I've just purchased a pair of Wharfdale Progamme 50 for my desktop 2.1 system. (Not arrived yet). Does anybody have any experience of these things?
Wharfedale claim a sensitivity of 96dB - that seems a lot.
Wharfedale claim a sensitivity of 96dB - that seems a lot.
Sensitivity is 90 dB.
The Programme range was intended for commercial use, e.g. in association with a jukebox in a pub, and such speakers can lead a challenging life.
The Programme range was intended for commercial use, e.g. in association with a jukebox in a pub, and such speakers can lead a challenging life.
Cardioid? Not something you expect to see in connection with high sensitivity or high output larger venue use, unless it's a more sophisticated type.
The crossover is simple - a ferrite cored inductor in series with the woofer and a 2nd order capacitor/air cored inductor filter for the tweeter.
An attenuating resistor and a Positec protection device are in series with the tweeter.
An attenuating resistor and a Positec protection device are in series with the tweeter.
Yup, 'Wharfedale Pro' and 'Wharfedale' are different parts of the IAG group Ltd.
While 'Wharfedale' specialises in domestic audio, 'Wharfedale Pro' specialises in pro audio.
Wharfedale Pro's very latest range is shown here: https://www.wharfedalepro.com/programme/
I guess all you need to know about the earlier Pro Program 50 is written in its specifications.
The speaker is intended for commercial premises where its high sensitivity can be an advantage.
P.S. Why didn't you give us all the relevant information at the outset?
While 'Wharfedale' specialises in domestic audio, 'Wharfedale Pro' specialises in pro audio.
Wharfedale Pro's very latest range is shown here: https://www.wharfedalepro.com/programme/
I guess all you need to know about the earlier Pro Program 50 is written in its specifications.
The speaker is intended for commercial premises where its high sensitivity can be an advantage.
P.S. Why didn't you give us all the relevant information at the outset?
Because I don't believe published specifications. Manufacturers no longer provide factual information. They're just trying to sell you stuff. You know, the 1000w amplifiers with the 80w power consumption.
I wondered if anybody had any experience with these speakers.
96dB / 5.5" woofer / 40Hz / 6 litres . . . seem too good to be true.
I was just adding when your above post came in that I did have pause for thought when you mentioned "bookshelf speakers".
I did think the original Wharfedale Programme 50s were a tad large for that application!
So mea culpa, I should have asked for more information at the outset.
I did think the original Wharfedale Programme 50s were a tad large for that application!
So mea culpa, I should have asked for more information at the outset.
The 96dB figure should probably be taken with a pinch of salt, particularly since it is unqualified.
Perhaps you should ask over on the PA systems forum?
However, since you've bought the speakers, you will be best placed to comment after you've compared them to a pair of domestic speakers, which are typically around 87dB.
What is the driver configuration and baffle size? Is it closed, ported or cardioid? How are they wired?
Correction, the sensitivity is quoted as 96dB (1W@1m) in the User Manual:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3020737/Wharfedale-Pro-Programme-50-Series.html?page=2#manual
The enclosure is ported, @AllenB, as you'll read in the User Manual, where you'll also find the dimensions and the driver details.
I see no mention of "cardioid" in this particular model's specs. There is mention of "Dispersion": 60 x 60 (H x V).
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3020737/Wharfedale-Pro-Programme-50-Series.html?page=2#manual
The enclosure is ported, @AllenB, as you'll read in the User Manual, where you'll also find the dimensions and the driver details.
I see no mention of "cardioid" in this particular model's specs. There is mention of "Dispersion": 60 x 60 (H x V).
It says...
Furthermore, they could possibly have higher efficiency midwoofers with a higher frequency bass resonance.
Details like this are going to negate the baffle step, so the crossover probably doesn't compensate and that could explain some of the high sensitivity. Managing whatever baffle step occurs would be considered the job of whoever is installing them.
Furthermore, they could possibly have higher efficiency midwoofers with a higher frequency bass resonance.
Just arrived. Very bright. Perhaps a little harsh up top.
Sensitive but not 96dB sensitive.
The bottom end is nowhere near 40hz. They are pathetic without the sub.
However, for the purpose for which they were purchased - they are excellent.
Sensitive but not 96dB sensitive.
The bottom end is nowhere near 40hz. They are pathetic without the sub.
However, for the purpose for which they were purchased - they are excellent.
As expected for a non baffle compensated speaker? Some of the kick of the bass extends into the midrange where the compensation would otherwise begin. A sub won't normally reach that far.
EQ would lead you to the answers. Other options include crossing higher than the sub offers. You could do your own BSC. However it could be better again to extend the baffle yourself or to soffit mount.
EQ would lead you to the answers. Other options include crossing higher than the sub offers. You could do your own BSC. However it could be better again to extend the baffle yourself or to soffit mount.
I'm done with my subjective testing.
There is no bass. 40hz is beyond a distant dream for these cabinets. On the positive side, above 150hz they must me close to the claimed 96dB,
I purchased them for use as desktop satellites. On the basis you need 10x power for 2x volume, the dB achieved from a 14w input is brutal.
dB per watt, these are possibly the loudest speakers I've ever owned.
There is no bass. 40hz is beyond a distant dream for these cabinets. On the positive side, above 150hz they must me close to the claimed 96dB,
I purchased them for use as desktop satellites. On the basis you need 10x power for 2x volume, the dB achieved from a 14w input is brutal.
dB per watt, these are possibly the loudest speakers I've ever owned.