Wharfedale DX-2 5.1 cinema package launched

DX-2 5.1 speaker packageWhen looking to upgrade your 5.1 home cinema audio it can be a costly thing, both financially and in terms of the amount of space it consumes. However, Wharfedale’s DX-2 speaker system proves it doesn’t have to be like that.

If you are in the market for a more descrete home cinema speaker system, then Wharfedale might have the very thing.

The DX-2 system consists of four satellite speakers for the front and rear, plus a compact centre speaker. Throw in the active subwoofer, and Robert is your mother’s brother.

The DX-2 replaces the similarly diminutive DX-1 series of speaker packages. Those were universally praised for their excellent ‘sound-per-pound’ performance. In fact, they garnered accolades from various esteemed publications.

Wharfedale DX-2

DX-2 Satellite (pair)The DX-2 features an improved cabinet design and a smart, contemporary new look.

The drive units have been fine-tuned and the active subwoofer upgraded with a more powerful and sophisticated integral amplifier. This all adds up to greater scale, punch and refinement.

You can wall-mount or place these on an AV stand or shelf. The DX-2 Satellite measures just 19 x 12 x 12cm (HxWxD).

It incorporates a 19mm silk dome tweeter and 75mm mid/bass driver with a woven polypropylene cone. This material is used for its ideal combination of lightness, strength and low colouration.

The enclosure is an infinite baffle (closed-box) design. This enables the speakers to be sited in close proximity to a wall without adversely affecting their performance.

DX-2 Centre

DX-2 CentreThis speaker incorporates the same silk dome tweeter flanked by two 75mm mid/bass drivers in a 12x31x12cm (HxWxD) cabinet.

Its design includes a sophisticated aperiodic bass loading system. This consists of a vent that is filled with resistive porous foam to reduce low-frequency distortion. This controls bass response and contributes to a rich and detailed centre channel performance. All will agree that this is a critical part of the surround sound experience.

WH-D8 sub

WH-D8 SubwooferThe matching active subwoofer combines a 200mm long-throw bass cone with a 70W (150W peak) amplifier. Here (or, should that be hear?) you’ll get bass that’s fast, deep and well-defined from an extremely compact unit. The WH-D8 measures just 29.8 x 26.8 x 30cm (HxWxD).

The quality of the subwoofer’s design ensures it integrates superbly with the other speakers in the package. I am told that there won’t be any hint of bass bloating or overhang.

WH-D8 Subwoofer (rear)It also sports an ‘auto- power’ facility. This switches out of standby when a signal is sensed and back again when it stops.

Final bit

Available in black initially, with an alternative white finish coming soon, the DX-2 5.1 speaker package delivers smart, space-saving contemporary style and exhilarating sound for both movies and music.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy authentic and engaging surround sound at a price more akin to a soundbar than a high-quality 5.1 speaker package.

Words

Peter Comeau, Director of Acoustic Design for Wharfedale’s parent company IAG stated:

In the UK and around the world, there is strong demand for compact and affordable 5.1 speaker systems that combine crisp, modern aesthetics with high-quality sound. In the DX-2 we have incorporated elements from Wharfedale’s award-winning loudspeakers to deliver a high-value package that is not only a delight in the home, but also extremely enjoyable to listen to. Modern movie soundtracks are exceptionally demanding, but we’ve made sure that this package is tailor-made for the job.”

Price and availability

The Wharfedale DX-2 home cinema speaker package is available from November 2017 at an RRP of £449.95.

A satellite expansion pack is also available, priced at £99.95 per pair – ideal for those seeking to expand the 5.1 package to a 7.1 configuration.