Wharfedale Pro Opus2 User manual

Loudspeakers

2

INTRODUCTION
The Opus2loudspeaker system is
a premium quality, large format
loudspeakerdesignedfor exceptional
accuracy in the reproduction of
recorded music and film.
The scale of presentation and
dynamic range is beyond that
possible from conventional high-
fidelity loudspeakers, primarily
because of the volume of air capable
of being displaced from the drive
units; their speed of response and
agility under pressure.
Numerous new technologies have
been applied throughout the range
to ensure that Opus2is capable of
creating a lifelike listening experience
akin to that of a live concert hall.
New Carbon-Fibre bass drivers, our
unique tri-laminate cone, three-inch
dome mid-range and a lightweight
‘copper-coated’ aluminium tweeter
voice-coil for extended and precise
high-frequency response, all
contribute towards one of the finest
loudspeakers available today.
Build and finish is nothing short of
exceptional - something you would
expect from a product of this quality -
yet every detail has been addressed.
The Opus2series fit effortlessly into
the living environment with the
choice of piano or satin finishes, and
a range of real wood veneers - not
reconstituted woods used on lesser
loudspeakers. Gold-plated terminals,
cast alloy trim and accessories simply
guild the real construction which
utilises variable-density multi-layer
laminate MDF cabinets, sealed and
isolated mid-range compartment,
high-purity oxygen-free copper
cables and a simple yet perfectly
executed crossover.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
The Wharfedale design principle
has, since our foundation in 1932,
been one of simple execution and
vertical component synergy. This
principle is manifest within Opus2.
Every component, sub-assembly,
even the crossover elements are
manufactured entirely in-house to
a standard commensurate with
the product and with regard to
every other component within the
loudspeaker.
Through this vertical integration we
are able to ensure the cabinets fit
the drive units, that the operating
spectrum of the drive units work
with each other and that the whole
is much greater than the sum of the
parts - perfect synergy.
Thisall-embracingapproach todesign
pays dividends in performance.
Because the crossover can be
relatively simple, phase linearity
is preserved, meaning the drive
units move in unison - a seamless
transition from one to the other
without disconnect or interference.
Because each drive unit is operating
so comfortably within its own
specification, the presentation is
relaxed and confident; powerful
and fulfilling.
Opus2loudspeakers have a further
feature - usually found only in the
highestqualityprofessionalrecording
studios - a dome mid-range driver
capable of reproducing the entire
range of human vocal reproduction
- with a dispersion characteristic
which mimics the voice.
Through this synergy, Opus2
achieves one of the most natural
presentations possible from a
moving-coil loudspeaker.
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The most common criticism levelled at
hi-fi companies today is that systems
are designed either for home cinema
use, or to reproduce stereo music
accurately. It is seemingly difficult
to find a system that combines
the best of both worlds without
compromise to each other. Opus2,
however, has been engineered as
a complete range with dedicated
models available for use as centre
channels and surround speakers.
Within film soundtracks, around
70% of the audio is usually directed
through the centre speaker. It is
essential therefore, that this speaker
is not only of the very highest quality,
but that it integrates seamlessly
with the front left and front right
speakers, presenting a cohesive front
soundstage.
The Opus2centre channel speaker
utilises the same dome mid-range
and tweeter arrangement as in all the
floorstand and stand-mount models.
Aligned vertically, their dispersion
is uniform on the horizontal plane
with none of the ‘lobing’ that lesser
centre channels can be prone to.
Tonally matched and perfectly
balanced to present vocals in a
breath-takingly natural fashion, the
Opus2centre is the result of many
years work in the field of home
cinema.
The tri-surround speakers within
the Opus2range take the principle
of tonal matching further still,
perfectly integrated with the rest
of the series, yet with a full 180
degree dispersion aimed at fully
immersing the listener within a
complete soundfield.
The Opus2series also includes
the new ‘AVC’ models. These
are specifically engineered to
be wall mounted for the least
intrusive installation, yet with the
same outstanding neutrality and
cleanliness as the larger models.
APPLICATIONS

A new studio monitor quality large
dome mid-range drive unit is used
over the crucial midband frequencies,
700 Hz – 4 kHz. A key feature of this
driver is exceptionally low distortion
over its entire working range –
typically less than 1% at a Sound
Pressure Level of 100 db at 1 metre.
The driver is mounted in a custom
matched fascia plate which provides
partial horn loading,
giving a broad angle
of dispersion at its
upper crossover
point. The fascia
plate is die
cast aluminium,
designed to place
the units as close as
possible for optimum
integration and to create a point
source effect.
The dome is driven by a large 75 mm
voice coil based on a hard aluminium
former to provide maximum rigidity
and to maintain a cool coil operating
temperature by maximising thermal
radiation. The diaphragm supporting
ring is die cast aluminium to maintain
perfect concentricity of the moving
parts during assembly. The dome
is pressure equalised by a closely
coupled underside perforated dome
baffle and a rear chamber within an
extended die cast aluminium finned
rear cover which serves as a heat sink
and breaks up internal resonances. A
powerful high flux shielded magnet
provides ample reserves of motor
force to the dome.
The highest
frequencies are
handled by a
soft dome driver.
Extensive research
at Wharfedale has
established that properly
engineered soft domes are
a better choice than metallic
based domes, which add their
own typical character to the treble
response. The new Opus² tweeter
has been re-engineered with a fine
gauge aluminium coil to reduce the
moving mass and extend response to
beyond 45 kHz -far above audible
frequencies.
Careful attention to detail has resulted
in wide dispersion with very low
distortion again typically below 1%
at an SPL of 100 db at 1 metre. The
unit uses a fully shielded high flux
neodymium magnet, and produces a
typical SPL of 93 dB at 1 metre at an
input of one Watt. Die cast aluminium
structural parts are used throughout
and a rear cover isolates the tweeter
dome from the pressure of other
speaker components.
INTEGRATED DRIVER DESIGN
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