In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Wharfedale EVO4.2 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the M8 SP2 is a On-wall speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Revel M8 SP2 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 )
Revel M8 SP2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite Woofer
- 110-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-125watts
- Weight:1.57kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 297.0" x 4-1/4" x 4-5/8"( 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale EVO4.2 and Revel M8 SP2 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that EVO4.2 is a 3-way design whereas the M8 SP2 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 |
Revel M8 SP2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.18x2.36-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 3-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 M8 SP2 features a 1" MCC (Micro Ceramic Composite) Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
EVO4.2 has a frequency range of 54-22k Hz whereas M8 SP2 has a frequency range of 110-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the EVO4.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M8 SP2's min frequency of 110Hz.
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 M8 SP2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas EVO4.2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the M8 SP2.
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. M8 SP2 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO4.2 has a bottom firing port whereas M8 SP2 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 Revel M8 SP2 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 Revel M8 SP2'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 Revel M8 SP2 has external dimensions of 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm ( 11-11/16 x 4-1/4 x 4-5/8inch) .
Wharfedale EVO4.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 142mm wider, 158mm taller and 232mm deeper than Revel M8 SP2.
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 Revel M8 SP2 is approximately 127.4cm2 / 19.7inch2. The EVO4.2 requires 587% more surface area than the M8 SP2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Revel M8 SP2?
Here are the items that come with the M8 SP2:
2 Satellite loudspeakers2 Wall-brackets4 Wall-mount end-caps2 Rubber foot padsHex-keyOwners Manual