speaker need?
Wharfedale recommends 30–100W.
What is the centre sensitivity?
87dB.
What is the centre impedance?
4O nominal with a 3.6O minimum.
How low does the centre speaker play?
Wharfedale specifies 70Hz bass extension at -6dB.
What size is the subwoofer?
It uses a 200mm or eight-inch woven polypropylene driver.
How powerful is the subwoofer?
Wharfedale specifies 70W amplifier output and 150W peak output.
Is the subwoofer 75W?
No. Wharfedale's current official specification states 70W.
Does the subwoofer need mains power?
Yes. It contains its own amplifier.
Does the subwoofer connect with speaker cable?
Normally it connects to the AV receiver using an RCA line-level or LFE connection.
Does the package include an RCA subwoofer lead?
Wharfedale's manual instructs the user to purchase a suitable screened RCA phono lead for the subwoofer connection.
What inputs are on the subwoofer?
Stereo RCA line-level inputs and an RCA LFE connection are specified.
Does the subwoofer have a crossover control?
Yes. It is adjustable between 40Hz and 150Hz.
Does the subwoofer have phase adjustment?
Yes. It provides 0° and 180° settings.
Does the subwoofer switch itself on automatically?
Yes. Auto Sense mode can detect an input signal and return the subwoofer to standby after inactivity.
Where should I put the subwoofer?
Wharfedale recommends a position towards the front of the listening area, relatively close to a wall and with access to the controls and mains switch.
Can the subwoofer go in a corner?
Yes, but Wharfedale notes that a corner can increase bass output at the possible expense of clarity.
How much does the subwoofer weigh?
7.8kg.
How tall is the subwoofer?
The cabinet is specified at 298mm plus approximately 30mm for its floor interface, or around 328mm overall.
How wide is the subwoofer?
268mm.
How deep is the subwoofer?
The cabinet is 300mm plus approximately 22mm for terminals and grille, giving around 322mm overall.
Should I set the DX-3 speakers to Small in my AV receiver?
Yes. Wharfedale specifically recommends setting the front, centre and surround channels to Small and enabling the subwoofer.
Does "Small" mean they are poor speakers?
No. It is simply an AV bass-management setting that tells the receiver to redirect deep bass towards the subwoofer.
What AV crossover should I use?
Use the AV receiver's calibration and bass-management system as a starting point. The optimum setting depends on the room and complete system rather than one universal number.
Should I run room calibration?
Yes, if your AV receiver supports it. Re-run calibration after substantial speaker or subwoofer position changes.
How high should the rear speakers be?
Wharfedale recommends approximately 400mm to 1.5m above ear level.
Should the surrounds be behind me?
Yes. Wharfedale recommends positions behind the listener, preferably on the side walls or alternatively on the rear wall.
Should I toe in the front speakers?
A slight inward angle is recommended. Excessive toe-in can impair the wider movie listening area.
Can DX-3 be expanded to 7.1?
Yes. Additional DX-3 satellite pairs are available for expanded surround systems.
Will I need another AV receiver for 7.1?
You need an AV receiver capable of powering the additional channels. A five-channel receiver cannot independently power seven passive speakers.
Is the DX-3 a Dolby Atmos system?
The supplied package is 5.1 and does not contain dedicated height channels.
Can I use it in a Dolby Atmos system?
Yes. It can provide the conventional front, centre and surround bed channels while suitable additional height speakers are connected to an Atmos-capable AV receiver.
Does it work with DTS:X?
Yes, when used with a compatible AV receiver or processor.
Do the speakers decode Dolby or DTS themselves?
No. The AV receiver performs the decoding.
Is DX-3 better than a soundbar?
It provides genuine physically separated front, centre and rear channels and greater upgrade flexibility. A soundbar remains easier to install and requires fewer cables.
Is DX-3 good for gaming?
Yes. Games with discrete multichannel audio can use the physical surround speakers for directional effects.
Can I listen to stereo music?
Yes. The front DX-3 satellites can operate as a conventional stereo pair, with the subwoofer integrated according to the AV receiver's settings.
Can I upgrade the front speakers later?
Yes. Wharfedale specifically suggests larger front speakers can be introduced later while the DX-3 satellites remain in surround roles.
What colours are available?
Black Oak and Walnut.
Are the satellite grilles removable?
The speakers use protective grilles. If removed, avoid touching the exposed drive units.
How should I clean DX-3 speakers?
Wharfedale recommends a dry or barely damp cloth for the cabinets and a soft brush for the grilles. Do not use spray polish or wax.
What if dialogue does not sound centred?
Check the centre speaker position, channel levels, AV receiver distance settings and speaker polarity.
What if the bass sounds weak?
Check the subwoofer level, crossover, phase, AV receiver bass-management settings, RCA connection and room position.
What if the bass sounds boomy?
Reduce the subwoofer or LFE level, move it away from a corner and review the crossover setting.
What if effects are difficult to locate?
Check that all passive speakers are wired with consistent polarity and that the AV receiver's distance and level settings are correct.
Does Wharfedale offer a warranty?
Wharfedale provides an extended three-year warranty subject to its current registration terms. Check the manufacturer's warranty requirements and register within the required period.
Should I audition DX-3 before buying?
Yes where possible. A demonstration can show how much difference discrete surround speakers make compared with a soundbar and help establish what level of AV receiver is appropriate.
Related Wharfedale Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Wharfedale DX-3 HCP From Audio T?
A compact 5.1 package can make home cinema much easier to accommodate, but getting the best from it still depends on the AV receiver, speaker positioning, bass management, subwoofer integration and room calibration.
Audio T can help put the complete system together rather than simply supplying six boxes. We can demonstrate suitable AV receivers, advise on speaker and subwoofer placement, help with cabling and explain whether 5.1, 7.1 or a Dolby Atmos configuration makes the most sense for the room you actually have.
- In-store Wharfedale demonstrations
- Home cinema demonstrations
- AV receiver matching
- 5.1 system planning
- 7.1 expansion advice
- Dolby Atmos system planning
- DTS:X system planning
- Front-speaker positioning
- Centre-speaker positioning
- Surround-speaker placement
- Wall-mounting advice
- Subwoofer positioning
- Subwoofer phase and level setup
- Bass-management guidance
- Room-calibration advice
- Speaker cable advice
- Subwoofer cable advice
- Future speaker-upgrade planning
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the Wharfedale DX-3 HCP, choose a suitable AV receiver or plan a complete home cinema system.