Wharfedale E50 (2013)

Name: Wharfedale E50
Brand: Wharfedale

The Wharfedale E50 is a bookshelf loudspeaker introduced in 2013 as part of the British audio company’s E Series, a lineup designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with refined engineering and accessible pricing. Positioned between the entry-level E10 and the larger E80, the E50 was crafted for discerning listeners seeking a balance of accuracy, warmth, and room-filling performance in a compact form factor. As a product of Wharfedale—a brand with roots tracing back to 1932—the E50 carries forward a legacy of British loudspeaker design, emphasizing musicality and natural tonal balance.

Design and Build Quality

The E50 features a two-way, bass-reflex design, housed in a compact MDF cabinet that measures 360mm in height, 200mm in width, and 290mm in depth, weighing 7.2kg per speaker. The cabinet is available in four real wood veneer finishes: American Walnut, Black Oak, Rosewood, and White Oak. These finishes not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a sense of craftsmanship and durability uncommon at its price point.

Internally, the cabinet is well-braced to minimize resonance and panel vibration, which can color the sound. The front baffle is gently curved and chamfered to reduce edge diffraction, helping to produce a cleaner soundstage and more precise imaging. The bass-reflex port is located on the rear panel, tuned to extend low-frequency response without introducing port noise or chuffing, even at higher volumes.

Driver Technology

One of the standout features of the E50 is its use of a 5-inch woven Kevlar cone for the bass/midrange driver. Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fiber known for its rigidity and damping properties, making it ideal for cone material. It resists deformation under high excursions, resulting in lower distortion and more accurate midrange reproduction. The cone is mounted on a rubber surround, which provides flexibility and longevity, while the rear-firing magnet structure ensures efficient motor control.

The tweeter is a 1-inch soft dome type with a ferrofluid-cooled voice coil, designed to deliver smooth and extended high-frequency response up to 20kHz. It is mounted in a shallow waveguide that helps to control dispersion, improving off-axis response and creating a wider, more consistent sweet spot. The tweeter’s design aims to avoid the harshness or sibilance sometimes associated with metal domes, instead favoring a more natural and listener-friendly presentation.

The crossover network, set at 2.8kHz, is carefully tuned to ensure seamless integration between the tweeter and midrange driver. It uses high-quality components, including air-core inductors and metal-film resistors, to preserve signal integrity and minimize phase distortion. This attention to crossover design is a hallmark of Wharfedale’s engineering philosophy, emphasizing coherence and transparency.

Sound Characteristics

The E50 delivers a balanced and engaging sonic signature that leans slightly toward warmth without sacrificing clarity. With a sensitivity of 88dB and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, the speaker is moderately efficient and compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, from low-powered tube amps to modern solid-state receivers. It can handle up to 120 watts of continuous power, making it suitable for both near-field listening and medium-sized rooms.

In practice, the E50 excels in midrange clarity, rendering vocals and acoustic instruments with lifelike presence and texture. The Kevlar cone contributes to a taut and articulate bass response, with usable output down to around 50Hz—remarkable for a speaker of its size. While not a substitute for a dedicated subwoofer in bass-heavy applications, the E50 provides sufficient low-end authority for jazz, rock, and classical genres.

High frequencies are detailed but never fatiguing, making the E50 well-suited for extended listening sessions. The soundstage is wide and well-defined, with accurate instrument placement and good depth. Imaging is precise, allowing listeners to distinguish individual instruments within a mix. The rear-firing port does require some clearance from the wall—typically 10 to 20cm—for optimal bass tuning, but once positioned correctly, the speaker integrates smoothly into the listening environment.

Positioning and Setup

For best performance, the E50 should be placed on sturdy stands or shelves, ideally at ear level when seated. The speakers benefit from some toe-in, pointing slightly toward the listening position to focus the stereo image. Due to the rear port, care should be taken to avoid placing them too close to walls or corners, which can over-emphasize bass and lead to a boomy or muddy sound.

Bi-wiring is supported via dual terminal sets on the rear panel, allowing users to separate the high- and low-frequency signal paths for potentially improved clarity and dynamics. While the sonic benefits of bi-wiring are debated, the option is appreciated by audiophiles who enjoy fine-tuning their systems.

Place in the Wharfedale Lineup

The E50 was part of a broader E Series that included the E10, E20, E30, and E80 models, each scaling in size, driver complement, and performance. The E50 struck a sweet spot in this range—larger than the E30 but more compact than the floor-standing E80—making it ideal for small to medium rooms where space is a consideration but sound quality is paramount.

Compared to its siblings, the E50 offered a compelling blend of size, performance, and value. It was often praised in reviews for outperforming its price tag, delivering a sound that was both detailed and emotionally engaging. Its use of Kevlar drivers and high-quality cabinet construction set it apart from many competitors in the sub-$500 per pair market.

Legacy and Availability

Although the E Series has since been succeeded by newer lines such as the Diamond 12 and Evo ranges, the E50 remains a respected model among vintage audio enthusiasts and second-hand buyers. Its build quality, sound performance, and timeless design ensure that used pairs are still sought after, particularly by those entering high-fidelity audio without breaking the bank.

Wharfedale’s long-standing reputation for musicality and value is evident in the E50. It represents a thoughtful evolution of British speaker design—honoring tradition while embracing modern materials and engineering. For listeners who appreciate a warm yet detailed sound, elegant craftsmanship, and a connection to audio heritage, the Wharfedale E50 remains a compelling choice, even years after its initial release.