Wharfedale W60 (1978)

Name: Wharfedale W60
Brand: Wharfedale

The Wharfedale W60 is a British loudspeaker from Wharfedale, one of the original members of the "Big Five" British speaker manufacturers that also included Quad, Tannoy, Harbeth, and Linn. It was introduced in the late 1970s - circa 1978 - as a high-fidelity bookshelf speaker with the warm tonal character Wharfedale was known for. It is not as well documented as some of its contemporaries. Vintage audio enthusiasts still give it a quiet reputation for its craftsmanship, natural midrange, and classic British voicing.

Design and Build Quality

The W60 is a compact two-way bookshelf design, a good fit for smaller listening rooms or a matched stereo pair in an intimate setup. The cabinet is medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a real wood veneer finish, commonly walnut or rosewood. The front baffle is slightly curved. That adds visual appeal and also helps reduce internal standing waves and diffraction effects for improved sound clarity.

The speaker is front-ported, with a small bass reflex port below the driver array. The port boosts low-frequency response without needing an oversized cabinet. The grille is fabric-covered and magnetically attached, a relatively advanced feature for its time, and it leaves a clean front profile when removed. Dimensions are modest: approximately 30 cm (H) × 19 cm (W) × 23 cm (D). That suits shelf mounting or dedicated speaker stands.

Driver Configuration and Acoustic Performance

The W60 uses a two-way driver setup: a 200 mm (8-inch) bass-midrange driver and a 19 mm (¾-inch) soft-dome tweeter. The bass-mid driver has a paper cone with a rubber surround, a common and effective combination in the era that contributes to a smooth, non-fatiguing sound. The soft-dome tweeter is designed to deliver extended high frequencies with minimal harshness, in line with a British design philosophy that prioritizes musicality over analytical precision.

Crossover frequency is set around 2.8 kHz, a typical range for two-way systems of this size. The mid-bass driver handles vocal and instrumental fundamentals while the tweeter handles sibilance and harmonic detail. The crossover network uses high-quality passive components for the period, including air-core inductors and metal-film capacitors, which contribute to a transparent signal path.

The midrange is the standout. Vocals and acoustic instruments come through with a natural warmth and presence that many modern speakers struggle to replicate. This is partly due to Wharfedale’s tuning philosophy, which emphasizes coherence and tonal balance over exaggerated bass or bright highs. Bass is tight and well-controlled for a speaker its size, extending down to around 55 Hz. It benefits from placement near a rear wall or in a bookshelf to enhance low-end fullness.

Treble is smooth and detailed without being sibilant, which makes the W60 well suited to long listening sessions and a wide variety of musical genres - from classical and jazz to rock and folk. It is not the most dynamic or bass-heavy speaker by modern standards. It does build a cohesive soundstage with accurate imaging, so listeners can pinpoint instrument placement within a virtual acoustic space.

Technical Specifications

Type: 2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker
Drivers:
200 mm (8") paper cone bass-midrange driver
19 mm (0.75") soft-dome tweeter
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity: 88 dB (1W/1m)
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (compatible with most tube and solid-state amplifiers)
Recommended Amplifier Power: reportedly 25–100 watts
Crossover Frequency: ~2.8 kHz
Cabinet Finish: Real wood veneer (walnut, rosewood)
Dimensions (H×W×D): 300 × 190 × 230 mm (11.8 × 7.5 × 9.1 inches)
Weight: Approximately 9.5 kg (21 lbs) per speaker

Historical Context and Legacy

Wharfedale, founded in 1932 by Gilbert Briggs, has long been associated with accessible high-fidelity audio. By the 1970s, the company was producing a wide range of speakers for both the domestic and professional markets. The W60 was part of a broader lineup that included floor-standing models like the W80 and W100. It was the more compact alternative, with the brand’s sonic signature intact.

During this era, British speakers were gaining international acclaim for their musical, non-fatiguing sound, which suits extended listening. The W60 fits that tradition. It is not as celebrated as the LS3/5A or later models like the Diamond series, but it is a solid example of Wharfedale’s engineering during a golden age of analog audio.

Today, the W60 is sought after by vintage audio collectors and those looking to recreate the warm, inviting sound of 1970s British hi-fi. Original pairs in good condition can be found on secondhand markets. Replacement parts, especially for the tweeters, may have to come from specialist refurbishers.

Listening Experience

Owners of the Wharfedale W60 often praise its “live” feel, particularly with acoustic recordings and vocal performances. Its strength is coherence: there is no sense of disjointedness between the drivers, and the crossover is well-integrated. Paired with a quality tube amplifier, such as models from Leak, Quad, or Mullard, the W60 can produce a lush, engaging sound that modern digital sources still struggle to diminish.

The W60 has limitations. Its bass extension, while respectable, may disappoint listeners used to modern ported or powered designs. The sensitivity of 88 dB also means it wants a strong amplifier to reach higher volumes without strain. These are less flaws than characteristics of its era and design goals.

Conclusion

The Wharfedale W60 stands as a testament to British loudspeaker craftsmanship in the late 1970s. While overshadowed by more iconic models, it delivers a balanced, musical performance that continues to resonate with vintage audio enthusiasts. Its warm midrange, smooth treble, and elegant design make it a compelling choice for those seeking a classic listening experience. Whether used in a retro setup or as part of a modern hybrid system, the W60 offers a window into the golden age of hi-fi—where sound quality was measured not in specs, but in emotional impact.