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Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Comparison

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Wharfedale EVO4.2

Passive Bookshelf | 54-22k Hz

Wharfedale EVO4.2
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ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim

Passive Bookshelf | 46-25k Hz

ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
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Wharfedale EVO4.2 Wharfedale EVO4.2
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ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Sl...
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Wharfedale EVO4.2
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ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Sl...
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Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and ELAC.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Wharfedale EVO4.2 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 2" Midrange
  • 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 54-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-120watts
  • Weight:13.40kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 455.0" x 9.8" x 13.7"( 455.0 x 250.0 x 350.0mm )

ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" soft dome Tweeter
  • 4" Midrange
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 4" Midrange
  • 46-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range:40-140watts
  • Weight:7.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 340.0" x 7-1/16" x 12-7/8"( 340.0 x 180.0 x 328.0mm )

What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 EVO4.2 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Average
Very Large Room Poor Poor

(* 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 EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim are 3-way speakers.

Driver Wharfedale EVO4.2 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
Driver Setup 3-way 3-way
Tweeter 1.18x2.36-inch 1-inch
Midrange 1 x 2-inch 1 x 4-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 Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer .

Frequency Response

EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has a frequency range of 46-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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

EVO4.2
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.2
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
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

EVO4.2 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim can provide this impedance level.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. EVO4.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's is rated at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

EVO4.2
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
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.

EVO4.2 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim.

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. Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 SlimPost Terminals
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim'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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has external dimensions of 340.0 x 180.0 x 328.0mm ( 13-3/8 x 7-1/16 x 12-7/8inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 115mm taller and 22mm deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim in scale.

Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 EVO4.2 is approximately 875.0cm2 / 135.6inch2 and base area of the ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim is approximately 590.4cm2 / 91.5inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 48% more surface area than the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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:

Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 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 EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 79% heavier than the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim.

Here is a comparison of how EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.2
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
Min
Average
Max

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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim?

    Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • Operating Instructions

  • Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.2 over ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 4 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    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

    Reasons to choose ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim over Wharfedale EVO4.2

    Max Input Power 140 watts vs 120 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 46 Hz vs 54 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 25k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 340mm vs 455mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 590cm2 vs 875cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 735USD vs 1199USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Wharfedale EVO4.2 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim
    Brand Wharfedale ELAC
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-120 watts 40-140 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 85 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 4 ohms
    Impedance 4 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 54-22k Hz 46-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Kevlar Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1.18x2.36" 1"
    Tweeter Type AMT (Ribbon) soft dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 2" 4"
    Firing Direction bottom rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 455.0mm (17.9") 340.0mm (13.4")
    Width 250.0mm (9.8") 180.0mm (7.1")
    Depth 350.0mm (13.8") 328.0mm (12.9")
    Weight 13.40kg (29.5lbs) 7.50kg (16.5lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-veneer MDF/Vinyl
    Available Colors Walnut,Black,White Black
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 18-22" 24-31"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 3 Years

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