Been teetering between single driver designs, BLH's, Electrostats and dynamic driver speakers...
Selling some gorgeous Piano Gloss Maple Wharfedale Opus 1's.
They are very dynamic speakers yet are not fatiguing in the least. They carry detail well however I feel that their irrefutable strong point is their gorgeous midrange.
The one thing about these speakers that I found quite amazing is that fact that all drivers are truly matched and manufactured by Wharfedale, the speakers are HANDBUILT in pairs with the same cabinet makers, and technicians matching drivers and speakers as true "twins".
Wharfedale goes as far as making all the materials and tooling done at their factory just for the Opus line. If that isn't commitment to detail I don't know what is.
I have the factory measurements for each speaker, they come with "birth certificates" from Wharfedale. Cotton gloves, 2 sets of floor spikes for the additional plinths, manual, bi and tri wire jumpers, and an actual signed letter from the builder.
A lot of time went into the Opus line, it is evident from first sight. If you want an idea of the finish on these, think of the Silverlines and Quad dynamic speakers. Each driver is encapsulated in it's own aluminium cast frame on the face of the speaker.
With regards to sonics, I can heartily vouch that these surpass the highly vaunted Quad 22L2's in all areas. There is a tall soundstage, and a large sweetspot (no back-breaking, neckbrace-wearing, 2.5" sweetspot here). It's presentation is vast,rich and dynamic.
I will call them an 8/10 since I'm not the first owner and there are 2 grill pegs missing on each grill (apparently not unusual) but cosmetically these are very handsome and high WAF speakers.
They look like solid formed blocks of maple then highly polished with thick, deep coats (upwards of 10) of gloss. Trying to capture it for pics is difficult. Same can be said of a tiny nick on one side of one of the speakers roughly 3mm in size. You only know it's there by running your hand over it.
Though I have all the accessories, cotton speaker bags, manuals, certificate, gloves, spikes, plinths etc. I don't have the factory boxes. I am, however, willing to ship but factor in $60 worth of packing/shipping materials in order to safeguard their arrival to you. I have excellent experience shipping and packing, just look at my feedback, and I will carefully ship them just as how I would expect to receive them.
Locals are more than welcome to pick up and/or meet within reason. They are heavy @ 55lbs each, figure 65lbs each for shipping so double the price on the calculator to get a good idea.
Also, because of their size UPS MAY charge extra handling. I don't pad shipping or packing costs but if you want something of this grade to arrive to you in the stated description, DON'T skimp here.
Please email with any questions, there are a few links online about them, those that own them tend to love them from the start. It's very understandable, they are drop-dead gorgeous and are anything but "thin" sounding.
Thanks in advance - keep in mind, these are the cheapest you'll find online or on the 'gon. My asking is less than what you'd pay for ONE speaker only ON SALE. They are approx. 7 mos. old the orig. owner purchased from a local retailer and is moving up the Opus line. On top of that, they are significantly superior to their cousins, the Quad 22l2's and less expensive from me.
These are easily driven by tubes and present a very benign load. I am using a 45watt EL34 amp with excellent results that keep a vice like grip on the stiff Kevlar woofer, fleshy and seductive mids and airy highs.
***Paypal adds 3%, if you have a shipping account I will deliver to a local port/hub etc. to save you money at no extra cost, no scammers or offensive offers. I will consider offers WITHIN REASON, but be prepared to support it and follow through.***
IF SHIPPING IS OF A CONCERN FOR YOU I MAY CONSIDER SPLITTING
Please PM or email and mention you're an AC member and I'll knock off $75 off top!
original a'gon ad with feedback:
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?spkrfull&1210963490&itemThanks for helping out a "fiend" in need - Happy Listening!
