In this review, we will be comparing S20 and EVO4.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk S20 and Wharfedale EVO4.1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk S20 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk S20 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.
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Drivers
Both S20 and EVO4.1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk S20 |
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
|
S20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
S20 has a frequency range of 39-40k Hz whereas EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 39Hz, the S20 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
S20 and EVO4.1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S20 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the EVO4.1's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk S20 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1, 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.
S20 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the S20.
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
EVO4.1 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. S20 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
S20 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 Polk S20 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 Polk S20's and Wharfedale EVO4.1's external dimensions. Polk S20 has external dimensions of 376.0 x 216.0 x 350.0mm ( 14.8 x 8.5 x 13.7inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ( 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch) .
Polk S20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 6mm wider, 41mm taller and 55mm deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.1.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk S20 and Wharfedale EVO4.1 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 Polk S20 is approximately 756.0cm2 / 117.2inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2. The S20 requires 22% more surface area than the EVO4.1 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 Polk S20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 1% heavier than the S20.
Here is a comparison of how S20 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 Polk S20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of S20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
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 |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
39 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
335mm
vs
376mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
619cm2 (210x295mm)
vs
756cm2 (216x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Polk Audio Signature S20 |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-125 watts |
25-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
39-40k Hz |
64-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
376.0mm (14.8") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
Width |
216.0mm (8.5") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
295.0mm (11.6") |
Weight |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Meddite MDF |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
Walnut,Black,White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |