In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Cambridge Audio SX-70 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the EVO4.2 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SX-70 is a 2-way design whereas the EVO4.2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Cambridge Audio SX-70 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 2-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
SX-70 features a 1" Silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" treated-paper Woofer . On the other hand, the EVO4.2 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
SX-70 has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz whereas EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the EVO4.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SX-70's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SX-70 and EVO4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-70 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the EVO4.2's is at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Cambridge Audio SX-70, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
SX-70 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SX-70 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the EVO4.2.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
EVO4.2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SX-70 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Cambridge Audio SX-70's and Wharfedale EVO4.2's external dimensions. Cambridge Audio SX-70 has external dimensions of 139.0 x 362.0 x 248.0mm ( 5-7/16 x 14-1/4 x 9-3/4inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) .
Cambridge Audio SX-70 is 316mm shorter and 102mm less deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.2 but it is also 112mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Cambridge Audio SX-70 is approximately 897.8cm2 / 139.2inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The SX-70 requires 3% more surface area than the EVO4.2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio SX-70?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-70:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.2?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual