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Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Polk S15 Comparison

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Wharfedale EVO4.1

Passive Bookshelf | 64-22k Hz

Wharfedale EVO4.1
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Polk S15

Passive Bookshelf | 50-40k Hz

Polk Audio Signature S15
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Wharfedale EVO4.1 Wharfedale EVO4.1
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Polk S15 Polk S15
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Wharfedale EVO4.1
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Polk S15
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Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Polk S15 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and S15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Polk Audio.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Polk S15 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 )

Polk S15 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer
  • 50-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-100watts
  • Weight:5.90kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 304.8" x 7.4" x 10.2"( 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm )

What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Polk S15 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 Polk S15
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.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Polk S15 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both EVO4.1 and S15 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Wharfedale EVO4.1 Polk S15
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 S15 features a 1" Terylene Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas S15 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the S15 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

EVO4.1
S15
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.1
Polk S15
Min
Average
Max

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 S15 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 S15's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk S15 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

EVO4.1
S15
Min
Average
Max

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.

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. S15 has a Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Wharfedale EVO4.1 Terminals
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 S15 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 Polk S15 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 Polk S15'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 Polk S15 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm ( 12.0 x 7.4 x 10.2inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 30.2mm taller and 34.6mm deeper than Polk S15.

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 Polk S15 is approximately 494.8cm2 / 76.7inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 25% more surface area than the S15 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 Polk S15 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 32% heavier than the S15.

Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and S15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Polk S15
Min
Average
Max

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 Polk S15?

    Here are the items that come with the S15:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grille (attached)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Wall-mount template
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration

  • Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.1 over Polk Audio Signature S15
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections

    Reasons to choose Polk Audio Signature S15 over Wharfedale EVO4.1

    Sensitivity 88 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 50 Hz vs 64 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 304mm vs 335mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 494cm2 vs 619cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 259USD vs 799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Polk S15 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Wharfedale EVO4.1 Polk Audio Signature S15
    Brand Wharfedale Polk Audio
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-100 watts 20-100 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.5 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 64-22k Hz 50-40k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Kevlar Mica-reinforced polypropylene
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Butyl rubber
    Tweeter Size 1.18x2.36" 1"
    Tweeter Type AMT (Ribbon) 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") 304.8mm (12")
    Width 210.0mm (8.3") 190.0mm (7.5")
    Depth 295.0mm (11.6") 260.4mm (10.3")
    Weight 7.80kg (17.2lbs) 5.90kg (13lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-veneer Meddite MDF
    Available Colors Walnut,Black,White Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    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 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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