In this review, we will be comparing Kendall 2B and EVO4.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale EVO4.1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KLH Kendall 2B Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 55-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:200watts
- Weight:5.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 337.0" x 7-3/4" x 8-1/2"( 337.0 x 197.0 x 216.0mm )
Wharfedale EVO4.1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
- 5" Kevlar Woofer
- 64-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:7.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 335.0" x 8.2" x 11.6"( 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm )
What size room are the KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale EVO4.1 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:
| Listening Environment* |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Kendall 2B and Wharfedale EVO4.1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Kendall 2B and EVO4.1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Kendall 2B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 HZ. On the other hand, the EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Kendall 2B has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Kendall 2B can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the EVO4.1's min frequency of 64Hz.
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
Kendall 2B and EVO4.1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kendall 2B sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the EVO4.1's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall 2B, 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.
Kendall 2B can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Kendall 2B.
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 Kendall 2B and EVO4.1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall 2B's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Kendall 2B has a rear firing port whereas EVO4.1 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KLH Kendall 2B 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 KLH Kendall 2B's and Wharfedale EVO4.1's external dimensions. KLH Kendall 2B has external dimensions of 337.0 x 197.0 x 216.0mm ( 13-1/4inch x 7-3/4inch x 8-1/2inch ) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ( 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch) .
KLH Kendall 2B is 13mm narrower and 79mm less deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.1 but it is also 2mm 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 KLH Kendall 2B is approximately 425.5cm2 / 66.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2. The Kendall 2B requires 31% less surface area than the EVO4.1 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 KLH Kendall 2B weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 32% heavier than the Kendall 2B.
Here is a comparison of how Kendall 2B and EVO4.1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall 2B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall 2B:
2 x 2B Loudspeaker and Grille Owners Manual Binding Post Wrench Rubber Adhesive Feet
What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.1?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.1:
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 |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
425cm2
vs
619cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
335mm
vs
337mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KLH Kendall 2B |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
| Brand |
KLH |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
200 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-20k Hz |
64-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500 HZ |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
337.0mm (13.3") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
| Width |
197.0mm (7.8") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
295.0mm (11.6") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,English Walnut |
Walnut,Black,White |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 years |
5 Years |