Wharfedale Dovedale Standmount Speakers

Overview

The Wharfedale Dovedale is a landmark three way standmount loudspeaker created to celebrate the brand's 90th anniversary. Part of the Heritage series and the first model built in Wharfedale's new UK facility in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the Dovedale pairs a 10 inch woven Kevlar bass driver with a dedicated 5 inch midrange and a 1 inch soft dome tweeter for a full range presentation that reaches down to 25Hz. It arrives as a pair complete with matching stands that place the acoustic center at a comfortable 39 inches.

Rooted in the original Dovedale lineage that dates back to 1959, the new model preserves the rich and natural voicing the name is known for while adding free breathing dynamics and modern definition across the bass and midrange. Precision shaped internal bracing controls cabinet resonances, letting the drivers deliver clear and uncolored sound in any well matched room.

With its vintage inspired cabinetry, contemporary finish, and genuine British craftsmanship, the Dovedale is a speaker meant to last a lifetime. At All Elite Audio we set them up so you can hear their timeless character for yourself.

Key Features

• True Three Way Design. A 10 inch bass driver, dedicated 5 inch midrange, and 1 inch soft dome tweeter each handle their own band, keeping the midrange open and free of intermodulation from the low frequencies.
• Woven Kevlar Cones. Both the bass and midrange drivers use black woven Kevlar cones for stiffness and controlled behavior, contributing to the natural and detailed voicing Wharfedale is known for.
• Deep, Free Breathing Bass. The bass reflex cabinet extends to 25Hz at -6dB, giving this standmount a sense of scale and low end authority usually reserved for larger floorstanders.
• Precision Braced Cabinet. Precision shaped internal bracing controls resonance so the enclosure stays quiet, letting the drivers reproduce clear and uncolored sound.
• Matching Stands Included. The Dovedale ships with purpose built matching stands that set the acoustic center at 39 inches for correct ear height and stable, resonance free support.
• Made in Britain. The first speaker produced in Wharfedale's new Huntingdon facility, hand veneered and assembled by experienced loudspeaker builders in the home of British Hi-Fi.
• 90th Anniversary Heritage. A celebration of the Dovedale lineage first introduced in 1959, blending vintage styling with contemporary finish and modern engineering.

How the Dovedale Compares

Wharfedale Dovedale vs Spendor Classic 2/3 Two Way Stand Mount

Another distinctly British stand mount, the Classic 2/3 favors a refined, two way BBC influenced balance. Choose it if you prefer a slightly more intimate midrange focus, or the Dovedale if you want a three way with deeper bass reach.

Wharfedale Dovedale vs Klipsch Cornwall IV Heritage

The Cornwall IV is a high sensitivity horn loaded floorstander with an immediate, dynamic presentation. The Dovedale offers a smaller footprint standmount format with a smoother soft dome top end for listeners who prefer that character.

Wharfedale Dovedale vs MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition

The SourcePoint V10 uses a concentric driver for pinpoint imaging in a floorstanding cabinet. The Dovedale takes a traditional three way standmount approach with matching stands, appealing to those who prefer a classic layout.

Wharfedale Dovedale vs Spendor A7.2 Two Way

If a slim floorstander suits your room better, the A7.2 delivers Spendor's clean, coherent sound in a compact tower. The Dovedale is the choice when you want a substantial standmount with included stands and a three way driver array.

Wharfedale Dovedale vs Wharfedale Super Linton (next step down)

Step down to the Super Linton for 8 inch 3-way Heritage bookshelf speakers.

Recommended Amplifiers

The Dovedale is a moderately sensitive three way with a 3.6 ohm minimum impedance, so it rewards an amplifier with clean power and steady current. Here are pairings from our lineup chosen for drive, sonic character, and system fit.

• Luxman L-505Z Integrated Amplifier: A refined integrated that brings smooth, musical texture to the Dovedale's natural voicing while providing ample control over the 10 inch bass driver. A superb one box solution.
• Accuphase E-3000 Stereo Integrated Amplifier: High current Class AB power with effortless authority. The E-3000 grips the low impedance points confidently and keeps the midrange open and detailed.
• Parasound JC5 Stereo Power Amp: For a separates system, the JC5 delivers robust power and grip that lets the Dovedale reach its full dynamic potential with a slightly warm, big stage character.
• Yamaha A-S2200 Integrated Amplifier: A well built integrated with a clean, balanced presentation and enough power to drive the Dovedale comfortably in medium sized rooms.
• Matrix Audio MA-1 Flagship Class AB Power Amplifier: A muscular Class AB power amplifier that supplies the current needed for the dips in impedance, keeping the sound composed at higher levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Wharfedale Dovedale speakers sold as a pair?

Yes. The Dovedale is sold as a pair and includes a matching pair of stands.

Do the Dovedale speakers come with stands?

Yes. Purpose built matching stands are included and set the acoustic center at 39 inches.

What type of speaker is the Dovedale?

It is a three way vented box standmount loudspeaker in Wharfedale's Heritage series.

Where are the Dovedale speakers made?

They are made in the United Kingdom, at Wharfedale's new facility in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

What drivers does the Dovedale use?

A 10 inch woven Kevlar bass driver, a 5 inch woven Kevlar midrange, and a 1 inch soft dome tweeter.

How low does the Dovedale go?

Frequency response is 36Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 3dB, with bass extension to 25Hz at -6dB.

What is the sensitivity of the Dovedale?

Sensitivity is rated at 89dB measured at 2.0V at 1 meter.

What is the nominal impedance?

Nominal impedance is 6.5 ohms with a minimum of 3.6 ohms.

How much amplifier power do they need?

Wharfedale recommends 25 to 250 watts. A quality amp in that range with good current delivery is ideal.

Can I use a tube amplifier?

A capable tube amplifier can work given the 89dB sensitivity, though the 3.6 ohm minimum impedance rewards an amp with a stable output. We can advise based on your setup.

What is the crossover configuration?

The three way crossover uses transition points at 560Hz and 2.9kHz.

How big are the Dovedale speakers?

Each cabinet measures 25.98 inches high by 14.57 inches wide by 17.60 inches deep, reaching 39 inches on the included stands.

How much do they weigh?

Each speaker weighs 57.75 pounds net, so plan for solid placement.

Do they need to be on the included stands?

The included stands are voiced and dimensioned to match the cabinets, so we recommend using them for correct height and support.

Is this a good speaker for a medium to large room?

Yes. The 10 inch bass driver and 25Hz extension give it the scale to fill medium and larger rooms with proper amplification.

What music genres suit the Dovedale?

Its natural, full range voicing handles a wide range of genres well, from acoustic and vocal recordings to orchestral and rock.

Does the Dovedale come with grilles?

Yes, removable grilles are included so you can listen with or without them.

Is the Dovedale part of the Heritage series?

Yes. It is a Heritage series model created for Wharfedale's 90th anniversary.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized Wharfedale dealer?

Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, so your purchase is fully backed by warranty.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

As an authorized Wharfedale dealer in MD, we offer genuine factory backed products, expert setup and pairing advice, and dedicated support before and after your purchase. We help you match the Dovedale with the right amplifier and dial in placement for your room.