In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and Motion 15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and MartinLogan. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and MartinLogan 15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and MartinLogan 15 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 EVO4.1 and MartinLogan 15 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 Motion 15 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
MartinLogan 15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-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 Motion 15 features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas Motion 15 has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the Motion 15 can go slightly deeper then 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 Motion 15 which has a nominal impedance of 5 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. EVO4.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Motion 15's is rated at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 15 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. 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Motion 15.
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. Motion 15 has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas Motion 15 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 MartinLogan 15 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 MartinLogan 15'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 MartinLogan 15 has external dimensions of 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm ( 11.4 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 37mm wider, 45mm taller and 55mm deeper than MartinLogan 15.
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 MartinLogan 15 is approximately 415.2cm2 / 64.4inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 49% more surface area than the Motion 15 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs and the MartinLogan 15 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 44% heavier than the Motion 15.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and Motion 15'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 MartinLogan 15?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 15:
Bookshelf loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet Users Manual Warranty/Registration Information
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
5 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 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 |
60 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
290mm
vs
335mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
415cm2 (173x240mm)
vs
619cm2 (210x295mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
MartinLogan Motion 15 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
5 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
64-22k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Folded Motion |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
Piano Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |