The new limited edition Wharfedale stereo speakers are custom-made and surprisingly affordable (for this type of product).

Wharfedale has unveiled its new speakers, called Aston, which combine a retro design with a satin finish. This series has a limited production of only 500 units, and the initial price is £1,699 per pair.

The Aston speakers are the latest addition to Wharfedale's Heritage range, which is dedicated to recreating iconic models from its history, now re-engineered with modern techniques and materials. Unlike recent updates to the Heritage line that have modernized classic models, the Aston marks a new direction, although it shares its name with a 1970s wall-mounted speaker design. Its aesthetic includes a vintage grille and real wood veneers, offering a more nostalgic appearance.

With dimensions of 340 x 200 x 255 mm for each unit, the Aston speakers are comparable in size to bookshelf speakers, although they can be combined with Wharfedale stands for better placement in the home. They are also available in walnut, mahogany, or black oak veneers, each carefully polished and lacquered for a satin finish.

These speakers are a protected two-way model, meaning each unit features a woofer and a tweeter specifically designed for this model by Peter Comeau, Wharfedale's Chief Acoustic Designer. The frequency response spans from 55 Hz to 20 kHz, allowing for an enjoyable experience with both music and movies.

Comeau emphasized that by leveraging the latest innovations in cabinet design, drivers, and crossover frequencies from key models in the Heritage series, he has created a speaker that meets the specifications he set out at the beginning of his career: a compact speaker with a wide frequency sound.

Although its configuration is simpler than some three-way models in the Heritage range that include a midrange driver, the Aston benefits from premium components, such as a ceramic magnet motor system and a 25 mm fabric dome, similar to what is found in the high-end Dovedale model.

The development of the Aston has taken several years, with a prototype presented at the High End audio fair in Munich in 2022. According to James Davidson, a writer for TechRadar's hardware team, Wharfedale is currently producing high-quality audio hardware, highlighting recent models such as the Super Denton.

The Aston will be available starting at the end of February for £1,699 (approximately $2,120 / AU$3,380) without stands, or £1,999 with them included. While the stand can be purchased separately for £500, it is recommended to acquire it as part of the package to take advantage of the discount. Although they are more expensive than most models in the stereo speaker guides, their style, power, and exclusivity make the price more accessible than one might expect from a brand with a long tradition.