Wharfedale Emerald 99 Large Floor Standing Speaker (Real Rosewood Veneer)

Wharfedale Emerald 99 Large Floor Standing Speaker (Real Rosewood Veneer)

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
With a performance as inviting as its classical good looks, the Emerald, now in its fourth generation, is an exceptionally refined speaker. Designed with a distinctly art-deco feel, the speakers from the Emerald range are built into a real wood cabinet, producing a rich, warm sound.

Although undisclosed by the appearance of the Emeralds, technology was used extensively in its development. Complex computer modeling has been used in the design of the cabinets to minimize coloration, the woofer cones are constructed using Wharfedale's patented mineral-loaded homopolymer plastic to dampen unwanted resonance while retaining the strength to keep bass accurate and dynamic. Finally, laser interferometry has been used to create a truly outstanding tweeter. The end result is a classic amongst speakers--a dry acoustic character with a revealing and flawless transparency.

Unlike most speaker manufacturers, Wharfedale still designs its own unique drive units, continuing an unbroken tradition of over 65 years. During that time Wharfedale was a pioneer in almost every aspect of drive unit technology including fabric surrounds, rubber surrounds, molded cones, polypropylene cones, ceramic magnets, plastic dome, and ceramic dome tweeters. For this outstanding product line Wharfedale has introduced a new woofer that uses an exclusive mineral-loaded homopolymer plastic, which they first patented in 1982. Not only is the cone rigid, but the finely ground mineral embedded in the cone damps out any unwanted resonance.

It is often said that the design of tweeters owes more to art that science. Certainly tiny changes in materials, construction, and dimensions can make all the difference between reproducing a clean natural treble or creating the coloration and distortion that degrades the sound reproduction. At Wharfedale, though, they have turned an art into a science. Using the advanced technology of laser interferometry and computer driven analysis they have been able to build on the experience of designing literally hundreds of tweeter units. The optimization of the component parts including the silk-fabric dome and the Ferrofluid-cooled voice coil has created an outstanding tweeter worthy of the Wharfedale tradition of finest sound quality.

In the Wharfedale Emerald series, the tweeter is integrated into a circular horn flare, which controls the dispersion of high frequencies in both the vertical and horizontal planes. It is this design that contributes to the true Emerald nature of these loudspeakers with their dry acoustic character and their revealing transparency. Many hours of complex computer analysis has ensured that these cabinet designs are acoustically inert and so add minimal coloration and distortions to the musical performance.

The Emerald 99 model can be converted to biwiring following the removal of two links. Two separate pairs of cables are then run from the amplifier outputs to separately feed the bass/mid drive units and the tweeters. The result is a cleaner, more open sound that, with a good system, amply justifies the extra cost of the cables.

With a power rating of 175 watts, a sensitivity of 89 dB, and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, these speakers will work well with the more powerful home-theater amplifiers on the market. The Wharfedale Emerald 99 comes in a real rosewood veneer and has a five-year warranty on parts and labor.

Product Description:
With a performance as inviting as its classical good looks, the Emerald, now in its second generation, is a truly refined speaker. Designed with a distinctly art-deco feel, the speakers from the new Emerald range are built into a real wood cabinet, producing a rich, warm sound, steeped in emotion. Although undisclosed by the appearance of the Emeralds, technology is used extensively in the manufacture. Complex computer modeling has been used in the design of the cabinets to minimize coloration, the woofer cones are constructed using the patented mineral loaded homopolymer plastic to damp unwanted resonances, whilst retaining the strength to keep bass accurate and dynamic. Finally, laser interferometry has been used to create a truly outstanding tweeter for the Emeralds.The end result is a classic amongst speakers - a dry acoustic character with a revealing and flawless transparency.

Wharfedale Emerald 99 Large Floor Standing Speaker (Real Rosewood Veneer)
Average customer rating:

Emerald 99 & Associated Components

Emerald 99 & Associated Components

Wharfedale's Towers

Wharfedale Emerald 99 Large Floor Standing Speaker (Real Rosewood Veneer)

Manufacturer: Wharfdale
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Floorstanding | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Wharfedale | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

Three-way front-ported floorstanding speaker

175 watts RMS power handling

33 Hz-20 kHz frequency response

8-inch polymer-plastic bass, 5.25-inch mid units; 1-inch silk-dome tweeters

8 ohms nominal impedance

ASIN: B00005IA37

Product Description

With a performance as inviting as its classical good looks, the Emerald, now in its second generation, is a truly refined speaker. Designed with a distinctly art-deco feel, the speakers from the new Emerald range are built into a real wood cabinet, producing a rich, warm sound, steeped in emotion. Although undisclosed by the appearance of the Emeralds, technology is used extensively in the manufacture. Complex computer modeling has been used in the design of the cabinets to minimize coloration, the woofer cones are constructed using the patented mineral loaded homopolymer plastic to damp unwanted resonances, whilst retaining the strength to keep bass accurate and dynamic. Finally, laser interferometry has been used to create a truly outstanding tweeter for the Emeralds.The end result is a classic amongst speakers - a dry acoustic character with a revealing and flawless transparency.

Customer Reviews:

Emerald 99 & Associated Components.......2003-04-19

Wharfedale's Emerald 99 speakers are manufactured in China.
So what, I say!! Infiniti and Lexus automobiles originated
in Asia, too. Yes, the Emerald 99 can be equated to an Infiniti
or Lexus car. Used in combination with quality components -- you will not be disappointed!! Let's start with the interconnects. This is the cable that connects your CD player with your receiver
or amplifier. I'm using one meter Monster Z100i cables. Purchased at Circuit City these cables set me back $.... Yes, this is comparatively expensive "wire". Is it worth it you ask??
Fair question. The Monster cable provides an analog broadband connection between my HK 3470 receiver (100 watts per channel @ 8 ohms) and a Sony ES CD player. The resulting sound quality resonating through my Emerald 99's is wonderful!! But wait there is more to this story. I'm also using Audioquest gold plated (Python) jumpers connecting the pre-amp to the amp. For $... I was able to replace the original factory equipment (OEM) nickel jumpers and the improvement in resolution is several shades of gray. Finally, I bi-wired the Emerald 99's with 12 gauge Monster 10 ft. speaker cables. Consequently, I'm able to "thoroughly enjoy" my Emerald 99's. The resolution is both full and equally delicate. I can easily discern cymbals from drums, a clarinet from a trombone. Music is reproduced with faithful neutrality from top to bottom octaves. A delightful "airiness" radiates from the 99's analogous to a live concert. Jazz such as Maynard Ferguson's Big Band and/or Joe Sample and The Crusaders is reproduced with authentic, "punchy", realism. Matching the Emerald 99's with quality components is vital to maximizing an overall qualitative improvement in sound. Yes, it gets expensive!! Nevertheless, for true audiophiles like myself a few extra dollars is a "small sum" to pay for reaching audio nirvana (i.e. heaven)!!

Wharfedale is distributed by IAG America located outside of Boston, Mass. Their customer service is excellent and easy to deal with. Issues are efficiently resolved "beyond your satisfaction". No, I don't work for IAG America. However, I've
called them on several occassions and found the experience very satisfactory. A three (3) year warranty provides added security.

Finally, don't wait to find Wharfedale Emerald 99's in a big box department store like Best Buy or Tweeter. These stores don't carry Wharfedale. Go ahead -- buy the speakers with confidence today!! They're packaged and shipped securely. Enhanced with quality components yields excellent results. I'm more than pleased.

REALLY !!

Emerald 99 & Associated Components.......2003-04-19

Wharfedale's Emerald 99 speakers are manufactured in China. So what, I say! Infiniti and Lexus automobiles originated in Asia, too. Yes, the Emerald 99 can be equated to an Infiniti or Lexus car. Used in combination with quality components -- you will not be disappointed! Let's start with the interconnects. This is the cable that connects your CD player with your receiver or amplifier. I'm using one meter Monster Z100i cables. Purchased at Circuit City these cables set me back...Yes, this is comparatively expensive "wire"...The Monster cable provides an analog broadband connection between my HK 3470 receiver (100 watts per channel @ 8 ohms) and a Sony ES CD player. The resulting sound quality resonating through my Emerald 99's is wonderful!! But wait there is more to this story. I'm also using Audioquest gold plated (Python) jumpers connecting the pre-amp to the amp...I was able to replace the original factory equipment (OEM) nickel jumpers and the improvement in resolution is several shades of gray. Finally, I bi-wired the Emerald 99's with 12 gauge Monster 10 ft. speaker cables. Consequently, I'm able to "thoroughly enjoy" my Emerald 99's. The resolution is both full and equally delicate. I can easily discern cymbals from drums, a clarinet from a trombone. Music is reproduced with faithful neutrality from top to bottom octaves. A delightful "airiness" radiates from the 99's analogous to a live concert. Jazz such as Maynard Ferguson's Big Band and/or Joe Sample and The Crusaders is reproduced with authentic, "punchy", realism. Matching the Emerald 99's with quality components is vital to maximizing an overall qualitative improvement in sound. Yes, it gets expensive!! Nevertheless, for true audiophiles like myself a few extra dollars is a "small sum" to pay...Wharfedale is distributed by IAG America located outside of Boston, Mass. Their customer service is excellent and easy to deal with. Issues are efficiently resolved "beyond your satisfaction". No, I don't work for IAG America. However, I've called them on several occassions and found the experience very satisfactory. A three (3) year warranty provides added security. Finally, don't wait to find Wharfedale Emerald 99's in a big box department store like Best Buy or Tweeter. These stores don't carry Wharfedale. Go ahead -- buy the speakers with confidence today! They're packaged and shipped securely. Enhanced with quality components yields excellent results. I'm more than pleased. REALLY!

Wharfedale's Towers.......2002-02-05

Curiously, Wharfedale begins with a transparent system that they turn into something best suited to loud rock for people whose exposure to live performances made them deaf. For listeners who do not like to hear cello solos with accompaniment from two violins and a viola, plugging the ports with some of the styrofoam packaging corrects the bass heaviness without muffling the sound. These systems become transparent, flat speakers, utterly devoid of qualities that call attention to themselves. By using multiple, overlapping speakers of one size, Wharfedale towers present pedal tones with well proportioned upper partials, the result being a clarity and unity of sound not associated with ported systems. Closing the ports creates infinte baffling, which tames an otherwise distracting bass. Still, one must acknowledge the intelligence of the design's providing an isolated chamber sized to recreate the resonances that distinguish excellent accoustics from ordinary accoustics. Wharfedale's literature refers to their testing each speaker to ensure that it does what the cabinet is designed for.
Given the quality of the design, the effectiveness of closing the sports is unexpected. The objective was to tame the bass, not to distort it. This minor modification of the speaker worked better than adding an equalizer, for my taste. The point is merely that the speakers are flexible. Whether Mahler's symphonies or Beethoven's last quartets, familiar music becomes fresh.
By way of example, the Canadian Brass' tuba player, who seems never to have learned that what he does with his instrument is impossible, creates notes that are clear as those from the trumpets. I do not think a person who wants to hear music rather than speakers can improve on Wharfedale's larger systems, other than by closing the ports.

Electronics:

Electronics

electronics

Recommended Consumer Electronics:

HP Compaq Business Notebook nc6120 - Celeron M 360 / 1.4 GHz - RAM : 1 GB - HD : 60 GB - DVD?RW - Gigabit Ethernet - 802.11b/g - Win XP Pro - 15" TFT 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+ )

GMP ACS7510 INTERNAL RAID 1 ( ACS7510 )

CybertronPC Pentium 4 2.8GHz Barebone Gamer (Blue)

HP LaserJet 4300N Printer

Black 16x Aopen DVD Bulk with Software

60GB USB2.0 Hi-speed 2.5IN Slim Line HD ENCRYPTED40 Bit Key

SanDisk SDMSPH-1024-A10 1024MB Ultra II MemoryStickPro

OLYMPUS Pearlcorder L400 Kit

Apex GT2715DV 27" Pure Flat TV-DVD Combo

Taito Legends

JWIN JXCD977 Portable MP3 CD/Audio CD Player with AM/FM Radio & Anti-Skip Protection