In this review, we will be comparing EVO4.2 and RP-160M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Klipsch RP-160M 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 )
Klipsch RP-160M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
- 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:9.03kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 424.0" x 8.8" x 12.8"( 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm )
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Klipsch RP-160M 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 |
Klipsch RP-160M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 Klipsch RP-160M 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that EVO4.2 is a 3-way design whereas the RP-160M 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 |
Klipsch RP-160M |
|
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 6.5-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 RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-160M 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 and RP-160M 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 RP-160M's is at 95 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-160M 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 RP-160M 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
Both EVO4.2 and RP-160M features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-160M's Dual binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M'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 Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm ( 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 31mm taller and 23mm deeper than Klipsch RP-160M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Klipsch RP-160M in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Klipsch RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 19% more surface area than the RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M weighs 9.03kg / 19.9lbs. This makes the EVO4.2 48% heavier than the RP-160M.
Here is a comparison of how EVO4.2 and RP-160M'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 Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-160M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Detachable magnetic grilles User Manual Warranty Information Important Safety Instructions
 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 |
95 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
424mm
vs
455mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
732cm2
vs
875cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO4.2 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-120 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
54-22k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.18x2.36" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
455.0mm (17.9") |
424.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
224.0mm (8.8") |
| Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
327.0mm (12.9") |
| Weight |
13.40kg (29.5lbs) |
9.03kg (19.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,White |
Ebony, Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
18-22" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |