Introduction
Thank you for choosing Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Loudspeakers. These speakers are designed to deliver exceptional audio performance, combining classic aesthetics with modern acoustic engineering. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your speakers to ensure years of listening enjoyment.
Key Features
- Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Speakers
- Sold as a pair
- Power: 20-100 Watts | Impedance: 4 Ω | Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Bass Driver: 6.5" woven Kevlar cone
- Tweeter: 1" soft dome
- Dimensions: 12.6" x 7.8" x 10.8" (H x W x D)
Setup Guide
Unpacking
Carefully remove the speakers from their packaging. Retain all packing materials for future transport or storage. Inspect the speakers for any signs of damage. If any damage is found, contact your dealer immediately.
Placement
Optimal speaker placement is crucial for sound quality. Place the speakers on sturdy, level surfaces, such as dedicated speaker stands or robust bookshelves. For best stereo imaging, position the speakers equidistant from your primary listening position, forming an equilateral triangle. Keep them away from corners and walls to avoid excessive bass resonance. Experiment with toe-in (angling the speakers slightly towards the listening position) to fine-tune the soundstage.
Image: Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary speakers (pair) with grilles.
Connections
Ensure your amplifier is turned off before making any connections. Use high-quality speaker cables. Connect the positive (+) terminal (red) on your amplifier to the positive (+) terminal on the speaker, and the negative (-) terminal (black) on your amplifier to the negative (-) terminal on the speaker. Maintain correct polarity for both speakers to ensure proper phase and sound imaging. These speakers support bi-wiring; if using a single wire connection, ensure the metal links between the terminals are in place.
Image: Rear panel of the speaker showing connection terminals and bass ports.
Operation
Once connected, turn on your amplifier and select the appropriate input. Start with the volume at a low level and gradually increase it to your desired listening level. Avoid playing music at excessively high volumes for prolonged periods, as this can damage the speakers and your hearing.
Break-in Period
Like many high-fidelity loudspeakers, the Denton 85th Anniversary speakers benefit from a 'break-in' period. This typically involves 50-100 hours of normal listening. During this time, the drivers will loosen up, and the sound quality will improve, particularly in bass response and overall clarity.
Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cabinet surfaces. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but avoid excessive moisture. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Grilles: The speaker grilles can be removed for cleaning or for a different aesthetic. Handle them carefully to avoid damage.
- Environment: Avoid placing speakers in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas with high humidity. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also affect performance and longevity.
- Dust: Regularly dust the drivers and cabinet to prevent buildup, which can affect sound quality and appearance.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from one or both speakers | Incorrect wiring; amplifier off; source not selected; faulty cable. | Check all cable connections and polarity. Ensure amplifier is on and correct input is selected. Test with different cables if possible. |
| Distorted or unclear sound | Overdriving amplifier; loose connections; damaged speaker. | Reduce volume. Check all connections for tightness. If distortion persists, contact support. |
| Weak or boomy bass | Incorrect speaker placement (too close to wall/corner); incorrect polarity. | Move speakers further from walls/corners. Verify correct positive/negative wiring. |
| Poor stereo imaging | Uneven speaker placement; incorrect toe-in. | Ensure speakers are equidistant from listening position and symmetrically placed. Adjust toe-in. |
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Denton 85th Anniversary |
| Speaker Type | Bookshelf Loudspeaker (2-way) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-100 Watts |
| Impedance | 4 Ohm |
| Sensitivity (1W@1m) | 88 dB |
| Bass Driver | 6.5 Inches (Woven Kevlar Cone) |
| Tweeter | 1 Inch (Soft Dome) |
| Color | Walnut |
| Included Components | 2 speakers |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 21.5" x 32" x 17" (Note: Product description states 12.6" x 7.8" x 10.8" for HxWxD, please verify with actual product) |
| Item Weight | 42.2 pounds (pair) |
| Manufacturer | WHARFEDALE |
| Connectivity Technology | XLR (Wired) |
| Mounting Type | Shelf Mount |
Image: Product dimensions diagram.
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
The Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Loudspeakers come with a Limited Warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms, conditions, and duration. Typically, this covers manufacturing defects under normal use. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty service, please contact your authorized Wharfedale dealer or visit the official Wharfedale website for support resources. You can find more information about Wharfedale products and support at the Wharfedale Store on Amazon.
