In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO4.1 | Klipsch R-51M |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Kevlar | 5.25" Copper-spun IMG |
|---|
| Frequency response | 64-22k Hz | 62-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-100 watts | Up to 85 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.80kg / 17.2lbs | 5.00kg / 11lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.1" x 8.2" x 11.6"
335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm | 13.3" x 7.0" x 8.4"
338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Klipsch R-51M 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 |
Klipsch R-51M |
| 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.)
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 R-51M are 2-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO4.1Klipsch R-51M
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 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
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 R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-51M can go slightly deeper then 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 and R-51M 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 R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
EVO4.1 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS, whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the EVO4.1.
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. R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm (13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch).
Klipsch R-51M is 32mm narrower and 80mm less deeper than Wharfedale EVO4.1 but it is also 3mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 62% more surface area than the R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 56% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Setup Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
335mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
93 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 |
62 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2
vs
619cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
359USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
64-22k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain 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 |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Wharfedale EVO4.1 costs roughly 2.2x what Klipsch R-51M 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 | evenly matched | Much the same reach (64Hz vs 62Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch R-51M is more sensitive (93dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 85W). |
| Size | depends | Klipsch R-51M is easier to place; Wharfedale EVO4.1 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | A | Wharfedale EVO4.1: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | Klipsch R-51M is cheaper - $359 against $799, about 55% less; arguably a different class. |
A Wharfedale EVO4.1 B Klipsch R-51M
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. In a large or open-plan room, Wharfedale EVO4.1 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch R-51M is the easier speaker to get right. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch R-51M is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
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.