In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.1 and 3030i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Q Acoustics.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Q Acoustics 3030i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO4.1 | Q Acoustics 3030i |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) | 1" decoupled |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Kevlar | 6.5" Coated paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 64-22k Hz | 46-30k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-100 watts | 25-75 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.80kg / 17.2lbs | 6.20kg / 13.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.1" x 8.2" x 11.6"
335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm | 12.7" x 7.8" x 12.9"
325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Q Acoustics 3030i 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 |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
| Near-field |
Average |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
No way |
(* 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 3030i are 2-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO4.1Q Acoustics 3030i
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 |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer. On the other hand, the 3030i features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz whereas 3030i has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the 3030i 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 3030i 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 3030i's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3030i 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 3030i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 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. 3030i has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.1 has a bottom firing port whereas 3030i 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 Q Acoustics 3030i 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 Q Acoustics 3030i'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 Q Acoustics 3030i has external dimensions of 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm (12.7 x 7.8 x 12.9inch).
Q Acoustics 3030i is 10mm narrower and 10mm shorter than Wharfedale EVO4.1 but it is also 34mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Q Acoustics 3030i in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Q Acoustics 3030i 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 Q Acoustics 3030i is approximately 658.0cm2 / 102.0inch2. The EVO4.1 requires 6% less surface area than the 3030i which gives it a small advantage 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 Q Acoustics 3030i 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 Q Acoustics 3030i weighs 6.20kg / 13.6lbs. This makes the EVO4.1 26% heavier than the 3030i.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1 and 3030i'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 Q Acoustics 3030i?
Here are the items that come with the 3030i:
- 2 x 3030i bookshelf speakers
- 2 x Speaker Grilles
- 2 x Foam Bungs
- 1 x User Manual
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 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 |
 Base Surface Area |
619cm2
vs
658cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
88 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 |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
325mm
vs
335mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO4.1 |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
25-75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
64-22k Hz |
46-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Coated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
decoupled |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2400Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
325.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
295.0mm (11.6") |
329.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
7.80kg (17.2lbs) |
6.20kg (13.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Walnut, Black, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
4 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
4 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Wharfedale EVO4.1 costs roughly 1.6x what Q Acoustics 3030i 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 | Q Acoustics 3030i digs deeper - 46Hz against 64Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (87dB vs 88dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | A | Wharfedale EVO4.1 is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | Wharfedale EVO4.1 takes more power (100W vs 75W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | A | Wharfedale EVO4.1: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | Q Acoustics 3030i is cheaper - $499 against $799, about 38% less; arguably a different class. |
A Wharfedale EVO4.1 B Q Acoustics 3030i
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?
The usual trade-off: Wharfedale EVO4.1 measures better, Q Acoustics 3030i costs about about 60% more% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. 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 Q Acoustics 3030i the better fit for near-field listening; elsewhere the two are rated the same.
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.