In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Diamond 225, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Wharfedale 225 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Wharfedale 225 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 Evolution Bookshelf and Wharfedale 225 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 Evolution Bookshelf and Diamond 225 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
Wharfedale 225 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz. On the other hand, the Diamond 225 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz whereas Diamond 225 has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Diamond 225's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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 Evolution Bookshelf is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Diamond 225 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 87 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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 Evolution Bookshelf can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 225 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Ultra Evolution 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 Evolution Bookshelf and Diamond 225 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 225 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 225's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to SVS Ultra Evolution 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 Evolution Bookshelf's and Wharfedale 225's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has external dimensions of 382 x 220 x 295.6mm ( 11.14 x 8.66 x 11.64”) whereas Wharfedale 225 has external dimensions of 355.0 x 196.0 x 290.0mm ( 13.9 x 7.7 x 11.4inch) .
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 24mm wider, 27mm taller and 6mm deeper than Wharfedale 225.
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 Evolution Bookshelf is approximately 651.2cm2 / 100.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale 225 is approximately 568.4cm2 / 88.1inch2. The Ultra Evolution Bookshelf requires 15% more surface area than the Diamond 225 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf weighs 8.60kg / 18.9lbs and the Wharfedale 225 weighs 6.55kg / 14.4lbs. This makes the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 31% heavier than the Diamond 225.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Diamond 225's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
What's in the Box of Wharfedale 225?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 225:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User's Manual Installation Guide
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
355mm
vs
382mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
568cm2 (196x290mm)
vs
651cm2 (220x296mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
1198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
Wharfedale Diamond 225 |
Brand |
SVS |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-150 watts |
25-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
4.2 ohms |
Frequency Response |
40-40k Hz |
45-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Woven Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
382.0mm (15") |
355.0mm (14") |
Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
Depth |
296.0mm (11.7") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
Weight |
8.60kg (18.9lbs) |
6.55kg (14.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
Black, White, Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24" |
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 |