In this review, we will be comparing Diamond 11.1 and EVO4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Wharfedale Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale 11.1 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale 11.1 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale 11.1 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.
**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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Diamond 11.1 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 |
Wharfedale 11.1 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 2-inch |
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Diamond 11.1 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar 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
Diamond 11.1 has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the EVO4.2 can go slightly deeper then the Diamond 11.1's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
Diamond 11.1 and EVO4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Diamond 11.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the EVO4.2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 11.1, 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.
Diamond 11.1 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Diamond 11.1 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. Diamond 11.1 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Diamond 11.1 and EVO4.2 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 11.1's and Wharfedale EVO4.2's external dimensions. Wharfedale 11.1 has external dimensions of 312.0 x 196.0 x 316.0mm ( 12-1/4 x 7-11/16 x 12-7/16inch) 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 54mm wider, 143mm taller and 34mm deeper than Wharfedale 11.1.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale 11.1 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 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 Wharfedale 11.1 is approximately 619.4cm2 / 96.0inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2. The Diamond 11.1 requires 29% less surface area than the EVO4.2 which gives it a small advantage 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 11.1 weighs 6.81kg / 15lbs and the Wharfedale EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 97% heavier than the Diamond 11.1.
Here is a comparison of how Diamond 11.1 and EVO4.2'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 11.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Diamond 11.1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets ManualInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.2?
Here are the items that come with the EVO4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Pair of white cloth gloves User Manual
Height |
312mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
619cm2 (196x316mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
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 |
54 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
General |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.1 |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-100 watts |
25-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
55-20k Hz |
54-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Foam |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.18x2.36" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
2" |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
312.0mm (12.3") |
455.0mm (17.9") |
Width |
196.0mm (7.7") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
Depth |
316.0mm (12.4") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
Weight |
6.81kg (15lbs) |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Available Colors |
Rosewood |
Walnut,Black,White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
18-22" |
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 |