Audio T Verdict
The Wharfedale AURA 2 might technically be a standmount loudspeaker, but don't mistake it for a small bookshelf design. At 560mm tall and 20.5kg per speaker, this is a substantial three-way loudspeaker with the scale, bass extension and dynamic ability to take on many floorstanders, while retaining the positioning flexibility and focused stereo presentation that make a good standmount so appealing.
Its real strength is the way Wharfedale has brought together technology derived from the flagship ELYSIAN series without making the AURA 2 difficult to live with. The 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer delivers fast, open treble, a separate 100mm glass-fibre midrange looks after voices and instruments, and a large 150mm bass driver provides genuine low-frequency weight. Having three dedicated drive units means each can concentrate on a narrower part of the frequency range rather than asking one cone to do almost everything.
AURA 2 deserves a capable amplifier and a proper pair of stands, but it rewards that effort with a presentation that can be detailed and spacious without becoming relentlessly analytical. For someone who wants the presence of a serious full-range speaker but would rather avoid a conventional floorstanding cabinet, this is one of the most interesting loudspeakers in the Wharfedale range.
Wharfedale AURA 2 Three-Way Standmount Speakers
Wharfedale AURA 2 is a large three-way standmount loudspeaker that combines technology developed for the flagship ELYSIAN range with a more accessible cabinet size and price point.
A dedicated 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer handles the treble, a 100mm woven glass-fibre matrix cone reproduces the midrange and a separate 150mm glass-fibre bass driver provides low-frequency weight and scale.
Wharfedale's Slot Loaded Profiled Port bass reflex system, multilayer PROS cabinet construction and carefully developed three-way crossover bring the different elements together into a speaker designed for serious two-channel music listening as well as matching AURA home cinema systems.
- Large three-way standmount loudspeaker
- 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer high-frequency driver
- 100mm Black Glass Fibre Matrix dedicated midrange driver
- 150mm Black Glass Fibre Matrix bass driver
- Dedicated bass, midrange and treble drive units
- SLPP Slot Loaded Profiled Port bass reflex system
- Downward-firing bass reflex port
- 33Hz manufacturer-specified bass extension at -6dB
- 42Hz–22kHz frequency response at +/-3dB
- 88dB sensitivity
- 6O nominal impedance
- 3.5O minimum impedance
- 25–150W recommended amplifier power
- 103dB peak SPL
- 520Hz and 4.5kHz crossover frequencies
- PROS Panel Resonance Optimisation System
- Multilayer cabinet construction
- Curved cabinet sides and edges
- Die-cast aluminium driver chassis
- Copper-clad pole pieces
- High-flexibility rubber driver surrounds
- Rubber trim rings for resonance control
- Optional dedicated AURA 2 speaker stands
- Black, White and Walnut manufacturer finishes
- 20.5kg per speaker
A Standmount in Name, But Not in Scale
AURA 2 sits in an interesting position between a conventional compact standmount and a floorstanding loudspeaker.
At 560mm high, 286mm wide and 350mm deep before allowing for the rear terminals, each cabinet is physically substantial. Add the 20.5kg weight and it becomes clear that Wharfedale has prioritised cabinet volume, driver area and low-frequency ability rather than trying to create the smallest possible speaker.
This makes AURA 2 particularly appealing if you enjoy the focused imaging and visual separation of standmount speakers but do not want to sacrifice the authority and bass weight normally associated with a much larger enclosure.
These Are Not Really "Bookshelf" Speakers
Although Wharfedale's technical description uses the traditional bookshelf classification, AURA 2 is far too large and heavy for most domestic bookshelves. Treat it as a serious standmount loudspeaker and give it a strong, stable support at the correct listening height.
True Three-Way Driver Architecture
AURA 2 divides the audible frequency range between three purpose-designed drive units.
Rather than asking one bass/midrange cone to cover everything from deep bass through voices and into the lower treble, Wharfedale gives each major section of the spectrum its own specialist driver.
Three-Way AURA 2
- 150mm dedicated bass driver
- 100mm dedicated midrange
- 27 x 90mm AMT treble unit
- 520Hz lower crossover
- 4.5kHz upper crossover
- Each driver covers a more focused frequency band
Typical Two-Way Standmount
- One bass/midrange driver
- One tweeter
- Mid/bass cone covers a much wider range
- Usually physically smaller
- Often less complex crossover
- Can offer less bass scale and midrange specialisation
Why Use a Dedicated Midrange Driver?
Much of the musical information our ears are most sensitive to sits in the midrange.
Vocals, guitars, piano, strings and a large proportion of the tonal character of acoustic instruments all occupy this crucial area.
AURA 2 crosses from its bass driver to the dedicated 100mm midrange at 520Hz. The midrange can then concentrate on this musically important region without simultaneously being asked to move large amounts of air for deep bass.
100mm Black Glass Fibre Matrix Midrange
The 100mm midrange cone uses Wharfedale's proprietary woven glass-fibre matrix material.
The objective is to combine low mass with the stiffness required to behave predictably across its working range.
A high-flexibility rubber surround permits the necessary cone movement while the motor system uses a high-flux magnetic field to maintain control.
150mm Dedicated Bass Driver
Low frequencies are handled by a separate 150mm Black Glass Fibre Matrix cone.
This large driver is able to concentrate on generating the movement of air required for bass without simultaneously carrying the bulk of the vocal and upper-midrange information.
Glass Fibre Matrix Cones
Wharfedale developed the woven glass-fibre cone technology used by AURA from experience gained during the development of the considerably more expensive ELYSIAN series.
Its combination of stiffness and relatively low moving mass is intended to provide good transient behaviour while avoiding excessive stored energy within the diaphragm.
High-Flux Motor Systems
The midrange and bass voice coils operate within high-flux magnetic fields.
Copper-clad pole pieces help control eddy currents and inductance within the motor assembly, contributing to Wharfedale's aim of maintaining low distortion as the drivers move through demanding musical passages.
Die-Cast Aluminium Driver Chassis
Each cone driver is mounted within a rigid die-cast aluminium chassis.
The chassis is fixed firmly to the cabinet using six high-tensile bolts, creating a mechanically stable relationship between the driver and enclosure.
A loudspeaker driver should move its diaphragm to make sound; ideally the supporting frame and cabinet should remain as inert as possible.
Rubber Resonance-Control Trim Rings
The rings surrounding the drivers are not purely decorative.
Wharfedale uses rubber trim to help control resonance where the rigid aluminium chassis meets the wooden cabinet.
It is another example of AURA treating the loudspeaker as a complete mechanical system rather than simply fitting expensive drive units into a box.
AURA Air Motion Transformer
The most visually distinctive driver is the 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer at the top of the cabinet.
Unlike a conventional dome tweeter, the AMT does not use a diaphragm moving backwards and forwards as a simple piston.
Instead, a lightweight folded diaphragm carries conductive elements within a powerful magnetic field.
How Does an AMT Work?
As the electrical music signal passes through the conductors, sections of the folded diaphragm contract and expand.
Air is squeezed rapidly from between the folds, allowing a relatively large effective diaphragm area to move air without requiring a large conventional forward-and-back excursion.
Why Use an AMT Tweeter?
Wharfedale's aim is fast transient response, wide bandwidth and low distortion.
Musically, that is particularly relevant to:
- Cymbal attack and decay
- The leading edge of piano notes
- String harmonics
- Room ambience
- Reverberation around vocals
- Small production details within recordings
AMT Rather Than a Conventional Dome
Neither approach is automatically better in every speaker, because implementation matters more than the name of a driver technology.
What the AMT gives Wharfedale is a very different mechanical method of reproducing high frequencies, and AURA's midrange and crossover are specifically engineered to blend with its speed and dispersion.
4.5kHz AMT Crossover
The dedicated midrange hands over to the AMT at 4.5kHz.
This allows much of the vocal and instrumental midband to remain on one dedicated cone before the high-frequency unit takes over.
Crossover Design by Wharfedale
A good collection of drivers does not automatically create a good loudspeaker.
The crossover determines which frequencies reach each drive unit and controls the way their acoustic outputs combine in the room.
Wharfedale's AURA crossover development was overseen by Peter Comeau, IAG's Director of Acoustic Design, and the company says the networks were refined through extensive measurement and listening.
520Hz and 4.5kHz Crossover Points
The AURA 2 crossover divides the frequency range at:
- 520Hz: bass to midrange
- 4.5kHz: midrange to AMT treble
The aim is for the three drivers to behave as one coherent loudspeaker rather than making it obvious that different parts of the music are coming from separate drive units.
Wharfedale SLPP Bass Loading
AURA 2 uses Wharfedale's SLPP, or Slot Loaded Profiled Port, bass reflex system.
Instead of a conventional circular port firing directly from the back or front of the cabinet, the main port points downwards into a controlled space above the speaker's plinth.
The air is then distributed into the room through the profiled slot surrounding the lower part of the cabinet.
Why Use a Downward-Firing Port?
A normal reflex port can generate high-velocity airflow as the bass driver moves.
Wharfedale's slot-loaded approach is designed to provide a smoother transition between the high pressure inside the port and the lower pressure of the listening room.
Reduced Port Turbulence
Wharfedale says SLPP reduces unwanted turbulence while improving the efficiency of the reflex loading.
This is especially useful on a speaker with meaningful bass extension, where a conventional small port might otherwise have to move a considerable volume of air.
33Hz Bass Extension
AURA 2 is specified down to 42Hz within its +/-3dB frequency response, with usable bass extension reaching 33Hz at -6dB.
That is unusually deep for a standmount loudspeaker and helps explain both the cabinet size and the dedicated 150mm bass driver.
Do AURA 2 Speakers Need a Subwoofer?
For conventional two-channel music listening, many rooms will not need one.
AURA 2 already extends sufficiently low to reproduce a substantial proportion of the bass contained in normal music recordings.
A subwoofer can still be useful where you want:
- Very deep electronic bass
- Pipe-organ fundamentals
- Greater home cinema impact
- More output in a particularly large room
- Dedicated reproduction of an AV system's LFE channel
Listen Before Assuming You Need a Subwoofer
AURA 2 is a much more substantial speaker than its standmount description suggests. Set the pair up properly and listen in your room before deciding whether additional low-frequency reinforcement is necessary.
PROS Cabinet Construction
Wharfedale calls its multilayer enclosure system PROS, or Panel Resonance Optimisation System.
The cabinet walls use multiple layers of different wood materials rather than a simple uniform panel.
The intention is to reduce the tendency for large cabinet panels to resonate sympathetically with the music.
Why Cabinet Resonance Matters
The loudspeaker cabinet should provide a rigid foundation while the drive units generate the acoustic output.
If the walls themselves flex and radiate strongly, that additional energy can colour the sound and blur the detail being reproduced by the drivers.
At 20.5kg per cabinet, AURA 2 is clearly built around a substantial enclosure rather than a lightweight box.
Reduced Energy Leakage
Wharfedale says the multilayer construction also reduces unwanted acoustic energy escaping through the cabinet walls from inside the enclosure.
This helps prevent the rear output of the drive units from interfering with the sound being projected deliberately from the front.
Curved Cabinet Profile
The smooth curved cabinet is not there purely for visual effect.
Sharp cabinet edges can cause diffraction as sound waves travel across the front baffle and interact with the surrounding surfaces.
AURA's rounded profile helps Wharfedale control these edge effects while giving the speaker a less conventional rectangular appearance.
Premium Cabinet Finishes
Wharfedale manufactures AURA 2 in:
- Black
- White
- Walnut natural wood veneer
The cabinets are lacquered and polished, continuing the more furniture-like approach established by the higher-priced ELYSIAN range.
Actual Audio T finish availability can vary, so check the selectable options above or contact your local store.
Optional Dedicated AURA 2 Stands
Wharfedale produces a dedicated speaker stand specifically for AURA 2, and Audio T offers the speakers either separately or together with the matching stands on selected finish options.
These are more than generic metal supports. The top plate measures 286 x 350mm, matching the footprint of the AURA 2 cabinet, while the 485mm height positions the loudspeaker at an appropriate listening level in a normal seated system.
AURA 2 Stand Construction
The dedicated stands use:
- MDF finished columns
- High-carbon steel top plates
- High-carbon steel and MDF base construction
- Hardened high-carbon steel floor spikes
Each stand itself weighs approximately 12kg, giving the 20.5kg AURA 2 cabinet a suitably substantial foundation.
Why Speaker Stands Matter
A serious standmount loudspeaker relies on the stand for three important jobs:
- Setting the drive units at the correct listening height
- Providing a rigid, stable mechanical foundation
- Allowing the speaker to be positioned independently of domestic furniture
Putting AURA 2 on low cabinets or lightweight furniture gives away many of the advantages of choosing a high-performance standmount in the first place.
Don't Spend £2,000 on Speakers and Treat the Stands as an Afterthought
AURA 2 weighs 20.5kg per speaker and uses a sophisticated three-way driver system. Give it a support substantial enough to keep the cabinet secure and position the AMT close to seated ear level. The dedicated Wharfedale stands are the obvious starting point.
How Big Is AURA 2?
Each loudspeaker measures:
- Height: 560mm
- Width: 286mm
- Cabinet depth: approximately 350mm
- Depth including terminals: approximately 402mm
- Weight: 20.5kg per speaker
Allowing sufficient space behind the terminals and speaker cable is important when planning the final room position.
AURA 2 Needs Proper Space
Although SLPP avoids a conventional rear-facing reflex port, AURA 2 should not simply be pushed tightly against the nearest wall.
Room boundaries reinforce bass, and a speaker capable of reaching into the low 30Hz region can interact strongly with nearby walls and corners.
Give the speakers some breathing room and experiment rather than assuming the first furniture-friendly location will also sound best.
Start With Symmetrical Placement
For a conventional stereo setup, begin with the two speakers at broadly similar distances from the listening position and room boundaries where practical.
Symmetry gives the stereo image the best chance of locking into place before you start making smaller adjustments.
Toe-In and Stereo Imaging
The amount of toe-in, or the angle at which each speaker faces the listener, influences central-image focus and the apparent width of the soundstage.
Start with a modest angle towards the main listening seat, then experiment.
More toe-in can sharpen central focus, while less can sometimes create a broader presentation.
Get the AMT Near Ear Height
As with most standmount loudspeakers, the high-frequency driver should sit reasonably close to seated ear height.
This is another reason the dedicated stand is preferable to simply placing AURA 2 on a sideboard or low cabinet.
For more help with speaker positioning, read the Audio T guide Why Does My Hi-Fi Sound Harsh, Boomy, Thin or Dull?.
Avoid Pushing Them Into Corners
A corner provides reinforcement from two nearby walls as well as the floor.
That can exaggerate the bass and make an otherwise controlled loudspeaker sound heavy or indistinct.
If AURA 2 sounds boomy, physical placement should be investigated before changing amplifiers or cables.
What Size Room Suits AURA 2?
Its large cabinet, 150mm bass driver, 88dB sensitivity and substantial low-frequency extension make AURA 2 particularly suitable for medium and larger domestic listening rooms.
It can work in a smaller room, but only if there is enough physical space to position the speakers away from strong boundary reinforcement.
AURA 2 in a Small Room
In a smaller space, the question is not whether the speaker will physically make sound at low volume. It obviously will.
The real issue is whether the room provides enough freedom to position two cabinets measuring 560 x 286 x 402mm and control the amount of low-frequency reinforcement they receive.
AURA 2 in a Larger Room
This is where the larger standmount architecture starts to make particular sense.
The 20.5kg cabinets and dedicated bass driver can deliver considerably more physical presence than a small two-way bookshelf design while the separate stands still allow the pair to be positioned precisely for stereo imaging.
88dB Sensitivity
Wharfedale specifies a sensitivity of 88dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is reasonably efficient for a large standmount speaker and means AURA 2 does not demand enormous amplifier power simply to produce sensible listening levels.
25–150W Recommended Amplifier Power
The manufacturer's recommended amplifier range is 25 to 150 watts per channel.
That is deliberately broad because amplifier quality, current delivery, room size and desired listening level are just as important as the headline wattage figure.
6O Nominal Impedance
AURA 2 is specified at a nominal 6O impedance, with Wharfedale describing it as compatible with amplifiers rated for 8O loudspeakers.
The impedance falls to a minimum of 3.5O, so a good-quality amplifier with sensible current delivery remains worthwhile.
Don't Choose an Amplifier by Watts Alone
A 60W amplifier with a strong power supply and good control can be a far better partner than a cheaply engineered unit claiming a much larger headline output. AURA 2 is revealing enough to make amplifier quality worthwhile.
Can a 25W Amplifier Drive AURA 2?
Wharfedale includes 25W within the official recommended range, so it is possible with a suitable amplifier and sensible listening levels.
In a large room or if you listen loudly to dynamic music, greater available power and current will provide more useful headroom.
Is 50–100W a Sensible Starting Point?
For many conventional domestic systems, a well-designed amplifier somewhere in the middle of Wharfedale's recommended range provides a sensible starting point.
The final choice should be made by listening because two amplifiers with similar published wattage can control a loudspeaker very differently.
Peak SPL of 103dB
Wharfedale specifies a peak sound-pressure level of 103dB.
This is a useful indication that AURA 2 is intended to reproduce meaningful dynamics rather than functioning only as a near-field or low-level bookshelf speaker.
Good for Rock and Electronic Music?
The separate 150mm bass driver, useful 33Hz extension and substantial cabinet volume give AURA 2 the physical ingredients required for music that depends on rhythm and low-frequency weight.
The dedicated midrange and AMT also mean bass ability has not been achieved by simply turning the loudspeaker into a large two-way design.
Good for Acoustic Music?
The three-way architecture is equally relevant to smaller-scale recordings.
Voices and acoustic instruments occupy much of the dedicated midrange driver's working band, while the AMT deals with harmonics, transients and room ambience above it.
Good for Classical Music?
AURA 2's combination of scale, three-way driver architecture and wide frequency range makes it well suited to orchestral music where the loudspeaker needs to reproduce both fine low-level detail and large dynamic swings.
Good for Vinyl?
A passive speaker does not care whether the source began with vinyl, CD or streaming.
What matters is the quality of the turntable, phono stage and amplifier upstream.
AURA 2 has sufficient resolution to justify using it with a well-developed analogue source rather than treating it as the limiting component in the system.
Good for Streaming?
Yes. Pair it with a capable streaming amplifier or a separate network player and conventional integrated amplifier.
The speaker's combination of detail and bandwidth means improvements in source quality and recording quality should remain audible.
AURA 2 or AURA 1?
AURA 1 is the smaller standmount within the same family, while AURA 2 provides greater cabinet volume and a more ambitious three-way driver arrangement.
AURA 1
- Smaller standmount
- Easier to accommodate
- More suitable for compact rooms
- AMT high-frequency technology
- Lower physical and visual impact
- Good choice where space is the limiting factor
AURA 2
- Larger standmount
- Dedicated three-way architecture
- 100mm dedicated midrange
- 150mm dedicated bass driver
- 33Hz manufacturer bass extension
- Greater scale and room-filling ability
AURA 2 or a Floorstanding Speaker?
This is one of the more interesting questions at this price.
AURA 2 plus dedicated stands occupies a meaningful amount of floor space, so choosing it over a floorstander is not primarily about saving room.
The appeal is the standmount form itself: separate, heavily built cabinets placed at a precise height with less vertical enclosure surrounding the drive units.
Reasons to Choose AURA 2
- You prefer a large standmount presentation
- You value precise speaker positioning
- You want dedicated three-way drivers
- You want serious bass without a floorstanding cabinet
- You like the AURA 2 and matching stand aesthetic
- Your room works well with independently positioned stands
Reasons to Consider a Floorstander
- You would rather not buy separate stands
- You want additional bass-driver area
- You have a particularly large listening room
- You prefer the visual proportions of a conventional floorstanding speaker
- You want maximum output and scale within the AURA family
AURA Technology From ELYSIAN
Wharfedale positions AURA as taking both visual and technical inspiration from its flagship ELYSIAN loudspeakers.
That influence is visible in the AMT high-frequency driver, glass-fibre matrix cones, sophisticated cabinet construction and attention paid to the crossover network.
AURA does not simply reproduce ELYSIAN at a lower price, but it brings several of the ideas developed for that range into a more attainable series.
AURA Family
The wider AURA range includes:
- AURA 1 standmount speaker
- AURA 2 standmount speaker
- AURA 3 floorstanding speaker
- AURA 4 floorstanding speaker
- AURA C centre speaker
- AURA CS compact centre speaker
- Dedicated AURA 1 stands
- Dedicated AURA 2 stands
This allows the same basic acoustic design philosophy to be used for either two-channel hi-fi or a more complete multichannel home cinema system.
AURA 2 in Home Cinema
Although AURA 2 is first and foremost an accomplished stereo loudspeaker, the wider range includes matching centre and floorstanding models.
This makes it possible to build a tonally consistent home cinema system around AURA rather than mixing unrelated speaker families.
Should You Buy the Speakers With the Matching Stands?
If space and budget allow, the dedicated AURA 2 stands are the obvious reference point.
The top plates are built specifically around the speaker footprint, the height is chosen for AURA 2 and the substantial construction suits a cabinet weighing more than 20kg.
Audio T currently offers selected AURA 2 finishes both on their own and as packages including the matching stands.
Can I Use Different Speaker Stands?
Yes, provided they are sufficiently strong, stable and appropriately sized.
Remember that each AURA 2 weighs 20.5kg and has a footprint approximately 286mm wide by 350mm deep.
A small lightweight stand designed for compact bookshelf speakers is not an appropriate substitute.
Check the Stand's Load Capacity and Top Plate
AURA 2 is unusually large and heavy for a standmount. Make sure any alternative support safely accommodates the cabinet dimensions and weight before installation.
Run-In and First Listening
New mechanical loudspeaker components can settle with use, so avoid making every final judgement within the first few minutes of ownership.
More importantly, spend time getting the physical positioning right before changing other parts of the system.
Recommended AURA 2 Setup Routine
- Unpack each 20.5kg loudspeaker carefully, ideally with assistance.
- Assemble and level the dedicated AURA 2 stands or another suitably substantial support.
- Place the speakers at broadly symmetrical positions within the room.
- Make sure the cabinets are stable and cannot be knocked from the stands.
- Connect the amplifier with the system completely switched off.
- Check speaker-cable polarity carefully at both ends.
- Leave enough room behind the cabinets for the terminals and speaker cable.
- Begin with some space between the speakers and nearby walls.
- Place the main listening position centrally between the speakers where possible.
- Start with a modest amount of toe-in towards the listening seat.
- Play familiar vocal material and listen for a stable central image.
- Adjust toe-in in small increments until the balance of focus and soundstage width feels natural.
- Use familiar bass material to assess room-boundary reinforcement.
- If bass is too heavy, move the speakers further from nearby walls or corners before reaching for electronic correction.
- If the sound is too lightweight, experiment with slightly greater boundary support while maintaining stereo symmetry.
- Check that the AMT height is sensible relative to seated ear level.
- Allow the system time to settle before making major component changes.
- Once positioned properly, audition amplifier and source upgrades if required.
Key Features
- Wharfedale AURA 2
- Three-way standmount loudspeaker
- Large-format standmount design
- 27 x 90mm AMT high-frequency driver
- Air Motion Transformer treble
- 100mm dedicated midrange
- Black Glass Fibre Matrix midrange cone
- 150mm dedicated bass driver
- Black Glass Fibre Matrix bass cone
- High-flexibility rubber surrounds
- High-flux magnetic motor systems
- Copper-clad pole pieces
- Controlled eddy currents and inductance
- Die-cast aluminium driver chassis
- Six high-tensile chassis bolts
- Rubber resonance-control trim rings
- SLPP bass reflex loading
- Slot Loaded Profiled Port
- Downward-firing reflex port
- Reduced port turbulence
- PROS cabinet technology
- Panel Resonance Optimisation System
- Multilayer cabinet construction
- Curved cabinet edges
- Reduced diffraction
- Three-way crossover
- Peter Comeau-led acoustic development
- 520Hz lower crossover
- 4.5kHz upper crossover
- 42Hz–22kHz frequency response
- 33Hz bass extension at -6dB
- 88dB sensitivity
- 103dB peak SPL
- 6O nominal impedance
- 3.5O minimum impedance
- 8O-compatible manufacturer rating
- 25–150W recommended amplification
- 560mm height
- 286mm width
- 350mm cabinet depth
- Approx. 402mm depth including terminals
- 20.5kg per speaker
- Optional dedicated stands
- 485mm dedicated stand height
- 286 x 350mm stand top plate
- 12kg dedicated stand weight per stand
- Black manufacturer finish
- White manufacturer finish
- Walnut manufacturer finish
- Part of complete AURA family
- Suitable for stereo hi-fi
- Suitable for matching AURA home cinema systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wharfedale AURA 2 still current?
Yes. AURA 2 remains part of Wharfedale's current AURA loudspeaker range.
Is AURA 2 sold as a pair?
Audio T offers the AURA 2 as a stereo loudspeaker pair, with selected options also available together with matching AURA 2 stands.
Is AURA 2 a bookshelf speaker?
Wharfedale technically classifies it as a bookshelf speaker, but at 560mm tall and 20.5kg per cabinet it is far better regarded as a large standmount loudspeaker.
Is AURA 2 a two-way or three-way speaker?
It is a true three-way design with separate bass, midrange and treble drive units.
What tweeter does AURA 2 use?
A 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer.
What is an Air Motion Transformer?
An AMT uses a lightweight folded diaphragm carrying electrical conductors within a magnetic field. The folds contract and expand to move air rather than operating like a conventional piston-style dome.
Is an AMT the same as a ribbon tweeter?
No. They share some lightweight-diaphragm characteristics, but their physical construction and method of moving air are different.
What size is the midrange driver?
100mm or four inches.
Why does AURA 2 have a separate midrange?
It allows voices and instruments to be reproduced by a driver dedicated to the midband rather than asking the bass cone to cover both low frequencies and most of the midrange.
What size is the bass driver?
150mm or 6.5 inches.
What are the cones made from?
Wharfedale specifies a proprietary woven Black Glass Fibre Matrix material for both the midrange and bass drivers.
Is AURA 2 rear ported?
No. It uses Wharfedale's downward-firing SLPP Slot Loaded Profiled Port system.
What is SLPP?
SLPP uses a downward-facing bass reflex port that distributes airflow into the room through a profiled slot near the speaker's plinth.
Does the downward-facing port mean I can put AURA 2 against a wall?
It reduces the direct rear-port issue found on some speakers, but room boundaries still reinforce bass. AURA 2 should be positioned by listening rather than pushed tightly against a wall automatically.
How low does AURA 2 play?
Wharfedale specifies a 42Hz–22kHz +/-3dB response and bass extension to 33Hz at -6dB.
Will I need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. AURA 2 already offers unusually deep bass for a standmount. A subwoofer is more relevant for very deep music content or home cinema LFE.
What is the sensitivity?
88dB for 2.83V at one metre.
Is AURA 2 difficult to drive?
Not excessively, but its 3.5O minimum impedance means a capable amplifier with good current delivery is preferable to choosing by wattage alone.
What amplifier power does Wharfedale recommend?
25 to 150 watts per channel.
Will a 25W amplifier work?
25W is within Wharfedale's recommended range. Whether it is sufficient depends on the amplifier itself, room size and required listening level.
Would 50–100W be sensible?
For many domestic systems a good amplifier in this region is a logical starting point, but amplifier quality and current delivery matter as much as headline watts.
What is the nominal impedance?
6O.
What is the minimum impedance?
3.5O.
What does 8O compatible mean?
Wharfedale describes the 6O AURA 2 as suitable for compatible amplifiers intended to operate with conventional 8O speakers, although the amplifier still needs to handle its 3.5O minimum impedance appropriately.
What is the maximum SPL?
Wharfedale specifies a peak output of 103dB.
What are the crossover frequencies?
520Hz and 4.5kHz.
Who designed the AURA crossover?
Wharfedale's acoustic development is led by Peter Comeau, IAG Director of Acoustic Design.
What is PROS?
PROS stands for Panel Resonance Optimisation System and describes Wharfedale's multilayer cabinet construction designed to reduce unwanted panel resonance and acoustic energy leakage.
Why are the cabinet sides curved?
As well as creating AURA's distinctive appearance, the smooth profile helps reduce unwanted acoustic reflections and diffraction around sharp enclosure edges.
How tall is AURA 2?
560mm.
How wide is AURA 2?
286mm.
How deep is AURA 2?
Wharfedale's current specification indicates approximately 350mm cabinet depth plus 52mm for the rear terminals, giving roughly 402mm overall.
Why do some specifications say 300 or 352mm deep?
Older and third-party listings contain conflicting depth figures. Wharfedale's current product specification and the 286 x 350mm top plate of its dedicated stand support the current 350mm cabinet-depth figure.
How much does each speaker weigh?
20.5kg.
Can I put AURA 2 on ordinary furniture?
It is possible only if the furniture is sufficiently strong and correctly sized, but a proper speaker stand is the recommended approach for positioning and stability.
Are matching speaker stands available?
Yes. Wharfedale makes a dedicated AURA 2 stand and Audio T offers selected speaker-and-stand packages.
How high are the AURA 2 stands?
The current detailed Wharfedale specification gives a height of 485mm.
How big is the stand top plate?
Approximately 286 x 350mm, matching the footprint of AURA 2.
How much does each stand weigh?
Approximately 12kg.
Can I use third-party stands?
Yes, provided they are stable, suitably sized and rated to support a 20.5kg speaker securely.
Should the AMT be at ear level?
It should be reasonably close to seated ear height for a good starting point, which is one of the reasons a properly sized stand matters.
Should AURA 2 be toed in?
A modest amount of toe-in is a sensible starting point. Experiment with the angle to balance central-image focus and soundstage width in your room.
How far should AURA 2 be from the wall?
Wharfedale does not give one universal distance because rooms vary considerably. Give the speaker some breathing room and adjust by listening for the best balance between bass weight, clarity and stereo imaging.
Can AURA 2 work in a small room?
Yes if there is sufficient space for sensible positioning, but its deep bass capability and large cabinet make it particularly well suited to medium and larger rooms.
Is it suitable for large rooms?
Its 20.5kg enclosure, three-way architecture, 150mm bass driver and 103dB peak specification make it substantially more capable in larger rooms than a typical compact standmount.
Is AURA 2 good for vinyl?
Yes. The quality of the turntable, cartridge, phono stage and amplifier will determine the signal reaching the speakers, and AURA 2 is sufficiently revealing to benefit from a capable analogue front end.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes. It can be used with a streaming amplifier or conventional amplifier and separate network streamer.
Is AURA 2 suitable for rock music?
Its large bass driver, deep extension and useful dynamic capability make it particularly well suited to music requiring scale and rhythmic weight.
Is it suitable for jazz and acoustic music?
Yes. The dedicated midrange and fast AMT are equally relevant to voices, acoustic instruments, cymbals and recorded ambience.
Is it suitable for classical music?
Its wide bandwidth and three-way design make it well suited to recordings that combine fine detail with large dynamic swings.
Is AURA 2 better than AURA 1?
It is the larger and more ambitious model, offering greater scale and bass capability. AURA 1 may be the better choice where the room or available space is smaller.
Should I buy AURA 2 or a floorstander?
That depends on the room and presentation you prefer. AURA 2 provides serious low-frequency performance in a standmount format, while a floorstander removes the need for separate stands and may offer even greater scale.
Can AURA 2 be used for home cinema?
Yes. Wharfedale produces matching AURA centre and floorstanding speakers for complete multichannel systems.
What finishes does Wharfedale make?
The current manufacturer specification lists Walnut, White and Black high-gloss finishes. Audio T availability can vary.
Are the speakers passive?
Yes. They require a suitable external stereo amplifier, power amplifier or AV receiver.
Do they have Bluetooth or WiFi?
No. AURA 2 is a conventional passive loudspeaker. Wireless and streaming functionality comes from the amplifier or source equipment connected to it.
Are speaker cables included?
Speaker cable should be chosen separately to suit the amplifier, installation length and system.
Should I audition AURA 2 before buying?
Yes. At this level, amplifier matching, room interaction and personal listening preferences matter considerably. A demonstration with familiar music is strongly recommended.
Related Wharfedale Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Wharfedale AURA 2 From Audio T?
A speaker at this level deserves to be heard as part of a complete system rather than chosen from a specification sheet alone. The amplifier, stands, room size and final positioning can all make a significant difference to what AURA 2 ultimately delivers.
Audio T can demonstrate the AURA 2 with suitable amplification, help compare standmount and floorstanding alternatives, and advise whether the dedicated Wharfedale stands are the best solution for your room. Bring some music you know well and take the time to hear how the speakers behave with the kind of recordings you actually listen to.
- In-store Wharfedale demonstrations
- AURA 2 demonstrations
- Standmount versus floorstanding comparisons
- Amplifier matching advice
- Speaker stand advice
- Dedicated AURA 2 stand packages
- Speaker positioning guidance
- Room-size matching
- Toe-in and stereo-imaging setup
- Speaker cable advice
- Turntable system matching
- Streaming system matching
- Two-channel system planning
- AURA home cinema planning
- Part-exchange options
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Wharfedale AURA 2, discuss amplifier matching or find the best loudspeaker for your room and system.