i tested kef q300+marantz 6004 combo with aktimate mini.. definetly far more difference with the sound quality.. but i didnt heard any wharfedale speakers but i am sure it will beat aktimate mini interms of sound quality.. may be cheaper amps are not so good.. speaker and amp matching is must..
again i told , if you listen the music in nearby codition or small room, small speakers only the best way to go..most of the passive speakers(over 4.5 inchs) and bigger speakers need space for better reproduction..
mini was compete well for some old songs, but not enough to compete with seperate combo..
comparing with audio engine a5 with mini, definetly mini is better.. audio engine is little muddy and less details in mid range and highs.. but mini`s treble is also not soft.. for open place mini is OK..
bass from mini is OK , it`s little flat.. i found the bass from small size JBL onbeat xtreme is better than mini`s bass.. in normal listening sound ,JBL easily beats aktimate mini..but for loud sound JBL little struggles to match MINI.
my personel preference is JBL onbeat xtreme than mini for normal listening.. it has superb features and great sound in bass and mid.. it`s price is around 18k only.. if possible just listen that speakers too..
-suresh babu