Hi all,
I have a pair of Wharfedale W2's - an early version with the alnico Super 5's - and I was wondering if an early solid-state amplifier, a Sony TA-1120 (30 watts into 16 ohms), might risk damaging this rare tweeter?
I've googled quite a bit but haven't found the definitive word on this. The manufacturer's catalogue insists on 15 watts max., but there are also indications otherwise, British manufacturers being more conservative about power ratings and so on.
See for instance,
1964 British Wharfedale W2 Speakers - SALE PENDING For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart
I'm wondering if some of the experts on this board might be able to comment? Much appreciated.
I have a pair of Wharfedale W2's - an early version with the alnico Super 5's - and I was wondering if an early solid-state amplifier, a Sony TA-1120 (30 watts into 16 ohms), might risk damaging this rare tweeter?
I've googled quite a bit but haven't found the definitive word on this. The manufacturer's catalogue insists on 15 watts max., but there are also indications otherwise, British manufacturers being more conservative about power ratings and so on.
See for instance,
1964 British Wharfedale W2 Speakers - SALE PENDING For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart
I'm wondering if some of the experts on this board might be able to comment? Much appreciated.
In the era of the W2, Wharfedale described the power handling capacity of their speakers thus:
Unless you are very hard of hearing, you should be in no danger of overloading the speaker! 😎
The key takeaway here is that the W2 will sound very loud long before you supply it with the full output wattage of your amplifier.
Unless you are very hard of hearing, you should be in no danger of overloading the speaker! 😎
Let's look at the compatibility in terms of Wharfedale's power handling figures:
They are, in effect, saying that a 7.5W (the average of 5&10W) Wharfedale speaker of the day was OK to use with a 15W amplifier.
By extrapolation, the W2 speaker, rated 15W, should be OK to use with a 30W amplifier.
I hope this and my previous information is reassuring to you.
They are, in effect, saying that a 7.5W (the average of 5&10W) Wharfedale speaker of the day was OK to use with a 15W amplifier.
By extrapolation, the W2 speaker, rated 15W, should be OK to use with a 30W amplifier.
I hope this and my previous information is reassuring to you.
Thanks for the reply.
The link below shows a metallised paper capacitor in a W2 crossover (see also the attached image).
Wharfedale W2 - Le forum Audiovintage
Later models than yours will have used this less expensive substitute for the oil capacitors.
It looks like the early W2 pictured below is fitted with a tapped choke level control.
The W2 cost £30 in 1959, that's equivalent to around £500 today.
Happy listening! 😎
The link below shows a metallised paper capacitor in a W2 crossover (see also the attached image).
Wharfedale W2 - Le forum Audiovintage
Later models than yours will have used this less expensive substitute for the oil capacitors.
It looks like the early W2 pictured below is fitted with a tapped choke level control.
The W2 cost £30 in 1959, that's equivalent to around £500 today.
Happy listening! 😎
