Wharfedale Evo 5 series (5.4)

[funkera91]

Keep in mind that Wharfedale almost never reply to emails — I’ve written to them twice and never got a reply.

 

[Robert-Hifi]

Hi! Want to discuss a new speaker line.
I personally bought 5.4 for my suburban dacha. Works together with Audiolab 9000a amp and SMSL sux DAC. While I lack the courage to write a full review, my initial impressions are far better than I anticipated! (For context, I have the Aura 3 in my apartment and previously owned the Evo 4.4 and Linton 85.). To succinctly describe the difference between the Evo 4.4 and the 5.4 in one sentence: The 5.4 is more refined.

View attachment 464647


Aesthetics: For a speaker at this price point, the 5.4 is truly impressive! I appreciate its modern-retro design, which strikes a perfect balance—neither as contemporary as KEF nor as classic as Klipsch Heritage. The magnetically attached grilles and the absence of visible screws add a touch of luxury. The speaker terminals are now housed in a sturdy, small plastic plate, a significant improvement over the flimsy plates found in the Aura and 4 series. The overall design is very reminiscent of the Aura, with similar cabinet shapes and plinth architecture. However, I find the removal of bi-wiring capabilities puzzling. Why eliminate this feature? Now we have two crossover plates, so bi-wiring would only require an additional pair of terminals. And, of course - nano giga resoframe is just a peace of rubber around the drivers Hooray - there is no chrome details so speaker looks a bit more respectable.
Base: In-room response of base is gorgeous in terms of going deep. I've seen recommendations to position the speakers 20 cm away from back wall, but let's be realistic—most of us don't have palaces or castles! Like many others, I've placed the speakers near the walls, and while the bass is impressive, it does tend to overpower the sound.
Highs: The highs are excellent—they are slightly recessed but still retain all the necessary detail, which is perfect for a relaxed listening experience in a suburban setting. Just sit back and enjoy.
Mids: he midrange is excellent for vocals, but I need to test how well it handles heavy metal. I'm concerned that the soft dome tweeters might introduce distortion, but I'll keep an ear out for that. In general, the midrange performance is quite satisfying.
build quality: The build quality is decent but not outstanding. The veneer finish is somewhat inaccurate, with minor dents present right out of the box. This is a bit disappointing, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience.

Postscript: As for the previous model, the 4.4, I was thoroughly disappointed. As one YouTuber put it, it felt like something was broken in them. They produced the dullest sound I've ever heard, and selling them was a chore. Several people came to listen to the 4.4s, and the common reaction was, "They're okay, but something seems off." Therefore, I'm glad the 5.4 represents a significant step forward. Whether it's a step forward or just a shift in direction, I appreciate this new path. Cheers to Mr. Comeau!

And stay tuned for a closer look inside the 5.4 soon!
View attachment 464648View attachment 464649View attachment 464650View attachment 464651View attachment 464652 View attachment 464655View attachment 464656

What is your experience with the sweet spot of the Evo 5.4 at the MLP?
If you more your head horizontally 10 inches or so, do you notice the treble dropping off due to the sharp beaming of the AMT?

From the measurements on Hi-Fi Voice the horizontal dispersion at 30 degrees looks okay.
That bump around 14 kHz certainly helps to limit the treble dropping off.
But vertically the drop already start at 2-3 kHz at 30 degrees.

Wharfedale EVO5.4

Reprosoustavy Wharfedale řady EVO jsou nejen pro nás synonymem klasického, tradičního hi-fi – jejich kombinace atraktivní ceny díky velkým výrobním objemům, osvědčeného anglického konstruktérského přístupu a kultivované zvukové charakteristiky je skoro bezprecedentní. Wharfedale má ve svém...

www.hifi-voice.com

 

[funkera91]

Guys, how is possible 5.4/5.2 to be better than 4.2 and 4.4? When listening with high quality earphones on 4k youtube video comparison videos between both models, the 5 series sound very dull with a lot of bass and no instrument separation , lack of mid section. Probably in not the best way of listening to the speakers like that, but i have tried with 6-7 videos made from different youtubers and all of them sound same. The problem is that i cant listen to them alive as there is no audio shop in my country that offers them..
And i have Evo 4.c as center and evo 4.1 as surrounds. Fhe FL and FR are Wharfedale Linton 85 th.. I confirm that tonality is very very different between front and center speaker while watchingmovies - it frustrates me a lot that difference

 

[Everett T]

Guys, how is possible 5.4/5.2 to be better than 4.2 and 4.4? When listening with high quality earphones on 4k youtube video comparison videos between both models, the 5 series sound very dull with a lot of bass and no instrument separation , lack of mid section. Probably in not the best way of listening to the speakers like that, but i have tried with 6-7 videos made from different youtubers and all of them sound same. The problem is that i cant listen to them alive as there is no audio shop in my country that offers them..
And i have Evo 4.c as center and evo 4.1 as surrounds. Fhe FL and FR are Wharfedale Linton 85 th.. I confirm that tonality is very very different between front and center speaker while watchingmovies - it frustrates me a lot that difference

YouTube isn't a way to make a comparison of speakers, FWIW. If you're not able to audition at a local store and no one locally has both sets, find a retailer online with a generous return policy and order one of each to demo.

I'd imagine that the two sound very similar through the midrange and treble but I'm curious what you're hearing that stands out so much with your current setup?

 

[Peccatum]

Owner of a Diamond 12 system and a full Evo 4 system. How would you compare Aura to 4.4?

 

[Kurt1977]

Hello,

How would you compare the aura to the Evo 5? I am a happy owner of the diamond 12.3 but on certain recordings i find the midrange (or lower treble) a bit forward and would like to upgrade to the Aura or Evo 5.

Thanks!!

 

[XDM]

Hello,

How would you compare the aura to the Evo 5? I am a happy owner of the diamond 12.3 but on certain recordings i find the midrange (or lower treble) a bit forward and would like to upgrade to the Aura or Evo 5.

Thanks!!

Aura was measured by Erin and it's known good (https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/), Evo5 nobody measured yet.

 

[XDM]

Aura was measured by Erin and it's known good (https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/), Evo5 nobody measured yet.

There's some measurements of the Evo5.4, although they're just in-room measurements:

Wharfedale EVO5.4

Reprosoustavy Wharfedale řady EVO jsou nejen pro nás synonymem klasického, tradičního hi-fi – jejich kombinace atraktivní ceny díky velkým výrobním objemům, osvědčeného anglického konstruktérského přístupu a kultivované zvukové charakteristiky je skoro bezprecedentní. Wharfedale má ve svém...

www.hifi-voice.com

Seems to measure better than the Evo 4.4 measurements from the same website:

Wharfedale EVO4.4

Značka Wharfedale sice možná dnes patří pod křídla nadnárodního koncertu IAG, zachovává si nicméně i na dohled stého výročí založení si firma zachovává anglického ducha. Katalog firmy se soustředí převážně na modely zaplatitelné z reálných příjmů, byť mezi devíti řadami jsou i modely s...

www.hifi-voice.com

But also on this website the Aura 2 measures better https://www.hifi-voice.com/testy-a-recenze/reprosoustavy-regalove/5271-wharfedale-aura-2

 

[kriskobg]

Been on the hunt for new speakers, I've gone blue in the face from all the reading etc, have been looking to stay around $2500 new or used. My reference is Focal Aria 936's, which I know very well and am a huge fan of. Was going to purchase some Revel F206 but the recent snow cancelled the transaction. Bored, I saw these and decided to try them from Crutchfield as I've never heard this kind of tweeter and was curious. I must say, so far I'm impressed with how these speakers sound. The detail and sound stage on the high's is honestly insane. Expansive and so detailed, guitars of any kind and vocals just sound delicious. My previous speakers are basic SVS prime towers (the focals I mentioned are a friends, I listen to them often), and these are many steps up in every regard. Compared to my buddies Focal's, there might be a lack of "punch" in the midrange, maybe? Still trying to figure it out, but so far I am very pleased. For $2150 a pair new, the value seems pretty insane. It doesn't hurt that they are beautiful, the finish and build is really good.

 

[tw 2022]

Been on the hunt for new speakers, I've gone blue in the face from all the reading etc, have been looking to stay around $2500 new or used. My reference is Focal Aria 936's, which I know very well and am a huge fan of. Was going to purchase some Revel F206 but the recent snow cancelled the transaction. Bored, I saw these and decided to try them from Crutchfield as I've never heard this kind of tweeter and was curious. I must say, so far I'm impressed with how these speakers sound. The detail and sound stage on the high's is honestly insane. Expansive and so detailed, guitars of any kind and vocals just sound delicious. My previous speakers are basic SVS prime towers (the focals I mentioned are a friends, I listen to them often), and these are many steps up in every regard. Compared to my buddies Focal's, there might be a lack of "punch" in the midrange, maybe? Still trying to figure it out, but so far I am very pleased. For $2150 a pair new, the value seems pretty insane. It doesn't hurt that they are beautiful, the finish and build is really good.

View attachment 507034View attachment 507035

wharfedale has long been known as "high value".. congrats on a wise purchase...

 

[XDM]

wharfedale has long been known as "high value".. congrats on a wise purchase...

Let's hope the Wharfedale Evo 4.1 was just a deviation from the norm.

 

[tw 2022]

Let's hope the Wharfedale Evo 4.1 was just a deviation from the norm.

if you look at the 12.1 review I'd guess it represents the norm... I had the 10.1's , I wish I still had them , they lack a bit in transparency but that's really the only weakness they have vs anything else i've heard anywhere near the price point..

 

[MisterDee]

Ive had a pair of Evo 5.4s delivered 2 days ago to replace my Tannoy Revolution XT8Fs and am a bit disappointed so far in comparison. The 5.4s do have good bass and an accurate but veiled treble, mid range appears recessed, they don't have the scale and presence of the Tannoys. TBF, I did buy them on the basis of reviews!

Maybe I just need to get used to them. I think I'll give them another couple of days and return them if I'm not happy...

 

[MarkS]

The Tannoy Revolution XT8Fs measure quite well (suprisingly so to me):

Tannoy Revolution XT 8F Floor-Standing Speakers Review - HomeTheaterHifi.com

Tannoy’s Revolution XT 8F introduces Tannoy’s first new Dual Concentric driver in a quarter century, the “Omnimagnet,” in a full-range 2.5-way tower

hometheaterhifi.com

Maybe even better than the 5.4s:

Wharfedale EVO5.4

Reprosoustavy Wharfedale řady EVO jsou nejen pro nás synonymem klasického, tradičního hi-fi – jejich kombinace atraktivní ceny díky velkým výrobním objemům, osvědčeného anglického konstruktérského přístupu a kultivované zvukové charakteristiky je skoro bezprecedentní. Wharfedale má ve svém...

www.hifi-voice.com

Vertical dispersion (especially) will be very different.

 

[Architectorus]

Ive had a pair of Evo 5.4s delivered 2 days ago to replace my Tannoy Revolution XT8Fs and am a bit disappointed so far in comparison. The 5.4s do have good bass and an accurate but veiled treble, mid range appears recessed, they don't have the scale and presence of the Tannoys. TBF, I did buy them on the basis of reviews!

Maybe I just need to get used to them. I think I'll give them another couple of days and return them if I'm not happy...

Regarding highs: with grilles on, treble feels a bit recessed. They're not overly bright, but definitely brighter than many speakers. What DAC/amp are you using?
Mine: Topping Pre90 preamp, Denafrips Pontus DAC, Artera Stereo power amp, QED XT4000 speaker wire.

After 6+ months of listening:

• Bass is excessive—likely needs better room treatment (I have some panels/basstraps, but not enough).
• Treble is spot-on: detailed without fatigue.
• Mids are recessed, which is a mixed bag. Huge plus: zero listening fatigue all day. Downside: lacks presence vs. Aura speakers—vocals/instruments feel distant, like you're a passive audience member far from the stage, not fully engaged.

 

[MisterDee]

Regarding highs: with grilles on, treble feels a bit recessed. They're not overly bright, but definitely brighter than many speakers. What DAC/amp are you using?
Mine: Topping Pre90 preamp, Denafrips Pontus DAC, Artera Stereo power amp, QED XT4000 speaker wire.

After 6+ months of listening:

• Bass is excessive—likely needs better room treatment (I have some panels/basstraps, but not enough).
• Treble is spot-on: detailed without fatigue.
• Mids are recessed, which is a mixed bag. Huge plus: zero listening fatigue all day. Downside: lacks presence vs. Aura speakers—vocals/instruments feel distant, like you're a passive audience member far from the stage, not fully engaged.

I'm currently using a Denon A110 anniversary amp, denafrips ares 2 fed by a wiim AirPlay 2 over optical. Using Tidal and Spotify lossless. Speaker wire is standard Amazon fare. Room is about 7mx5m

I did spend some time doing some further listening, I think the treble and mid presence wasn't for me, but I can see what you mean about zero fatigue, they are very easy to listen to.

Overall, I missed the vocal clarity of the Tannoys, I do tend to listen to music quite loud and think the Wharfs break up a little when pushed.

Must say though, they are better built, and at 35kg each, not easy to move! The Tannoys are much lighter and cabinets not as well put together.

 

[XDM]

The Tannoy Revolution XT8Fs measure quite well (suprisingly so to me):

Tannoy Revolution XT 8F Floor-Standing Speakers Review - HomeTheaterHifi.com

Tannoy’s Revolution XT 8F introduces Tannoy’s first new Dual Concentric driver in a quarter century, the “Omnimagnet,” in a full-range 2.5-way tower

hometheaterhifi.com

Maybe even better than the 5.4s:

Wharfedale EVO5.4

Reprosoustavy Wharfedale řady EVO jsou nejen pro nás synonymem klasického, tradičního hi-fi – jejich kombinace atraktivní ceny díky velkým výrobním objemům, osvědčeného anglického konstruktérského přístupu a kultivované zvukové charakteristiky je skoro bezprecedentní. Wharfedale má ve svém...

www.hifi-voice.com

Vertical dispersion (especially) will be very different.

Tannoy XT series didn't measure too well on the Klippel https://www.audiosciencereview.com/.../tannoy-revolution-xt-6-speaker-review.14662/

 

[phoberus]

Regarding highs: with grilles on, treble feels a bit recessed. They're not overly bright, but definitely brighter than many speakers. What DAC/amp are you using?
Mine: Topping Pre90 preamp, Denafrips Pontus DAC, Artera Stereo power amp, QED XT4000 speaker wire.

After 6+ months of listening:

• Bass is excessive—likely needs better room treatment (I have some panels/basstraps, but not enough).
• Treble is spot-on: detailed without fatigue.
• Mids are recessed, which is a mixed bag. Huge plus: zero listening fatigue all day. Downside: lacks presence vs. Aura speakers—vocals/instruments feel distant, like you're a passive audience member far from the stage, not fully engaged.

How is the sound outside of the sweet spot?
Measurements look like the ribbon driver spreads very narrow

 

[proufo]

Keep in mind that Wharfedale almost never reply to emails — I’ve written to them twice and never got a reply.

In 2022 I used this address: [email protected]

 

[Architectorus]

How would you compare the aura to the Evo 5?

I have both. Evo 5 are for relaxed listening, aura gives much much much more precense. Ant evo don't give it at all - you are always realising that this is a recording. Evo 5 are good. But Aura is a winner at all frequencies