Wharfedale E70: The British Open-Baffle Classic

Name: Wharfedale E70
Brand: Wharfedale

In the golden era of British hi-fi during the 1970s, few names carried the prestige and sonic credibility of Wharfedale. Renowned for their warm, natural sound and meticulous craftsmanship, Wharfedale loudspeakers became staples in discerning audiophile homes across the UK and beyond. Among their diverse lineup, the Wharfedale E70 stands out as a unique and intriguing design—a large, open-baffle speaker system that defied conventional cabinet construction in pursuit of sonic transparency and spatial realism.

Though not as widely documented as some of Wharfedale’s more mainstream models like the Diamond or Linton series, the E70 occupies a special niche in the brand’s history. It was conceived during a period of experimentation in speaker design, when engineers were exploring alternatives to the traditional enclosed cabinet to minimize coloration and boxy resonance. The E70 was Wharfedale’s bold answer: a full-range, open-baffle loudspeaker system designed to deliver a lifelike, room-filling soundstage with exceptional clarity and openness.

Historical Context and Design Philosophy

Introduced in the early 1970s—circa 1972—the Wharfedale E70 emerged at a time when high-fidelity audio was rapidly evolving. Transistor amplifiers were gaining ground, but many audiophiles still favored tube amps and valued a smooth, musical presentation. Wharfedale, under the leadership of engineers influenced by founder Gilbert Briggs, remained committed to the philosophy that speakers should reproduce music in a way that felt emotionally engaging and true to life.

The E70 embodied this philosophy through its open-baffle (or open-back) design. Unlike conventional speakers that house drivers in a sealed or ported cabinet, the E70 mounted its drivers on a large, flat baffle that allowed sound to radiate both forward and backward. This approach eliminated many of the resonances and standing waves associated with enclosures, resulting in a more natural midrange and a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage.

Visually, the E70 was a statement piece. Standing over four feet tall, it featured a wide wooden baffle finished in high-quality walnut veneer, with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasized function and elegance. The drivers were symmetrically arranged, and the overall design reflected the British taste for understated sophistication.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	Wharfedale E70
Year of Introduction	1972
Type	Open-baffle, full-range loudspeaker
Driver Complement	1 x 12" bass driver, 1 x 5" midrange, 1 x 1" dome tweeter
Frequency Response	45 Hz – 20 kHz (approximate)
Sensitivity	88 dB (1W/1m)
Nominal Impedance	8Ω (compatible with most tube and solid-state amps)
Crossover Type	2nd-order passive crossover
Baffle Type	Open, free-standing
Dimensions (H×W×D)	140 cm × 60 cm × 20 cm (approx. 55" × 24" × 8")
Weight	~25 kg (55 lbs) per speaker
Recommended Amp Power	25–100 watts

It’s worth noting that the E70’s open-baffle design has implications for bass response. Without a sealed cabinet to reinforce low frequencies, the bass rolls off gradually below 50 Hz. This means the E70 delivers tight, articulate midbass but lacks the deep sub-bass of a ported or transmission-line design. However, many owners appreciate this trade-off for the clarity and lack of “boom” it provides.

Sound Characteristics and Performance

The sonic signature of the Wharfedale E70 is best described as open, airy, and remarkably transparent. The absence of a cabinet allows the midrange to breathe, resulting in a vocal presentation that is often praised for its realism and emotional immediacy. Instruments like acoustic guitars, pianos, and strings are rendered with a natural timbre and precise imaging.

The tweeter delivers smooth high frequencies without harshness, a hallmark of Wharfedale’s driver design philosophy. Cymbals shimmer without sibilance, and orchestral overtones are rendered with finesse. The midrange driver is where the E70 truly shines—its cone material and motor system were optimized for low distortion, contributing to a lifelike vocal presence.

Bass performance is fast and articulate, though not overly deep. The open-baffle design creates a dipole radiation pattern, meaning bass energy cancels out at low frequencies, especially when the speaker is placed close to a wall. However, when positioned correctly—typically several feet from the rear wall—the E70 can produce a surprising amount of bass with excellent integration.

Stereo imaging is exceptional. The wide baffle and dipole dispersion create a broad, deep soundstage that can fill a large room with a concert-hall-like ambience. Listeners often report that the speakers seem to disappear, leaving only the music hanging in space.

Notable Features and Innovations

Open-Baffle Design: A rare approach in mass-market speakers, aimed at reducing cabinet coloration.
High-Quality Driver Materials: Wharfedale used custom-designed cones and silk dome tweeters for smooth, fatigue-free listening.
Passive Radiator Effect: The rear-firing sound from the bass driver interacts with the room, creating a natural bass reinforcement when properly placed.
Elegant Wood Veneer Finish: Available in walnut or rosewood, the E70 was as much a piece of furniture as a speaker.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Due to their age, surviving Wharfedale E70s may require restoration. Common issues include:

Aged Foam Surrounds: The 12" bass driver likely has foam surrounds that have perished over time. Re-foaming or reconing is often necessary.
Capacitor Drift in Crossovers: Electrolytic capacitors in the crossover network may have degraded, leading to imbalanced frequency response. Replacing them with modern audiophile-grade components can restore performance.
Cabinet Warping: The large baffle can warp if exposed to humidity or temperature fluctuations. Check for flatness and structural integrity.
Grille Fabric: Original grilles may be torn or discolored. Replacement fabric in period-correct colors is available from specialty suppliers.

Restoration is generally feasible, and many vintage audio enthusiasts consider the E70 worth the effort due to its unique sonic character.

Current Market Value and Collectibility

The Wharfedale E70 is a rare find today. It was never produced in the same numbers as Wharfedale’s more popular models, and its large size makes it less practical for modern living spaces. As a result, original, fully functional pairs in good condition can command $800–$1,500, depending on restoration quality and market demand.

Collectors value the E70 not just for its sound, but as a historical artifact of British hi-fi innovation. It represents a bold design choice at a time when speaker engineering was rapidly evolving. Its open-baffle approach also appeals to a niche group of audiophiles who prioritize sonic purity over bass extension.

Conclusion and Legacy

The Wharfedale E70 may not be the most famous speaker in the brand’s storied history, but it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting. It embodies a philosophy of sonic honesty and design courage that defined the best of 1970s British audio engineering. For those willing to accommodate its size and quirks, the E70 offers a listening experience that is spacious, engaging, and refreshingly free of artifice.

While modern speakers may outperform it in raw specifications, few match the E70’s ability to make music feel alive and present. It remains a testament to Wharfedale’s enduring commitment to musicality over measurement—a true classic for the discerning vintage audio enthusiast.