Wharfedale EVO 5 Series loudspeakers
A new-generation EVO 5 Series of loudspeakers replaces Wharfedale’s EVO 4 range, with upgrades to drive units, cabinets and crossovers promising high-end sound without upscale price tags.
The new models, launched in Munich today, replace the EVO 4 Series and comprises five models: two stand-mount speakers (EVO 5.1 and 5.2), two floor-standers (EVO 5.3 and 5.4) and a home cinema centre speaker (EVO 5.C). Outwardly, a design refresh presents a more contemporary appearance; internally, every detail has been revised to enhance performance.
Both floor-standers and the larger of the two stand-mounters are three-way designs, incorporating dedicated domed midrange drivers. But while the driver configurations echo the previous generation, the new speakers are a little larger, allowing for greater cabinet volumes, upgraded drivers and new crossovers.
Drive units
All five EVO 5 models incorporate a new, improved version of the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high- frequency unit developed for the EVO 4 range. Compared to conventional dome tweeters, Wharfedale’s AMT drivers deliver lower distortion and superior speed and accuracy.
To match to the new AMT high-frequency unit, Wharfedale has further developed the midrange driver that was designed for the previous EVO 4 models. Deployed in the three-way EVO 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, it incorporates the same 50mm dome diaphragm, designed to deliver a fast, responsive, wide bandwidth performance that blends seamlessly with the treble and bass drivers.
The EVO 5 Series’ bass drivers utilise the advanced, low-distortion motor system developed for the flagship Elysian models, married to a woven Kevlar cone – 130mm or 150mm depending on the model – fitted with a low-loss rubber surround. This gives a wide bandwidth drive unit that is equally adept at producing powerful bass and a natural-sounding lower midrange.
In addition to the ResoFrame acoustic damping frame, the EVO 5 bass drivers (or bass/mid drivers, in the case of the two-way EVO 5.1 and 5.C) are enhanced by Wharfedale’s new ResoSeal; a low-mass elastomer damping ring at the rear of the cone where it meets the surround. This further optimises the lower midrange, allowing vocals to sound richer, more natural and more emotionally engaging.
Musical crossover
The EVO 5 drivers’ output is combined via a redesigned crossover network, developed through extensive computer modelling and real-world listening tests, with a revised PCB layout that shortens the path length between components and drive units. In the three-way speakers, the circuit is split onto separate PCBs – one for mid/treble and the other for bass, to minimise electromagnetic interference.
Specially chosen high-grade polypropylene capacitors and air-core inductors are used for optimum clarity in the EVO 5’s mid/treble section, with laminated silicon-iron inductors in the bass section to minimise signal degradation. The result is impeccable phase consistency and seamless driver integration.
Speaking about the development of the EVO 5 Series, Peter Comeau, Wharfedale’s Director of Acoustic Design, said: “EVO 4 already benefitted from an exceptionally high level of engineering content given its speakers’ accessible price points. By revising the cabinet volumes, redesigning the crossovers and enhancing the drive units with new techniques and materials, we have been able to deliver substantial sonic improvements with the EVO 5 Series, as well as aesthetic enhancements, while minimising inevitable increases in cost.”
Pricing and availability
The Wharfedale EVO 5 Series is available from June in a choice of matt black, matt white, matt grey or walnut wood veneer. Matching stands can be purchased for the EVO 5.1 and 5.2, fashioned from high-carbon steel to manage the effects of vibrations and sound reflections and position the speakers at the ideal height.
EVO 5.1: £549/pair EVO 5.2: £749/pair EVO 5.3: £1099/pair EVO 5.4: £1399/pair
EVO 5.C: £549 EVO 5.4 Stands: £399 EVO 5.2 Stands: £449