In this review, we will be comparing Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and EVO4.4, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Elac and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and Wharfedale EVO4.4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and Wharfedale EVO4.4 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and Wharfedale EVO4.4 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
Both Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and EVO4.4 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB |
Wharfedale EVO4.4 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 2-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400 Hz. On the other hand, the EVO4.4 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has a frequency range of 30-50k Hz whereas EVO4.4 has a frequency range of 44-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the EVO4.4's min frequency of 44Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB
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
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the EVO4.4 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the EVO4.4's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.4 a more sensitive speaker compared to Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has a max power handling value of 170 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the EVO4.4.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB and EVO4.4 have bottom firing ports.
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 Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB's and Wharfedale EVO4.4's external dimensions. Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB has external dimensions of 985 x 260 x 300 mm ( 38.78 x 10.2 x 12 inches) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.4 has external dimensions of 1060.0 x 250.0 x 36.0mm ( 41.7 x 9.8 x 1.4inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.4 is 10mm narrower and 264mm less deeper than Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB but it is also 75mm taller.
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 Elac Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB is approximately 780.0cm2 / 120.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.4 is approximately 90.0cm2 / 14.0inch2. The Solano 2.0 FS287.2-GB requires 767% more surface area than the EVO4.4 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.4?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.4:
Floorstanding loudspeaker Grille 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed) 4 Spikes (pre-installed) 4 Isolation pucks 2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual