In this review, we will be comparing MilleniaOne 1.0 and EVO4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Paradigm and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4" S-PAL Aluminum Woofer
- 120-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-100watts
- Weight:2.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 197.0" x 4-9/16" x 5-3/4"( 197.0 x 116.0 x 147.0mm )
Wharfedale EVO4.2 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2" Midrange
- 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
- 2" Midrange
- 54-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Weight:13.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 455.0" x 9.8" x 13.7"( 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm )
What size room are the Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 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:
Listening Environment* |
Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
Small Room |
Good |
Average |
Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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 Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 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 MilleniaOne 1.0 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 |
Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 2-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
MilleniaOne 1.0 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" S-PAL Aluminum 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
MilleniaOne 1.0 has a frequency range of 120-20k 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 MilleniaOne 1.0's min frequency of 120Hz.
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
MilleniaOne 1.0 and EVO4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. MilleniaOne 1.0 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the EVO4.2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.2, 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.
MilleniaOne 1.0 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas MilleniaOne 1.0 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. MilleniaOne 1.0 has a Spring post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0's Spring post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
MilleniaOne 1.0 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 Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 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 Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0's and Wharfedale EVO4.2's external dimensions. Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 has external dimensions of 197.0 x 116.0 x 147.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 4-9/16 x 5-3/4inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 134mm wider, 258mm taller and 203mm deeper than Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0.
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 Paradigm MilleniaOne 1.0 is approximately 170.5cm2 / 26.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The MilleniaOne 1.0 requires 81% less surface area than the EVO4.2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.