In this review, we will be comparing EVO5.1 and Motion 15i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and MartinLogan.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO5.1 and MartinLogan 15i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO5.1 | MartinLogan 15i |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.375" AMT (Ribbon) | 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" woven Kevlar | 5.25" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 56-24k Hz | 60-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 5 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-100 watts | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.00kg / 17.6lbs | 5.40kg / 11.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.4" x 8.7" x 12.8"
340.0 x 220.0 x 325.0mm | 11.4" x 6.8" x 9.4"
290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO5.1 and MartinLogan 15i 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 EVO5.1 |
MartinLogan 15i |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both EVO5.1 and Motion 15i are 2-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO5.1MartinLogan 15i
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Wharfedale EVO5.1 |
MartinLogan 15i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.375-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
EVO5.1 features a 1.375" SilentWeave cotton and felt damping fiber AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz. On the other hand, the Motion 15i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO5.1 has a frequency range of 56-24k Hz whereas Motion 15i has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the EVO5.1 can go slightly deeper then the Motion 15i's min frequency of 60Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
EVO5.1 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 15i which has a nominal impedance of 5 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 EVO5.1 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. EVO5.1 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Motion 15i's is rated at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 15i a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO5.1, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Motion 15i can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas EVO5.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Motion 15i.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
EVO5.1 features Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts and Motion 15i has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO5.1's Binding post terminals
MartinLogan 15i's Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO5.1 has a bottom firing port whereas Motion 15i has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale EVO5.1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to MartinLogan 15i with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 EVO5.1's and MartinLogan 15i's external dimensions. Wharfedale EVO5.1 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 220.0 x 325.0mm (13.4" × 8.7" × 12.8") whereas MartinLogan 15i has external dimensions of 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm (11.4 x 6.8 x 9.4inch).
Wharfedale EVO5.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 50mm taller and 85mm deeper than MartinLogan 15i.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO5.1 and MartinLogan 15i in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO5.1 and MartinLogan 15i 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 EVO5.1 is approximately 715.0cm2 / 110.8inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 15i is approximately 415.2cm2 / 64.4inch2. The EVO5.1 requires 72% more surface area than the Motion 15i which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is 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 EVO5.1 and MartinLogan 15i on a Media Console
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 EVO5.1 weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs and the MartinLogan 15i weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the EVO5.1 48% heavier than the Motion 15i.
Here is a comparison of how EVO5.1 and Motion 15i'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 EVO5.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of EVO5.1:
- 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 MartinLogan 15i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 15i:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- Users Manual
- Warranty/Registration Information
 Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
5 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
290mm
vs
340mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
415cm2
vs
715cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO5.1 |
MartinLogan Motion 15i |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
5 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
56-24k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven Kevlar |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.375" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Folded Motion |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2700Hz |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
340.0mm (13.4") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
8.00kg (17.6lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Grey. Black, White |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
26-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Wharfedale EVO5.1 is the newer design, against a 2018 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | Wharfedale EVO5.1 digs deeper - 56Hz against 60Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | MartinLogan 15i is more sensitive (92dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | MartinLogan 15i is the easier load at 5 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | B | MartinLogan 15i takes more power (200W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | MartinLogan 15i is easier to place; Wharfedale EVO5.1 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. MartinLogan 15i sits in a wider range (18 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | evenly matched | Much the same money ($999 vs $900 a pair). |
A Wharfedale EVO5.1 B MartinLogan 15i
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
MartinLogan 15i has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. Match it to your room: we rate Wharfedale EVO5.1 the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and MartinLogan 15i for a mid-size room and a large room. In a large or open-plan room, Wharfedale EVO5.1 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, MartinLogan 15i is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.