I had a passive pair of the 7.2's, the price was a bargain, and for such a small cabinet, the sound was unbelievable. I was so impressed that I bought the active 8.2's and it was a definite step up. Very true response, ample volume to fill the average living room ( with LOUD rock music if you choose ) Nice smooth / ample bass, and non harsh mids and treble. I had read that they should be placed about 1-2 feet away from the wall, and once I did that, the bass response drastically improved. They sound great for any type of music, as they are in the studio reference monitor category. They are perfect as computer or TV speakers as well. These speakers do not "color " the sound, but are capable of reproducing any spectrum of bass, mid, treble, depending upon how your tone controls on your input source are set. If using them on a TV set up, they sound great straight out of the television audio out.

the inputs are RCA or XLR / 1/4 inch . Spring for the XLR / or 1/4 " balanced wires with the appropriate other end of the cable for your source, as they can be sensitive to grounding hum ( slight ) in the unbalanced RCA input mode. There is a bass cut switch, volume control, and power switch. A wireless remote would have been nice, but would drive the price higher.

Simply put, plug and play.

I had moved 5 times, and never had a problem with them. The grille cloth cover is nice, but delicate, so don't let your cat claw at them. They are solidly built inside and out. ( I know, because I took them apart after I overloaded them and fried an amp, that was MY fault not Wharfedales ) If you play them at full volume, with your source at full volume, for an hour, you will have a problem. To have these last forever, set them at 3/4 volume ( that is VERY loud ) and vary your input source if possible.

I just spent 5 days looking for a pair replacements that would be a step up, but unless I spend at least DOUBLE the money for a very slight increase in power, or quality you can't beat the 8.2 pro actives.

I did call Wharfedale in England to ask about repair, but the cost of shipping the speaker back and forth was not sensible. Smarter to buy a new one, which is why I am writing this review...... as I am ordering another pair. THEY ARE THAT GOOD, and reasonably priced as well.

The bright blue powerlight is cool, but you can cover it with a small piece of black electrical tape if that's not your favorite color. They have a sleek design, and are very smart / professional looking.

I play the guitar, drums, bass, and some keys.

rock, and country rock,

You simply cannot find a better studio monitor of this caliber for what these cost! The sound is extremely transparent, and rich with detail. The give a great picture of what's going on in your mixes. A best buy for sure.

Not harsh! Great for extended listening sessions. Easy to setup and use. They MUST have a break in period of at least 24 / 36 hrs to allow the kevlar cone to become more fluid. The transient responses are nothing short of astounding.

Yes, they reap of quality for the price range.

I can't begin to tell you about the value of these monitors, SPECTACULAR comes to mind. Plus, I beleive that these are head and shoulders better that what you may get from other manufactures in the price range. I like these WAY more than certain other look alikes that try to pretend they are a thousand dollar monitor. They are NOT adams, so comparing them to a monitor of that caliber is not a correct assesment of their capabilities.

Don't know, never used em'

Get them now, and start your mix sessions off correctly.

Pro Engineer / Record Label

Metal. Rock, Blues, Core

Sounds amazing. crystal clear in every register, and also exceptionally warm.

Volume control for each speaker is in the back, underneath the transformer, a fairly awkward placement, but I guess they expect you to set it and forget it. Power switch is also in the back, but easier to reach than the volume control.

Super easy, aside from the volume control being in the back of the unit.

super shiny, no cosmetic flaws, sounds spectacular.

I picked them up for below MAP (minimum advertised price) so they are an even better value than before.

Going on faith, here. I have not had any problems yet.

They are bigger than i thought they would be, I wasn't expecting them to be as tall as they are, nor as deep. but if that's what they have to be in order to sound the way they sound, then I have no complaints. People with small home studios should check their space availability and see if they will fit. I use them in a dorm room, and it's a slightly tight squeeze, but the sound from them is worth it.

professional composer/arranger/saxophonist

jazz, orchestral, hip-hop

i have the smaller of the pairs but plan on the sub. very flat and clear

EQ's would be good but for the money you should not expect it

the monitors are percision studio speakers meant to be clear. i have not herd any distortion. i listen to them at about 1/3 theair maz power at the loudest for all of my mixes so i can hear as much as i can any louder and i will get tired of listining to them that loud for an extended period.

i did my homework. like 4 months of shopping around bringing home showroom models and comparing them. why spend 1,500 more for mackie 8's? just buy a sub for 400 and have more percise speakers. bigger speakers mean more work. monitors need to be percise. dont buy bigger thinking they will be better.

they are a uk company but they have a distributer in my state so thats cool if i ever need replacment parts or service.

everything in my studio is blue light by chance so its cool the power lights are blue too.

remixer

dance music

Add me to the list of not just happy, but amazed owners! Seriously, if you are looking for powered monitors in this price range, there is nothing that comes close to the detail and accuracy these monitors exhibit. I listened to a lot of brands before deciding on these without the benefit of a listen. I could not be happier with my choice. These monitors may be one of Britain's best kept secrets but it is time to let the cat out of the bag. Listen to the others in this price range and then order a pair of these. You won't be disappointed!

Don't really have any "special features", don't really need them!

They simply work right opt of the box! It doesn't get any easier!

I had a minor power cord issue but that was quickly and easily resolved.

Nothing else comes close in this price range.

Not really applicable. My support issue was resolved by Zzounds.

It is just an extremely useful, straightforward product. Its sound is the sexiest component and on that alone it merits an "11", although the blue lights are sort of cool too...

Recording Engineer, Active Musician

Rock, Jazz, Electronica, Ambient, Alternative, Blues

These speakers deliver a clear and accurate audio image across the stereo spread. They have a large "sweet spot", allowing for great flexibility in placement. The speaker drivers and cones are extremely powerful and can take the punishment of loud volume mixes while still giving great detail on softer material. Low frequency reproduction, while accurate, will throw you off until you get to know the speakers better.

XLR, balance 1/4, and RCA inputs, bass filter, and volume control. Not much there, but not much is really needed.

Plug em in and turn em on! Too much bass in your placement, hit the cut switch. What else do you want?

Had to rates this down a bit, but not due to the sound of the speakers. ONe of my on/off switches stopped functioning after a couple of months. Not a huge deal, but annoying.

I think for the price you get a lot of sound quality, and that's the important thing.

havent used them.

Give me a break.

Singer/ Songwriter

Down tempo rock, shoegaze, alternative

These Monitors show every flaw, the sound is superb

My only complaints would be that, A: I would like to be able to access the volume knob on the front instead of having to move the monitor and reach around the back and, B: The LED 'on' light is a little bright. These complaints are trivial, though, compared to the quality of the monitors which is incredible.

Active Musician/ Hobbyist/ Recording Engineer

Rock And Roll, Baby! (oh and polkas)

Great stereo image, great mid range detail without hyper. nice smooth top end. A great sounding speaker without being overly "boring" or boxy like tannoy reveal,.,

professional producer, engineer, drummer, pianist

rock, post rock

As a powered monitor it is about average for the low-cost range of home studio equipment. But...the price was excellent-really made the sale. Also, it's an attractive package, so if I want to use it in a living room or family room at a later date it will look nice. Most studio monitors aren't attractive in and of themselves. Overall I'm very very happy with the purchase and would recommend it to anyone who can't come up with the price of, for example, a Mackie or the like.

It's pretty standard fare. I wish the power switch were near the top of the back rather than near or below the middle. But I'm glad it's in the back because of the aforementioned aesthetic consideration.

Other than the power switch, it's as good as it gets.

Excellent for the money

Excellent for the money.

Actually, I don't know. Haven't needed any.

Very high in this regard.

hobbiest for 50 years

Rock and blues

Wow. Just wow. Its my first part of studio monitors, its only been an hour and the clarity is blowing me away. I have a lot of experience with car audio, but just decided to expand into my home. I listen to all sorts of music and it shines on these speakers. The lows are what you'd expect from a pair of speakers without subs. If you want lows, get a sub. The mids and highs are flawless on these.

Plug it in. Simple as that.

Really good builld. I see it lasting.

I would get a second pair if I needed it, completely worth it.

Going pro for a home hifi system is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Owned Paradigm Studio & Ascend The Warfedale Pro 8.2 Passive is significantly superior to my ear. All this and much less expensive.

NA

NA

Good durable finish, called Iridium. It's just a good cool dark grey vinyl finish. Doesn't pretend to be anything else. Take the grills and throw away. Trust me trying to put on again could damage the tweeter.

Off the charts

Was called from merry ol England when I wondered what type of speakon connection it was (2 pole).

NA it's built to be functional

Really outstanding clarity / transparence. I bought these on the strength of various reviews and because my home stereo speakers (floor-standing Wharfedale 3-ways) sound so good. The bass response from these 6.5" woofers is surprisingly strong, too.

Bi-amped, balanced inputs, cool blue lights

Plug it in...

Seems very well-built. The grilles were a little flimsy, but I took them off anyway.

A little pricey; there are other monitor speakers of this size/power for less. But you get what you pay for in this case.

I have worked in many studios with many diffrent speakers. but these top the cake. Very even from high to low. And the longer you have them, the better they sound. The best!

Good sound although the low end lack a beat of defination, I would give it 8.5 since it is noth there I will go for 8

Mine as the passives the only thing matters is sound like the screens for some protection

Plug and play

The quality of the product looks exellent

For the price you will never go wrong

Never delt with them

They look great although that centre thing protruding in the woofers looks rather odd.

Flat response. GREAT for mixes.

I do wish the on/off switches were in front.

I would have given them a 10, but one of the monitors just went dead. Looks like I'll have to get it replaced -- although with the warranty (5 years?), it shouldn't be a problem.

In terms of sound, these are the best for their price range and, possibly, THE best you can get for under $1,000.

I've just sent off an email. We'll see what happens...