In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and Debut 2.0 B5.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and ELAC.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 )
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer
- 46-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:120watts
- Weight:5.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 341.0" x 7.0" x 9.2"( 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm )
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 EVO4.1 and Debut 2.0 B5.2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
|
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 Debut 2.0 B5.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 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
EVO4.1 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Debut 2.0 B5.2 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. EVO4.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Debut 2.0 B5.2's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.1 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2, 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.
EVO4.1 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
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
EVO4.1 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a 5-Way Metal post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's 5-Way Metal post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1's and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2'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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 has external dimensions of 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm ( 13.4 x 7.0 x 9.2inch) .
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is 30mm narrower and 61mm less deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.1 but it is also 6mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 47% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 B5.2 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 on a Media Console