Напольная акустика — Wharfedale Evo4.4

The EVO4.4 belongs to the three-way models of the Wharfedale EVO4 series, a British range developed from the ELYSIAN research programme that borrows much of its technology. Its cabinet uses the SLPP bass reflex system that was first developed for the ELYSIAN range, and buyers pick between black oak, walnut or white oak.

Key specs that matter

Two 165 mm black woven Kevlar cones handle the bass, a 50 mm soft dome covers the midrange and a 30 x 60 mm Air Motion Transformer reproduces treble. Crossover frequencies are 1.4 kHz and 4.7 kHz, so the soft dome midrange works only over that band. Wharfedale quotes a response of 44 Hz to 22 kHz within 3 dB and bass extension to 38 Hz at -6 dB. Sensitivity is 89 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m, and the peak level is 107 dB SPL. Nominal impedance is 8 ohm with a minimum of 4.3 ohm, and recommended amplifier power spans 30 to 200 W.

Engineering and use context

Using a dome instead of a cone for the midrange is an uncommon choice, and it means the two Kevlar woofers carry everything below the lower crossover, including the lower midrange. Above the upper crossover the AMT with its folded diaphragm takes over. Cabinet edges are radiused, which Wharfedale says help integrate the driver output with the room. The SLPP, short for Slot Loaded Profiled Port, vents low frequencies through a slot rather than through a round tube on the front or rear. The height is 1060 mm, the width is 250 mm and the depth is 340 mm plus 10 mm for protruding parts, and each speaker weighs 25.6 kg net. The AMT was developed from the unit in the ELYSIAN range. The fabric dome carries a plasticiser coating for extra damping, and Wharfedale states a linear response for it from 800 Hz to 5 kHz, which extends past both crossover points. Two sets of 5-way binding posts are fitted, angled for easier access and tidier wire routing, which permits bi-wiring.

Pairing

The minimum impedance, well below the nominal figure, points to an amplifier that stays comfortable with dips toward 4 ohm. The recommended power guidance covers mainstream stereo integrated amplifiers and AV receivers driving the main left and right channels in a surround system, and given its efficiency this tower does not need a high power design in a 20 m2 room. With the twin terminal sets, owners can run one cable pair to the Kevlar woofers and another to the mid and treble section from one amplifier.

Alternatives

Wharfedale also makes the Diamond 12.4, a floorstanding loudspeaker from its Diamond 12 series.