In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Bookshelf and EVO4.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Bookshelf and Wharfedale EVO4.1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 Ultra Bookshelf and EVO4.1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
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
|
Ultra Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Ultra Bookshelf has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz whereas EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Bookshelf 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
Ultra Bookshelf and EVO4.1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.
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.
Ultra Bookshelf can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Ultra Bookshelf.
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 Ultra Bookshelf and EVO4.1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Ultra Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf's and Wharfedale EVO4.1's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Bookshelf has external dimensions of 380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm ( 14-15/16 x 8-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ( 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.1 is 8mm narrower and 45mm shorter than SVS Ultra Bookshelf but it is also 14mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2. The Ultra Bookshelf requires 1% less surface area than the EVO4.1 which gives it a small advantage 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Ultra Bookshelf 11% heavier than the EVO4.1.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Bookshelf?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
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 |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
612cm2 (218x281mm)
vs
619cm2 (210x295mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Height |
335mm
vs
380mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
Brand |
SVS |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-150 watts |
25-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45-32k Hz |
64-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
380.0mm (15") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
Width |
218.0mm (8.6") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
295.0mm (11.6") |
Weight |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Oak veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Walnut,Black,White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
22-28" |
24-26" |
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 |