In this review, we will be comparing EVO5.3 and Imagine X2T, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Wharfedale and PSB.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and PSB Imagine X2T first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale EVO5.3 | PSB Imagine X2T |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | PSB
Canada · founded 1972 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.375" AMT (Ribbon) | 1" Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 2" | 5.25" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5" woven Kevlar | 2 x 6.2" Clay/Ceramic/Poly |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-24k Hz | 30-23k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-150 watts | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 21.55kg / 47.4lbs | 23.60kg / 51.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 36.7" x 10.5" x 12.8"
933.0 x 266.0 x 325.0mm | 40-1/8" x 9" x 16-3/4"
1020.0 x 229.0 x 426.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Wharfedale EVO5.3 and PSB Imagine X2T 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 |
PSB Imagine X2T |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 EVO5.3 and Imagine X2T are 3-way speakers.
Wharfedale EVO5.3PSB Imagine X2T
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 |
PSB Imagine X2T |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.375-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 6.2-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 Imagine X2T features a 1" titanium with neodymium magnets Dome Tweeter, a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.2" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
EVO5.3 has a frequency range of 46-24k Hz whereas Imagine X2T has a frequency range of 30-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Imagine X2T can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Imagine X2T which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 EVO5.3 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. EVO5.3 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Imagine X2T's is rated at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the PSB Imagine X2T a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO5.3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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.
Imagine X2T can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas EVO5.3 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Imagine X2T.
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
Imagine X2T features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. EVO5.3 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale EVO5.3's Binding post terminals
PSB Imagine X2T's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
EVO5.3 has a bottom firing port whereas Imagine X2T has a front firing ports. PSB Imagine X2T's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale EVO5.3 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 PSB Imagine X2T'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 PSB Imagine X2T has external dimensions of 1020.0 x 229.0 x 426.0mm (40-1/8 x 9 x 16-3/4inch).
Wharfedale EVO5.3 is 87mm shorter and 101mm less deeper than PSB Imagine X2T but it is also 37mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and PSB Imagine X2T in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO5.3 and PSB Imagine X2T 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 PSB Imagine X2T is approximately 975.5cm2 / 151.2inch2. The EVO5.3 requires 11% less surface area than the Imagine X2T 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 PSB Imagine X2T weighs 23.60kg / 51.9lbs. This makes the Imagine X2T 10% heavier than the EVO5.3.
Here is a comparison of how EVO5.3 and Imagine X2T'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 PSB Imagine X2T?
Here are the items that come with the Imagine X2T:
- Floor-standing speaker
- Grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spiked Feet
- Wrench
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
933mm
vs
1020mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
864cm2
vs
975cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.2 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
1899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale EVO5.3 |
PSB Imagine X2T |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-24k Hz |
30-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.2" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven Kevlar |
Clay/Ceramic/Poly |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.375" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
5.25" |
| Crossover Frequency |
825 Hz and 4 kHz |
500Hz and 2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
933.0mm (36.7") |
1020.0mm (40.2") |
| Width |
266.0mm (10.5") |
229.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
325.0mm (12.8") |
426.0mm (16.8") |
| Weight |
21.55kg (47.4lbs) |
23.60kg (51.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Grey. Black, White |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Wharfedale EVO5.3 is the newer design, against a 2013 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | PSB Imagine X2T digs deeper - 30Hz against 46Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | PSB Imagine X2T is more sensitive (90dB vs 88dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | PSB Imagine X2T is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | B | PSB Imagine X2T takes more power (200W vs 150W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | B | PSB Imagine X2T: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | PSB Imagine X2T is cheaper - $1,500 against $1,899, about 21% less. |
A Wharfedale EVO5.3 B PSB Imagine X2T
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?
PSB Imagine X2T is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Wharfedale EVO5.3 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 46Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, PSB Imagine X2T is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
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.