Short answer: the SVS Ultra Evolution Center. It ranks #27 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $799; the Wharfedale EVO 5.C ranks #40, rated 4.0/5, and costs $1,298, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the SVS Ultra Evolution Center does well: Flagship 3-way design with acoustically centered time-aligned baffle: 1-inch diamond-coated tweeter and 4.5-inch composite midrange vertically aligned between dual 6.5-inch woofers. The tradeoff: Substantial 22-inch width and 27-pound mass require a sturdy media credenza.
The case for the Wharfedale EVO 5.C: The center of the EVO 5 range, with the AMT tweeter of the Wharfedale EVO 5.4 between two 5” Kevlar woofers, rated at 89dB. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the SVS Ultra Evolution Center. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Wharfedale EVO 5.C and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: SVS Ultra Evolution Center 3.9 to 4.3; Wharfedale EVO 5.C 3.7 to 4.3). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SVS Ultra Evolution Center | Wharfedale EVO 5.C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $1,298 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated | #40 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (manufacturer specified) | 56Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, 4.5” glass-fiber midrange, 2 x 6.5” glass-fiber woofers | 1x 35x70mm AMT tweeter, 2x 5” Kevlar cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) | 56Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m) | 89dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 7.7”H x 22”W x 11.8”D (195 x 560 x 299 mm) | 7.4”H x 20.5”W x 10.4”D (188 x 520 x 265 mm) |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) | 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Enclosure | - | Bass reflex (slot-loaded port) |
| Warranty | - | 3 years |
| Country | - | United Kingdom |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SVS Ultra Evolution Center:
- SVS Ultra Evolution Center vs KEF Q6 Meta
- SVS Ultra Evolution Center vs SVS Prime Center
- Wharfedale EVO 5.C vs Dynaudio Emit 25C
- Wharfedale EVO 5.C vs Polk Audio Reserve R400
- KEF Q6 Meta vs Focal Aria Evo X Center
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
SVS Ultra Evolution Center: $799.00 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Tower (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle (largest floorstanding, rated 3.8/5) and the SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation (surround, estimated 3.8/5). See every SVS Ultra and Ultra Evolution generation.
Pros: Flagship 3-way design with acoustically centered time-aligned baffle: 1-inch diamond-coated tweeter and 4.5-inch composite midrange vertically aligned between dual 6.5-inch woofers. Delivers wide, uniform horizontal coverage without MTM dialogue suckouts.
Cons: Substantial 22-inch width and 27-pound mass require a sturdy media credenza. Rating estimated from Ultra Evolution family testing.
Full SVS Ultra Evolution Center review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7”H x 22”W x 11.8”D (195 x 560 x 299 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, 4.5” glass-fiber midrange, 2 x 6.5” glass-fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 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 EVO 5.C: $1,298 per pair Estimated Music Direct eBay
Same family: the Wharfedale EVO 5.1 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the Wharfedale EVO 5.2 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the Wharfedale EVO 5.3 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the Wharfedale EVO 5.4 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5). See every Wharfedale EVO generation.
Pros: The center of the EVO 5 range, with the AMT tweeter of the Wharfedale EVO 5.4 between two 5” Kevlar woofers, rated at 89dB.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Rated from 56Hz, and The Audio Tailor found it needs careful placement for even dispersion.
Full Wharfedale EVO 5.C review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 7.4”H x 20.5”W x 10.4”D (188 x 520 x 265 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 35x70mm AMT tweeter, 2x 5” Kevlar cone woofers |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex (slot-loaded port) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Weight | 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons