Полочная акустика — Wharfedale D320

The D320 is the larger of the two standmount speakers in the Wharfedale D300 series, sitting above the D310, while the D330 is the floorstanding model of the range. Wharfedale presented the D300 family as a rethink of the low-cost, high-performance loudspeaker, with drive units and reflex systems developed specifically for this line. Wharfedale now shows it as a discontinued product, with a US price of USD 249 per pair at list.

Key specs that matter

The D320 combines, in a two-way reflex cabinet, a 130 mm bass and mid driver with a black woven Kevlar cone and a 25 mm soft dome tweeter, divided at 2.4 kHz. Response is 56 Hz to 20 kHz within 3 dB, extending to 50 Hz at minus 6 dB. Sensitivity is 87 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m and maximum output is rated at 95 dB peak SPL. Wharfedale gives a nominal impedance of 4 ohm, compatible with amplifiers rated for 8 ohm loads, and a minimum of 3.8 ohm. The enclosure holds 8.2 litres and measures 310 mm high plus 10 mm for the plinth, 180 mm wide and 250 mm deep plus 28 mm for the terminals. Net weight is 5.0 kg per speaker. A carton of two is 490 x 345 x 425 mm and weighs 11.5 kg. Black, rosewood, walnut and white were the finish choices.

Engineering and use context

The Kevlar driver runs on a long-throw voice coil motor with oversized ceramic magnets, which allows larger cone movement before the coil leaves the magnetic gap. The tweeter is Wharfedale's WFR (Wide Frequency Response) unit, housed in its own small enclosure inside the main cabinet. The reflex vent uses the P-EQ (Pressure Equalization) port system, a design trademarked by Wharfedale. The plinth under the cabinet forms part of the listed height and raises the box slightly off the supporting surface.

Pairing

The recommended range is 25 to 100 W per channel. Because the impedance dips below 4 ohm, an amplifier or receiver rated for stable 4 ohm operation is the safer choice, even though the maker states compatibility with standard amplifiers. Stands that bring the tweeter near ear height suit the standmount format, and the D300C centre plus the D300 3D surround model allow a full D300 surround system to be assembled.

Alternatives

Within the D300 range, the Wharfedale D310 is the smaller bookshelf option below the D320.