In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and Alpha P5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and PSB. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and PSB P5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and PSB P5 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 PSB P5 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 Alpha P5 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
PSB P5 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
0.75-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 Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha P5 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 and Alpha P5 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 Alpha P5's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the PSB P5 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the EVO4.1.
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. Alpha P5 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas Alpha P5 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 PSB P5 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 PSB P5'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 PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm ( 11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 46mm taller and 41mm deeper than PSB P5.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and PSB P5 in scale.
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 PSB P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 42% more surface area than the Alpha P5 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:
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 PSB P5 weighs 4.61kg / 10.1lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 69% heavier than the Alpha P5.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and Alpha P5'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 PSB P5?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
90 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 |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.5 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
289mm
vs
335mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
436cm2 (172x254mm)
vs
619cm2 (210x295mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
PSB Alpha P5 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
PSB |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-100 watts |
10-90 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
64-22k Hz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
0.75" |
Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
254.0mm (10") |
Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
4.61kg (10.1lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Walnut,Black Ash |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
28-30" |
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 |