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.
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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
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
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'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
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.
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:
Size Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and KEF Q150 on a Media Console
