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.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO4.1 | ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) | 1" Soft-dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Kevlar | 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 64-22k Hz | 46-35k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 86 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-100 watts | 120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.80kg / 17.2lbs | 5.90kg / 13lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.1" x 8.2" x 11.6"
335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm | 13.4" 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both EVO4.1 and Debut 2.0 B5.2 are 2-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO4.1ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| 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.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Debut 2.0 B5.2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
EVO4.1 features Binding 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 Binding 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 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
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 32% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and Debut 2.0 B5.2'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 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 B5.2:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Operating Instructions
 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 |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
335mm
vs
341mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
421cm2
vs
619cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
64-22k Hz |
46-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Soft-dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
341.0mm (13.4") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
234.0mm (9.2") |
| Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Wharfedale EVO4.1 costs roughly 2.4x what ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 digs deeper - 46Hz against 64Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (87dB vs 86dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | A | Wharfedale EVO4.1 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 120W). |
| Size | depends | ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is easier to place; Wharfedale EVO4.1 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Wharfedale EVO4.1: bi-amping. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 sits in a wider range (11 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is cheaper - $330 against $799, about 59% less; arguably a different class. |
A Wharfedale EVO4.1 B ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 64Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. Match it to your room: we rate Wharfedale EVO4.1 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 for a mid-size room and a large room.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.