Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Wharfedale Emerald 97 Speakers by jeffryred

Model:	Emerald 97
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$699
Description:	Floor standing, real wood veneer, slender footprint
Manufacturer URL:	Wharfedale
Manufacturer URL:	Wharfedale

Review by jeffryred ( A ) on January 10, 2003 at 13:29:42
IP Address: 152.163.189.131

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for the Emerald 97

These speakers, while they last(as they are not currently in production) are the finest I have heard for less than $1000 per pair. When properly broken in, the openness, clarity, dispersion and transient response are exceptional for what one can purchase these speakers on the internet. What a secret: audiophile quality and affordable price. They are mostly uncolored, except for a slight warmness, are crisp without being shrill, have adequate deep bass for music without resorting to a sub(30hz) and reveal subtle nuances that many speakers do not reproduce. And, the dispersion characteristics are exceptional. Spread the speakers about 7-8 feet apart slightly toed in and at least a foot from a back wall, and allow approximately ten feet of distance from your listening position. Then sit back to a surprising wall of sound which is seamless, flat, detailed and full of dynamic punch.

Product Weakness: None at this price point.
Product Strengths: Everything is remarkably well produced, from highs to lows. They compare to expensive speakers of all least $1000 per pair or more. They sounded a bit clearer and cleaner than my Vandersteen 2 CE's for example. And, the Vandys are good speakers.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sherwood AM 9080
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sherwood RD 7106 receiver
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer DV 333
Speakers:	Wharfedale 97's and 93's top of 97's
Cables/Interconnects:	IXOS 603 Bronze
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All but rap
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 24 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	Hardwood floors, somewhat bright
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Onkyo dual drive sub for home theater
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None at this price point.
Product Strengths:	Everything is remarkably well produced, from highs to lows. They compare to expensive speakers of all least $1000 per pair or more. They sounded a bit clearer and cleaner than my Vandersteen 2 CE's for example. And, the Vandys are good speakers.