Wharfedale EVO5.2 Bookshelf Speakers

About The Wharfedale EVO5.2 Bookshelf Speakers

The Wharfedale EVO5.2 bookshelf speakers are a showcase of how far loudspeaker design has come when performance and precision are the priority. As part of the top-tier EVO5 series, these standmounts are no ordinary bookshelf speaker. Wharfedale has taken the already impressive engineering found in the EVO4 series and pushed it further, creating a truly three-way design in a compact cabinet that delivers outstanding clarity, musicality and scale.

The EVO5.2 is a speaker for serious listeners. For those who want a deeply engaging two-channel experience with room-filling sound and studio-grade accuracy, these monitors strike a compelling balance between size and substance. And as expected from Wharfedale, they do it all while offering exceptional value in the high-performance speaker market.

Three-Way Design in a Compact Form

One of the standout features of the EVO5.2 is that it is a genuine three-way speaker in a bookshelf format. This is extremely rare in this category, and it sets the EVO5.2 apart immediately. Wharfedale has employed three dedicated drivers, a 6.5-inch Kevlar bass unit, a 50mm soft-dome midrange and a high-precision AMT tweeter, each handling their specific frequency band with precision and efficiency.

This separation of duties allows each driver to operate within its ideal range, reducing distortion and increasing resolution across the frequency spectrum. The result is a speaker that performs with the finesse and control of a larger floorstander but in a more compact, room-friendly footprint.

Custom Kevlar Bass Driver

The low end is handled by a custom-designed 6.5-inch Kevlar cone woofer. Wharfedale has long favoured Kevlar for its ideal blend of rigidity and self-damping properties. In the EVO5.2, the cone is able to produce powerful and articulate bass without ever sounding bloated or loose.

Whether you’re listening to the deep thrum of a double bass or the punch of a kick drum, the EVO5.2 produces low frequencies with impressive control and texture. Bass lines remain tight and rhythmic, anchoring the music with a sense of drive that keeps your foot tapping. For those who thought a bookshelf speaker couldn’t deliver satisfying low-end presence without a subwoofer, the EVO5.2 is ready to change your mind.

A Refined Midrange

The dedicated 50mm fabric dome midrange unit is a highlight in itself. Originally developed for the EVO4 series and refined for EVO5, this driver is a revelation in midrange clarity and speed. It covers the critical vocal range with effortlessness, breathing life into both instruments and singers alike.

This soft dome is damped with a proprietary coating and vented into a specially profiled rear chamber. The chamber is engineered to scatter and absorb unwanted rear energy, giving the midrange a linear and transparent character from around 800Hz up to 5kHz. This wide bandwidth means that the driver never feels strained, no matter the material. From jazz quartets to orchestral strings, the EVO5.2 delivers presence and realism that keeps you immersed in the performance.

Air Motion Transformer Tweeter

Wharfedale’s use of an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter is another premium touch. AMT designs are typically found in much more expensive speakers due to the complexity of their construction, but Wharfedale has incorporated it seamlessly into the EVO5 range.

Unlike traditional dome tweeters that move air with a piston-like motion, the AMT works by squeezing air through a pleated diaphragm. This allows for much faster response times and significantly lower distortion, especially in the upper treble region. The EVO5.2 benefits from this with an airy, open top end that reveals the finest details in recordings. Cymbals shimmer with natural decay, reverb tails are beautifully extended, and subtle textures become audible without any harsh edge.

Best of all, the tuning of the AMT in the EVO5.2 avoids the common pitfalls of excessive brightness. It is revealing without being fatiguing, offering long listening sessions that remain engaging and comfortable.

Balanced and Cohesive Sound Across the Board

One of the most impressive aspects of the EVO5.2 is how seamlessly the three drivers integrate. Wharfedale’s crossover design is clearly a labour of love, ensuring that the transition between the bass, midrange and treble drivers is smooth and cohesive. There’s no sense of separation or disjointedness. The entire frequency range feels unified, which is critical for creating a believable stereo image and realistic instrument timber.

The soundstage is wide and deep, with precise imaging that lets you place each performer in the mix. Vocals hang in the air with convincing height, and instruments are rendered with proper weight and dimension. This is the kind of speaker that makes you want to rediscover your music collection.

Easy to Drive, Rewarding to Pair

With a nominal impedance of 6 ohms and sensitivity rated at 88dB, the EVO5.2 is relatively easy to drive, but it thrives on quality amplification. A good integrated amplifier from brands like Yamaha, Marantz or Rotel will bring out the best in these speakers.

Because of the high resolution and revealing nature of the drivers, particularly the AMT tweeter, the EVO5.2 scales beautifully with better electronics. Improvements in source quality, DACs and even cables are audible, making these speakers an ideal choice for the listener who wants to build a truly rewarding system over time.

Our Review

The Wharfedale EVO5.2 Bookshelf Speakers are a stunning example of how far high-fidelity sound has come in the compact speaker category. They blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge driver technology, delivering a sound that is rich, balanced and remarkably lifelike.

With a true three-way design, advanced materials and superb tuning, they easily compete with larger and more expensive speakers. They’re equally at home in a dedicated stereo setup or as part of a high-performance home theatre system.

Main Features & Specifications

• General Description: 3-way Bookshelf Speakers
• Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex
• Bass Driver: 1 x 150mm (6.5") Black Woven Kevlar Cone
• Treble Driver: 35 x 70mm AMT
• Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1M): 88dB
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-120 Watts
• Peak SPL: 105dB
• Nominal Impedance: 4Ω (8Ω compatible)
• Minimum Impedance: 3.2Ω
• Frequency Response: (+/-3dB) : 44Hz - 24kHz
• Bass Extension (-6dB): 38Hz
• Crossover Frequency: 800kHz,4.3kHz
• Speaker Stands: High Carbon Steel Stands (Sold Separately)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 260 x 497 x 390mm
• Net Weight: 15.0 kg each
• Available In Various Colours: Black, Lunar Grey, White & Walnut Veneer
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years. This protects the original purchaser against manufacturing defects but not abuse.

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.