Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Beautiful build and design with real wood veneer
- Excellent bass clarity
- Strong midrange, especially with male vocals which have a robustness and three-dimensionality
- Sound signature is neutral enough to appeal to a wide range of people
- Great imaging and wide soundstage, especially for a smaller speaker
Product Considerations
- Treble response is rolled-off, lacking some air and space in the high frequencies and missing some of the higher piano notes
- 86db sensitivity may require a bit more power
- Dynamics and deepest bass can be limited due to the 5' woofer size
- Placement or stands may need adjustment to get tweeter to ear level
- Highs are lacking and more sharpness is needed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Similar to the Wharfedale Linton, the Denton is like a miniaturized version
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Denton is a beautiful speaker with great imaging, good bass clarity, and a strong midrange, making it well-suited for near-field listening. A very listenable speaker, it is not fatiguing, making it good for all-day listening.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Denton 80
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Description/Format: 2-way vented-box / Stand mount
- Drive Units: 1 x 1" (25mm) High frequency textile dome, 1 x 5" (125mm) Woven Kevlar bass cone
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 44Hz - 24kHz
- Sensitivity (1W@1M): 86dB
- A/V shielded: No
- Crossover Frequency: 2.3kHz
- Nominal Impedance: 6Ω
- Recommended amplifier power (RMS): 20-100 W
- Dimensions: Height: 320mm, Width: 200mm, Depth: (275+30)mm (Grille & Terminals included)
- Net weight: 7.9 kg/pc
- Finishes: Cabinet: Mahogany Red Veneer, Grille: Grey Tungsten cloth
- Accessories: Rubber Feet
Description
To mark Wharfedale's 80th Anniversary, the brand is presenting an anniversary edition of one of its most popular loudspeakers, the Denton. The Denton 80th Anniversary is a classic, bookshelf two-way speaker. Beautifully crafted with hand veneered mahogany, an inset front baffle and traditional Tungsten cloth grille, the updated Denton is a classic update of the original speaker.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Drawing from its flagship Elysian series, Wharfedale incorporates trickle-down technology such as AMT tweeters, heavily braced curved cabinets, and slot-loaded bottom ports to deliver a high-end experience at a more accessible price point.
- The brand's loudspeakers are designed with a focus on creating a seamless integration between all components and the surrounding system, allowing the strengths and weaknesses of the amplifier to be more easily discerned.
- Wharfedale speakers offer versatility by being voiced with the intention to be positioned relatively close to the wall, providing set-up flexibility that caters to a variety of listening environments, particularly smaller rooms.
- They provide excellent value by producing an easy-to-enjoy, musical sound in part due to their wide baffle design that captures warmth and delivers an immersive, full sound without being overly analytical.
Select products
Select product comparisons
D330:
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on high performance at a low cost. Features a 2.5-way design with black woven Kevlar cones, providing a robust sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Diamond 12.4, it is more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, making it ideal for those with limited room and budget.
Diamond 12.4:
- Positioning: Mid-range series, offering a balance of performance and value.
- Description: Praised for its room-filling sound and impactful bass, thanks to its Klarity cone material and advanced crossover design. Stands out with its 2.5-way configuration, delivering a more refined sound than the D330.
EVO4.4:
- Positioning: Upper mid-range, blending advanced technology with affordability.
- Description: Uses technology from the high-end Elysian series, such as the AMT tweeter and SLPP bass reflex system, offering detailed high frequencies and deep bass. Provides a more sophisticated soundstage than the Diamond 12.4.
Aura 4:
- Positioning: Premium series, designed for high performance and aesthetic appeal.
- Description: Features the AMT transducer for exceptional high-frequency detail and a proprietary woven glass fiber matrix for midrange and bass. Offers a more dynamic and detailed sound compared to the EVO4.4.
Dovedale:
- Positioning: Heritage series, combining classic design with modern performance.
- Description: A three-way standmount speaker with a vintage look and modern sound quality, featuring a large Kevlar bass driver for rich, controlled bass. Offers a more traditional aesthetic and sound compared to the Aura 4.
Elysian 4:
- Positioning: Flagship series, representing the pinnacle of Wharfedale's technology and luxury.
- Description: A luxury model with a piano-lacquer finish and advanced AMT transducers, delivering a wide bandwidth and low distortion. Surpasses the Dovedale in both design and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
63
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
49
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
65
Founding Year
1932
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
Wharfedale
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Wharfedale
Super Denton
1399
1399
/
8
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a mature, balanced, open, detailed, and sophisticated sound, reproducing recordings as faithfully as possible
- Offers a spacious and involving presentation with excellent tonal reproduction and stereo imaging, creating a three-dimensional soundstage
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces without compromising on audio quality
- Combines vintage charm with contemporary performance, appealing to both traditionalists and tech-savvy audiophiles
- Features a three-way driver configuration that allows for a level of detail and separation that is rare in speakers of this size, with tight, punchy lows, silky smooth mids, and crystal-clear highs
Product Considerations
- The retro design might not appeal to everyone
- The Super Denton is not the most ballistic-sounding speaker, and there are other £1,000 models that can hit a little harder
- May require careful placement (minimum 20cm from the wall) for optimal performance due to rear-firing dual port arrangement
- Has a mild dip from about 200 to 800Hz, and an upper mid-range scoop
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Wharfedale Linton 85: The Linton is preferred overall, with a more linear on-axis response, but the Super Denton's estimated in-room response is more linear; the Linton has a noticeable scoop in the upper midrange, making it sound a bit more laid-back compared to the Super Denton
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Super Denton is a well-crafted speaker that delivers a detailed and balanced sound, making it a great fit for audiophiles and music lovers alike. Its compact size and retro aesthetic make it a unique option for those seeking a blend of classic design and modern audio technology.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Aura 2
1999
1999
/
6
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Aura 2 features an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter that delivers detailed and tonally accurate treble
- Reviewers praise the speaker's midrange clarity and the sense of space it provides
- The Aura 2 offers confident bass performance with plenty of reserve power
- Detail retrieval is impressive, surrounding the listener with many subtle details
- The speaker has a premium build quality with a gorgeous finish and a multi-layered lacquered cabinet
Product Considerations
- The Aura 2 speakers are relatively large and heavy, potentially dominating a room
- Careful positioning is required, specifically angling or toeing-in, to optimize the sound and avoid midrange beaming
- Quality amplification is recommended to fully realize the speakers' potential
- The 130-Millimeter-Basschassis pack a punch, but lose a little power at the very bottom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Leak Sandwich 150, the Aura 2 provides an extended suite of upper frequencies, a greater sense of space between instruments, and does not strain at all in the bass regions
- Vs Wharfedale EVO 4.2, the Aura 2 has more focused midrange, a broader and deeper soundstage, and offers more subtle detail
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, with that additional bottom-end oomph to it—that power coming out of that six and a half inch woofer—the music just had more physicality
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Aura 2 is a refined speaker with excellent sound quality and impressive bass for its size, making music sound lively. If the listener has the space and appreciates detailed sound, these speakers could be a great choice to make their listening room come alive.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Aura 1
1599
1599
/
2
Reviews
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional detail, clarity, and smooth highs are delivered via an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
- Multi-layered cabinet construction minimizes unwanted resonances and delivers accurate sound
- High-quality, controlled bass from a small cabinet is achieved with a SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) bass reflex design
- Pristine midrange and bass reproduction from a sophisticated driver configuration, with a custom-designed 5' glass fibre matrix cone
- A refined fit and finish is available in elegant Black, White, and Walnut, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship
Product Considerations
- A little power-hungry, requiring quality amplification to shine
- Proper positioning may be required for optimal bass response
- Physical limitations on total sound output because of its small size may render it unsuitable for very large rooms
- Limited bass extension due to the 5-inch bass driver
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Totem Bison has deeper bass due to its larger cabinet, but the AURA 1 doesn't have the same placement sensitivities
- The Polk Audio R200AE represents similar value at a lower price point with stronger bass, but perhaps less resolution
- The MartinLogan Foundation F2 has an AMT tweeter like the AURA 1, but lacks the same level of fit and finish
- It improves on the Wharfedale EVO 4.1
- The Aura 1 will not compete with the much more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4
Takeaway: The Wharfedale AURA 1 is a sophisticated bookshelf speaker that combines British audio heritage with modern technology for serious listening. It offers a balanced and detailed sound, a premium build quality, and elegant aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
R3 Meta
2430
2430
/
18
Reviews
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
/
Released
2021
Wharfedale's new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN. The primary focus is on the AMT development resulting in a radically different way of reproducing high frequency detail efficiently and accurately.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
DX-3 HCP
576
/
Released
2023
The Wharfedale DX-2 is the standard bearer for entry-level home cinema solutions – the crowned champion of 'Best Speaker Packages under £500' in the annual What Hi-Fi? awards, for FIVE consecutive years! Now updated for 2023, with a clean-new aesthetic and inheriting performance and styling tweaks, based upon the Wharfedale Diamond 12 series, the new DX-3 is the blockbuster sequel and the new system of choice for those yearning for a home cinema experience but limited on space or budget.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and crisp sound
- Punchy dynamics
- Excellent subwoofer provides plenty of low-end while remaining controlled
- Creates a big sound and captures the enveloping nature of multichannel mixes
Product Considerations
- Lacks some warmth and richness to the sound overall, vocals can sound a bit flatter
- Subwoofer doesn't slam like a premium model
- Satellites and center speaker don't have the rich, musical bent of more expensive speakers
- New wood veneer finish looks cheaper than its predecessor
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DX-2: DX-3 prioritizes scale and dynamics and sounds bigger, clearer, crisper, and more detailed, but loses some warmth
Takeaway: The DX-3 HCP is a compact and easy-to-install speaker system that delivers an impressively immersive and fun multichannel sound, exceeding expectations for its price. It is a great way to get good home cinema sound without spending too much or taking up too much space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
5020
899
/
Released
2023
Experience all the scale and power of your favourite music without letting your loudspeaker dominate your room. The 5020 standmounting speaker will put your right in the heart of the music without putting itself at the heart of your space.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Product Page
Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
/
Released
2022
A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Product Page
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SVS
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
599
/
Released
2024
Reference flagship bookshelf speaker is a technology tour-de-force that stands toe-to-toe with the finest loudspeakers in the world delivering reference sound for both two-channel audiophiles and home theater fans. The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speaker represents the culmination of SVS breakthroughs in driver design, component materials, and cabinet architecture, married with a relentless passion for audio excellence.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible power handling capabilities, performing as well as speakers in the $2,000–$3,000 range
- Sound quality is comparable to stand-mount speakers in the $1,500–$2,000 range
- Build quality is phenomenal for its price point, with real wood veneer options available
- Produces a dense and deep soundstage, especially for a two-way design
- Neutral and clean sound with nice extension in the upper mid-range to high-frequency extension, avoiding a 'hot' sound
Product Considerations
- Stereo imaging is decent, but not as precise as some listeners may prefer
- The mid-range can be a weak point due to some potential resonance in the upper frequencies of the woofer's range
- The speakers are not the easiest to drive and pairing with neutral, slightly warmer amps is recommended
- The treble response is slightly forward with some extra sparkle which may not be ideal for those sensitive to higher frequencies
- While the bass is good, listeners of bass-heavy music may want to add a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SVS Nano: The Ultra Evolution has a more open and expansive midrange and more linear bass, while the Nano has punchier—slightly boosted—bass
- Vs. Heco Salon Revolution 3: The Ultra Evolution is a good replacement since the Heco is discontinued, the Ultra Evolution favors neutrality, while the Heco has a warmer midrange, but the treble is very similar on both
- Vs. KEF R3 Meta: The SVS Ultra Evolution disappears better, but the R3 Meta sounds more neutral
- Vs. Dali Opticon II Mark IIs: Dali is warmer and more nuanced in the midrange but the Ultra Evolution is a little more exciting in its presentation
Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speakers provide exceptional performance for the price and create an immersive listening experience. They are well-built, attractive, and offer a balanced sound that makes them a strong contender in their price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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