Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Cambridge SX-50 Comparison

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Wharfedale EVO4.1

Passive Bookshelf | 64-22k Hz

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Cambridge SX-50

Passive Bookshelf | 50-22k Hz

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Wharfedale EVO4.1

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Cambridge SX-50

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Wharfedale EVO4.1

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Cambridge SX-50

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Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Cambridge SX-50 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and SX-50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Cambridge Audio.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

Cambridge SX-50 Key Specs

2-way Design

1" Dome Tweeter

5.25" Treated paper Woofer

50-22k Hz Frequency Response

90 dB Sensitivity

Impedance: 8ohms

Power Range:10-100watts

Weight:3.00kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 225.0" x 6.3" x 9.4"( 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm )

What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 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 EVO4.1	Cambridge SX-50
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 EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 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 EVO4.1 and SX-50 are 2-way speakers.

Driver	Wharfedale EVO4.1	Cambridge SX-50
Driver Setup	2-way	2-way
Tweeter	1.18x2.36-inch	1-inch
Midrange	-	-
Woofer	1 x 5-inch	1 x 5.25-inch

EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer .

Frequency Response

EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 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

EVO4.1

SX-50

Min

Average

Max

High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.1

Cambridge SX-50

Min

Average

Max

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

EVO4.1 and SX-50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. EVO4.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the SX-50's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

EVO4.1

SX-50

Min

Average

Max

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.

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. SX-50 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas SX-50 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Cambridge SX-50 with its rear-firing port.

Cambridge SX-50 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1's and Cambridge SX-50's external dimensions. Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ( 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch) whereas Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 110mm taller and 55mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 in scale.

Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 Size and External Dimensions

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 EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm² / 96.0inch² and base area of the Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm² / 59.9inch². The EVO4.1 requires 60% more surface area than the SX-50 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:

Size Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Cambridge SX-50 on a Media Console

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 EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs and the Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 160% heavier than the SX-50.

Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and SX-50's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.1

Cambridge SX-50

Min

Average

Max

What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of EVO4.1:

2 Bookshelf loudspeakers

2 Grilles

4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)

8 Self-adhesive rubber feet

Pair of white cloth gloves

User Manual

What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?

Here are the items that come with the SX-50:

2 Bookshelf loudspeakers

2 Grilles

8 Self-adhesive feet

2 Foam port inserts

Installation Guide

Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.1 over Cambridge Audio SX-50

Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring	Yes vs No	Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio SX-50 over Wharfedale EVO4.1

Sensitivity	90 dB vs 87 dB	Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Woofer Size	5.25 inches vs 5 inches	Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response	50 Hz vs 64 Hz	Generates deeper bass
Height	225mm vs 335mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area	386cm² vs 619cm²	Takes less floor space
Price per pair*	199USD vs 799USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Cambridge SX-50 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Wharfedale EVO4.1	Cambridge Audio SX-50
Brand	Wharfedale	Cambridge Audio
Speaker Type	Bookshelf speakers	Bookshelf speakers
Power Range	25-100 watts	10-100 watts
Sensitivity	87 dB	90 dB
Impedance	8 ohms	8 ohms
Impedance	3.5 ohms	n/a
Frequency Response	64-22k Hz	50-22k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	1	1
Woofer Size	5"	5.25"
Woofer Composition	Kevlar	Treated paper
Woofer Surround Material	Rubber	Rubber
Tweeter Size	1.18x2.36"	1"
Tweeter Type	AMT (Ribbon)	Dome
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Firing Direction	bottom	rear
Physical Specs
Height	335.0mm (13.2")	225.0mm (8.9")
Width	210.0mm (8.3")	161.0mm (6.3")
Depth	295.0mm (11.6")	240.0mm (9.4")
Weight	7.80kg (17.2lbs)	3.00kg (6.6lbs)
Enclosure	Bass Reflex	Bass Reflex
Finish	MDF/Wood-veneer	MDF/Woodgrain vinyl
Available Colors	Walnut,Black,White	Black
Mounting Bracket	No	No
Recommended Stand Height	24-26"	28-31"
Grille	Yes	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	Yes	No
Other
Parts Warranty	5 Years	5 Years
Labor Warranty	5 Years	5 Years