Wharfedale Denton review

Retro looks and timeless sound make an appealing combination

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

These are immensely likeable. Their relaxed yet engaging sound has a lot of appeal

Pros

  • +

    Smooth, rich and expressive presentation

  • +

    easy-going nature

  • +

    solid build

Cons

  • -

    Not the last word in attack, bass grip or rhythmic precision

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

There aren’t many audio companies that have been around long enough to celebrate 80 years in the business. But Wharfedale has – and it’s marked that impressive milestone with the Denton standmounters.

These speakers are deliberately retro in feel thanks to a vintage-look mahogany veneer, recessed front baffle and tungsten-coloured grille. But take a look at the engineering and there’s a more cutting-edge flavour.

Wharfedale Denton: Tech specs
The mid/bass driver uses a woven Kevlar cone, for example, and the cabinet is made of a wooden sandwich construction to control resonances.

Wharfedale has paid homage to the past by specifying a ferrite magnet for the textile soft-dome tweeter rather than the currently fashionable Neodymium alternative. The company claims that this magnet choice results in cleaner, softer and smoother high frequencies.

Wharfedale Denton

Wharfedale Denton: Sound quality
That’s how it sounds to us. The company has voiced these speakers with an ear on the past, and has come up with a really likeable performer.

If you want the last word is bass definition or rhythmic precision there are similarly-priced alternatives that will serve you better. However, if you just want to sit back, relax and listen, we can’t think of a rival at this price that will suit you better.

With that smooth treble, a full-bodied midrange and rich bass combine to deliver an easy-going sound that remains undemanding to listen to no matter how harsh the recording.

The Dentons don’t go too far, though. They’re still exciting with the likes of Nirvana and have the drive to satisfy with Eminem, but remain happiest with music that reflects their laid-back disposition. Given something like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata these speakers shine.

Wharfedale Denton: Verdict
These speakers aren’t brilliant all-rounders, but give them something that plays to their strengths they’re fully capable of delivering a large slice of sonic heaven.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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