Short answer: the Wharfedale EVO 5.1. It ranks #36 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5) at $999 and is still sold new; the Wharfedale EVO 4.1 ranks #44 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Wharfedale EVO 4.1: Bookshelf speakers with an AMT ribbon tweeter above a woven Kevlar woofer and fairly deep bass for their size. The catch: Directivity varies strongly with frequency (4.48dB directivity index deviation), so room reflections sound different from the direct sound, and the -3dB point is 90.8Hz.
What the Wharfedale EVO 5.1 does well: Bookshelf speakers with a large AMT ribbon style tweeter, a woven Kevlar woofer and an updated cabinet and crossover. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor.
Buy the Wharfedale EVO 5.1. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Wharfedale EVO 4.1 is discontinued.
Worth knowing: the Wharfedale EVO 5.1 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.6 to 4.2, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with an AMT ribbon tweeter above a woven Kevlar woofer and fairly deep bass for their size.
Bookshelf speakers with a large AMT ribbon style tweeter, a woven Kevlar woofer and an updated cabinet and crossover.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale EVO 4.1 | Wharfedale EVO 5.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 per pair Discontinued | $999.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #44 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 30x60mm AMT tweeter, 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer | 35x70mm AMT tweeter, 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer |
| Frequency Response | 64Hz-22kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-24kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal, 8 ohm compatible (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 8.3”W x 11.6”D (335 x 210 x 295 mm) | 13.4”H x 8.7”W x 12.8”D (340 x 220 x 325 mm) |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 41.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.50 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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