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Wharfedale EVO4.2 Bookshelf speakers (Black)

Item # 336EVO42BK

They offer gorgeous sound as a standalone stereo pair, or as the front speakers in a surround sound system.

They offer gorgeous sound as a standalone stereo pair, or as the front speakers in a surround sound system.

9 questions - 33 answers

Item # 336EVO42BK

Low stock
$1,199.00 -$200.00 Instant savings
$999.00 pair

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About the Wharfedale EVO4.2

Eric A.

Good-looking high-performance bookshelf speakers

I like when speakers look as good as they sound. Wharfedale's attractive EVO4.2 bookshelf speakers offer beautiful sound as a standalone stereo pair, or as front speakers in a surround sound system. The speakers' 3-way design helps produce a wide, accurate soundstage.

Good-looking high-performance bookshelf speakers

I like when speakers look as good as they sound. Wharfedale's attractive EVO4.2 bookshelf speakers offer beautiful sound as a standalone stereo pair, or as front speakers in a surround sound system. The speakers' 3-way design helps produce a wide, accurate soundstage.

A good pair of stands will help improve your speakers' sound by giving them a stable, vibration-free platform. It also places them at the ideal listening height. Try a pair of Sanus SF22 stands for these relatively tall bookshelf speakers.

High-performance design

Wharfedale's EVO4 lineup uses technology and design elements developed for the company's flagship Elysian line. The 4.2s feature an advanced folded ribbon tweeter that produces silky-smooth high frequencies, plus a dedicated 2" soft-dome midrange driver. A 6-1/2" woven Kevlar woofer offers solid bass response. The drivers are housed in a pair of curved bass-reflex cabinets that are carefully designed with internal bracing to damp sound-muddying vibrations.

Part of a complete home theater system

Combine the EVO4.2 with other models from Wharfedale's EVO4 Series for voice-matched sound:

Center channel: Wharfedale EVO4.C

Floor-standing speakers: Wharfedale EVO4.3 or Wharfedale EVO4.4

Surround speakers: Wharfedale EVO4.S

Got wire?

Most speakers don't include any. Read our article about choosing and installing speaker wire.
Shop our selection of speaker wire.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • 3-way design
  • Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter
  • 2" soft-dome midrange
  • 6-1/2" woven Kevlar woofer
  • frequency response: 48-22,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • recommended amplifier power: 25-120 watts
  • sensitivity: 88 dB
  • nominal impedance: 8 ohms compatible
  • bass reflex (ported) design
  • two sets of binding post speaker terminals allow bi-amping or bi-wiring
  • removable magnetic grilles
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 9-7/8"W x 17-15/16"H x 15-1/4"D
  • weight: 29.5 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # WHEVO42BLK

What's in the box:

  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Pair of white cloth gloves
  • User Manual

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Customer reviews for Wharfedale EVO4.2

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More details on the Wharfedale EVO4.2

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF/Wood-veneer
Color Black
Tweeter Type AMT (Ribbon)
Tweeter Size (inches) 1.1875 x 2.375
Midrange Size (inches) 2
Woofer Size (inches) 6.5
Woofer Composition Kevlar
Woofer Surround Rubber
Power Range 25-120
Sensitivity 88 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response 48-22k Hz
Connector Type Binding post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Height (inches) 17-15/16
Width (inches) 9-7/8
Depth (inches) 15-1/4
Weight (pounds) 29.54
Wall-mountable No
Bracket Included No
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 18-22
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Features

AMT (Air Motion Transformer) Transducer: The Wharfedale EVO 4.2 bookshelf loudspeaker employs a specially engineered 1.1875" x 2.375" AMT (Air Motion Transformer) transducer for its proprietary, silky smooth high frequency reproduction. By design, the AMT allows for a higher volume of air to be moved during performance than with a conventional soft dome tweeter. This higher-pressure action, encouraged by the principles of AMT design, offers an improved point-source HF reproduction with lower distortion properties than conventional tweeters. This is evident in the stunning and sheer clarity of the musical performance of the EVO 4.2 bookshelf loudspeaker.

Soft-Dome Midrange: The Wharfedale EVO 4.2 features a 3-way driver design and incorporates a 2" soft-dome midrange to go along with its AMT high-frequency transducer and Kevlar cone woofer. The 2" soft-dome midrange driver delivers precise and detailed midrange reproduction with a wide dispersion and open soundstage.

Kevlar Woofer: Articulate and accurate bass is perfected by the EVO 4.2's bi-directional weaved Kevlar cone 6.5" woofer. Kevlar is a material that is naturally self-damping to reduce and distribute resonances to virtually negligible levels. In addition, a fixed, profiled phase plug ensures smooth acoustic roll off, further aiding integration with the loudspeaker's AMT high-frequency transducer and soft-dome midrange driver.

Optimized Crossover Network: The output of the tweeter, midrange and woofer is carefully combined by a thoroughly researched crossover developed using Wharfedale's Computer Aided Optimization technology. Each crossover is carefully evaluated using a wide range of music, with the emphasis being on the lifelike reproduction of voices and instruments in addition to the dynamics of the musical performance.

Purpose-Built Cabinet Design: The Wharfedale EVO 4.2's cabinet is purpose-designed from the ground up to ensure sonic character and great looking aesthetics. The cabinet is constructed of high quality materials and composites with internal damping and bracing. The curved design of the cabinet accurately disperses sound from the drivers into your listening room and prevents standing waves inside the enclosure which can color and muddy the sound. The cabinet is available in a black, white, and walnut wood-grain finish. It comes with an acoustically transparent cloth grille that magnetically attaches to the front of the speaker cabinet.

Slot-Loaded Distributed Port Design: The EVO 4.2 utilizes a slot-loaded distributed port design, where the internal port tube opens into a slot formed between the speaker cabinet and the plinth. This reduces the turbulence and audible "chuffing" suffered by conventional ported systems, which is caused by the sudden out-rush of high-pressure air into the low pressure in the room. A further benefit is the increased efficiency of energy transfer from the bass reflex tuning to the room. Both ends of the port feature a semi-parabolic entry and exit curve that control airflow through the port tube and allow increased air volume in the slot-loaded system for further improvement in the loudspeaker's low-frequency output performance.

Dual Binding Posts: The EVO 4.2 bookshelf speaker has two sets of binding posts connected by jumper-plates. The binding posts will accept bare wire (up to 10AWG), pin connectors, spade connectors, & banana plugs (single only). Using these dual binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speakers. Bi-wiring or bi-amping the speaker provides improved bass & treble performance.

  • Bi-Wiring: Bi-wiring can provide noticeable improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers. Run separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier (the upper set of binding posts are for the high frequency drivers; the lower set of binding posts are for the low frequency drivers).
  • Bi-Amping: Bi-amping allows you to use separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency sections of your loudspeaker for greater dynamic range & lower distortion. We recommend that your separate amplifiers have identical gain to preserve the speaker's voicing balance.

Note: If you decide to bi-wire or bi-amp, you must remove the jumpers between the terminal posts (failure to do this could result in damage to your amplifier and loudspeakers).

Applications: The Wharfedale EVO 4.2 bookshelf loudspeaker is a great choice for 2ch stereo music listening, as well as home theater enjoyment.

  • 2Ch Stereo Placement: The EVO 4.2 can be utilized in a 2ch stereo music application. Try to position the loudspeakers equidistant (6.5' to 13') from one another and the main listening position. The speakers should ideally be positioned so that the tweeters are roughly at ear level to a seated listener. The speakers should be "toed" or angled (15° to 40°) into the main listening position.
  • Home Theater Placement: The EVO 4.2 can be used as front and/or surround speakers in a home theater application. When used as front speakers, they should be placed equal distant on either side of the television screen (6.5' to 13' apart) and positioned at ear level. The front speakers should be angled (22° to 30°) slightly so they are aimed towards the main listening position. When used as surround speakers, they should be placed in a higher position, behind the main listening position at an angle (135° to 150°) or to the side of the main listening position at an angle (90° to 110°). If the rear or side walls are a long way from the main listening position, consider stand mounting the loudspeakers.

Mounting Options: The EVO 4.2 bookshelf loudspeaker can simply be mounted on stands (sold separately - see Accessories Tab), shelves, or other piece of AV furniture with a rigid flat surface. Self-adhesive rubber feet are included to help secure the speaker to the mounting surface, isolate the speaker from your mounting surface, and protect the mounting surface from scratches. The rubber feet add approximately 0.375" to the overall height of the speaker.

  • The loudspeakers should be positioned 6.5' to 13' apart and create an equilateral triangle with the main listening position. The speakers should also be "toed" or angled (15° to 40°) into the main listening position. The tweeter should be positioned at ear level in regards to the main listening position when seated.
  • Position the speakers at least 2" from the rear walls and 2.25" from the side walls. Bass extension will increase with the speakers positioned closer to the wall, but this may also cause the bass to sound too boomy or indistinct.
  • If the loudspeakers are placed away from the walls, the inward angle may be increased by up to 40%, although this may restrict the width of the optimum listening position.

Note: The Wharfedale EVO 4.2 does not include any type of bracket, keyhole slot, or threaded insert to wall mount the speaker.

EVO4 Series:Following the concept of the best-selling EVO series from Wharfedale that came before it, the EVO4 fuses the EVO concept of great sound and beautiful aesthetics with trickle down technology from the new flagship Wharfedale ELYSIAN series. From the cabinet design to the materials employed in its distinct driver design, the EVO4 sounds and looks amazing. The EVO4 Series consists of two floorstanding loudspeakers (EVO 4.4 / EVO 4.3), two bookshelf loudspeakers (EVO 4.2 / EVO 4.1), two center-channel loudspeaker (EVO 4.C / EVO 4.CS), and one surround loudspeaker (EVO 4.S).

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Customer Q&A

9 questions already asked

Q
Can these be layed on their side ?
keith  Jun 26, 2020
1 answer
A
Technically, sure, there's nothing stopping you. However, they are built and designed to be upright standing. The housing is curved, so you'd need to compensate for that. All that being said, I'd keep them upright if possible. If you want to lay them on their side, I'd suggest a speaker with a smaller form factor to fit into the space you need or, if you are deadset on the EVO line, look at the EVO center channel speakers - they are arrayed horizontally instead of vertically.
brian  Jul 09, 2020
Q
Can these be layed on their side ?
keith  Jun 26, 2020
9 answers
A
No. The sides aren't flat, they're radiused and are made to stand the way they're pictured.
mitchell  Jul 01, 2020
A
Sides of this speaker are curved not flat. AMT tweeter would not image well. Pick a center channel EVO4 speaker for horizontal placement.
james  Jun 29, 2020
A
They are large and heavy and have rounded cabinets with a base on the bottom, so aesthetically, I would say no. However, if one had a lot of space for a center channel (10"+), then one could probably remove the bottom base and lay on its side with the grill cover on.
michael  Jun 27, 2020
A
The speaker does curve toward the back and it wouldn't be stable. The greater problem would be handling the speaker in this position. Wharfdale sends white gloves to use whenever you touch it. The speaker is literally gigantic and immensely heavy. The three way configuration may not image well in this position. In an upright position, the speaker has a large vertical sound field, but it isn't very wide. I'd say maybe, but you might regret doing this for a number of reasons. All this said, it is an incredible speaker, with few equals, and it changes a person's life for the better.
larry  Jun 26, 2020
A
Yes from physical shape perspective, sides are tapering to the back but should be fine to lay flat. The issue is the bass is down firing and imaging will be altered.
subbarao  Jun 26, 2020
A
I haven't tried this myself. However, the Speaker cabinets are curved. While it will not be impossible, it will be difficult to achieve with curved cabinets MDN
merlyn  Jun 26, 2020
A
Not without some kind of support to keep them from rocking back and forth. The sides are curved.
chris  Jun 26, 2020
A
They are rounded on the sides so I wouldn't advise it. Also, the dispersion pattern of the tweeter would be impacted.
richard  Jun 26, 2020
A
No the cabinets are rounded.
philip michael  Jun 26, 2020
Q
some users are saying these are laid back speakers and too warm .. can any one comment on it who have it or audition ?
mynew  Feb 11, 2020
4 answers
A
It really depends on the settings in your amp. I listen to Laura Sullivan play "Fur Elise" on piano and the sound is crisp and clean. It's like having the mic INSIDE the piano! We used a spectral analyzer and found that the "small" setting on my Sony 1030 was cutting out the mid-range! Switched to "large" setting and whalah! Now I have a new Outlaw Audio 976 and it has a 10 band EQ adjustment. These speakers require you to dial-in your system for best results. These speakers are amazing. Now when I watch the TCM intro, I can hear the match strike and the flame goes woosh.
scott  Feb 18, 2021
A
Owned for three months. These speakers are warm, natural and highly detailed on midrange and treble. Average efficiency means you need 100+ watts of clean power to come alive.
james  Jun 29, 2020
A
I agree with boxuan, though it depends partly on the amplifier. I have used two AVR with these speakers. The Denon AVRX1100 sounded freaky amazing on vocals, whereas rock/metal sounded slightly warm. I have a Pioneer Elite which is the inverse of the Denon, and seemed more neutral with all genres.
michael  Jun 27, 2020
A
The AMT makes the highs less harsh to my ears, which is a enjoyable attribute for myself. I don't think this is too laid back or warm when compared to most other speakers. I really believe these speakers are a bargain at 1k per pair.
boxuan  Feb 11, 2020
Q
What's the actual depth in inches for these speakers? I see 15''x1/4''. But the specs say 13.78''. My bookshelvles are 14''. Thanks.
steve c  May 15, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Steve, and thank you for your question. The manufactures will normally give the cabinet dimensions only. Our measurements will include anything that protrudes further than the cabinet itself. In this case its the speaker binding posts. Thats why the manufactures specs are a bit different than ours.
hogan  May 15, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Does anyone have any experience with these and a vintage Marantz?
sean m  Jun 22, 2021
1 answer
A
Not personally. I own these speakers and the are on the warmer side of sound. I do have a newer marantz receiver I used them with until I got my Moon 240i integrated. That combination was much better.
philip michael  Jun 22, 2021
Q
Would these speakers pair well with my Jolida 502 tube amp?
andrew  Dec 30, 2021
3 answers
A
I am not familiar with that amp. However, these are the best bookshelf speakers I have heard. The sound great whether playing music low or loud. I simply love the sound quality.
leslie  Jan 01, 2022
A
Hi Andy: I'm not fimiliar with the Jolida 502 tube amp, I have the Sony Hap-z1es and the Sony Ta-a1es amp. This my story, I was trying out the Wharfedale Evo4.2, but my 60 days were coming to and end. I also wanted to try out the Polk Audio Legend L200. I had a couple of weeks to compare the two. To me they were both equal, but I had to make choice. My 60 days on evo4.2 were coming to and end. So I kept the Polk Audio Legend L2oo. It was a tuff dicision to make. I'm not and expert on music languages. But they both had a fulliness to them. Not a thin sound. I hope this helps! Lyle
lyle  Dec 30, 2021
A
Hard question to answer but I can't imagine that they wouldn't sound great. I paired them with my Marantz SR6014 and they were very pleasant to listen to. Nice balanced sound. Not too bright like a lot of speakers I have listened to.
michael  Dec 30, 2021
Q
Are these speakers 29.5 pounds each or as a pair?
roger  Apr 12, 2021
8 answers
A
29.5 each
scott c  Apr 12, 2021
A
They are 29.5 pounds each. They are also a bit deeper than expected.
randall  Apr 12, 2021
A
Apiece.
gregory  Apr 12, 2021
A
Per speaker. The total packaged weight was around 66lbs for the pair. They definitely benefit from a heavy, solid stand in use.
alfred  Apr 12, 2021
A
Each
jeff  Apr 12, 2021
A
29.5 lbs. as a pair.
james  Apr 12, 2021
A
Each individual speaker is 29.5 lbs.
allen  Apr 12, 2021
A
Each
douglas  Apr 12, 2021
Q
Does Crutchfield sell the speaker stands shown holding the Wharfedale EVO4.2 in the picture? The stands in the picture are different from the Wharfedale ST-1 stands. Thank you.
thomas  Sep 25, 2020
5 answers
A
I purchased them from Amazon. TransDeco Stands, 24", black. Hope this helps.
venessa d  Oct 17, 2020
A
To the best of my knowledge Crutchfield does not sell them. I received them as a gift they are WHARFEDALE - EVO 4 Speaker Stands and cost in the neighborhood of $300.I hope this helps.
joseph  Oct 15, 2020
A
Apologies, the system clicked me into answer mode. I bought the speakers and love them. The EVO has exceeded all my expectations. With my room set-up, I couldn't use the stands and had to have a carpenter build extensions to my home theater system, heavy duty because of the weight. Do I wish I had simply traded houses and bought something worthy of the EVOs? Yes.
larry  Oct 15, 2020
A
I own the speakers and at the time they didn't sell the Wharfedale stands and I went with the sanus sf22 which are the right height but the stand on top is a little small but they work and of course cheaper.
philip michael  Oct 15, 2020
A
I hung mine from the ceiling aimed almost directly at my sitting position to save floor space. Only Crutchfield can say what they offer for sale. there are all sorts of stands in the marketplace.
james  Oct 15, 2020
Q
What speaker stands would you recommend for these speakers?
scot  Oct 23, 2019
1 answer
A
Hi Scot, thank you for your question. We recommend the Sanus SF22 Speaker Stands. The Wharfedale EVO4.2 speakers are quite tall, and these stands will help put them at an ideal listening level.
jessica  Oct 31, 2019 (Staff)
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