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.
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Evo4.s
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Manufacturer details
- General Description: 3-way surround speaker
- Enclosure Type: closed box
- Bass Driver: 6.5"(165mm) black woven Kevlar® cone
- Midrange Driver: 2"(50mm) soft dome x2
- Treble Driver: 30x60mm AMT x2
- AV Shield: No
- Sensitivity: 88dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-120W
- Peak SPL: 106dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 3.9Ω
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 70Hz ~ 22kHz
- Bass Extension (-6dB): 65Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 1.5kHz,4.4kHz
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 245 x 400 x (145+10)mm
- Net Weight: 11.8kg/pcs
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
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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Used
Wharfedale
What if you spend more?
Made under U.S. Patent 9247339
Proprietary 4-way loudspeaker design
Proprietary controlled directivity – acoustically superior proprietary wide dispersion, triple-ring radiator high frequency array. This array disperses a precisely focused acoustical power pattern of that of a horn or waveguide without the audible ringing influence of horn flare walls constraining the soundwave for acoustically superior mid-range high frequency performance
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Product Strengths
- Tonally rich and natural sounding
- Amazing detail that rivals the best electrostatics in terms of the pure level of detail and resolution
- They create an incredibly large, deep soundstage that will fill the room and place within that soundstage images as clear and precise as any speaker
- They handle pretty much every other aspect of what a speaker should do in an exemplary fashion
- Very easy to drive
Product Considerations
- These proved to be the most time consuming speakers to position that one has ever had in one's rooms
- Toe-in angle was critical, distance from the wall behind them was super critical, and all totally room dependent
- These are very directional speakers
- The bass response has to be looked at in conjunction with the room one is using them in
- They also require a relatively long 100 hour "break-in" period before they really start to loosen up a little and really shine
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Tekton Lore, they do everything better than the Lores
Takeaway: The Double Impact is a stunning achievement in speaker design that offers an immersive and detailed listening experience. If one appreciates natural sound, exceptional detail, and a wide soundstage, these speakers are definitely worth considering for an audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The first THX® Certified Dominus in-wall loudspeaker for very large home cinemas with both vertical and horizontal installation flexibility
M&K Sound has combined a high-performance one-inch soft dome tweeter with a precision-crafted aluminum waveguide to ensure accurate and focused vertical and horizontal dispersion characteristics. The design marks the first time M&K Sound has developed a horn-loaded loudspeaker which guarantees real and natural delivery, whether placed vertically or horizontally.
The IW500 combines two Kurt Muller three-inch soft dome midrange drivers (800 Hz to 2500 Hz) with shallow waveguides. These pair with a complex crossover network to promote an audible smoothness and non-fatiguing character across the frequency range. By consolidating excellent vertical response from the crossover with excellent horizontal dispersion from the vertical driver array, the IW500 produces a profoundly flat power response.
The IW500's onboard dual 8-inch woofers employ large magnets and carbon fiber cones to achieve its high sensitivity rating (92 dB SPL @ 1 meter with 2.83V), enabling a full-bodied and visceral low-frequency response. M&K Sound's proprietary 'Capacitive Coupling' design feature in the crossover allows for a much smaller enclosure than normally required. It also ensures tighter bass response, increased impedance (easier to drive) and less distortion.
The IW500's revolutionary crossover is responsible for the loudspeaker's smooth frequency and polar responses. Transition between high, mid and bass frequencies is seamless, a trademark designfeature of M&K Sound's reference loudspeakers. The IW500 includes newly developed transducerswith extra-large magnets for less compressed and less distorted sound.
Product Strengths
- THX Certified Dominus means it is optimized for room volumes of up to 6,500 cubic feet
- Can be used as a left, center, or right speaker and is the most powerful reference loudspeaker produced to date by M&K Sound
- Can be mounted either vertically or horizontally as a center channel
- Designed for use in high-end home theaters or hifi systems, it boasts an 80 Hz – 20 kHz (+/-1.5 dB) frequency response and a maximum SPL of greater than 117 dB
- Combines a high-performance one-inch soft dome tweeter with a precision-crafted aluminum waveguide to ensure accurate and focused vertical and horizontal dispersion
Product Considerations
- Should ideally be paired with one or more subwoofers, such as M&K Sound's THX Certified Dominus X15+ subwoofer
- Requires an amplifier with 100-500 watts of power
Takeaway: The IW500 is designed for large home theater installations, bringing sonic precision, neutrality, and articulation. Its THX Dominus certification ensures high performance and makes it a great choice for those looking for unrivaled audio in large environments.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Compact in size, the Insight Series P4i defies traditional categorization. Sharing the design elements of its larger Insight Series sibling, it is hard to believe the musical and cinematic performance and dynamic quality of this small in-wall loudspeaker. The Insight Series P4i includes a planar magnetic driver – and four robust 3”x5” woofers for low distortion, high-resolution sound, and a superior dynamic range. The result is excellent, uniform horizontal dispersion throughout its operating range, providing superb off-axis coverage in both in-wall and in-ceiling applications.
Product Strengths
- Truly outstanding sound quality, delivering a near-electrostatic, audiophile listening experience in a disappearing, in-wall package
- Uses planar magnetic thin-film drivers (PMD) which can be highly detailed with excellent transient response
- PMDs are quite reliable because the spread-out "voice grid" is great at dissipating heat
- PMDs are super-easy for an amplifier to drive, as they are "an almost perfectly resistive load"
Product Considerations
- Horizontal center channel use of the Insight P4i requires stud modifications due to its size
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Insight series squeezes most of the sound quality of the Wisdom Audio Sage Series into a less imposing, less costly package
Takeaway: The Wisdom Audio Insight P4i speakers provide excellent sound quality in an in-wall design, and are a great way to get high-end audio without large, free-standing speakers. They could be worth buying for those who want the best possible sound without compromising on interior design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Who says in-ceiling speakers are always a compromise? The S3ic is the perfect in-ceiling match for any S-Series Home Theater, where sacrifices to the perfect audio experiences are unacceptable, and perfection is the only path forward. Patent pending design, with directivity control derived from our patent pending DPC, creating a frequency response that matches and sounds like a world class speaker.
Featuring the same Beryllium tweeter, Textreme TPCD midrange and TPCD 7" woofer as our in-walls and highly regarded in-room speakers. This enables a flat frequency response angled for 30-degree main listening window with off axis and power response to match our in-wall S-Series speakers for flawless timber matching needed for true immersive audio.
A solid 4mm thick aluminum back box for consistent sound with limited sound transmission into other rooms. This ability to be used not only for in-ceiling surround but in-ceiling LCR or in-wall wide speakers and THX Certified Dominus for surrounds. Better coverage for even response across more seats with no compromises!
The perfect solution for high end Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D applications. Featuring an innovative new waveguide array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome tweeter and 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight dome mid. Optimized for in-ceiling applications where a 30 degree reference axis is desired as well as larger a listening window in the direction towards the listening space.
Extremely versatile – Can be used as L,C,R, surround, height, or wide channel speaker. Once again, All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers sharing largely from with S-Series, formed from decades of research, culminating in this worlds class design.
Utilizing advanced Cosmos acoustical modeling, the result is one of the most technologically advanced in-ceiling loudspeakers available. This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. The S3ic also benefits from our unique and proprietary timbre matching technique across the entire S-Series.
Product Strengths
- A DPC array includes a 1.1-inch Beryllium dome tweeter and a 1.1-inch Textreme TPCD ultra-lightweight dome midrange driver, helping match the timbre of other S-Series speakers
- The first in-ceiling model able to achieve THX Certified Dominus, especially one designed for the largest private theaters of up to 6,500 cubic feet
- Promises staggeringly good frequency response across a wide listening area for great sound
- Has a flat surface when installed, leading to less diffraction and reflections
- Has a back box that's four millimeters thick and bituminously damped, to reduce sound leakage
Product Considerations
- The flagship and most expensive offering in the Perlisten in-ceiling speaker line
- Using in-ceiling speakers for bed-layer channels is not ideal and should generally be discouraged
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a more ideal frequency response in the listening position, compared to typical in-ceiling speakers
- Offers sonic advantages due to less diffraction and reflections, compared to on-ceiling speakers
Takeaway: The S3ic is a technologically advanced in-ceiling speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and broad coverage. It is a great choice for creating a high-performance home theater experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tool-less design with the Easy Quick Install (EQI) system allows for quick and easy installation
- Flax cone drivers offer light, stiff cones with good natural damping
- The design allows for both horizontal and vertical installation by rotating the high-frequency/mid-range pod
- Delivers impressive dynamics, a clean, neutral balance, and articulate dialogue handling
- Easy to drive with an amplifier
Product Considerations
- The Easy Quick Install (EQI) system may not work in all situations due to space constraints behind the wall
- The open-back design can make the speaker's balance dependent on the installation environment, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
- Adding the included black acoustic cloth to the grille darkens the overall color shade, which is not ideal for color matching applications
- If a clamp breaks on the tool-less design, it is not easily replaceable
- Requires more horizontal spacing than speakers with traditional dogears, requiring installers to be more careful about between-stud placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Kanta No. 2: The Kanta No. 2 has a weightier midrange, superlative upper frequencies, more depth, wider soundstage, and improved imaging, though the 300IWLCR6's sound quality is satisfying
- Vs PSB W-LCR: The PSB exhibits a very slight nasal characteristic, which is not noticed on the Focal LCRs
- Vs Martin Logan Axis: The Martin Logan Axis has impressive imaging and upper-end frequency output due to its folded ribbon tweeter, which is very different from the Focals' inverted dome aluminum and magnesium tweeter
Takeaway: The Focal 300IWLCR6 in-wall loudspeaker is easy to install and delivers great sound for music and movies, especially when paired with a good subwoofer. The speaker can be easily installed, and it can fit into various home theater setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, on-wall or freestanding configurations
- Clear dialog and well-sorted audio elements are produced for movies
- Accurate imaging creates a strong phantom center channel effect
- Sleek and modern aesthetics fit well in various spaces
- Clear midrange and spirited highs provide good sound quality for both movies and music
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
- Small hole for speaker wire in the stand pole may be too small for some speaker cables with spade connectors
- Speakers need to be closer to the wall to reinforce bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Focal On Wall 302 offers more versatility in application, while the Focal Vestia No. 2 has more designer finish
Takeaway: The Focal On Wall 302 is a versatile speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and offers a modern, sleek design that fits into various home theater or music setups. These speakers are a great choice for those looking for unobtrusive, elegant speakers that perform well for both movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sublime and super clear highs without being fatiguing, due to the beryllium dome tweeter
- Tight bass with sufficient volume
- Resolving, yet engaging and fun to listen to, with lots of details in the guitar notes
- Very natural sound and excellent imaging ability
- Exceptionally neutral response over a wide angle, making them flexible in different listening situations
Product Considerations
- For the price, the bass extension may be considered lacking for some, as it does not go as low as some might expect
- The beryllium tweeters are fantastic, but could potentially be poisonous
- The M126Be speakers may not provide a sufficient dynamic range for those who crave the dynamics of a live orchestra, and may want larger speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50, the Revel M126Be dominate in most test tracks and are much better overall, with more details in bass, mids, and highs
- Vs ATC SCM19, the Revel M126Be has deeper and louder bass despite its smaller size and weight
- Vs ATC SCM19, the Revel M126Be offers slightly brighter highs with more refinement and clarity, while the ATC SCM19 has richer mids
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206, the M126Be offers more precise imaging and sharper sound, creating more space within the orchestra
Takeaway: The Revel M126Be is a great-looking speaker that sounds very natural and accurate, making them great for listening to different types of music. Their flexibility in placement and electrical characteristics makes them easy to use with any amplifier, so they will be enjoyed for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice bass extension down to about 40, 45 Hertz in the room
- Very low distortion and good dynamic range
- Excellent resolution throughout the frequency range
- Hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage
- Well-constructed and well-engineered
Product Considerations
- The speaker sounds a little too laid back in the mid-range
- High frequency has a lot of sizzle or pop, the level of the tweeter stands out more above the mid-range
- Without some equalization or some sidewall absorption, it is a tough sell
- SMC material reduces third harmonic distortion, and some people may feel that it is too polite
- May need a cooler and livelier amplifier to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Neat Elite Classics are only just a little less capable at shifting air at low frequencies and are a little more balanced tonally, whereas the Dali's are a little recessed in the upper mid-range
Takeaway: The Dali Rubicon 6s are well-engineered speakers that offer excellent resolution throughout the frequency range. The hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great sound and is considered one of the greatest audio bargains
- Even tonal balance, very neutral, and offers a balance of detail and exceptional musicality
- Creates a credible soundstage and reveals detail in well-recorded material, with a wide stage extending beyond the speakers and conveying depth
- Can play loudly with minimal effort due to its 89dB sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance
- Superb imaging, especially with two-channel listening
Product Considerations
- High-end finishes increase the price significantly
- Some reviewers find the grills flimsy
- Some reviewers found the speaker install difficult
- The height of the tweeter was a bit low for one reviewer, causing the soundstage to feel low at times
- Some reviewers find Axiom speakers as a whole as unforgiving or too bright
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PSB Platinum M2 and Usher X-718, the Axiom M60 v2 could play much louder and go far lower in the bass
- Compared to Onix Rocket RS450s, there's a considerably increased size of the soundstage
Takeaway: The Axiom M60 v2 speakers are a great value for their excellent performance and ability to draw one into their music. With a seemingly boundless dynamic range, they bring music to life and can be a solid choice if space allows.
Video review
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