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

Transcription

1 O P U S

2 the 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.

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

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5 cabinet design Opus cabinets are constructed using a special variety of wood composite which provides extremely low internal resonance. Manufactured from Australian Eucalyptus and Pine, blended with synthetic resins, it is a versatile material prized by wood workers for its inherent qualities of strength, homogeneous consistency and its flawlessly smooth finish. The curved shape is, itself a revolution, not in design, but in process, for whilst the benefits of curved cabinets have been understood for some years, producing them has until now, been fraught with problems and has, for any reasonable attempt, been prohibitively expensive. The theory is simple. In conventional enclosures, compressions and rarefactions behind the cone cause standing waves to be produced in the box enclosure. When not controlled, these produce damaging interactions. cancellations and resonances that manifest themselves as slow bass decay or overhang. 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. This gives not only higher output, but good neutrality. With the control of damaging resonant frequencies, bass becomes clearer, much more dynamic with faster transients, displaying textbook rise and decay times. This in turn, impacts throughout the frequency range to make Opus eminently 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.

6 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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9 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.

10 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 of the whole to give balance and headroom and to operate comfortably within its intended range. Under even the extreme dynamic demands today s program can generate, each unit comfortably produces the kind of gravitas and command only experienced in truly highend loudspeakers. Our revolutionary soft dome mid-range is the most advanced unit we have ever produced and is designed to cover the most important fraction of the frequency spectrum without interruption. The critical range, from 800Hz to 6kHz is covered without crossover, directivity collapse, or anomalous materials interaction. The dome mid range produces only around a tenth of the distortion produced by a conventional mid-range unit. The heart of the Opus range, this dome mid-range enables our designers to focus both the woofer and tweeter components within their own optimum operating ranges. No longer is the woofer asked to extend from the low bass all the way up to the tweeter. The woofer motor, cone and suspension parts can now be designed optimally for the 30Hz lower extreme to the 800Hz crossover point with the soft dome mid. The cone strength and mass needed for low bass integrity and power could cause problems at higher frequencies. At 3.5kHz a woofer is asked to stop and start over 7,000 times a second! Similarly, a high frequency drive unit asked to produce high output at 3,000-3,500 Hz must have a larger area and hence greater mass. Both create serious challenges for the designer and materials engineer. How to operate effectively from 30kHz to 45kHz and at the same time integrate with the frequencies produced by the woofer. Although many creditable two way speakers are available, these are limited to smaller systems where the cone is a relatively small component. In larger, higher output speakers, the gap is usually bridged by smaller mid-range conical drive units - if at all. Even a brief listening experience with the Opus range will reveal the advantages of the soft dome mid range, not only through its operational range, but at both frequency extremes. Most significantly, the total distortion of the Opus range, at less than one tenth of most cone or two way systems, is remarkably low, revealing detail in music that had previously been masked. Add to this the uniform and smooth coverage of the systems and their ability to integrate into a wide variety of acoustic spaces, and the integrity of these loudspeakers is unquestionable. Gentle roll-offs at either extreme of the mid-range response maintain phase integrity throughout the transition to the tweeter and to our woven carbon bass drivers respectively. A strong As well as being housed in a sealed enclosure, the mid range chamber in the cabinet is completely isolated from the rest of the speaker. 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.

11 conformal backing structure behind the dome provides protection against accidental physical incursion. Almost uniquely in a domestic hi-fi system, the Opus surround speakers and centre channel also use this special dome mid-range unit. As well as providing total tonal continuity around a Home Theatre room, this is also highly significant in the centre channel. 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. Where most centre channel speakers sound different to the other screen channels, the Opus Centre is designed to match the Left and Right main speakers, in exactly the same way as motion picture dubbing and mixing studios are built. The dome mid-range covers the complete vocal spectrum and with the additional drivers to provide reinforcement at the lower and higher frequencies, it comfortably meets all the requirements of the ideal centre. The vertical orientation/relationship of the mid dome to the tweeter gives the centre essentially the same dispersion pattern as the left and right speakers, creating an integrated sound stage across the three screen channels. The tweeter itself has an effective response beyond 50kHz. This, although inaudible according to the traditional understanding of acoustics, has accuracy implications throughout the operational range as well as significant implications in the field of physchoacoustics. The advantages of such accuracy in the tweeter unit is self-evident in the soundstage produced. The effect is nothing short of breathtaking. Every instrument and vocal is given its own space and identity, steadfastly refusing to become muddled even during the most complex of scores. Levels of openness are without question amongst the finest in the world. A significant step forward in acoustic reproduction has been introduced from our latest flagship model, the Airedale Heritage into the Opus series. Itself a Grand-Prix finalist, the Wharfedale Airedale Heritage is a technological triumph, the result of nearly fifteen years research in a quest to solve one of the biggest dilemmas in high-fidelity reproduction. Large cones used across too wide a frequency range traditionally display quite high levels of distortion. The pressure of moving large volumes of air at low frequencies, as well as stopping and starting rapidly at high frequencies, causes cone materials to twist and flex. Imagine running into the wind with a dustbin lid for example. This flexing and twisting generates unwanted cone cry and other types of fatiguing distortion The ideal has always been to design a system wherein each transducer is only asked to produce what it reasonably can, without being stretched. For this driver, that means we needed to produce a cone that exhibits strength (so it doesn t flex and hence produce further distortion), is light, so it can accelerate and brake quickly within a strong magnetic field, yet has a very low Young s modulus - the factor that determines the level of internal cone resonance. Balancing these three factors has been the acousticians worst nightmare and to date, most materials display advantages in one or even two factors, but often at the ultimate cost of the others. Using a unique new drive unit construction method, we have produced a cone that exhibits incredible linearity and control with a textbook response and rise time. Dynamics are dramatically harder and faster than before with no noticeable bass overhang. Coupled with our curved cabinet, standing waves are all but eliminated. As a result, the bass is clearer, better defined with clearly audible and demonstrable advantages.

12 for home cinema 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.

13 surround Opus was developed from the outset to produce the finest sound quality possible regardless of the recording medium. We have created the Opus Tri-pole surround speaker to recreate with clarity, the ideal rear soundstage for modern multi-channel systems. Designed to be hung on a rear wall in pairs, each of the drive units operates in-phase to produce a wide, uninterrupted surround field. The front firing 6.5 or 170mm bass driver extends the bottom end response to around 60Hz. Twin pairs of dome mid-ranges and tweeters fire at angles, one set directly toward the ideal listening position, and one set towards a wall, or into space. The drivers that fire inward toward the listener, provide localisation of effects, positioning them exactly within the rear sound field. The outward firing driver pairs produce ambience and a sense of scale. Although simple in concept, this system really has to be experienced to appreciate the acoustic benefits. It goes without saying that everything is tonally matched to create a seamless transition from one speaker to the next. This, combined with the wide dispersion characteristics of every drive used, produces a sense of complete immersion and involvement.

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15 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 spikes are easily adjusted to allow for uneven floors or carpet pile. All models are supplied in pairs except for the 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. 1 Bass Mid Tweeter Power Nominal Imp. Sensitivity 1W@1M Frequency Range Crossover Frequency Frequency Fb Size ( H x W x D ) 8" 200mm 3" 75mm 25mm tex 150W 6 ohm 89dB 37 44kHz 700 & 4kHz 40Hz 950 x 260 x 410mm (Spike height 35mm)

16 2 3 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 (Spike height 35mm) Size ( H x W x D ) 1150 x 315 x 440mm (Spike height 35mm)

17 tri-centre Bass 6.2" 170mm x 2 Mid 3" 75mm Tweeter 25mm tex tri-surround Bass 6.2" 170mm Mid 3" 75mm x 2 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

18 Wharfedale International Ltd. IAG House, Sovereign Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon. PE29 6XU Tel: / +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Photography courtesy of Kettle s Yard, University of Cambridge