Wharfedale has updated its popular speaker series. The EVO 5 line replaces the EVO 4, which utilized technologies developed for the flagship Elysian models. It offers additional driver improvements, updated larger enclosures, and crossovers for Hi-Fi sound, all without significantly increasing the price. The new Wharfedale EVO 5 series includes five models: two bookshelf speakers (EVO 5.1 and EVO 5.2), two floorstanding models (EVO 5.3 and 5.4), and a home theater center channel (EVO 5.C).
As before, both floorstanding models and the larger of the two bookshelf models feature a three-way design with specialized dome midrange drivers. While the driver configuration is the same as in the EVO 4, the new speakers are slightly larger, allowing for increased cabinet volume, improved drivers, and the development of new crossovers. The Wharfedale EVO 5 speakers feature a more contemporary design. The walnut veneer remains, while the white and black versions now feature a super-smooth, high-quality matte finish. A new matte finish, Lunar Grey, has also been added.
Unlike many speaker manufacturers, Wharfedale designs and manufactures nearly all components in-house. This allows for complete freedom in speaker design and full control over key elements, such as drivers, improving them from generation to generation. All five Wharfedale EVO 5 models include the improved AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency driver. Compared to traditional dome tweeters, Wharfedale AMT drivers deliver lower distortion, as well as superior speed and precision, according to the manufacturer.
The AMT driver, developed for the EVO 5, is larger than that of the EVO 4—35×70 mm versus 30×60 mm—which further improves efficiency and dispersion. It also features a new SilentWeave sound-absorbing material, developed specifically for the EVO 5 series, made of cotton and felt—this serves to reduce reflections of sound waves within the speaker. A new acoustic damping frame, called ResoFrame, made of elastomer, is used in both the AMT and all drivers, further reducing mechanical resonance and smoothing the response, especially in the crucial lower high-frequency range. These acoustic improvements to the AMT unit minimize unwanted sound coloration, delivering extended high frequencies without harshness and a cleaner, more natural sound signature.
To complement the new AMT HF driver, the midrange driver has been further refined. Used in the three-way EVO 5.2, EVO 5.3, and EVO 5.4 models, it incorporates the same 50mm dome cone. The soft fabric dome, with its damped coating, delivers a linear response from 800 Hz to 5 kHz. Improvements such as the ResoFrame acoustic damping structure within the driver faceplate and SilentWeave material reduce resonance and reflections, delivering a smoother response and improved clarity. The wide dispersion angle of the midrange dome and AMT combination ensures listeners hear every detail in the music, regardless of its position.
The EVO 5 series bass drivers utilize the advanced motor system developed for the flagship Elysian models, combined with an advanced Kevlar cone—130mm or 150mm depending on the model. The driver delivers powerful bass and natural low-midrange frequencies. In addition to the ResoFrame acoustic damping frame, the EVO 5 bass drivers (or bass/midrange drivers in the case of the two-way EVO 5.1 and 5.C models) are enhanced with a new ResoSeal—an elastomer damping ring at the rear of the cone. This further optimizes the lower midrange, making vocals richer, more natural, and emotionally captivating. The crossover network was redesigned through computer modeling and real-world listening tests.
The Wharfedale EVO 5, like the premium Aura and Elysian lines, as well as its predecessor, the EVO 4, utilizes a slot-loaded acoustic design—SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port). This bass port system is designed to improve low-frequency performance and minimize acoustic distortion. It is based on an original idea by Gilbert Briggs, the founder of Wharfedale, who led the company from 1932 to 1964. The bass reflex tubes are integrated into the bottom of the cabinet and exit into the space between the cabinet and the speaker’s support platform. This design eliminates turbulence and airborne hum, and reduces distortion in the high and low frequencies that can be present in traditional bass reflex systems.
While the EVO 4 speakers’ ports discharged air in two directions, the redesigned EVO 5 series features a three-way system, discharging air to the left, right, and rear. This optimizes airflow distribution, further enhancing bass. Furthermore, because air is evenly distributed throughout the room, the speakers are less demanding in terms of placement than many traditional ported designs. Wharfedale EVO 5 cabinets are constructed from a multi-layer, mixed-density wood sandwich, designed to reduce panel resonance. At the base of each EVO 5 speaker is a wood and metal plinth. It contains SLPP ventilation, enhances structural rigidity, and helps isolate the speakers from external resonance.
Wharfedale EVO 5.4 Speaker System Description
The floor-standing, three-way Wharfedale Evo 5.4 speakers are the largest model in the series. These speakers are capable of handling large rooms with high-quality sound. The model is completely versatile, both in terms of listening to various genres of music and in its ability to be used not only in stereo systems but also in home theaters. The Wharfedale Evo 5.4 enclosures feature sloped sides, and their front panel is wider than the rear. This, combined with internal bracing and damping, results in an acoustically inert design that is resistant to vibration and resonance. Even at high volumes, the Wharfedale Evo 5.4 speakers will not color the sound, and despite their size, they virtually disappear into the stereo image. To ensure the necessary stability, the speakers’ feet are located outside the base.
The model features a three-way configuration. Low frequencies in the Wharfedale Evo 5.4 are reproduced by two 150mm bass drivers. Their cones are made of Kevlar and mounted on wide flexible surrounds to ensure piston-like movement with large amplitude. The woofers are mounted on non-resonant cast baskets and equipped with a powerful magnetic system. The midrange driver in the Wharfedale Evo 5.4 is unusual. It features a 2-inch diameter dome and is mounted in a sound duct whose walls are made of soft polymer to dampen unwanted vibrations. The sound of vocals and acoustic recordings through this speaker system is impressively precise and balanced, and is sure to impress even the most seasoned music lovers.
The AMT ribbon tweeter installed in the Wharfedale Evo 5.4 is traditionally used by the company in its high-end speakers. It features an extended polar pattern, providing an impressive stereo image that can be heard from virtually anywhere in the listening room. The speakers utilize a crossover network made from select components, and two pairs of screw-type terminals are used for connection to the amplifier.
Wharfedale EVO 5.4 Specifications
- General Description 3-way floorstanding speaker
- 6.5″ (150mm) woofer Black woven Kevlar cone x2
- 2″ (50mm) midrange Soft dome
- 35 x 70mm AMT tweeter
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 90dB
- Recommended amplifier power 30-200W
- Peak SPL 108dB
- Nominal impedance 4 ohms (8 ohms compatible)
- Minimum impedance 4.3 ohms
- Frequency response (+/- 3dB) 42Hz – 24kHz
- Bass extension (-6dB) 36Hz
- Crossover frequency 1.1kHz, 4kHz
- Cabinet volume (litres) 59.5l
- Dimensions (mm)
- Height (at plinth and spike) 1028 mm
- Width 302 mm
- Depth (with grate + terminal) (350 + 40) mm
- Net weight 31.2 kg/pcs.
