Wharfedale has taken a fresh approach with its latest release, the Aston—a limited-edition standmount speaker that blends vintage aesthetics with modern acoustic design. Unlike many of the company’s Heritage Series models, which update classic Wharfedale speakers with newer technology, the Aston is a brand-new design. And with only 500 pairs available, it’s clear that Wharfedale is aiming this one at serious audio enthusiasts.
Wharfedale has been making loudspeakers since 1932, and in recent years, its Heritage Series has been all about bringing back legendary models with modern upgrades. The Aston, however, is something different. Rather than a reimagined classic, it’s an entirely new model that has been in the works for four years under the direction of Peter Comeau, Wharfedale’s Head of Acoustic Design.
The project kicked off alongside the development of other Heritage models but took its own path. It was first previewed as a prototype at the High End Munich audio show in 2022, and now, after refinements, it's ready for release in late February 2025.
“When I designed my first commercial Hi-Fi speakers in the late 1970s, my goal was to create a compact speaker that delivered a wide-bandwidth sound. That idea has remained a cornerstone of my designs ever since. The Aston embodies that vision… natural, detailed, and full-bodied beyond its size. Acoustic engineering of the highest order has made this possible,” said Comeau.
At first glance, the Aston fits right in with Wharfedale’s Heritage lineup. Its compact standmount design (34 cm high, 20 cm wide, and 25.5 cm deep) is reminiscent of classic British bookshelf speakers. But beneath the vintage-style grille, Wharfedale has packed in modern components designed to deliver a rich, natural sound.
The cabinet construction is an important part of the design. It’s built using multiple layers of wood, including high-density particle board, MDF, and a damping adhesive layer. This setup helps control unwanted vibrations and keeps the sound clear and detailed. Available in walnut, mahogany, and black oak veneers, the finish is hand-polished to give it a satin look.
A magnetically attached grille covers the front of the speaker, and unlike many modern designs where grilles are optional, Wharfedale actually recommends keeping them on—their shape helps smooth out the sound and prevent reflections from the edges of the cabinet.
The Aston is a two-way ported speaker, meaning it has a separate mid/bass driver and a tweeter, both custom-built by Wharfedale specifically for this model.
While the Aston can technically be placed on a sturdy shelf or table, Wharfedale has designed a dedicated stand to go with it. The open-frame stand, made from British steel, includes damping-filled uprights to reduce unwanted vibrations and even has a built-in cable management system to keep things tidy.
The stand is available separately for £499, but if you’re buying the speakers, it makes sense to bundle them in. The Aston with stands costs £1,999 per pair, while the speakers alone are priced at £1,699 per pair.
For those looking to grab a pair, the Aston will be available from late February 2025, though with just 500 pairs in production, they may not last long. In the UK, pricing is set at:
Internationally, the speaker-and-stand package will retail for around $3,000 / €2,500 / AU$5,000.
For advertising please contact the editor at indianalang@hometheaterreview.com
