In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and 707 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and B&W 707 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and B&W 707 S2 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 EVO4.2 and B&W 707 S2 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that EVO4.2 is a 3-way design whereas the 707 S2 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
B&W 707 S2 |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
EVO4.2 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the 707 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas 707 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 707 S2 can go slightly deeper then the EVO4.2's min frequency of 54Hz.
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
EVO4.2 and 707 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. EVO4.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the 707 S2's is at 84 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 707 S2, 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.
EVO4.2 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 707 S2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the EVO4.2.
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
Both EVO4.2 and 707 S2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas 707 S2 has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale EVO4.2's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 707 S2 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 EVO4.2's and B&W 707 S2's external dimensions. Wharfedale EVO4.2 has external dimensions of 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm ( 17.9 x 9.8 x 13.7inch) whereas B&W 707 S2 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 165.0 x 276.0mm ( 11-inch x 6.5-inch x 10.9-inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 85mm wider, 175mm taller and 74mm deeper than B&W 707 S2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and B&W 707 S2 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 EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2 and base area of the B&W 707 S2 is approximately 455.4cm2 / 70.6inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 92% more surface area than the 707 S2 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 EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs and the B&W 707 S2 weighs 6.00kg / 13.2lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 123% heavier than the 707 S2.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.2 and 707 S2'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 EVO4.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of EVO4.2:
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 B&W 707 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 707 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
280mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
455cm2 (165x276mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-120 watts |
30-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
84 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
4.0 ohms |
Frequency Response |
54-22k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Continuum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
2" |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
455.0mm (17.9") |
280.0mm (11") |
Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
276.0mm (10.9") |
Weight |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
6.00kg (13.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
18-22" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |