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Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs KEF Q150
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Wharfedale EVO4.2

Passive Bookshelf | 54-22k Hz

Wharfedale EVO4.2
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KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
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Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs KEF Q150 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Wharfedale EVO4.2 Key Specs

  • 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 )

KEF Q150 Key Specs

  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 51-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-100watts
  • Weight:5.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.0" x 10.9"( 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 compares 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 Q150 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. EVO4.2 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the EVO4.2 can go slightly deeper then the Q150's min frequency of 51Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers under Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.2
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.2
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

EVO4.2 and Q150 has the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. EVO4.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and Q150's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes Wharfedale EVO4.2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale EVO4.2
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

EVO4.2 has a power range of 25-120 watts RMS whereas Q150 has a power range of 10-100 watts.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

EVO4.2 features Post posts which makes bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q150 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas Q150 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 KEF Q150 with its rear-firing port.

KEF Q150  Port
KEF Q150 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 KEF Q150'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 KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 152mm taller and 72mm deeper than KEF Q150.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 in scale.

Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs KEF Q150 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 Size and External Dimensions

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 KEF Q150 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 on a Media Console


Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.2 over KEF Q150
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 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms vs 3.7 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
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 KEF Q150 over Wharfedale EVO4.2
Low Frequency Response 51 Hz vs 54 Hz Generates deeper bass
High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
Height 303mm vs 455mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Width 180mm vs 250mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Depth 278mm vs 350mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Price per pair* 600USD vs 1199USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Wharfedale EVO4.2 vs KEF Q150 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Wharfedale EVO4.2 KEF Q150
Brand Wharfedale KEF
Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
Power Range 25-120 watts 10-100 watts
Sensitivity 88 dB 86 dB
Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
Impedance 4 ohms 3.7 ohms
Frequency Response 54-22k Hz 51-28k 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) Dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver 2" No
Crossover Frequency n/a 2500Hz
Firing Direction bottom rear
Physical Specs
Height 455.0mm (17.9") 303.0mm (11.9")
Width 250.0mm (9.8") 180.0mm (7.1")
Depth 350.0mm (13.8") 278.0mm (10.9")
Weight 13.40kg (29.5lbs) 5.60kg (12.3lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
Finish MDF/Wood-veneer MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
Available Colors Walnut Black, Walnut, White
Mounting Bracket No No
Recommended Stand Height 18-22" 18-24"
Grille magnetic magnetic
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Biamp Inputs Yes No
Other
Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years


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