My Take: Wharfedale EVO 4.4s

[@scottyo64]

A note to add: It was brought to my attention that they are bottom ported, I knew this it just seemed like the ported sound only came out the front as the back of the port is closed off, so I called them front ported. Still doesn't change the fact the sound didn't change much whether they were against the wall or not. Also note: In most cases I use little to no " toe in" on my speakers. With the EVO 4.4s I found I tend to toe them in at least 15 degrees.

[@rw4pjqradiomaster529]

Yes, I can imagine what a wonderful sound. Excellent equipment.

[@NYC86]

I was never into the bi wiring or bi amping but I did learn and I learned two years after I bought my Evo 4.2 that if you replace that silver plate jumper with 6 inches of whatever speaker wire you have or a good 12 AWG OFC and they don't necessarily have to be terminated with spades or bananas you should immediately notice a slight improvement in sound.. which has me thinking about the whole by wiring, I am now going to bi-wiring cuz from I heard Play just increasing the quality of the jumpers brings it up a notch then there must be something to this bi wiring business.

[@scottyo64]

@NYC86 good jumpers are a must. I am still not sold on bi-wiring. Bi-amping with a different amp for highs and lows, I have noted a difference.

[@scottyo64]

23k views in the first year is a record for me!

[@SammeLagom]

I'm gonna save up for these! Oh yes!! I like your listening space, looks cozy and nice!

[@scottyo64]

I bought a pair of Cornwalls for a smokin deal so these have to go. www.ebay.com/itm/354182749744?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=YoknWRZDQFS&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=YoknWRZDQFS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@SammeLagom]

@@scottyo64 if I had the cash now I would buy them ASAP. 😍

[@Jed1317]

Mine are arriving tomorrow. Cannot wait!

[@scottyo64]

@@Jed1317 I hope you love them!

[@QoraxAudio]

Thank god they come with discs for under the spikes. Spikes directly on the floor makes most speakers basically unusable in my house. I'm probably going to order white ones, it'll fit nicely with the black/silver equipment I have. My equipment is very forward leaning, so these laid back speakers can compensate for that a little bit.

[@scottyo64]

Yes on my floor with out the disks they put impressions in the vinyl. They are laid back and work well with the Emotiva gear. If you have forward gear these will be a good fit. I bet the white will look nice although I would prefer gloss. These are we built and I feel worth the money.

[@NYC86]

Those discs under the pointed spikes are there for a very good reason other than just protecting the floor it minimizes the contact with the speaker to the ground so now the only thing physically touching the ground is the pinhead surface area of the spike, hence minimizes any unwanted vibrations from kids running around or heavy traffic outside or whatever you get the idea.

[@SuperGeorge2112]

Excellent review.

[@scottyo64]

Thank you!

[@mohabandijany9579]

Thank you dear for the review I have noticed that you sell them Is it because that it's a Fuzzy Spekar to get it sound right ? And how it compares to rf8000 & Arendal 1732

[@scottyo64]

The mids were amazing with good bass, but they were laid back on the top end. I did enjoy them, but they were not my cup of tea.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

The thing with these Evos is they are crazy sensitive with vertical axis. People that made it work to sound crazy good actually bought new sofas/chairs to match the height they need. Horizontal axis is important too but vertical is crucial. They totally disappear when you are in the right spot but that right spot is narrow.

[@scottyo64]

I rotate speakers often and just put them back in this morning. I will play around with seating, thanks for the heads up!

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@scottyo64 Im fairly sure it will disappear with the right height and toe in. The evo is a fussy speaker (very), but when you get it sorted, you will be in for a treat.

[@rosswarren436]

@@AbsoluteFidelity too fussy for me. I know they can sound good, but not everyone has the luxury of redesigning a room to make speakers sound good. I'll have to look elsewhere. Is the fussiness caused by the air motion tweeter in effect "beaming" the highs in a narrow cone? I'll probably look toward Polk R700 or Wharfedale Linton instead. Thanks.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@rosswarren436 just make sure you have the fire power if you get the r700, at least 200 watts. If you have that kind of power, the R700 is a no brainer.

[@rosswarren436]

@@AbsoluteFidelity yes, I do want to hear them in real life first at Audio Advice in Charlotte, NC before buying. And do some comparing. Fortunately, I have plenty of power with an upgraded, rebuilt Carver M-500t amp now having 395W/Channel into 8 ohms. Crazy thing is that I'm generally not into overly loud music now but simply want good, balanced sound with dynamic range and decent imaging. The modestly price R700 might fit the bill. It was on special at Christmas for $879 each. I should have jumped on that.

[@WeebLabs]

I've had my eye on these for quite some time. Wonderful aesthetics but I'm waiting for detailed measurements. Have you considered making use of some room correction? It's one of the biggest improvements that you can make to any system and would give you control over that tweeter rolloff!

[@scottyo64]

I like them to where room correction is not needed. I have been really enjoying them but I can see where some might not. I just want people to be aware of what they are getting. Bass is very good, mids are very good tweeters are a bit laid back. They are keepers for me.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

Hello, I have the EVO 4.4 for 9 months and I am absolutely pleased with their sound. I do not use room correction, I listen to everything pure, since it improves the timbre of the instruments, their location in three-dimensionality and they do not need to color the sound. Tell me I need to test them with a tube Pre, I have only solid state and Amp. AB

[@scottyo64]

@@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 I tired them with my tube integrated amp and they worked well but I like them better the my solid stated equipment

[@SuperGeorge2112]

They can measure any way you like it is how they sound that counts.

[@WeebLabs]

@@SuperGeorge2112 A CEA-2034A measurement enables one to determine exactly how a speaker sounds. It is quite an extensively studied field.

[@joanncooper3798]

Yes these have my approval, crazy husband!

[@blatantenigma3374]

I am thinking either these for a modern pair, or the Lintons for a vintage pair 🤔

[@roberttimofte4646]

Hello! I've just sold my Emerald 97 MK IV to buy this Evo's 4.4. Do you think it's an upgrade? i'm afraid that the bass didn't sound like the Emerald's. I don't know what to choose... Linton or Evo's, same price.

[@scottyo64]

I sold them. Ended up taking $800 even though they were 9/10 with boxes manuals etc I will leave it at that.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Nice review brother, thanks!

[@tbonet859]

Nicely done. Thank you for the video. If you don't mind. What was that music in the intro to this video? Loved what a I heard. Would love to find the CD.

[@scottyo64]

I will check but I believe that it was downloaded from a free site and I think it is only a couple minutes long. No CD unfortunately. 😢

[@tbonet859]

@@scottyo64 Thank you!! I appreciate it. Maybe I'll get lucky and find the CD somewhere. Or find a lossless download, that I can burn to CD-R.

[@Kabarrful]

Hello. Please tell me what kind of wires you connect the acoustics?

[@scottyo64]

I used Kimber Kable Hero XLR interconnects, Audioquest Cinnamon USB, Waudio 10 gauge power cables, home made 10 gauge speaker cables and jumpers. I have another brand of RCA cables that I can't remember but they are silver coated OFC that I use for my A-12 amp, turntable and Schiit Mani phone pre-amp.

[@scottyo64]

Opps I think the speaker wires in the video are WAudio as well.

[@Kabarrful]

@@scottyo64 OK. Thanks for the detailed answer. I bought wharfedale evo 4.4, should deliver next week. I will connect to a Yamaha A-s 1200 amplifier with a Marantz na6006 source. Now I'm thinking about which wires to take for them.Your video was also one of the reasons for buying them, as I bought it without listening. Thank you for a detailed description of this okustics!

[@scottyo64]

@@Kabarrful Nice! Sounds like a great set up!

[@Kabarrful]

@@scottyo64 Thanks!😊

[@sav1014.]

Did you ever upgrade the crossovers?

[@scottyo64]

No, I did not

[@Totalplonker]

Beautiful speakers but why have you got your stereo Rels on platforms? You do realise down firing drivers are designed to be a certain distance from the floor.

[@scottyo64]

Doesn't change the distance to the hard surface, plus I was on the second floor, I was trying to be nice to neighbors. Never ran the RELs with the Wharfedale's while I had them.

[@markgoessling8704]

I'm looking for a speaker that sounds good in a smaller room at lower volumes. You mentioned that the tweeters were not as loud compared to other speakers. Do think that is why they are bi-wired to accommodate lower volumes? How do you like them when set to lower volumes?

[@scottyo64]

I am glad you brought this up as I am going to do an addendum to the video. Here's why. A few days after I did this I realized that somewhere along the way my preamp was switched from direct to tone controlled. On the setting it had the high end truned all the way down. Once I saw that and switched it back to direct the tweeters came alive. Not forward mind you, no where near horns and more reserve than the Emotiva B1+ AMTs but sweet and easy to listen to. I typically listen at lower volumes, say 75db ish, and they are fine. They have now replaced my LRSs as my main speskers. Let me know if there are any other questions

[@scottyo64]

In short I think you would be happy with these

[@markgoessling8704]

@@scottyo64 Thanks Scotty great information!

[@el34glo59]

@@scottyo64 Can these be used with low power? Like 30 wpc tube Amp?

[@marks7646]

I'm tempting on getting a pair of this and it only cost $1,175.00 a pair brand new in our country.

[@scottyo64]

Thats a good price. I paid $1,750.00 US for an open box pair.

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

I enjoyed this video very much 👍 but if I may make a suggestion... if you were to position your dual Rel t5i subwoofers 6 inches running perpendicular from each corner you would be amazed the improvement of the low-end, it looks like you've got enough room so please at least give it a go because I think you really don't know what you're missing! You can thank me later. I found it a little bit tricky trying to integrate one Rel t5i subwoofer but ever since I purchased a partner for him... I found the integration a whole lot easier and smoother.

[@scottyo64]

They started back in the corner and have moved all around till they worked well with the Maggies. I dont use them with the Wharfedale's might have to try it again and mark the LRS spot on the floor

[@MirkoMancini]

They look awesome, congrats for your new toy 👍😉

[@scottyo64]

Thank you, I am enjoying them! 😉

[@bobannon7799]

Greetings from Scotland U.K. Terrific review Man, Upgrading my speakers and the 4.4’s have been on my Radar for a while. Enjoyed your “real world” take on ‘em, good enough for you...good enough for me. Unassuming Audiophile, you have cable lifters, I have cable lifters....because they improve the sound. Saying thanks, because of your video here think the decision is made!

[@scottyo64]

Always like to hear from fellow enthusiasts!

[@RainbowCharade]

how did it go?

[@savanp228]

I have these and on carpet. Is there any benefit of keeping them higher with adjusting the base?

[@scottyo64]

Since I do not have a place to try them on carpet with padding I can't really answer this. Try it out and let me know what you find.

[@Hi-Fi369]

Nice looking speakers love the finish and great review💥👍🏼😁

[@scottyo64]

Thank you!

[@ManuelMedellin.]

These crush the Klipsch RF7 in most Music, how Wharfedale managed to make these babies and the 4C center so affordable is both impressive and enigmatic, since the entire line uses AMT Tweeter, you'd have to pay double up for that Tech in pretty much any other brand. There is not much else to look at than the Evo 4.4 Set for this price class, the only thing holding it back is the mildly undersized Sub, for more impactful performance, add something like the Arendal 1723 1V.

[@scottyo64]

You are welcome to buy them from me, I have them on Ebay right now. FYI I am keeping the RF-7 IIs, a matter of taste I would say.

[@scottyo64]

Yet I get offers on my RF-7 IIs of almost what I paid new and can't sell the 4.4s for $1,100 when they list for $2,200 currently

[@ManuelMedellin.]

@@scottyo64 Klipsch is overhyped but very very popular, because of their Marketing. I'am not getting the Evo 4.4, I'am most likely going for Monitor Audio Silver.

[@TheLMMish]

@@ManuelMedellin. What marketing is Klipsch doing? We have none here in Europe... and the first time I heard the rp8000f (after listening to most alternatives)... just ordered them. The sound is astonishingly accurate.

[@scottyo64]

@ManuelMedellin I finally sold the 4.4s, $800 and they were probably 9/10. It's apparent you have spent little, if any, time with Klipsch speakers.

[@robk5745]

Did you notice the rel t5i’s much with these speakers sir?

[@scottyo64]

At first I didn't use the RELs with the speakers but I am now. It took sometime to get them to work well together.

[@scottyo64]

After a bit I stopped using them at all. The soeakers sound great by themselves

[@tomj6987]

They now come double-boxed - at least from Crutchfield.

[@scottyo64]

I sold mine years back, and I could never get used to the top end.

[@ianrusso8790]

all the wharfdale ive ever had always been better than expected by a lot, I would compare them to Cerwin Vega or better

[@scottyo64]

For me, certain types of music sounded good through them. I enjoyed them while I had them, but they were laid back on the high end, forward on the mid, but bass was enjoyable. The whole time I had them, it just felt like something I wasn't going to get used to. I had a hard time selling them even though they were in excellent condition. Just remember, everyone has different tastes, and the 4.4s were not my cup of tea.

[@NYC86]

I definitely would not compare them to Cerwin Vegas.. CWs are for teenagers blast music in their room after school..

[@SDmountainbiker]

What jumpers are you using on these bad boys?

[@scottyo64]

I had bought those off of e-bay and they turned out not to be very good (banana's fell part). I replaced them with some home made ones made out of 10 gauge speaker wire that worked well. I am no longer using these speakers and planning to sell them.

[@SDmountainbiker]

@@scottyo64 Thanks for the prompt reply. You seemed to be pleased with the sound. Curious as to why you are selling them?

[@FraGGile22]

Trying to find alternative for revel f35. Would these come close ? Maybe got some suggestions?

[@scottyo64]

I am not familiar with any Revel products so I couldn't be much help there.

[@xsamitt]

Great speakers!!!

[@scottyo64]

Yes they were!

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

What are you using for your speaker cable management??

[@scottyo64]

Not sure what you are looking for? I run a speaker cable on wood blocks. My vinyl floor generates a lot of static electricity so I figuered it couldn't hurt. I live in a very dry climate.

[@Dreez76]

Equipment like that deserves better placement .

[@scottyo64]

@Dreez76 Some time you deal with the hand you are dealt. FYI, that was 3 apts back

[@streamnoremorse]

This or 4.2 with sub? How they play heavy metal?

[@scottyo64]

They are alright but my Klipsch are better for heavy metal. The Wharfedale's are more refined, great for vocals, classical guitar and piano types of music. I always go tower instead of bookshelf speakers where I have the room. I have been using my subs with the 4.4s but I use a sub with my RF7 IIs.

[@streamnoremorse]

@@scottyo64 Thank for complete answer. Do not know why but I want them in small room. Even I can but LS50 Meta or R3 or JBLHDI1600 but I am interesting in 4.4. I think they need more bass but I need all range of frequencies for different instruments

[@streamnoremorse]

@@scottyo64 So even lookink to RF7 4.4 looks decent?

[@scottyo64]

@@streamnoremorse the 4.4s are beautiful! I haven't heard the Metas nor the JBLs but the JBLs I do have put out bass! They have twin 10" woofers like the RF-7s though. From what you are telling me I would go bookshelf with a good sub. I am also not sure you would like the Wharfedale's

[@streamnoremorse]

@@scottyo64 Thank you. I have got lated notification even you answered week ago.

[@mbracerh]

good review

[@scottyo64]

Thank you maybe I will do one on my tube amp.

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

Could you use super tweeters with them ???

[@scottyo64]

You could but the longer I have them the more I like them. I would just get another pair of Klipsch's rather than add a super tweeter. The Wharfedale's have a really sweet sound I wouldn't want to mess with

[@stephenmurphy7804]

Heaven heaven and more heaven ....

[@scottyo64]

Why thank you!

[@diebackmischung503]

Are they much better bi amped/wired?

[@scottyo64]

Have to say I tired bi-wiring but not bi-amping. Didn't notice much if any difference. I ended up selling them a couple of weeks ago.

[@Economist96]

They are not front ported. They are floor ported.

[@scottyo64]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@scottyo64]

How about bottom ported. The sound doesn't hit the floor and the ports are closed in the back so I called them front ported.

[@bpt1231]

@@scottyo64 Hi, in the bottom there is gap in between.

[@scottyo64]

@@bpt1231 yes I know this but there is not a gap in the rear of the bottom. I looked at them many times. Edit I meant to say many times before I made the video.

[@johngault-9597]

Speaker baffle right next to a sofa...huh

[@scottyo64]

2 houses back, but sometimes you have to deal with what you are dealt. It obvious you didn't watch any other of my videos.

[@scottyo64]

Have to say, I love your system!

[@ajzepp8976]

Great video and rig, but dude...you have cable risers...you're definitely an audiophile! Lol

[@scottyo64]

lol 😆 I do stuff like that for fun not because it changed the sound

[@MrOnesession]

There are downportet!

[@scottyo64]

You don't read the comments do you. Yes they port down then out the front and sides. Definitely closed off in the back. I have taken them apart as someone said spacers coukd help with the bass but I felt it made it "boomy"

[@scottyo64]

There is a comment from me "pinned" at the top, take a moment to read it.

[@georgieboy2432]

You can design them in NYC, but if they're made in PRC, like those, I'm not buying. Buy American!

[@scottyo64]

What are you talking about?

[@johnsmith-i5j7i]

cable risers? hahaha utter nonsense. Also for movies get bigger subs

[@scottyo64]

It is a 2 channel system.........big subs are in the home theater system. I guess you didn't hear what I said about cable risers.

[@ВладиславМихлюк]

Сразу видно, что человек в звуке не очень разбирается! Мало того, что у басса самая большая звуковая задержка, так он ещё сабы поставил за акустикой! Зато провода на проставках!) Чуть-чуть - дурачок!))

[@scottyo64]

I'm not sure what you said. It won't let me translate