Wharfedale Evo 4.2 Speaker Review - A Lion doesn't need to tell anyone it's a Lion

[@cheapaudioman]

I mistakenly said these were vinyl wrap. They are real wood veneer. Apologize for the mistake

[@j.m.w.5064]

Hah... what a relieve. My face started to wrinkle up when I thought people on the other side of the pond accepted vinyl wrap for a thousand Dollars. Now I'm smooth again! Would you say the Warfdales are another class compared to the Elacs you presented? Or still sitting on the same shelf? Or just... different? Have a great day.

[@peterlarkin762]

Seems to be a common mistake, I think guttenberg and some others weren't sure either. I think the curved box makes the walnut veneer 'fake' looking. I got the 4.3 in black oak , looks far nicer in real life imo.

[@MAudiophile]

Honestly I saw them in person and I'd swear this is a vinyl wrap.

[@zachunter246]

These are real wood wraps. They take slices of real wood and then match the wraps of the pair

[@gammakeraulophon]

Hey... I'd say it's enough reason you should redo the entire video.. not many people are going to visit the comments section to find the amendment. AT THE VERY LEAST.. you should be going to the effort of posting the amendment on the screen as you say the words 'vinyl wrap'... In nice large letters ' Sorry.. my mistake.. it's Real Wood Veneer Wrap!! '. Just my opinion. It's a big mistake at this price point. It has the potential to throw a lot of people off of the product.. and the amendment should not be hidden away in the Comments Section. Hope you don't mind I state the case!

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Great review, Randy. Detailed, to the point, portrays the unique Evo 4.2 character as it is. You are becoming a top class reviewer.

[@toddm.7712]

Thanks Randy! I've had these speakers for a couple of years now, and agree with your review/assessment - placement is critical in achieving optimal performance. I spend hours of "active listening" and am continually impressed with the soundstage, imagery, clarity, and overall sound quality! I have them matched with an older Velodyne sub. I love my 4.2's!!! 👍✌

[@SqueamishPuppet]

The evo 4.4 was one of the most impressive speaker I heard at RMAF. The other two that stood out were over 10k dollars. I've wanted a set of 4.4s since. Such a great looking and sounding speaker.

[@aceofspades6667]

Do gof think the evo 4.4 are sufficient without a sub? Also what did you think about the amt implementation on these? We’re the highs bright or a bit hot of neutral when you heard it?

[@SqueamishPuppet]

@@aceofspades6667 I think the sub depends on your room honestly. I would almost always use a sub but that's just me. The tweeter didn't come of as bright. I think other reviewers on KZbin also say this speaker is laid back despite being an amt which can be harsh.

[@ikromtamat1681]

@@SqueamishPuppet I got the EVO 4.4 paired with M700. The AMT tweeter can be bright if toed directly towards your ears.. Minimise the toe-in, then it’ll become natural and balanced.. You need to experiment with the toe-in angle in your room.. Mine, I have it with a very small toe-in and that’s enabled larger sound stage and warmer sound

[@hotdog9262]

don`t know about the evo 4.4 specifically, but it often seem like wharfedale have somewhat soft/bloated bass

[@marcusaurelius2988]

@@hotdog9262 bloated? Why? You mean warm and muffled?

[@dennis2494]

I love the fact that you describe the sound that you hear when listening to a particular song and what album that song is on to me that is the only way to convey your listening experience to us , I wish that more reviewers would do that .

[@galbraithmp]

That is rare. Since most reviewers play no music whatsoever during their reviews and don’t even indicate what they listen to,, you have no idea what they use for evaluation purposes. Often makes them useless.

[@dillonquackenbush3895]

What a great feeling it is to open KZbin and see a new cheapaudioman video pop up :D thanks for your time and effort. Enough of this now, I need to start watching 😂

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks! You’re awesome

[@patrickbresnahan3023]

I am extremely happy that you reviewed these speakers. I appreciate the fact that you are starting to review more speakers in the $800 - $1000 range, which is my budget area. I would love for you to do a Saturday Shootout, comparing The EVO 4.2 with the new Elac Uni-fi UBR62. And please, throw in the SVS Ultras! Also, I would love for you to review the Focal Chora 806. They fall within the same price range as well. I appreciate your work, and your informative and entertaining reviews!

[@cheapaudioman]

It’s coming

[@AromaFrank]

Along with Polk R200 and Elac unifi 52 and maybe the DIY’s

[@noroomforsquares4483]

And the Wharfedale Denton 85th please! :-)

[@nothingleft777]

I just got them today! I paired them with a Denon X4300H. The highs are so crisp and clear. The mids are full and rich. They go down low enough to put a smile on your face! I listen to techno, house and minimal house a lot. Their characteristics remind me of Funktion-One loudspeakers (also from the U.K.), which are highly regarded in the club/rave/festival scene. I guess because both of them are from the U.K, it's not a coincidence that they both have that great "British" sound. Pure, clean, and crisp.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Curved cabinets mean reduced standing waves inside the cabinet, so they have a definite function, too. Bass is why I (and many people, I think) came to audio - but once you live with a better stereo for a while, it is the tweeter and midrange that puts a speaker into the top tier.

[@steven2809]

Exactly…🙂

[@Beathoven007]

True. Another nice thing about the curves is that when one places them in a corner they kind of blend in there.

[@justanobody4983]

Agreed!

[@VioletGiraffe]

Is it really reduced? Or merely spread out across a wider range of resonant frequencies (with lower amplitude of each)?

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@VioletGiraffe That's the definition of standing waves - not distributed over a wider range.

[@richardsummers2161]

I bought these a couple years back and paired it with a NAD 368, I love them. I find them very crisp and clear. I do use the active tone on my NAD and boost the highs and lows, but mostly for lower volume listening and records. At medium to higher volumes the bass rolls off nicely and feels like a subwoofer is active. The mids and highs are so transparent the detail is amazing, you will hear things like never before, your favorite old song will sound new to you again.

[@paulfisher8753]

Had the 4.2 since May, birthday present from the other half bless her... Just like her these speakers get better with age....And cheap to!!!!

[@massimilianozeni1848]

I had the 4.3 slim little tower before my current spendor and it's an incredible speaker for the price. The midrange is special. nice review Randy

[@andrewvenditelli152]

Really appreciate when you describe specific songs and what exactly you’re hearing and where in the soundstage. I’ve never had a decent set of speakers until recently and it’s giving me some examples to go off of when tinkering around with my setup. Thanks.

[@jmarks005]

Looking forward to trying these. Will be my first ‘proper’ component setup…coming from a cheap suitcase Crosley for my vinyl and a JBL bluetooth for streaming. Pairing the EVOs with a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo and Yamaha A-S801. Excited to finally build something worth the vinyl I own. This review helped me decide on the EVOs. Appreciate it!

[@jctai100]

Randy, thank you for using songs that are more familiar and accessible to the mainstream. Most of us including those who listen to other genres are at least familiar with these radio classics and it gives us a good reference point. Cheers.

[@wiebl5266]

so true, more universally relatable. Talking about exotic, non-mainstream, unique songs (conceivably trying to impress others) is practically serving no one, oh except the person who spouted the "amazing" song.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Great review, brother...the words you use as descriptives are just so relatable! I love the comedy you throw in, and overall, I UNDERSTAND what you are trying to relate! Keep on, keeping on! Peace ✌

[@Beathoven007]

I own these, they are near perfect for me. As one of the subjective benchmark demos I would suggest listening to tracks with upright bass because they have detail on many levels throughout the mids that really paint what this speaker is capable of. They are so well I think I will keep them for life. I like 3 way speakers and the only speaker topping them might be the Elysian, but I prefer a speaker that I can still carry around. :)

[@windnchgo]

My Mission 775 tower speakers are 24 years old and I discovered recently one of the speaker elements in one of my tower speakers has ceased to emit any sound - one of the woofers, most likely a burned-out voice coil. I debated about taking it in to a repair shop and having it replaced, but considering the age of the speaker I seriously doubt I could get an exact replacement... And frankly these speakers don't excite me anymore. All that said, I entered the market recently and have been researching mostly online - I would prefer auditioning speakers live, in person. But this option is virtually impossible now in Saint Louis with one notable exception and it's a very high end place that's not in my price range... Thanks largely to your review I decided to pull the trigger and purchase these along with the EVO4.CS center speaker . After about two weeks in I can say I am absolutely thrilled with these. By far the best sounding speakers I've ever owned. I spent #1,100 LESS than what I paid for the Mission speaker in 1998 AND these new speakers sound vastly superior to my ears. I considered replacing my back surrounds and I am glad I waited, because my Boston Acoustic CR9's, though purchased in 1995, march perfectly with these. I also have an SVS subwoofer and Sony height speakers, rounding out an exquisite system that delights and enraptures me better than any system I've owned before. Final note: The Mission tower speakers and matching center channel speaker cost me $2700 back in 1998. The Boston Acoustic CR9"s cost me $400 for the pair back in 1995 and they're still going strong - unlike the Mission. Goes to show you that spending more money is no guarantee on neither the sound quality OR the longevity or the electronics purchased!

[@windnchgo]

Forgot to mention: my receiver is a Pioneer Elite.

[@donaldbrown9976]

If $999 is a bit too rich for your blood, try the Evo 4.1s @ $699/pair. I've had mine for 4 months now & can't recommend them enough. I totally agree with Randy regarding sound stage, breakin and placement. The 4.1s don't dig quite as deep as the 4.2s, but the quality of the bass is as described in this review. The 4.1s are only 2 way, but I still find the midrange very natural and satisfying. Treble is very balanced and anything but fatiguing. One last minor point, my speakers are wrapped in real walnut veneer, not vinyl. Great review as always, Randy.

[@ropeburn6684]

Both are surely very good speakers. However, I've heard the 4.2, and while they are very good bookshelf speakers (detail and resolution is certainly there), they are lacking in bass for their size. They are certainly not small, and honestly I expected more. However, if you can pair them with a fat subwoofer and highpass them accordingly, they'll be seriously good. Highly recommended under that condition. 💪

[@RCB2244]

Having said what I just posted... I know this is quality. The fact that it has a 6.5 inch woofer, as well as a separate mid-range, it's basically a "jumbo bookshelf." Proper placement and room gain should allow it sound "almost" as large as a tower. Try placing one on each of your subwoofers or another mid-size speaker to use as a "stand"... whether close to the corner or just slightly further out, that will give it a fuller range sound. I've done that with others, to make smaller speakers like a bookshelf or LCR feel and sound larger. It does!😊Nice review, Randy.👍

[@scott001music]

Great review Randy!!! Always enjoy your reviews!!! Love the podcast with Ron as well... Keep up the great work!!

[@GodfreyMann]

Nice one Randy. Spot on review, but after 7 months with the Evo 4.2's I'd like to add that (to my ears) their bass create a full and warm character and their tweeters seem a bit rolled off to me. But this was after coming from LS50's so the Evo 4.2 is laid back by comparison. After 3 months, I decided to slightly EQ the tweeter to make it brighter and I can confirm that there's plenty of headroom to give it the character of a KEF (in upper frequencies) but still keep that full bodied warm jacket. I think super tweeters might work a treat with the EVO's, if one's looking for a more balanced sound. They paired well with my Denon PMA-600NE, Cambridge Azur 851a, and the YBA Heritage A100 changed their character completely by making the sound leaner and brighter (which I enjoyed a lot). My Audio Vista Spark 2 worked remarkably well on vocals with acoustic instruments, but it struggled with orchestral tracks and so isn't ideal. I don't think they're good for quiet listening as I think they need to be pushed beyond 75dB before they're comfortable. They remind me of those old 1990s turbo engines, you put your foot down and nothing, a bit more and still nothing, then you get to a threshold and woah! Soundstage as you say is big (very open) but with the right tracks I found it filled the room vertically as well. They're fine without a subwoofer for theatre and music, but I found that with music where the room acoustics was captured in the recording then my Rel T7i subwoofer enhanced it and the soundstage becomes bigger. LS50's *must* be used with a subwoofer IMO (and then they're great), but it's optional with the EVO 4.2's. In the UK, the EVO's are a budget speaker, I got mine for £480 open box (mint) with 6 year warranty...but they don't sound budget in terms of performance!

[@steven2809]

I moved from LS50 to Evo 4.2 because the KEFs have raised output between 2kHz and 5kHz…..too bright. The Evo 4.2 are neutral but the AMT tweeter is much more refined than Uni-Q.

[@vicg5323]

Got them and they are amazing. They are a gateway to what the really expensive ultra high end speakers can do.

[@johnfredmurray]

I have these and love them. Got them paired with a vintage Sansui amp and the soundstage and bass are surprisingly good.

[@riddlemethis79]

Not an au-505 is it? I've got one and I'm thinking about getting a pair of these

[@johnfredmurray]

@@riddlemethis79 it's the Sansui AU 9500. Love the sound of the pairing. The 9500 pushes at around 75 wpc at 8ohm but I'm sure it's a bit more after the restoration. I've heard these need a little power to make them sing

[@MalcaratMartinez]

Hey Randy, thanks for your channel !! I have been binge watching all your speaker comparison videos................ I just bought the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and just let me add something.....I was powering them with my NAD C315BEE for one week.... listening.... meh.... not really impressed. Yes balanced, and it actually has quite substantial bass. So much that I went back to the dealer today with my NAD to test it again, and maybe check for other speaker options .We checked Sonus Faber Lumina II....-very very nice, expensive , speakers-, Klipsch R600M 2....meh-no bass at all but nice highs-............and it was all meh until the guy pulled a Rega Brio power amp (which I am purchasing this evening). I could not believe the difference a power amp can make. It's not splitting hairs, it's not a slight difference. It's HUGE. All of a sudden the Wharfedales woke up and started throwing some punches....really like listening to a different set of speakers !!.....Just wanted to leave a comment here because to be honest, I was kind of skeptical about this . Again, thanks for your channel !

[@peterlarkin762]

Have to say, really accurate review of these. The electric guitar sound also left me in awe. Evo's seem to be really good with most genres.

[@griffinstout2838]

Awesome review! Please try to get ahold of some of the Denton 80 or 85!! Would be amazing

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

I own these and agree with your assessment. I would like to add they can also take on a very different sound when paired with tubes or S/S. One general comment to all reviewers, please don’t use the phrase book shelf. I know it’s been the norm but stand mount is more appropriate. Best

[@therealchickentender]

Had these for a couple months and loved them - definitely recommend. I replaced them with a pair Zu Omen DW which I've kept for well over a year now (for reasons I won't blather on about a vid about Wharfedales) but I do sometimes missed these Wharfes for specific imaging in classical and jazz pieces, which is where I found the Evos really excelled.

[@matthuston1767]

I have always wanted to try a dome mid. I love your reviews your goofy character is perfect for this medium of entertainment.

[@mentok3027]

I had a pair of Braun speakers with dual 6" woofers, a 4" dome mid, and 2" dome tweets that I found in the trash in the yuppie neighborhood when I was a teen. I foolishly gave them to a friend because I got some 15" Jensens! Dumbest move ever, I've yet to find a speaker that sounded as good playing acoustic guitar and that was 25 years ago.

[@matthuston1767]

@@mentok3027 dude I have an amazing 2 way bookshelf that digs deep and extends as I as one could possibly want with detail and no fatigue. The only downside is the lack of midrange. Honestly I can hear it in just but say I try to watch a show. The vocals are a bit vailed. Might not be the right word. More like really overshadowed buy the amazing bass and treble from a large booky. I Kai have a hard time farting with them. I paid a ridiculously low price they are rare on top of that they have amazing build quality.

[@EsotericArctos]

I ended up with the little brother, the Evo 4.1's because budget didn't allow me to go to the 4.2's. I've lived with them for 12 months now and they are really great. Picky with placement, but once the placement is right, the imaging and soundstage is really good. With the 4.1's I found the tended to disappear into the room and I didn't need a centre channel for TV / Movies. I did hear the 4.2's don't blend into the room quite so well, but I haven't tried them myself yet.

[@johan5660]

Great review randy 👍👍👍 Now waiting for elac ubr62 vs evo 4.2 review

[@davidlowland4618]

I'd like to add the Polk R200, and the UB52 of course. What a Saturday speaker shootout that would be!

[@knifeswitch5973]

You are pretty spot on with this one Randy. As an owner I will just add BREAK THESE IN. I am not the only owner to say this.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Most wharfedales need heavy and long breaking in. But after that, god damn they bloom like a mafaker.

[@carlsitler9071]

Lol! That was hilarious! You were ad libing that sponser like crazy. 👍

[@Tinez87]

They are real wood veneer on these beauties 👌🏻 no vinyl! Not bad for a £600 speaker 😁

[@gnd144]

Honest reviews are appreciated. Cheers.

[@Makingoodtimes]

Thoroughly enjoyed this review, speaker really looks the goods too

[@FarHagh]

Great review with all the "goods" and "warnings"; good job Chief!

[@DomRivers67]

Expensive over there, £599 here in the UK ($725) Mind you Klipsch are about 30% more expensive here than the US

[@ian.new.life.]

What do u recomend these or some dali

[@saurabhkaushik3552]

Beautifully explained & an overall brilliant presentation. You are a gem, my friend...I simply liked your review! I actually appreciate geniuses like you who have this sound DNA inbuilt in thier core

[@TylerStout]

This or the Elacs? Maybe a Saturday shootout?

[@francisteardrop]

Any thoughts on these in comparison to the Wharfedale Lintons? Three way, large bookshelf, similar price point…

[@fletchermunson6225]

These speakers have real wood veneer according to the Warfdale web site. Also, try the smaller two way version of these for $695. Excellent.

[@stevebowles312]

You’re correct. I have these and the 4.1’s. . It’s definitely a genuine veneer.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@stevebowles312 Thats a great little speaker. I love the down porting.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@stevebowles312 I listened to both and liked them. My speaker placement situation is odd so I don't think they reached their full potential so I moved on.

[@aceofspades6667]

Are you positive because for $1k or $2k for the evo 4.4s at that price point I wouldn’t be happy with a vinyl wrap.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@aceofspades6667 Check out their web site.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

These have been on my list since they came out.

[@javierorozco410]

thank you very much señor :)) excelentes comentarios / excellent comments :)))

[@fusionnnn2000]

This are on sale in my country , Romania at 570$ should i get them ?

[@CinemaDemocratica]

I'm consistently astonished when knowledgeable reviewers suggest that there's no such thing as speaker break-in. I mean, Jeebus Christmas on a pink-painted bicycle, it's a box full of *moving* parts! Connected by wires! Tell me that those wires don't respond to that movement differently over time. For me, the proof that speaker break-in is real, is that it always runs in one direction along the audio character continuum. You will never, ever hear a reviewer say, "These were pretty bloated and frankly kind of a mess, but 50 hours of watching TV with my wife and they really started to come together into a much tighter and more cohesive sound." You will NEVER hear a reviewer say that. Break-in always runs the other way: From a slightly etched, brittle, tizzy sound, to something much more forgiving and musical. To me the explanation is pretty obviously that the moving parts are smoothing themselves out with fewer herks and jerks.

[@great100m]

You're upcoming comparison of the 4.2 with the Elac Uni-Fi Ref is going to be interesting ! Looking forward to this shoot-out. Pls compare dialogue, dialogue, dialogue.

[@djayhornet2]

Speaking of cheap audio, the static on the mic here wasn't great. Great review, love the channel. Great time to be a consumer, so much quality at the entry level (or slightly above) and so much access to quality info via channels like this.. tyranny of choice: hard part is committing to one and pulling the trigger.

[@mattyjlove7157]

Hi Randy, I am trying to decide if I should buy the Evo 4.2 or the CSS Audio Criton 1TD-X kit. I listen to a wide variety of music. Please help Randy. I can not buy one till I hear from you.🙂✌Cheers Mate.

[@shrekpersonal5528]

following- same situation

[@drowleya]

I like DYI and build the Swan 3.1 which is a very similiar design with 2 inch dome mid and MIT tweeter. His description is similar. Placement is picky and they run a bit bright. That said the detail and air they produce is amazing. base is strong but the real highlight is the mid and highs are so realistic and real sounding. I build the CSS TD with the upgraded cross over. Spent 1200 dollars and side by side with the Swans they are very close. The CSS is a great speaker and very detailed but the swan does a better job bring the performance into the room. The swans feel more live. I think it domes down to the MIT and Dome mid range. In the end I enjoy the 300 dollar Swans over the CSS TD1. His description of the Wharfedale tweeter sounds like what I experience wiht the Swan. Randy... You should review the Swan 3.1. It is a great speaker. That said some music that is poorly recorded or room not treated well will get too bright. I am having Danny at GR Research evaluate the frequency response and cross over for improvement.

[@Matrucos3]

I also have rhe swan diy. 3.1 with the perfectionist crossover mod AND I recently bought the evo 4.3s and they are reeally close... makes me apreciate the swans so much more they certainly cant be beat for the price

[@ginom407]

Another great discovery! Thanks Randy! 👍👍👍

[@jonsays3762]

4.3’a are great for music. They sucked out front for movies. Would’ve never spent the money, but I caught them open box for a couple hundred more than the 4.2’s. Amt high and soft dome mid drivers really produce a distinct sound.

[@sanonmars]

you mean not great for movies? So how would 4.4 fit in?

[@jonsays3762]

@@sanonmars I don't know. Dual 6" drivers is actually a LOT more surface area pushing soundwaves. the 5" ones are very tight and precise with 2-channel audio and a modest MTX sub helping out with the low-lows, but in a surround setup or in 2-ch stereo movies just don't have a cinematic presentation. To me, anyway. I moved mine into the bedroom and put in Infinity 263's up front. and use the wharfey's at fairly low volume. Not quite what was intended, and comes out as just ok. edit: I forgot--I tried them outputting from my desktop in an office setup, and wasn't quite happy with them in that room, either. Power and DAC weren't the issue--topping D50s and emotiva BASX a-100, also tried a sanskrit mkii dac. Office wasn't right room for them, lol.

[@sanonmars]

@@jonsays3762 Thanks for reply. Is your office room small? Placement issues for speakers?

[@toorop111]

I just picked these up. I have them connected to a WiiM ultra>rca outs> -x2 audiolab 8300MB’s upgraded from x2 paradigm mini monitor 7 v7’s. They were a good speaker but had a hot treble response to them as you turned it up, granted I (we)know amplification really matters. I am just breaking them in as I type. I fell in love with them. They have a really good stage. I will move onto an integrated tube amplifier soon. Cheers.

[@stuartphoenix6117]

I've had the 4.4 for a few months now, placement and listening position is key, they just keep sounding better every listen.

[@wiltonbjr]

Which amp are you using?

[@stuartphoenix6117]

@@wiltonbjr linn majik I and linn lk100 power amp.

[@survivalhub]

You ever gonna review the hivi 2.2a? The unbox video needs an update! :)

[@scottbaylor6215]

I'm probably not the target audience for this product, although I could be someday. That said, I love the fact that you describe products with music I listen to on a regular basis and very familiar for me. Keep rocking! Thanks. Scott

[@JDKing1989]

I like your reviews. I would love to see you do a shootout of the top ribbon tweeter Bookshelves under $2000. (Ascend Acoustics SIERRA-2EX V2 Vs. Wharfedale Evo 4.2, etc.) I'm currently interested in the PMC Prodigy1's, but also the SIERRA-2EX V2's since they're roughly the same price.

[@apmihai82]

go ahead and try the Quad S2 with a ribbon tweeter (not amt- and MUCH better). You will keep them - never let them go.

[@steven2809]

In your opinion…I prefer the technically better AMT to the ribbon 🙂

[@justanobody4983]

@@steven2809 same here i prefer AMT over ribbon.

[@jim010109]

These vs the Linton 85's? I've been eye balling the Lintons, the stands look awesome as well. And for 1500 bucks. Oh yeah baby.i just wish somebody had them on display close to me.

[@raymoore8435]

The Whardale Denton would be a good speaker to compare as well, considering it’s the same price if I’m not mistaken.

[@siddarthgokul1518]

I have a dumb question to ask… don’t beat me, but… can I pair this speaker with the Aiyima T9 pro? Or is that amp to low end for such an expensive speaker?

[@ben23a31]

Love the $1k reviews! Keep-em coming !

[@yuckysamson]

Ran-man, it's time to stop apologizing. "cheap" doesn't have to mean an overall price ceiling. Cheap can be just as useful by showing is how to be stingy, difficult to negotiate with, and critical of anything which you feel is overpriced regardless of actual price point. You'll always be cheap in my book, baby. You keep doing you. Price doesn't matter--attitude does.

[@jeremyr722]

Well said!

[@svalbard01]

I agree. But if you don't get a monocle and top hat to do a Scrooge Christmas edition in 5 months, you're not the audioman you think you are. 5 months! You've got 5 months to secure a monocle and top hat. And coattails. "Something's wrong with the left channel on this class-D. There's a bit of a hum... hum... HUMBUG!" "I'm Randyneezer, the cheap audio Scrooge. And we don't feel like audio equipment should cost more than the biggest goose in the shop window on Christmas day."

[@JC-lk3oy]

@@svalbard01 I now think Randy should wear a top hat and monocle every time he reviews something outside his normal price range.

[@svalbard01]

@@JC-lk3oy Randy Warbucks?

[@scotm3599]

I am trying to decide between the EVO 4.2 or the Denton 85. Which one would you purchase and why. Sound wise what is the difference. No one sells them locally so no way to really test them

[@CM-dw3gh]

Im in the same boat. Torn between the same speakers. Within my budget, the 85ths more pleasing on the eye but hearing the treble is harsh. What did you go for?

[@itswamba2060]

I want to thank you for all of your great, informative and occasionally humorous videos. I am a burgeoning audiophile (can I say that word?) and recently took two of your recommendations. I purchased the Wharfedale Evo 4.2s and the Sony STR-DH190. While the Warfedales are a little light on the bottom end, I paired them with a couple of Presonus Eris E8XTs to carry the lows. As I write this, I am listening to the Elder Scrolls V Skyrim soundtrack. My music has never sounded so vast! As I am not wealthy, I was wondering if I should buy these items while having no idea what they sounded like. Thanks to your videos, I took that chance and am in no way disappointed. Keep the videos coming!!! Thank you! Edit: 11 days later and the lows on the Wharfedales have surpassed the lows on the Presonus’. I have always been uncertain as to the validity of a speaker “break-in” period. With the 4.2s there is a definite difference. Love these speakers!! Thanks again!!

[@toorop111]

What bookshelf speakers would you recommend for vertical spatial imaging?

[@wheelbasemedia5814]

"At the right height" . . . I have these in my shop and the sound changes far too much for my liking just walking around the room. For the best sound, you just have to be in the right spot (height) more than other speakers. It seems minor, but it could be too much of a trade-off even if competing speakers aren't as accurate.

[@kdomster9141]

How would compare these to GRs XLS encore?

[@TrainSuplexer]

Would love to know how Portishead sounds on these. Beth Gibbons is the epitome of haunting female vocals to me.

[@mentok3027]

It was definitely Sour Times for me when he said these were a grand!

[@HappyTyke25]

Great review, I would love a pair of these, try Stevie wonder "living in the city" for soundstage and imaging. amazing!

[@alexanders1993s]

Hi! Do you think they are suitable for an home theatre configuration with the Denon AVC X4700H? Thank you very much

[@carlsitler9071]

$1000 is probably a price point I could envision for some VERY good speakers. I would guess the 4.2s are in contention.

[@pushslice]

“You’re in the middle of that pie and the pie is the size of your room”

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Randy is moving up the ladder, from cheapaudioman to the affordable one. Given this fact I advice Randy to give a shot to Magnat 1500 Transpuls speakers that cost exactly the same and give the most badass sound for the money I'm aware of. Magnat is a German manufacturer of audio gear, sister company of Klipsch and those speakers look very similar to Klipsch Forte from the outside for one forth of the price. Big sound for a fistful of dollars.

[@wktek48]

Will the warfdale 4.2 bookshelfs combine oke with SVS speakers in a 5.1.4 system?

[@sidesup8286]

Lots of good audio & music come from that very small portion of Europe. The U.K. is a much smaller country than the U.S. with only a fraction of our population. Yet arguably the 3 biggest rock artists of all time came from there: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who. Vinyl is bigger over there in England & Scotland and it didn't almost die out in the first place like it did here. Wharfedale, like Acoustic Research was one of those companies that did a much publicized speakers vs.real musicians experiment many decades ago at Carnegie Hall. When listeners couldn't tell when the classical musicians stopped playing and the speaker reproduction came on, they used it as a promotion. They never said who the listeners were, in either test. Also if you're talking to a good friend on the phone and as a gag they put someone else on the phone for a minute with a voice not incredibly different than theirs, would you detect it? Or would it be mind over matter and you'd believe you were still talking to your friend? Many years ago the little Wharfedale Diamonds were partly responsible for putting really small bookshelf models into popularity. The size of the 4.2 speakers are actually ideal. Big enough to have deep bass, but a small enough cabinet to get out of the way of the sound. The vogue slim speakers of today with rounded corners are designed that way because too wide a cabinet can result in cabinet diffraction. But cabinet diffraction can also result from too much cabinet area below the drivers. A great and logical size for a 3 way loudspeaker.

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

since you praised the UB52’s for their incredible soundstage and imaging abilities, how do they stack up against these more expensive speakers?

[@chadlejeune9834]

From my listening, UB52 images better and has a better sound stage than the Evo 4.2. It also has very similar if not better scale as the 4.2 (making the instruments sound as big as they would in real life instead of sounding like notes suspended in air) which is impressive since it's a much smaller speaker. The 4.2 forces a bit more detail out, but doesn't sound as natural as the UB52 to my ears, it's not fatiguing though. What the UB52 can't match though is the bass performance. I don't need a subwoofer with the 4.2 and my room is pretty large. In my room it definitely reaches the 30s with authority. Probably the only speaker I've heard that outperforms the UB52 in terms of sound stage and imaging is the LS50 Meta, but I'm really looking forward to hearing the Uni-fi reference.

[@AromaFrank]

@@chadlejeune9834 Thanks for sharing ur experience. What would you suggest is more musical, Evo 4.1 or UB52 in a room 9x8?

[@chadlejeune9834]

@@AromaFrank I definitely think you'll have a better experience with the UB52 in that kind of space. I'm betting the wharfedale will overwhelm that room with bass and it will sound even darker.

[@AromaFrank]

@@chadlejeune9834 Thank you!! Btw did you had any issues with the UB52 like some had complain that it has a weird noise and or hiss.. in some of the notes?

[@chadlejeune9834]

@@AromaFrank I did not, but I also never really listen to music above 80-85db, and I heard that problem was playing at loud volumes with certain tracks. If you have the budget, I'd also look into the Uni-fi reference. It's in stock on Amazon now, albeit low stock.

[@bpalpha]

I'd like to see these compared to the Paradigm SE 6000F. Full tower speakers at the same price. Wharfedale has quite the reputation though and deservedly.

[@aceofspades6667]

I’m very much interested in the evo 4.4 towers for my listening room. I wonder if I could put those up near the corners of a 12X10x8.5 room? Also would you think the towers would be sufficient without a sub? I also am not the biggest fan of AMT tweets as the energy someone feels a bit too spicy for what I’ve heard. I wonder if these AMTs are implemented a bit more toned down?

[@garyjones5947]

Biggest issue with these speakers is placement…truly critical to the listening experience. Bit of a shame they’re so picky.

[@wiebl5266]

you are absolutely right

[@Beathoven007]

I think they do fantastic in an average room. Just make sure to reduce reverb in the room a bit with a rug, carpet, curtains or whatever does the trick.

[@kohnfutner9637]

I figured after watching the$500 shootout, Randy was going to love these more than life itself. I bet they would be nice in my bedroom.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Randy, between the evo 4.2 or Polk R200, which is better? They sell for almost the same price here in Singapore.

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

How do you think these would work in a stack? 2 pairs on one set of stands with the speakers doubled stacked with no flip....would that blend and mix the sounds better? take care of the laser pointer mid frequency.

[@angelllacuna8889]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the AMT tweeter of the EVO 4.2 compared to traditional dome tweeter?

[@marks7646]

I wonder why in our country this only sell for $670 a pair, while the svs ultra bookshelf is $1,200.

[@sting0072007]

that AMT tweeter looks huge!

[@nathandaniels4823]

Randy! Did you find that the vertical placement became more forgiving as you got farther back? If so, how far back would you suggest sitting?

[@paulbruce3779]

Great Review as always 👍 How would you compare the bass response verses the Elac Debut B6?

[@jalsarrelevantchaos8817]

Thats a pretty speaker. Definitely has WAF.

[@typedeaf]

Wow thats a pretty glowing review. Feel like I have to seriously consider this speaker now. Worried it wont work well for home theater for 3 people on a couch, but ... who knows. How often do you have to change out the air purifier on the top?

[@Tinez87]

How do you rate these against the Elac Debut Reference? I have both the Evo's and the Debut's and I have been switching them back and forth all week but I can't decide which I prefer! It would be good to hear your opinion on the matter 🙂 thanks for your amazing content keep it up 👌🏻

[@twooger]

Is midrange better on Evos? I have Elacs and thinking about switching to something more lively and easier to drive

[@andreassouth1523]

You mean elac dbr62?How is the upper mids and highs? Are they bright or balanced or warm to you. 35 khz for me, maybe to much.I don't like harsh sounding speakers.I loved elac debut original with his dark sound.Are they any good for long listening sessions?Non-fatiguing?I have wrfs 225s which are neutral to warm/soft.

[@andreassouth1523]

@@twooger You mean elac dbr62?How is the upper mids and highs? Are they bright or balanced or warm to you. 35 khz for me, maybe to much.I don't like harsh sounding speakers.I loved elac debut original with his dark sound.Are they any good for long listening sessions?Non-fatiguing?I have wrfs 225s which are neutral to warm/soft.

[@gq1foru]

Hey Randy, how do these speakers compare to the Polk L100, Elac Uni Fi reference and the CSS td 1's, considering they are within the same price range?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Elac Carina is at the same price and sounds AMAZING 🤤

[@hragan76]

I listen to music only and I currently have Polk S20 set up in my bedroom which to me sound more detailed than the klipsch RB 51 they replaced. However I still feel like something is missing and was wondering if these would be a good upgrade or should I try for SVS ultra or even Monitor Audio Bronze 100 since my ears are level with the tweeter on the polks now. I’m also running these on a Yamaha RN803 network receiver with an SVS PB1000 pro sub.

[@nothingleft777]

The actual woofer is only around 5,1” actually . The casing is 6,5”. Great speakers but it feels like a false advertising by Wharfedale :(

[@chateaurosenstein8083]

true, but nonetheless, sounds great

[@nothingleft777]

@@chateaurosenstein8083 yes and I'm happy with them! They're crisp and clear

[@spark7516]

Given the state of prices in audio, I hate to say it, but $999 still qualifies as “relatively” inexpensive. Thanks for the review, Randy! Good stuff!

[@Beathoven007]

it is relatively cheap for a 3 way speaker that is described as being reachable high end.

[@tomb375]

Hi Randy, These or Denton 80th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers? Which is better sounding? Thank you. I love all your Video's!

[@IamVintage72]

Man I was about to buy these Evo's until I found the Polk R 200s. I thought the Warfs were nicely made and liked the way they did there bass port. Only thing I was afraid they might be to sharp on my damaged ears. Too many loud concerts !! Whoa buddy I use Harvester of sorrow for testing too

[@bloodbathory5624]

Hey Sir, how do you like the R200s? Are they bright or balanced or warm to you? Is the bass strong? Are they good to crap recordings? Thanks.

[@IamVintage72]

I think they sound incredible. Bass is full and smooth. They are actually getting incredible reviews and compared to speakers over 2 grand. There is a audio science review on Google for them where he compares them to the Jbl hdi 1600s and some Focals and others.

[@junflores7143]

I am a beginner on this hobby. I am nearing my retirement and planning to have a simple 3.1 setup for music and movies to enjoy my retirement. What AVR do you suggest to get these Evo 4.2 their best sound. Thanks in advance and more power to your channel.

[@surfmorworkless]

I do wonder how these would compare to the Linton.