About The Wharfedale EVO4.1 Speakers
The Wharfedale EVO 4.1 is the smaller Bookshelf or Stand Mount Speaker in the EVO 4 range and features the same Air Motion Transformer tweeter and woven Kevlar bass driver as its bigger brothers. This gives it a big spacious sound that belies its size while the beautifully curved cabinet helps it stand out from the litany of boxy bookshelf speakers on the market. As with the other EVO 4 speakers there is the choice of three fine finishes - White Oak, Walnut or Black.
Wharfedale Wireless Works was founded by Gilbert Briggs in 1932, soon after he built his very first loudspeaker in the cellar of his home in Ilkley, Yorkshire. This sleepy little market town was located in the valley of the river "Wharfe" – an area known to this day as 'Wharfedale'. This unlikely location would see the birth of a brand that has become recognized all over the world, synonymous with quality in high-fidelity reproduction.
In 1981 the first Wharfedale Diamond speaker was born. The rather unassuming small box took the industry by storm. Small cabinets and the stiff, yet light polypropylene driver meant a very fast, tight sound and compact, accurate two-way drivers produced a fantastic stereo image. It quickly became a best seller and the Diamond range has continued to this day as a staple in the Wharfedale catalogue.
Now, with more than 75 years of setting the standards in perfecting loudspeaker performance, Wharfedale, in order to remain at the forefront of audio, has dedicated 1.5 million square feet to design & manufacturing in which every single product and process takes place in-house. With this ability to control every single part of the process, Wharfedale's speakers achieve a harmony in performance and design rarely seen elsewhere.
The Evolution Of Sound
The new EVO 4 range represents the dawn of a new standard in Hi-Fi, from Wharfedale – the most famous name in British loudspeakers. Following the concept of the best-selling EVO series that came before it, EVO 4 represents the evolution of affordable high-fidelity audio. More than just a new edition, Evo 4 also fuses the EVO concept with trickle down technology from the flagship Wharfedale Elysian series – and just like Elysian, EVO 4 pushes the boundaries of technology and performance of speakers within this price class. From the cabinet design to the materials employed in its distinct design, EVO 4 stands head and shoulders above the competition.
Notably, the Wharfedale EVO 4 series employs a specially engineered AMT (Air Motion Transformer) treble transducer for its proprietary, silky smooth high frequency reproduction. By design, the AMT allows for a higher volume of air to be moved during performance than with a convention soft dome tweeter. This higher-pressure action, encouraged by the principles of AMT design, offers an improved point-source HF reproduction with lower distortion properties than conventional tweeters. This is evident in the sheer clarity of the musical performance of all of the Evo4 series loudspeakers.
Evolution By Design: Taking strong elements from the Flagship Elysian series, EVO 4 has ground breaking research and design embedded in its DNA. A long history of class-leading speaker concepts coupled with new technological breakthroughs means this is genuinely an evolution of affordable Hi-Fi.
Beauty With Purpose: The EVO 4 cabinet is purpose-designed from the ground-up. Not just the sleek curves, which stand out from the competition, but the materials, composites, internal bracing and damping too. All of this ensures the sonic character is not compromised by aesthetics. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Air Motion Transformer Tweeter: The AMT (Air Motion Transformer) is a radically different way of moving air. A large, pleated, lightweight diaphragm is driven across its surface by rows of strategically placed metallic strips immersed in a strong magnetic field. Under the influence of the musical drive the pleats in the diaphragm contract and expand, squeezing the air between them to form the desired waveform. Not only is this an efficient way of moving air but it is also very accurate as the diaphragm is under close control of the motor system at all times. In addition the AMT is a velocity, rather than pressure, transducer, capable of producing scintillatingly fast transients and dynamics. The result is a wide bandwidth device that achieves low distortion naturally and delivers wonderful musical detail.
Accuracy: Articulate and accurate bass is perfected by the bi-directional weaved Kevlar cones – a material that is naturally self-damping to reduce and distribute resonances to virtually negligible levels. In addition, a fixed, profiled phase plug ensures smooth acoustic roll off, further aiding integration with the AMT HF unit and mid-range drivers found in the EVO 4.2 and upwards.
SLPP Bass: The bass units are loaded by the most advanced version of the unique Wharfedale Slot Port yet. Christened SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) the rear output of the bass units is not wasted. Instead the lowest frequency energy is vented to a slot at the base of the speaker, specially profiled to equalize the high internal pressure to the low pressure in the room. In combination the bass units and SLPP bass reflex system provide the foundation on which the rest of the musical performance sits, letting you feel as well as hear the full impact of low frequency information.
Finely Tuned: As per the uncompromising workflow and standard of Wharfedale loudspeaker development, hundreds of hours of listening plus custom designed Wharfedale Computer Aided Optimisation technology allows for the fine tuning of the crossover, perfecting the combination of the driver selection for ultimate performance.
Our Take On The Wharfedale EVO4.1 Speakers
The Wharfedale EVO 4 series has been refined to appeal to both audiophile and the home-theatre enthusiast alike. Offering supreme performance in tight spaces, with the compact EVO 4.1 (featured here) and equally compact but 3-way design EVO 4.3 and let's not forget the option of the indulgent extension of bass, volume and impact in the 3-way EVO 4.4. The 4.C centre speaker offers enhanced clarity of dialogue in home-theatre applications while the 4.S surround speakers immerse the user in a genuine theatre experience. Whichever model is considered, EVO 4 will exceed any expectation.
The EVO 4.1 Bookshelf speaker as discussed here is in need of a suitable amplifier that can handle low impedances below 4 Ohms and also deliver high-current - not to be confused with high wattage - to control the speakers 87db efficiency which is similar to most good speakers in this performance category. The benefit is more control and depth in the bottom end and combined with the AMT high frequency driver, owners will enjoy awesome performance in small to medium sized rooms without the need for a subwoofer. Stands are also essential to best performance and a number of choices are available at extra cost. Call us to discuss further.
Main Features & Specifications
- General Description: 2-Driver, 2-way Bookshelf/Standmount Speakers
- Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex
- Bass Driver: 1 x 130mm (5") black woven Kevlar cone
- Treble Driver: 30 x 60mm AMT
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1M): 87dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-100 Watts of clean, undistorted power
- Peak SPL: 104dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohm Compatible
- Minimum Impedance: 3.5 Ohms
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 64Hz - 22kHz
- Bass Extension (-6dB): 55Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 2.9kHz
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 210 x 335 x 295mm
- Net Weight: 7.8kg each
- Available In Various Colours: Black, White Oak, Walnut
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years. This protects the original purchaser against manufacturing defects but not abuse.
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE