In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi UB5, 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 UB5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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
Both EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi UB5 are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
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 UB5 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 270Hz and 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas Uni-Fi UB5 has a frequency range of 46-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Uni-Fi UB5 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
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Uni-Fi UB5 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 UB5 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 UB5's is rated at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi UB5, 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 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 UB5.
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 UB5 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas Uni-Fi UB5 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 UB5 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 UB5'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 UB5 has external dimensions of 324.0 x 200.0 x 273.0mm ( 12.7 x 7.8 x 10.7inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 50mm wider, 131mm taller and 77mm deeper than ELAC Uni-Fi UB5.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 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 ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 is approximately 546.0cm2 / 84.6inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 60% more surface area than the Uni-Fi UB5 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 EVO4.2 weighs 13.40kg / 29.5lbs and the ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 weighs 7.48kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 79% heavier than the Uni-Fi UB5.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.2 and Uni-Fi UB5'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 ELAC Uni-Fi UB5?
Here are the items that come with the Uni-Fi UB5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
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 |
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 |
324mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
546cm2 (200x273mm)
vs
875cm2 (250x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 |
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" |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
270Hz and 2700Hz |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
455.0mm (17.9") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
273.0mm (10.7") |
Weight |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
7.48kg (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 |