In this review, we will be comparing AURA 1 and EVO4.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Wharfedale
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale AURA 1 and Wharfedale EVO4.1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Wharfedale AURA 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
- 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer
- 48-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:12.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 367.0" x 9-3/4" x 13-3/4"( 367.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm )
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 Wharfedale AURA 1 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* |
Wharfedale AURA 1 |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 Wharfedale AURA 1 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 AURA 1 and EVO4.1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale AURA 1 |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0625 x 3.5-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
AURA 1 features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.9kHz. On the other hand, the EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
AURA 1 has a frequency range of 48-22k Hz whereas EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the AURA 1 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
AURA 1 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the EVO4.1 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AURA 1 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the EVO4.1's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale AURA 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.
AURA 1 and EVO4.1 has the same power range of 25-100 watts.
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 AURA 1 and EVO4.1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Wharfedale AURA 1's Binding 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
Both AURA 1 and EVO4.1 have bottom firing ports.
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 Wharfedale AURA 1's and Wharfedale EVO4.1's external dimensions. Wharfedale AURA 1 has external dimensions of 367.0 x 248.0 x 350.0mm ( 14-7/16inch x 9-3/4inch x 13-3/4inch ) 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 AURA 1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 32mm taller and 55mm deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.1.
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 Wharfedale AURA 1 is approximately 868.0cm2 / 134.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2. The AURA 1 requires 40% more surface area than the EVO4.1 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 Wharfedale AURA 1 weighs 12.50kg / 27.5lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the AURA 1 60% heavier than the EVO4.1.
Here is a comparison of how AURA 1 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 Wharfedale AURA 1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of AURA 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumper wires8 Rubber feetPair of white glovesUser Manual
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
 Minimum Impedance |
4.1 ohms
vs
3.5 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
335mm
vs
367mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
619cm2
vs
868cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale AURA 1 |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.1 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-22k Hz |
64-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Glass Fiber Matrix |
Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0625 x 3.5" |
1.18x2.36" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
AMT (Ribbon) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.9kHz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
367.0mm (14.4") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
| Width |
248.0mm (9.8") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
295.0mm (11.6") |
| Weight |
12.50kg (27.5lbs) |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Multi-layer wood |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss |
Walnut,Black,White |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-24" |
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 |