In this review, we will be comparing EVO5.3 and Q11 Meta, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Wharfedale and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and KEF Q11 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO5.3 | KEF Q11 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | — | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.375" AMT (Ribbon) | 0.75" Hard dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 2" | 4" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5" woven Kevlar | 3 x 6.5" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-24k Hz | 44-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-150 watts | Up to 225 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 21.55kg / 47.4lbs | 22.55kg / 49.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 36.7" x 10.5" x 12.8"
933.0 x 266.0 x 325.0mm | 43.8" x 12.5" x 15"
1112 x 317 x 380 mm |
|---|
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO5.3 and KEF Q11 Meta 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 EVO5.3 |
KEF Q11 Meta |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Are you nuts? |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
(* 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 EVO5.3 and Q11 Meta are 3-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO5.3KEF Q11 Meta
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Wharfedale EVO5.3 |
KEF Q11 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.375-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
3 x 6.5-inch
|
EVO5.3 features a 1.375" SilentWeave cotton and felt damping fiber AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter, a 2" Midrange and 2 x 5" woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 825 Hz and 4 kHz. On the other hand, the Q11 Meta features a 0.75" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 480 Hz, 2.7 kHz.
Frequency Response
EVO5.3 has a frequency range of 46-24k Hz whereas Q11 Meta has a frequency range of 44-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Q11 Meta can go slightly deeper then the EVO5.3's min frequency of 46Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing 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
EVO5.3 and Q11 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. EVO5.3 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Q11 Meta's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q11 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO5.3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the EVO5.3 and the EVO5.3 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Q11 Meta can handle a max power of 225 watts RMS, whereas EVO5.3 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Q11 Meta.
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
EVO5.3 features Binding Post type posts and Q11 Meta has a Binding Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO5.3's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO5.3 has a bottom firing port whereas Q11 Meta has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale EVO5.3's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF Q11 Meta 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 EVO5.3's and KEF Q11 Meta's external dimensions. Wharfedale EVO5.3 has external dimensions of 933.0 x 266.0 x 325.0mm (36.7" × 10.5" × 12.8") whereas KEF Q11 Meta has external dimensions of 1112 x 317 x 380 mm (43.8 x 12.5 x 15.0 in.).
KEF Q11 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 179mm taller and 55mm deeper than Wharfedale EVO5.3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and KEF Q11 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and KEF Q11 Meta 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 EVO5.3 is approximately 864.5cm2 / 134.0inch2 and base area of the KEF Q11 Meta is approximately 1204.6cm2 / 186.7inch2. The EVO5.3 requires 28% less surface area than the Q11 Meta which gives it a small advantage 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 EVO5.3 weighs 21.55kg / 47.4lbs and the KEF Q11 Meta weighs 22.55kg / 49.6lbs. This makes the Q11 Meta 5% heavier than the EVO5.3.
Here is a comparison of how EVO5.3 and Q11 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO5.3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of EVO5.3:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed)
- 4 Spikes (pre-installed)
- 4 Isolation pucks
- 2 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
- Pair of white cloth gloves
- User Manual
What's in the Box of KEF Q11 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the Q11 Meta:
- Q11 Meta
- Magnetic grilles
- Plinth and rubber feet
- Port bungs
- User manual and warranty information
 Minimum Impedance |
3.5 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
933mm
vs
1112mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
864cm2
vs
1204cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1899USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
225 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO5.3 |
KEF Q11 Meta |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
Up to 225 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-24k Hz |
44-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven Kevlar |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.375" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Hard dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
825 Hz and 4 kHz |
480 Hz, 2.7 kHz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
933.0mm (36.7") |
1112.0mm (43.8") |
| Width |
266.0mm (10.5") |
317.0mm (12.5") |
| Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
380.0mm (15") |
| Weight |
21.55kg (47.4lbs) |
22.55kg (49.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Grey. Black, White |
Satin Black,Satin White,Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (46Hz vs 44Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (88dB vs 89dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Headroom | B | KEF Q11 Meta takes more power (225W vs 150W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Wharfedale EVO5.3 is easier to place; KEF Q11 Meta is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. KEF Q11 Meta sits in a wider range (8 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | Wharfedale EVO5.3 is cheaper - $1,899 against $2,200, about 14% less. |
A Wharfedale EVO5.3 B KEF Q11 Meta
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?
The usual trade-off: KEF Q11 Meta measures better, Wharfedale EVO5.3 costs about about 16% more% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. Match it to your room: we rate Wharfedale EVO5.3 the better fit for a mid-size room, and KEF Q11 Meta for a very large room. In a large or open-plan room, KEF Q11 Meta has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Wharfedale EVO5.3 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.