Description
Key Features
The 1751 uses a mineral-loaded polypropylene cone — a material adopted by Wharfedale and other British manufacturers during the 1990s for its combination of stiffness, low coloration, and natural self-damping properties. Crucially, the surround is a rubber roll type rather than polyurethane foam. Foam-surround drivers of this vintage frequently require re-foaming before use; rubber surrounds are considerably more durable and do not perish in the same way. This example’s surround remains intact and shows no signs of cracking or fatigue, giving it a significant advantage over similarly aged foam-surround alternatives.
The pressed-steel chassis carries Wharfedale’s Yorkshire, England designation on the rear label, confirming British production from the period before cabinet assembly for the range moved to China. The motor assembly uses a conventional ferrite magnet.
Buyers replacing drivers in the Sapphire SP-89 should note that the SP-89 uses two bass drive units per cabinet. This is a single-unit listing; if a matched pair is needed, please contact us as we may be able to assist.
Technical Specifications
(Source: Wharfedale Sapphire SP-89 full specification, aus.hi-fi / Google Groups, confirmed via hifi-guide.com. Individual published specifications for the Model 1751 drive unit are not available in any accessible database; parent system figures are provided for reference.)
- Type: Bass drive unit (woofer); 170mm (6.5″) nominal cone diameter
- Cone material: Mineral-loaded polypropylene
- Surround type: Rubber roll
- Application: Wharfedale Sapphire SP-89 (woofer position, two per cabinet); compatibility with other Sapphire models not confirmed
- Parent system nominal impedance: 8Ω
- Parent system sensitivity: 91dB (1W/1m)
- Parent system power handling: 200W
- Date of manufacture: Week 19, 1998
- Country of origin: Yorkshire, England
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. This driver has been inspected and electrically tested by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Please note that as a spare part, this driver is offered without the standard Wilkinson’s three-month guarantee.
Summary
This is a single-unit listing. The Wharfedale Model 1751 is an increasingly scarce find for owners of the Sapphire SP-89 wishing to restore or maintain their speakers with an original, period-correct British-made driver. With a healthy rubber surround, an intact cone, and a confirmed working motor assembly, it is in sound condition for its age. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
