KEF LS50 Meta Vs Wharfedale Evo 4.2 Comparison

KEF LS50 Meta, amzn.to/3m2qXBM
Price: US$1500 (Dec, 2020)
TBR Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
Wharfedale EVO 4.2 Speakers, amzn.to/3c9BIwv
Price: $998 (Dec, 2020)
Overall Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Associated Equipments;
Yao Si Ting - Endless Love 2, ebay.us/BHbje1
Wharfedale Evo 4.2: amzn.to/32A27lc
KEF LS50 Meta: amzn.to/3jDLknd
KEF R11: amzn.to/3acMlB8, ebay.us/nXCI8d
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/NllM5G
PS Audio AC-12 Power Cable: amzn.to/2YQo2Tx
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w ,
Denon DP-47F Turntable: ebay.us/rh226Z
Denon DL-301 MK II MC Cart: ebay.us/HUjGpv
AudioQuest King Cobra RCA Cables: amzn.to/33bDQlF
AudioQuest Big Sur RCA Cables: amzn.to/3aab3in
Belden 8402 XLR Cables: ebay.us/49fKT5
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha AC Power Cord: ebay.us/5T2uZP
TBR-DS Custom Speaker Cables.
Hey!
Only Option To Listen KZbin Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.
My Preferred Headphones For KZbin Sound Demos: amzn.to/2wAkk54
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Video Timeline
0:00 Quick Comparison
7:23 LS50 Meta P1
9:53 Evo 4.2 P1
12:25 LS50 Meta P2
#tharbamar #goodsoundtoyou

[@lrdmagoo4754]

The quality and format of your videos are amazing. You’ve obviously put a lot of effort and thought into the presentation. I truly appreciate it.

[@Tharbamar]

Thank you.

[@sharminsultana7298]

@@Tharbamar Hello sir, we have the Evo 4.2. suggest us an upgrade around 1500usd of speakers over this please. Thanks

[@ctr289]

@@Tharbamar How come you find the Evo's sweetspot large when all reviewers and the graphs tell the opposite story, that they beam aggressively above 6kHz? People complain that the sound changes dramatically even when they move their hand a few inches to pick something from the table

[@loubano]

Thanks you very much for this great and usual Honest review. I follow and watch your video since a while and each time I really enjoy your approach, clear explanation of how speaker sound and above all your true honesty. Since month I am hesitating by picking up evo 4.2 and recently LS50 old model (since there are actually in discount at 600e) I just ordered evo 4.2 based on this last video because I see more of my taste will be filled by Evo. Thanks a lot for your great review and help ! Cedric

[@carlosvalverde4544]

By far the best sound demo videos on the web, Thanx a lot

[@clarencehoover6748]

The audio sample recording are worth a million words. Thank you! 💜

[@tcc5750]

Great video, as someone that owns a pair of bright speakers, the Evo 4.2 will be perfect to use for when I am feeling fatigued. Thank you for this video.

[@shereewhite1710]

Such a thorough and well put together video (descriptors and links), much appreciated. Also, I auditioned the Wharfedale Evos in person, and there was something special about them to me. For the price differential, I would definitely go with the Evo 4.2. Your space is sparingly beautiful. I was wondering how does one go about determining whether to use sound panels or not and Where to place them?

[@bobnot24]

Bless for your personal apporach and not trying to theorize for the listener. I value the journey and can theorize for myself.

[@quitegenius]

Very close between the two. Really up to preference. Great Review!

[@sukjoochoi]

I like Wharfedale Evo 4.2 for my taste. Very natural and well blended.

[@henrifpv2868]

thank you for your review. I really have a little fever for that evo 4.2. I have Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary and I have been liking them but that Evo is in my mind still.. :)

[@DuragVince-]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do all of this work. Where would the Klipsch RP600-M fair in all of this?

[@eltonc1505]

The kef sounds lucious... Appreciate the effort u put in....👍

[@daysofnoah1748]

Love the new amp ! Big improvement over previous amps.

[@johnfredmurray]

The KEF sounds more forward sounding to my ears. I just ordered the Wharfdale Evo 4.2's. Can't wait to hear them. Thanks for your all your reviews

[@michaelmityok1001]

Very accurate and honest review that is useful for potential buyers. Wish more reviewers did this more consumer-oriented review style.

[@thruthspeaker2476]

The problem with audio reviews is that speakers and their sound are described with words. Without live listening it's only a road sign a hint. And after all that it goes to the most important thing that anyone can hear far more than difference between lets say those two speakers and it is room acoustics.

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@thruthspeaker2476 agreed, even good reviews with measurements and comparisons are not perfect methods to decide what to buy, but this review is useful enough that at least the reviewer deserves kudos

[@milagroscaviglia5034]

Great review Tharbamar!!what's your opinion about Mission's loudspeakers?specially TVE QX-2??? Thanks!

[@St4vKa]

Great review, you commented on both of then in a down to earth way. I'll take the Evo's. KEF does exactly what most speaker manufacturers do these days, they throw a massive amount of detail at you forgetting what speakers should be designed for, that is enjoyment of music. The KEF's might sound better and less boxy in this comparison, that's only because of their sharpness. I used to pick my speakers based on this characteristic but what I found out is that after a week or two of listening to them that amazing detail becomes very fatiguing, taking away the joy and subtlety in music. And from this point on I'm rarely motivated to listen to music anymore, which defeats the whole purpose.

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

Very well put

[@Florentin3]

Exactly what i felt with my ex pair of Kef R3. Very detailed but hard to listen for long periods of time.

[@20puskinas1992]

Add sub for fucks sake. I mean only idiots can enjoy bookshelfs whitout sub.

[@dustinirwin1]

this is hard to even understand. have you ever heard an orchestra, opera live? it is the height of detail and is no way fatiguing. why would i want a speaker to diminish the music that's being played on the other end? it's like saying you'd prefer a blurry video so to leave more to the imagination, as if observing the world with your own eyeballs are fatiguing. do you play an instrument by chance? the difference here sounds like, for example, a cheap guitar vs. a quality handmade guitar. truth is, Evo just is not a speaker quality enough to reproduce the sounds of live music.

[@oslius]

evo sounds like it's in the bottom of a cave ...

[@gayanthahettiarachchi9710]

Thanks so much for your superb review. LS50 meta would be my choice. Very nice demo too.

[@redrock425]

The vocals on the KEF could have cut glass it was so sharp. I have soon in the game with a pair of EVO 4.2 but I out my money where my mouth is, no regrets especially as I picked them up as ex demo for £350.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

The Meta is impressive, but I'll take the Evo. Better balance, less fatiguing for extended listening periods. Can handle louder volumes better as well (as Tharbamar stated).

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I on the other hand like the Metas more, and like what they sound very well at. low volume.

[@n.g.x9875]

I have a quick compare Evo 4.2 with Kanto Tuk in a same setting. Evo 4.2 has a balance sound, but mid-bass have a bit tail & hum. Totally Kanto Tuk in a smaller shape but it has a amazing sound. Fantastic Bass, and dynamic.

[@Freedom89984]

Kef’s cases are like concrete, with tight bass and great highs, but above all they are stunning with a powerful warm sounding amp.

[@Tharbamar]

Not all KEF cabinets.

[@Freedom89984]

@@Tharbamar exactly, I mean the LS50 case

[@morayjames92]

did you bolt your met to the stands using the available inserts? This has a dramatic impact upon the SQ of the LS50 Meta.

[@hong-enlin4651]

I bought the old Evo II about 3 or 4 years ago, I got swindled 700 USD for the pair due to lack of research (the new Evo 4 was already out) but I picked it over the new Diamond 10. Anyway I picked it for the warmth smoothness and soundstage, the speaker was not exciting and the imaging was ok but the it makes every bad recording sound good.

[@mickwebs]

Nice choice of tracks very clear differences thanks

[@cinqo7]

If you could, being that both are great speakers, would you keep both speakers in your listening room without having to choose the best of both? One week or month, eg. you would hear the EVOs and then the next week or month the LS50 Metas? Is it a wise choice or a senseless one?

[@Tharbamar]

I understand your thoughts, which I do as well but I would suggest you to try just KEF R3 for the better sound, frequency response and power handling, thanks

[@idanmaman]

I am intrested to know what you think bout the klipsche the fives powered bookshelf speakers

[@Sam-ne9ns]

I'd pick the LS50! Amazing and complete review. Thanks!

[@davidt3814]

Hello, where can we find these very pretty acoustic panels ? Please 👋

[@bp1012]

I have the 4.2’s paired with a Rotel 1572 and blue sound node 2i. I couldn’t be a more happy.

[@yewfh-oz7in]

Funny you say that... I heard the 50 Metas with the Rotel 1572 and loved it... but wasn't able to test the 4.2's on the same amp, which was very frustrating lol. Glad to hear you enjoy the combination, as this is what I'm thinking of getting :)

[@bp1012]

@@yewfh-oz7in I recently purchased the Loxjie DAC and it’s an absolutely amazing combination.

[@wadeb47540]

I have the regular wired LS50. Some songs sound amazing. Some songs sound thin and weak. I never know which until I play a song. I do have a B&W AS300 sub. Another great review.

[@andrewcopley6454]

Same for me, although for £540 they're a phenomenal speaker and much better (to my ear anyway) then the similarly priced Tannoy floor standers that I previously had. Apparently the Meta's are even better.

[@justinparkman3585]

That's the recording for you they ars not all equal unfortunately. I'm not a fan of the ls50 to me they are boom boxes .

[@andrewcopley6454]

@@justinparkman3585 That's an absurd statement. My LS50's with my two REL T5i' subs sound superb. A true full range sound.

[@justinparkman3585]

@@andrewcopley6454 that's OK till you hear something from the likes of ATC

[@SoundRoomByKrzysztof]

Great review 👍👍👍

[@stevenslater4395]

Your videos are awesome. No begging people, just good info.

[@chrisb1292]

I listened to the LS50 Metas as well as the Evo 4.2 and liked the Evos a tad better! I use a pair of KEF LSX for near field while I'm working, for my living room I got myself a pair of Evo 4.3s , they sound simply amazing, especially for the price!

[@wolfgangkemmann9073]

Zwei tolle Lautsprecher!

[@adamdeverb]

I love to compare a track by its balance between vocal and music.. so i would choose LS50 Meta since the vocal sounds clearly without distracting the hi frequency resonances from the musical.

[@yo_g72]

Just heard the ATC SCM19 v2 bookshelf speakers. Would love to hear your thoughts on those and an audio comparison/sound demo, if you can get your hands them.

[@Cooliewhistles]

Were they amazing? For 4k a pair they better be close

[@wim1983]

Great, like your honest comments, especially how unforgiving the speakers are, as some people mentioned here the Evo 4.2 sounded veiled especially on the bass tonal balance, matter of fact I prefer my Denton 80th on overall integrated sound, I kinda agree with them, but I'm not 100% sure yet, I will see how it sound again to match with detailed & transparent amp like NAD M22 power amp.

[@robertogarcia-qu9nb]

The BEST, Evo 4.2. for me.

[@Armanyadi.Jaafar]

Are you recomend evo 4.s for surround speaker? Or better I buy SVS ultra surround?

[@54tristin]

My favorite reviewer

[@jmgoodmanuk]

Thank you for the extremely helpful comparison! The Evo's are top of my shortlist and will most likely replace my JBL Studio 530's. Do you think they will match OK with a hybrid tube based Pre & Power Amp (Pro-Ject Pre Box RS and Amp Box RS)? I'm aware you recommend that the Evo's pair better with a neutral amp but, despite the fact the Pro-Ject Pre & Power Amp are hybrid, I believe they can be fairly neutral / balanced with the right tube selection.

[@andrejzupan3777]

I hope you didn't replace JBL 530 with EVO's no matter how good they seem. JBL are special since their drivers integrate seamlessly. XO is cut at 1500hz which is rare and compression driver of JBL is considered among the best drivers there is since it covers 1500- 40khz which not many can do. EVO's 3 driver array most defenitely leaves a mark on a sound at cut off frequencies of their respectful drivers. I'm struggling to find a better speaker than JBL Studio 530 at reasonable price (sub 5k$).

[@jmgoodmanuk]

@@andrejzupan3777 No I haven't. Still looking for what would be a genuine upgrade rather than a sidegrade (or risk of downgrade). The Buchardt speakers have caught my attention.

[@chadlejeune9834]

Not sure if you've gotten new speakers yet. But I just tried out the LS50 Metas, Wharfedale Evo 4.2s, and Elac Unifi Reference in in my home setup (bluesound node 2i -> denafrips pontus II -> parasound p6 -> parasound a23+). I've previously had the JBL studio 570, so I know where you're coming from, I also had the Elac unifi ub5.2. I can say all are upgrades to the 570 (even the UB5.2s) in pretty much every category except for maybe dynamics and max SPL. I liked the warfedales the least. They weren't very engaging and their staging was the least coherent, though better than the 570. They're pretty relaxed sounding and are super finicky to placement and can sound easily the worst out of all the speakers if placed incorrectly (too high up, too close to the wall, not towed in perfectly). However if you're looking for bookshelf speakers that don't need a subwoofer, these are definitely worth considering. I turned my subwoofer off since I couldn't find any music where these speakers didn't play all the way to the bottom satisfactorily. Both Elacs were a step up in overall definition and a HUGE step up in sound stage. The sound stage depth and layering is NUTS. You also get better treble detail without being fatiguing. The reference is a bit more revealing and neutral. The scale of the instruments is the best on these two speakers (sound life size in your room). They are also pretty forgiving to placement. While I loved the Elacs, I kept the LS50 Metas. They don't have the same scale to the instruments and vertical soundstage as the Elacs, but the soundstage depth was the same, the width was better, and the imaging was pinpoint accurate even with full orchestras playing (where all the other speakers got congested and vague). I kept these because they simply sound more engaging than the wharfedale or elac speakers. Something about the transparency and detail, but also how sweet and ever so slightly warm the midrange is. While these don't hit low, they are the only speakers that blend perfectly with my Rythmik L12 and don't excite my rooms bass nodes as the other speakers did (so it sounds like seamless, fast bass down to below 20hz). While they sound great anywhere, to get the best soundstage, I had to play around with placement quite a bit and get them on stands that brought the tweeter to ear level.

[@jmgoodmanuk]

@@chadlejeune9834 Hi, thanks for that detailed info! I decided not to go with the Evo's... I haven't changed my speakers yet. I've narrowed my choice down to the LS50 Metas or Dynaudio Evoke 20. My setup has changed so not sure which would pair better. I've now got: Bluesound Node 2i > Musical Paradise MP-D2 Tube DAC > Musical Paradise MP-701 Preamp > KJF Monoblock amps. I'm going to demo the Evoke 20's soon and do a side by side comparison with the JBL's. I expect the Evokes to outperform the JBL's but the glowing reviews of the LS50 Metas are impressive. I might try and find a company who can let me do a home demo. The Metas could work very well for my setup as I also have a sub (linked to the Bluesound) which should compensate for any lacking lowend from the LS50s

[@chadlejeune9834]

@@jmgoodmanuk sounds like either will be a great setup! Have not heard or read up much on the evokes, but I've heard a lot of great things about the company and their products. I'd recommend checking out the channel Pursuit Perfect System. I believe he did a direct comparison between the two (along with many others). I'm not sure if you can order from Crutchfield where you live, but they have a 60 day no-risk, in-home trial period which is how I was able to home demo both the Evos and Metas before choosing.

[@MrSplit57]

Tharbamar, great review as always! Based on your review I bought Evo4.2 and couldn’t be happier! Very well made and sound is great! One thing is bothering me: Regarding the phase plug on the woofer, you said (and show) that it is real phase plug, but on my Evo phase plug is moving with cone!? Can you please investigate, did wharfedale change woofer in recent production of Evo4.2?

[@Tharbamar]

Your question is only Whatfedale can answer, thanks

[@topmotorrevolution2128]

Same here. The cone is moving.

[@MrSplit57]

TopMotor Revolution Good! Not that I’m complaining - I’m just curious! More than satisfy with performance of Evo 4.2

[@DomRivers67]

Yes they did change them, they found a few more Hz depth by coupling the cone to the diaphragm and allowing freer movement

[@ZeeDog27]

7:32 vs 10:04 is a great comparison. Evo wins for mine. Thanks for the sample. Plenty of reviews with opinions but with good headphones i can hear the difference here. Although i thinkn the KEF's are great the added bass and fullness of the Evo's put it ahead.

[@wp7187]

Perhaps you can get a sense of it through your headphones any way, but I wonder whether the imaging ability from KEF’s coaxial driver would outweigh the Wharfedale’s dominance with the low end frequencies.

[@dougieroberts7045]

I think the fact that a £1000 pair of loudspeakers (KEF) are being compared to a £600 pair of loudspeakers ( Wharfedales) says much more about the Wharfedales than it does about the Kefs. The sonic superiority of the Wharfedales is evident here, but to compound the value on offer just look at them, they are incredible looking, real head turners. Wharfedale are one of several UK loudspeaker companies that have a reputation of offering extremely good products at very competitive prices.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I in general agree with you, but we will need better information about the drivers, and finally, it comes to taste. Also KEF often are very good at low volume.

[@jusjash]

Evo 4.2 has it going on in every way. Another 👍👍review

[@dedskin1]

except point source thing . Make no mistake on low volume KEF will have razor sharp image , easy to listen and falow . But as SPL goes up problems will start mounting and EVO4.2 will take the top place . But it will not get that razor sharp image due to not being a point source . There is no win win in audio , its a compromise . So best is to have them both

[@rickyleung8866]

May I know the name of the sound sample (part 1) ?It is amazing

[@junflores7143]

I am a beginner to this hobby. Maybe because I am nearing my retirement and can now spend more leisure time. I am so attracted to this Evo 4.2 especially with how you described them. I am planning a simple 3.1 setup. It will be for movies and music. What AVR do you suggest with a 3.1 setup on Evo 4.2? Thanks in advance and more power to your channel.

[@Tharbamar]

I would try something from Yamaha or Denon to pair with Evo series, thank you.

[@dimitriskontos858]

Which do you think is a better match for Rotel A-11 ?

[@piotrk.7073]

Special request, proposition: Could You review Elac Debut Reference DBR62? These should change Your perspective about budget speakers...?

[@pawefredd7994]

Did the reviewer or anyone else listen to the Evo 4.2 bi-wiring connected? Then what are the pros and cons compared to single wire connection?

[@archiemacdonald553]

this is my next speakers.tharbamer evos 4.2 .beautifully finished .love your videos .😊😊😊

[@MrJanfensten]

Dear Tharbamar, What would be your choice of the two, when front end is Sansui AU9900A or Sansui G-7000 vintage amps? Best Regard Jan Fensten

[@miharoskar]

I've tested my Sansui AU-X701 with Evos 4.2 and 4.4 and preferred my Dentons with it. Yes they sounded, fast and clean but they've missed some musicality and character, compared to what I would like. I know Alphas sound a bit sterile but older Sansuis less so, so they could probably pair well. For example onkyo a9010 has a character that pairs well with Evos but it misses on details and imaging by a lot which is to be expected from a low budget amp.

[@McgarickWAstate]

Great review, thank you! How far from the back wall do the Evos have to be? thanks!

[@Tharbamar]

If I remember it right it’s about a little over 3ft, thanks

[@cillyede]

Sehr gut, dankeschön.🇩🇪

[@jm-vq4cm]

Hello, just a brief and opinion. When you happen to compare the bass, in a generalized matter you refer to it as merely 'Better bass response', meaning your reference partly based on response graphs. However, this description is about bass is not complete IMO. Attack, speed, articulation and clarity is often overlooked and to me these qualities are priority when choosing a speaker. Maybe an the future I would love to see you describe speakers bass response in these perspectives too. Cheers.

[@VDvrs]

Guys your choice between these two for metal music? Or any other suggestions

[@velez7777]

What is the color name and brand of that green wall you have behind?

[@user-ev7ee9tk6i]

thanks, very valuable!

[@DougMen1]

The 4.2 is one of the best I've heard under $2000

[@sharminsultana7298]

Hello, we have the Evo 4.2/. Would you recommend an upgrade over this ? Around 1500usd please

[@marknickells6097]

Quality wise. I have read multiple reviews, and the people, have mentioned, THE EVO gets a bit cranky, and tone of of the speaker changes over time. What would be your concerns,? I am moving from a B%W 685 set to these. Am I gaining, or losing anything in the process? Thanks for your advice, in advance. > Mark

[@Tharbamar]

Here is better buy Marvelous Polk Audio Reserve R200 Speaker Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5zaaZRqbs2pndk

[@nivektek2681]

Which is good sound comes in gaming-watching movies-listening rock music and r&b songs?✌️

[@al3xandrion]

Hello @Tharbamar! I really appreciate your content. I have a question. I really did appreciate the evos combined with my denon pma2010AE. I just wanted to go up a knotch in the quality of my sound and some people recomended me to get better speakers. So I sold the evos and i still have the same amp. What speakers do you think would bring more value to this amp, above the evos, in the 2k price range? I will mention that I paid around 500$ for the evos in my country. So they aren't as expensive as in the US. Also, I am listening to all kinds of music. I am the kind of person who appreciates the feeling that a song gives you, so I don't have a fav genere, to say so. Thank you and I wish you the best!

[@Tharbamar]

I would suggest you to try B&W 706 S3/705 S2, KEF R3 Meta or R3 and KLH Model 3 should pair well with the amplifier you have, thanks

[@al3xandrion]

@@Tharbamar If i could get the r7 for 2k, you would recomend them over the metas? I have the space for them.

[@Tharbamar]

Sure Meta is just slightly better in details.

[@gauravsehgal7890]

The 2nd track Scarborough Fair by Yao Is Ting clearly showed the difference in high frequencies. The Kef Meta is too bright and crisp that makes a fatiguing effect for long listening session. Evo 4.2 managed to present the female voice in a soft and easy to hear sound. Higher resolution and detailing of Kef has its own cons. The found that the bass in first track is better in Kef Meta because it is more controlled and tighter. Kef has done a brilliant job to deliver lows with such a small cabin. The Evo sounded a little boxy sound, it maybe because I am listening it on KZbin with Audio Technica headphones but Kef sounded better in lows. I think Evo is a better choice as it is a comparable speaker with meta in all aspects even with different prices. Both have their Ups and downs.

[@Freedom89984]

I do not agree. The Kef’s are not fatiguing on the long term at all. But they bring emotion of the singer into the room. That’s what I miss with the Evo’s, they sound good, but they lack the emotion I am looking for in music. For example, listen to the attack of the drum stick on the edge of the snare drum in sample 2. The LS50 has speed and depth in the sound, things I miss at the Evo.

[@boogeyratt]

Which is interesting because the frequency response at 0:19 shows the LS50 is actually lower on the high ends (except at the very end).

[@DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

@@Freedom89984 Ahahaha these overhyped, by mediocre hearing sensed people, KEFs have flat and emotionless vocal

[@vicg5323]

Is the Elysian worth the extra money?

[@kendoglarson5419]

Never heard Wharfedale before, but speak they have. These are as good as they are acclaimed to be.

[@shereewhite1710]

Wharfedale are from the UK and have been around for more than 80+ years. I like their speakers, generally understated, and good all-around sound. Not the fanciest stuff, but GOOD quality and GOOD sounding! The are are also reputable for the budget conscience listener.

[@masterchef6694]

Can you do a comparison between kef r3 and Evo 4.2? I know the let R3 is twice the price but it would be really interesting. As usual the review was very well structured and detailed.

[@2mikelim]

Price doesn't control quality of sound. Technology does. The ribbon beats all conventional tweeters

[@streamcnoremorse3323]

Kef R3 have no bass. Evo 4.2 too

[@pascachi]

The Evo 4.2 sweet sounding and balance.

[@norman0320]

KEF is the best sound for me

[@EmanueleQuintorio]

hello I am writing to you from Italy, do you think you will ever make a comparison between the Evo 4 and the Reva-2? They have a very similar price but different philosophies. What do you think about it?

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, I no longer have Reva 2 to compare with, personally I like Evo 4.2 more than Reva 2.Thanks

[@EmanueleQuintorio]

@@Tharbamar thank you for answering me. I have Diamond 10.2, that are a little too loud for my "near field" listening. They are very close to the wall and become fatiguing to listen. do you think I can go better with Reva 2? Thanks

[@panblue43]

@@EmanueleQuintorio Hi! I had diamonds 10.2 loved them but: when I used them with entry-level amp they were perfect. Then I changed to a mid class amp what has wider sounstage, more and fuller bass at the edge.. and what happened? The 10.2s could not pumped out the bass clearly, became muddy, heavy, unlistenable. I done everything, pulled far from walls etc. Unfortunetly at the end needed to change the loudspeakers also to mid-premium category. Now no muddy or heavy bass just clear and smooth deep bass without forcing/stressed sound. You need front bass reflex loudspeakers or some good closed box. Best regards.

[@avalarf1]

Wharfedales all the way. Better base and a more even sound than the forward, bright sound of the Kefs. I also prefer a warmer sound. I have purchased the 4.2’s and would do the same based on this comparison. Thank you for a great demo.

[@aarons915]

The meta aren't forward like the original ls50, a coaxial arrangement also sounds more natural in my opinion.

[@youtubegarbage7876]

How the hell hard is it to spell "bass" for you idiots?

[@Raskolnikov1863]

Honest review!

[@dudN8R]

KEF R3 Vs Wharfedale Evo 4.2 ?

[@Lifestylecoach602]

The denon pm11 is the bad boy here if you use kef ls50 meta try at least an higher end hegel amp denon pm11 is to warm ive heard them Both just try an hegel amp and you will be thankfull by the way your reviews are Super!!! Great work

[@Tharbamar]

I tried Hegel H590 before SX11 and it don’t impress me to be honest, cheaply made quality with ok sound for the price.

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

At the moment I'm in the middle of auditioning ls50 s and even though there impressive, I don't think I'm able to listen to them for long periods of time (too bright) but to be honest I think I'll end up sending them back because I prefer speakers where I'm able to listen to my music for hours on end!. I enjoyed this video so thanks for posting and by the way your English is better than mine but the funny thing is English is my first language! Lol

[@owen-ng8oe]

i hear that, evo better since not fatiguing

[@Cooliewhistles]

Do you have the original or meta ??

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

@@Cooliewhistles the KEF ls50 originals! If you click on the cat you can actually hear how bright there are especially compared to my other standmounts.....

[@richarddavis1025]

I have the Evo 4.2. They are a little warmer sounding for all listening in my opinion. I have them paired with a Simaudio moon 240i integrated and they sound killer. I did have them running off my Marantz before i got the moon integrated and sound was too warm. The evo are a more warm sounding speaker. The moon is very natural.

[@shanilpattakkal]

Hai sir I have marantz pm6007 amp Below which speaker is perfect matching Klipsch rp600 Wharfedale evo 4.2 Ls 50 Pls reply

[@Tharbamar]

RP600 or LS50 is best match with Marantz Amps.

[@panblue43]

Hi! I am big wharfedale fan, but now I think the Ls50 is better. The ls50 is liquid, the sound is one unit-at the wharfedale I heard a little hole (maybe cause of cross frequencies at 3 way). The bass is massive and strong at wharfedale but little muddy-this effect makes heavy and unclear the both soundstage. The ls50 is "easy", has good bass but has also living mids and highs. The bass not massing the sound. Good job-good test! Best regards!

[@matthewpool494]

I think your room really works with the meta... Must be nice there I get some crazy imaging even here remotely... Compare LS50 and LS50 meta in that room?

[@gordthor5351]

Matthew Pool I'm sure the placement is harming the sound from the Metas. With such a curved baffle the LS 50s need room to breath and since the Metas are behind Evos, that early bounce off the Evos has to mess up the balance and overall sound quality. He does a great job in his comparisons and it would be a hassle to move speakers every time he switched, so I not complaining. I just know from experience how finicky the LS 50s are, but when you get it right it makes a huge difference.

[@matthewpool494]

@@gordthor5351 Wow. They sound really good even with that placement. I definitely want to hear them in person some day. I've had R3's for a couple years now and just recently set up a Q150 nearfield desk setup which I love! I'm definitely KEF fan!

[@panblue43]

Only a question: why the manufacturers give wrong datas/parameters at new loudspeakers? The evo 4.2 has 150 mm bass driver, not 6,5".The diamond 10.2 has 6,5",yes +just a little bit bigger...🤔 The good old loudspeakers if you read that in catalog at speaker size 8" there was a real 200mm speaker. Why need to cosmetic these datas? The size is an important thing at woofers/midbass drivers because of the moving air mass. I know today manufacturing long throw bass units etc with little size but never will be good as a simple old real 8" or 10" bass driver.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

6.5 inches is the size of the basket. Wharfedale and a few other manufacturers measure it that way.

[@panblue43]

@@AbsoluteFidelity This thing reminds me the cheap speakers where the "size"(diameter) grooved by the edge of the basket/chassis. I think the real diameter is based on the efficient cone+max the half of the felxible edge diameter.

[@jimji2774]

Need to hear those KEF's in person but I really like the openess of them. That cello sounded like it was in the room while the Evo sounded like it was still coming from the box imo. I might have to see which KEF I can afford.

[@Janiko_L]

I fell like its the opposite, the kef pushed the cello forward, while the evos displayed it as it would sound in person Just my view :)

[@subramaniamchandrasekar1397]

The EVO has better clarity but needs another woofer to help out.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Evo 4.2 are in my short list. I am torn between them or Dentons, modern vs classical look, tips are welcomed.

[@wim1983]

So far Denton 80th is better for me (treble a little bit better, bass tonal balance is greater), feel that there is a flaw design to the bass driver of Evo 4.2 (never like phase port, limited elasticity), it's kinda same situation to me there is a flaw tweeter design to Denton 85th & Linton.

[@madazmi]

@@wim1983 same goes to me. Denton 80th so far serves me well. However different person has different preference. Overall i think Denton is warmer and laid back. Non fatigue.

[@bumkrilla5339]

If you are going have a speaker stand and use it as your mains might as well have towers

[@Tharbamar]

I have too many speakers, please see my latest video, thanks

[@frankieknuckles9610]

Evo more balanced sound from top to bottom. Would not be fatigued as quickly.

[@mrt6349]

Getting a pair of whafedale today 😊 new used for 550$.

[@roderickthompson2292]

I would like to pair the evo’s with klipsch RP 600.

[@shereewhite1710]

Having heard heard the Evos in person and owning a pair of Klipsch RP 600 in my system, I would say the Evos are a bit more refined and controlled. They are also well balanced across the spectrum. Though I love the Klipsch, there are lively, offer fine stereo separation (excellent product of the price, if not best on market for $400-600 range), but I notice a dip in the midrange on certain music. I can deal with it because the speaker makes me smile in so many other ways. I just feel that a little more went into the build of the Wharfedale Evos, they are elegantly beautiful and the tweeter offers a very different sound from the horn design of the Klipsch.

[@alvin23571]

This time Kef produced well define bass while Evo produced over hang bass full of resonance! It was so surprised!

[@ctr289]

How do you know it's not the room modes? The Evo go lower in frequency and so they can excite room modes that the Kef can't, and room modes reverberate.

[@ajitsank]

Hi I am so desperate for an answer. Between wharfdale 4.2 Evo and JBL A190 which would you recommend.

[@Tharbamar]

Evo 4.2 is better choice for me personally, thanks

[@ajitsank]

@@Tharbamar Thanks

[@watermelon1221]

have you ever heard revel m16

[@19Peace69]

Of these two speakers, which would you recommend for a Marantz PM6006 integrated amplifier?

[@Tharbamar]

I would go with LS50 if I have Marantz amp. Thanks

[@19Peace69]

@@Tharbamar love your videos Tharbamar. The Marantz PM6006 is known to have a 'V-shape' sound. I'm a bit worried that with the LS50 the setup will have a much brighter sound. Considering that the LS50 has a more detailed sound. Kind regards!

[@Tharbamar]

In my opinion Marantz is a little too warm for my taste with Evo 4.2, I never heard V shape sound from Marantz Amps but I had no experience with PM6006, it may have different sound signature.

[@19Peace69]

@@Tharbamar Thanks for the response. Also, thank you for your thoughts on my question. Stay safe and looking forward on your next video. ✌

[@Tharbamar]

@@19Peace69 Thank you for support.

[@parkarlsson3833]

The Denon amp you use is it good as i think ?

[@bareknuckles2u]

At first it was the KEFs for me, but after a few back and forths the Wharfdales took it for me.

[@realtherrien2541]

The wharfdales sound better thank you for this demo

[@next3576]

You are deaf.

[@realtherrien2541]

@@next3576 thank you I thought something was wrong with my ears

[@tonydeniro284]

Wharfedales rule....

[@devinjohnson3943]

@@next3576 my father used to own the ls50 and grew sick of them. The reason is very simple. Driver diversity results in lower distortion. I'm surprised at the compression I can hear on the bottom end.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@next3576 and you are just an ignorant fanboy. Keep fanning.

[@terrycard6775]

Evo for me

[@chenqixue8151]

I wonder what would have been the outcome if the Metas had been paired with a Marantz amp. I pair mine with PM12SE a warm sounding amp. The brightness in highs isn’t detectable as much. Metas need very careful pairing choices - powerful and warm sounding. For that I’d give the edge to the Evos since they are much easier to live with (no need of a sub either).

[@Tharbamar]

I hear you but you don’t know how PMA-SX11 sound, my main speaker is KEF R11 there is no brightness whatsoever paring with them, Meta is good but not great for everyone sensitive to bright sound, thanks

[@chenqixue8151]

@@Tharbamar I think the main problem with the Metas is they are hard to drive. They aren’t real 8om speakers. To get good sound out of them, you need an amp doubling or tripling the price. I ended up driving them using my main amp (Diablo 300). They sound much better but then what’s the point?

[@Tharbamar]

@@chenqixue8151 Denon PMA-SX11 is more powerful than you may think, it can deliver 240 amp of current when is needed, not many power amps can deliver that kind of current and power rating is way under rated as well.

[@chenqixue8151]

@@Tharbamar do you recommend spending more than ifi on power cord? My research seems to suggest good shielding is important. Other factors are more a change in tonic characteristics. I’m a little tempted to give high end cables a try but wanted to consult you

[@p.damascene6462]

I appreciate for video! Evo 4.2 sounds better for me.

[@Marius.1926]

I have rotel a12 kef o 4.2?

[@vincent82228]

I love my harbeth monitor 30.2 😆

[@UnhingedBecauseLucid]

From what I hear through my 6xx, the LS50 Meta seems much more resolving in the lower mids and mids ... They don't go as low but none of these are truly full range. But add a pair of sealed subs and the LS50 Meta system becomes a really thoroughly resolving system without much wholes in the frequency response.

[@JuanLega]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@r423sdex]

I think they are both crap ! They would drive me nuts !

[@devinjohnson3943]

You don't want to mix vented and sealed due to phase incoherence

[@georgepopescu1327]

@@r423sdex well when I heard the female voice it was over for me, both have sibilance problems

[@Miguel8131981]

KEF R3 vs Wharfedale EVO 4.2 if you can in the future. That would be interesting.

[@kevinweber5129]

I waiting for R3 Meta as it will have more bass than LS50

[@tombillard5264]

@@kevinweber5129 me too was already a 5 star giant killer at 2k

[@JuanLega]

@@kevinweber5129 are there really any plans to realese the KEF R3 metas?

[@richm4402]

@@kevinweber5129 it already does