In this review, we will be comparing R3 and EVO4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF R3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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 KEF R3 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
Both R3 and EVO4.2 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
KEF R3 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 2-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
R3 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Hybrid aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz. 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
R3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the R3 can go slightly deeper then the EVO4.2's min frequency of 54Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
R3 and EVO4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the EVO4.2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
R3 can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 60 watts less than the R3.
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
Both R3 and EVO4.2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R3 has a rear firing port whereas EVO4.2 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF R3 with its rear-firing port.
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 KEF R3's and Wharfedale EVO4.2's external dimensions. KEF R3 has external dimensions of 423.0 x 199.0 x 337.0mm ( 16-5/8 x 7-13/16 x 13-1/4inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 32mm taller and 13mm deeper than KEF R3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF R3 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 in scale.
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 KEF R3 is approximately 670.6cm2 / 103.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The R3 requires 23% less surface area than the EVO4.2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The KEF R3 weighs 13.55kg / 29.8lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs. This makes the R3 1% heavier than the EVO4.2.
Here is a comparison of how R3 and EVO4.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF R3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualWarranty Information
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
Max Input Power |
180 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
423mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
670cm2 (199x337mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
KEF R3 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Brand |
KEF |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
15-180 watts |
25-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
54-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Hybrid aluminum |
Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5" |
2" |
Crossover Frequency |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
455.0mm (17.9") |
Width |
199.0mm (7.8") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
Depth |
337.0mm (13.3") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
Weight |
13.55kg (29.8lbs) |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Available Colors |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
Walnut,Black,White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
18-22" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |