Wharfedale EV05 Series
The Sound of Progress
The original EVO series left a serious mark on the loudspeaker world—earning rave reviews and awards from names like What Hi-Fi?, Cheap Audio Man, and Zero Fidelity. It proved that rich, emotional sound and refined engineering don’t have to cost a fortune. EVO 4.4 even picked up What Hi-Fi?’s Product of the Year three years in a row.
So, improving on this legacy is no small feat. But that’s exactly what Wharfedale set out to do with the all-new EVO5 range—a focused evolution across every driver, every cabinet, every crossover point. Not a reinvention. A refinement. Here’s how they did it.
AMT Tweeter: Bigger, Cleaner, More Refined
AMT tweeters can divide listeners. When poorly implemented, they overwhelm with detail. But EVO4 got it right—praised for its balance, restraint, and realism.
“The tweeter is almost humble in its implementation.” — Cheap Audio Man
“I’d probably tell you I was listening to a really good soft dome driver.” — Zero Fidelity
EVO5 builds on that strength with a re-engineered AMT unit, expanding from 30×60mm to 35×70mm for smoother dispersion. A new Silentweave™ damping layer behind the diaphragm reduces reflections, while an elastomer gasket minimizes resonance. The result? A cleaner top end and an extra 2kHz of usable treble bandwidth—bringing even more air and finesse to the music.
Wharfedale EVO5 Midrange Driver
Dome Midrange: More Emotion, Less Effort
In EVO4, the dome midrange was the star of the show—delivering vocal intimacy and three-dimensional presence that reviewers loved. EVO5 takes that DNA and adds Resoseal™—a precision elastomer ring at the cone-surround junction that reduces mechanical breakup and tightens control.
The goal? Greater warmth, body, and vocal clarity—while preserving the fast, lifelike linearity that made EVO4 so compelling. It’s a more emotionally expressive midrange, with the same uncanny ability to make a singer feel present in the room.
Wharfedale EVO5 Series Bass Driver
Bass Extension: Bigger Cabinets, Deeper Reach
Wharfedale’s woven Kevlar cones return, known for their lightness, strength, and responsiveness. But EVO5 introduces increased cabinet volume across the range—especially in the 5.2 and 5.4 models.
- EVO5.2: +10Hz deeper bass extension
- EVO5.4: +2Hz deeper bass extension
It’s not just about going lower. The added internal volume improves bass authority and dynamic ease—giving low frequencies the space to breathe and propelling the entire soundstage outward with more weight and control.
Porting: Faster, Tighter, Cleaner
Bass clarity depends on more than just drivers. EVO5 debuts a new three-directional SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) system—engineered to reduce air turbulence and deliver faster, cleaner low frequencies.
This means tighter impact, less chuffing, and a more transparent foundation for the mids and highs. Even at high volumes, EVO5 holds its composure and musicality.
Wharfedale EVO5 Series Crossover
Crossover: Seamless Integration by Peter Comeau
The magic of EVO has always been its cohesion. In EVO5, Wharfedale refines this with a redesigned crossover network by Peter Comeau. Key upgrades include:
- Shorter signal paths via revised PCB layout
- Split boards for bass and mid/treble to reduce interference
- Higher-grade components for increased clarity and timing
The result is a smoother, more lifelike sound that stays coherent even in complex musical passages—where lesser speakers can sound confused or flat.
Wharfedale EVO5.3 Plinth Design
Plinths, Stands & A New Finish
EVO5’s refinements aren’t just internal. Wharfedale has introduced new hybrid plinths combining wood and metal elements for enhanced rigidity and reduced resonance—resulting in cleaner bass and better microdetail at higher volumes.
Dedicated high-carbon steel stands are now available for the EVO5.1 and 5.2 models, positioning them at optimal listening height while minimizing floor-borne vibration.
And finally, a fresh new finish joins the lineup: Lunar Grey. Inspired by premium automotive design from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, it’s modern, understated, and seriously slick. Joining Black, White, and Walnut, it’s the most contemporary EVO yet.
Final Word: Not Reinvention, Evolution
EVO5 isn’t a bold departure—it’s a smarter evolution. With deeper bass, smoother highs, richer vocals, and tighter integration, it’s a meticulous upgrade of everything EVO4 already did well.
Whether the reviewers echo this in the months to come remains to be seen. But if you’ve been waiting to upgrade—or are simply ready to hear what all the fuss is about—now’s the time.
To audition the EVO5 Series or explore the full range, head to avrevolution.com.au or visit your local authorised Wharfedale dealer.