Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura C. It ranks #20 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $1,999. The Wharfedale Aura CS ranks #55, rated 3.6/5, at $1,699, $300 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Wharfedale Aura C is the better-sounding choice. True 3-way center channel featuring vertically stacked 4-inch glass-fiber midrange and AMT tweeter flanked by dual 6-inch woofers. The tradeoff: Substantial 46-pound weight and deep 13.8-inch cabinet require a heavy-duty audio stand or console.
What the Wharfedale Aura CS does well: Compact 2-way center channel with 27x90mm AMT high-frequency transducer and dual 5-inch woven glass-fiber woofers. Watch for: 2-way horizontal MTM geometry creates off-axis phase cancellation outside the primary listening axis.
Buy the Wharfedale Aura C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $300 you would save on the Wharfedale Aura CS does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Aura C | Wharfedale Aura CS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.00 | $1,699.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #55 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, 4” glass fiber midrange, 2 x 6” glass fiber woofers | 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, 2 x 5” (130mm) glass fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz - 22kHz (±3dB) | 56Hz - 22kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (2.83V/1m) | 88dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum) | 6 ohms nominal (3.6 ohms minimum) |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 26.3”W x 13.8”D (242 x 668 x 350 mm) | 8”H x 21.7”W x 11.8”D (202 x 552 x 300 mm) |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs (21.0 kg) | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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How Wharfedale Aura C compares with other leading options:
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Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Wharfedale Aura C: $1,999.00 Estimated Crutchfield eBay
Pros: True 3-way center channel featuring vertically stacked 4-inch glass-fiber midrange and AMT tweeter flanked by dual 6-inch woofers. Completely eliminates horizontal lobing suckouts, providing consistent dialogue across wide seating areas.
Cons: Substantial 46-pound weight and deep 13.8-inch cabinet require a heavy-duty audio stand or console. Rating estimated based on Aura series measurements.
Full Wharfedale Aura C review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 26.3”W x 13.8”D (242 x 668 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, 4” glass fiber midrange, 2 x 6” glass fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz - 22kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs (21.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Wharfedale Aura CS: $1,699.00 Estimated Crutchfield eBay
Pros: Compact 2-way center channel with 27x90mm AMT high-frequency transducer and dual 5-inch woven glass-fiber woofers. Features slot-loaded profiled port (SLPP) bass management and low high-frequency distortion.
Cons: 2-way horizontal MTM geometry creates off-axis phase cancellation outside the primary listening axis. Rating estimated from Aura series testing.
Full Wharfedale Aura CS review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8”H x 21.7”W x 11.8”D (202 x 552 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, 2 x 5” (130mm) glass fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 22kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.6 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.