In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and SX-50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Cambridge Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Cambridge SX-50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Cambridge SX-50 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 Cambridge SX-50 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that EVO4.2 is a 3-way design whereas the SX-50 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 |
Cambridge SX-50 |
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 5.25-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 SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 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 SX-50 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 SX-50's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.2, 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 SX-50 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
EVO4.2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SX-50 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas SX-50 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 Cambridge SX-50 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 Cambridge SX-50'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 Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 89mm wider, 230mm taller and 110mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Cambridge SX-50 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 Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 126% more surface area than the SX-50 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 Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 347% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.2 and SX-50'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 Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that come with the SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
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 |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
225mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
386cm2 (161x240mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Cambridge Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-120 watts |
10-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
54-22k Hz |
50-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Treated paper |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
2" |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
455.0mm (17.9") |
225.0mm (8.9") |
Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
161.0mm (6.3") |
Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
Weight |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
18-22" |
28-31" |
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 |