Best Bookshelf Speaker Under $1000ish - Elac Unifi Reference vs Wharfedale Evo 4.2 vs SVS Ultra

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SVS Ultra Bookshelf bit.ly/3j58UMA
Wharfedale Evo 4.2 bit.ly/3z7i8NU
Elac Unifi Reference amzn.to/3y6uQLw
Amazon Echo Link amzn.to/3j1vS7g
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/3sEsguX
Emotiva A2 Power Amp emotiva.com?aff=9
Audiophile Standards Measurement and Certification Committee asmacc.org
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Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

Пікірлер: 481

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

What's your favorite speaker under $1000? *********SVS Ultra Bookshelf bit.ly/3j58UMA +++++++++++Wharfedale Evo 4.2 bit.ly/3z7i8NU =================Elac Unifi Reference amzn.to/3y6uQLw &&&&&&&&&&&Amazon Echo Link amzn.to/3j1vS7g ^^^^^^^^^SMSL SU8s amzn.to/3sEsguX ###Emotiva A2 Power Amp emotiva.com?aff=9

@CathodeRayNipplez 2 жыл бұрын

My fave under a grand is Edifier.

@welderfixer 2 жыл бұрын

Sony SS-CS5 !

@ProductivePM 2 жыл бұрын

Sony SS-CS5’s, I am very happy with them and the Sony Subwoofer. Gives full spectrum . . .

@Cujobob 2 жыл бұрын

The best bargain under a grand is the Philharmonic Audio New Mini Monitor at $550 IMHO.

@paulfisher8753 2 жыл бұрын

I have the EVO 4.2 and your right about the mid and treble, I got some higher legs for my couch and the sound improved. Lovely speaker and overall I `m pleased with them. I do think you`d have to pay a fair bit more to better them....

@odwatchguy 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Randy, Love Saturday Speaker Shootouts. The nice thing about getting to this level of speaker is you don't have to push the loser off the side of the table. No loser's, just differences.

@love2spinvinyl 2 жыл бұрын

Great timing, this week i auditioned the EVO 4.2 on the recommendation from my HiFi shop after my brief on use, room size and tastes. I loved them.

@lopikosmusic9354 Жыл бұрын

I just replaced my Adam Audio T5Vs with Evo 4.2s and I seriously cannot believe how amazingly good they sound. I admittedly got them mostly for their looks but the sound is better than anything I could have imagined.

@TheReject182 11 ай бұрын

I mean from 380 euros to +1000 euros I bet they sound better yeah x)

@Nath-rg2qd 9 ай бұрын

I also have a pair of adam t5vs which i used as my listening speakers in my bedroom however after moving into my first place i’m looking to upgrade and keep the adams for the office. Was looking at the whaferdale lintons however afraid they may be too big for my space. I’ve heard great things about the evos but apparently they have a very narrow sweet spot and i’m someone who likes listening whilst multi tasking aswell as dedicated listening. How would you recommend the evos?

@MitchM240 2 жыл бұрын

Dude. I love your videos so much I don’t have the words to express it. You take what is usually an annoying pretentious thing and make it awesome. I love this channel. You got a sub from me!

@ramondelgado6778 2 жыл бұрын

Who doesn't LOVE a good speaker shoot out???? I love to see you extend your $$$$ range. You do all levels of equipment VERY well. I want those Evo's!!!!!!! God bless, brother!!!!

@clarencehoover6748 Жыл бұрын

My Mom used to warn that if I didn’t behave, my Dad would ASMACC me with a leather strap. Glad that organization is still going to this very day.

@wg5768 2 жыл бұрын

Just like comparing three great automobiles in the same price range. It all comes down to personal preference. Another great review!

@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job Randy , I finally got to check your channel out , I Been putting alot of work in the last couple of months. People want their new Corvette C8 Stingray its a Beast ! Thanks Randy

@Beathoven007 2 жыл бұрын

One thing that makes the Evo 4.2 even more awesome is a matching sub for music. I would advise the B&W asw608 or 610 that go down to around 23 hz and when you leave a little dip below the advised cut off frequency in order not to create a wall of bass (the Evo's go slightly deeper than the manual mentions) , it is as right as it can be. Especially Upright bass sounds as if it is there since they can have deep lows but the scratch noises are extended to the mids and at higher pitch notes can even slightly touch the treble region.

@bearclaw5115 2 жыл бұрын

I purchased and tested the center speakers of a few of the trendiest speaker lines around. The Wharfdale Evo series is built so well, a thing of true beauty! I have to say it nailed it on certain songs featuring acoustic guitar and harmonicas. Never heard a speaker nail the realism of those instruments before. But often it would annoy me too, I was always turning it down or up or switching songs. The Evo's make bass constantly no matter what. You need a very refined amp and good placement options in order to make the Evo's work in your setup. I tried and kept some Polk R200's for my stereo office setup but they had too much bass for my home theater. Emotiva speakers were great for the money and I kept them as surrounds but for the front end I went with the Focal Chora series. The Focal's offer a beautifully clear mid range with great separation. They always sound great and never put a foot wrong for both theater and music duties.

@j.craigh.3480 2 жыл бұрын

The Chora sound interesting, are they the bookshelf or floor standing?

@ZeruS117 Жыл бұрын

From what ive seen the EVOs work well with an amp with a midrange dip and a v curve. The Cambridge CXA81 was highly recommended from multiple people and sources for it.

@darealestwon Жыл бұрын

This was a great comparison. I haven’t heard the other two but I love the sound of the ultras. They’re all a great value at $1000 a pair

@adamjj85 2 жыл бұрын

Great comparison of three great speakers! These have all been on my radar for a while. Not sure about the Ultra's being U shaped, various measurements out there show different results.

@AverageNiceGuy Жыл бұрын

I have a GR-reaearch upgrade kit for the SVS Ultras that I hope to get installed someday. SVS Ultra tweeters are a little harsh in a lively room, especially at close distance. They perform pretty well in a furnished carpeted room with wooden floor, walls, and ceiling.

@JukeboxAlley 2 жыл бұрын

Your getting really good on these reviews and explaining it perfect and with some humor added, i dig it, you remind me of tom segura a whole lot, your well on your way to 100k subs.

@czguy3045 2 жыл бұрын

Haven't heard those particular Wharfedales but comparing the SVS to the Elacs is sort of like comparing the Beyer DT990s to the Senn HD600s. If you only listen to one set and are coming from something more entry level, they are very likely to impress. And when comparing them - again, coming from something more entry level - the SVS are more exciting and more likely to grab your attention, but the more you listen to one particular speaker and the more you compare playback to real life music, the more you realize the Elacs (and the HD600s) are just so damn real sounding. Not saying they are the best, but they are the most real. Really there are no bad choices in this group. It's a great time to be dipping one's toes into budget-ish higher end audio.

@JamesKirk1988 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for pointing out the mid-range fatigue on the Evo 4.2s. These were the strangest speaker I've ever owned in terms of how I enjoyed the sound. On the positive, I really loved how the speaker separated the instruments & details in the audio, and the sound stage was quite good. But many performances sounded SO forward, that you often felt attacked by the mid range. I used this speaker for a few months as a home theater speaker & loud music area in my home, but these just weren't made for that in my opinion. These are listening room speakers. Not monitors, per say. But for someone who wants to sit and pick apart orchestral movements in their mind. Or someone who just likes that super forward warm midrange sound. I planned to use them in a different room, but instead decided to sell. Now I'm back looking for speakers in a different room, LOL!

@demonreturns4336 11 ай бұрын

so a year later what speakers did you end getting after getting rid of the Evos

@JamesKirk1988 10 ай бұрын

@@demonreturns4336 I had the Evo 4.2's in my Living Room, which is used for 75% HT / 25% Music. I replaced them with Klipsch RP-280D's, which ended up costing just slightly less. I run them with about -2db on everything above 1.5khz, but they provide a much better HT experience and are better for "Party Music." Then I got Some Emotiva B2+'s for my Music/Vinyl Room. The Emotiva's give me the AMT detail without the overly forward upper midrange of the Evos' while costing about 1/4 the amount. No regrets. The Evo's had a certain level of detail in the mids/highs that the speakers above don't quite have, but I find the Evo's just less pleasing to my ear in most things overall.

@dawolyan13 2 жыл бұрын

The more I hear about the SVS, just a wonderful jack of all trades, considering price as well.

@moniack 2 жыл бұрын

I recommend getting them from the outlet store. I saved $400 and only found a tiny barely visible scratch on one.

@great100m 2 жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this shootout !!! With one upgrade left in me, these 3 are at the top of the list. Thanks for the comments on HT and dialogue (>90% for me). Elac has a nice 3-way package size and I like the off-axis performance but their recent price increase eliminates them (and I'm a "loyal" Elac customer), think Kef R3. Love the look of the 4.2 and the AMT tweeter but size is just too big for my setup. The SVS Ultra it is !

@andrewbrazier9664 2 жыл бұрын

KEF R3 has a 20% " trade in " offer in Uk .Retail( Inc 20% vat) is £1299 so takes it to £1059 .There are a few good owner reviews on Amazon ,like the R3 they say the SVS Ultra needs a high watt amplifier to get the best from them .The UK full retail of those now also stands at £1299 !!! - A combination of increased component & soaring shipping costs and Dollar to Stirling exchange rates I guess . The UK designed Wharfdale EVO 4.2 currently retail at £599 Agree it's a huge cabinet for a stand mount !!! The EVO 4.2 has the same AMT tweeter plus one Mid/,Bass driver One You tube review rates this as a more balanced sound than the 4.3 & of course more room friendly dimensions .£499 Uk Hope this helps 🙂

@linkinpaak 2 жыл бұрын

Price is up on svs now too, everything is going up

@mohammedisaa9952 Жыл бұрын

These people will eventually price themselves out of the market, sales will plummet and so will the prices and stock share prices..... Considering the componants cost way less that £100/pair, labour paid at £4.00/day at some tiawanese swetshop........ they then export out to america and Europe and sell them for £1,200 a pair...... Ridicules and were getting way ripped at markups exceding 800%..... Dont buy any of these untill the prices comw down to around 200 a pair whatever your currency, and their companies will still show huge profits.... Dont be gullible!!!!!!!

@mikepaul2372 2 жыл бұрын

Agree with you completely. I owned the 4.2 and they were not great in my setup. I have many windows, 10 foot ceilings and wide open space. These just didn't spread the sound. I also had the SVS Ultra, they were a bit small sounding in the room. Kept them to connect via audio interface etc. for my office computer room. Still searching for the best fit for the room. Next maybe Monitor Audio Silver 100 or the Dali Oberon 3. Thanks for the video!

@dynodin81 2 жыл бұрын

I got the same issue here.

@mohammedisaa9952 Жыл бұрын

Yet........ you all believed the hype and paid £1,200 a pair for them to get what ???????????

@lanegeisewite1436 2 жыл бұрын

I never owned the 4.2 but I just got rid of my elac debut references for the SVS Ultras and I can tell u personally the ultras sound so much more exciting and better in my opinion than the elacs. Especially if u r doing double duty like music and movies. I watch a lot of movies and these ultras are awesome! Then u turn on music and they just sound so good and diverse! Highly recommend SVS! Time to get dual SVS subs now lol

@beesdreams9 2 жыл бұрын

I just returned the ultra towers after a week home test, because the mids were so Unsatisfying. I found the treble not very… Refined. Of course the question is always, “compared to what?”. I’ve got some old Cerwin Vega D7’s that I’ve had for decades, and was wondering how they’d stack up against some newer replacement speakers. Yes they’ve got Horn tweeters, which are very good at instrument separation at the high end, and the mids we’re just so superior to the SVS ultra’s. I could hear the soft tambourine on my old speakers, and hardly at all on the SVS. I went to the magnolia store in Best Buy, the B&W Tower 702’s , which are $5000 a pair, had all the mid and high end detail that I needed with some great bass. That’s not my price range- I think I’ll keep shopping around.

@DougMen1 2 жыл бұрын

@@beesdreams9 You can't get much better than D7s, which are one of my favorite speakers of all time. I love the iconic CV Dhorm (horn/dome) tweeter, but the D7s midrange drivers were cheaper than the massive and legendary 6.5" one they used on the 312s and 12TRs, which is why they used 2 on the D7, to compensate. IMO, the original D series, consisting of the D1, D3, D5, and D7 are hard to beat. I never cared for their speakers with 15" woofers. IMO, they aren't as balanced as those with 10 or 12 inch ones. The one thing I don't like is that the midrange and tweeter are offset, and not in mirror images, but offset the same on both speakers, and that messes up the stereo imaging a little bit

@gvittles1141 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Tested SVS ultra bookshelves which are impressive, but v-shaped freq response and too analytical for my taste. Debut Reference, especially with EQ, was much more balanced and musical.

@lanegeisewite1436 2 жыл бұрын

@@gvittles1141 Yeah they are a little more balanced for music but I use the SVS for everything. Music, movies, and tv. Especially during movies the svs out perform the elacs. But for music only, yeah I agree with u there. I have audio control amps and pre amp runing 250 watts into them with a DSP pro and they are awesome. The elacs sounded good too with my system too. But I like more exciting speakers preferably

@andrewbrazier9664 2 жыл бұрын

I understand the Elac debut Reference are a more laid back sound ,whereas the UNI -Fi reference 2 are more transparent

@dannecus. 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting review, I just took delivery of a pair of Evo4.3 floor standers. I completely agree that these are fussy and awkward speakers, but it is great fun to try to squeeze a bit more performance out of them. In the shop everything else I listened to sounded boring in comparison, better in some ways, but boring ways. Getting these Evos to sing is going to be an interesting and rewarding challenge.

@chrisdunaway2562 2 жыл бұрын

I have Martin Logan Motion 4i's, so far i love them. However saying that I am fairly new to all this so I'm just learning!! These are hooked up to my computer with a willsenton tube amp and i have a SVS Pro 1000 sub woofer. All in my 14x8 computer room.

@geforce5591 2 жыл бұрын

I have the gloss white SVS Ultras, and they sound clinical. My $200 Fluance Bookshelf sounds more musical but is less efficient. Where the SVS shines is the clarity and definition at high volumes.

@shaunyweaver1144 Жыл бұрын

I still get excited sitting down to listen to the Evo 4.2 it's a personal speaker, by that I mean it sounds superb just for you the listener sat in the comfy chair with a beverage of choice . It's outstanding valve . If you want music to fill the room for all its not the one .

@GG-kc6ie 2 жыл бұрын

I never knew about Asmacc and was very impressed by their site and advice, equal parts shocked to find my Labrador has been endorsed. Thanks Asmacc.

@stopthefomo 2 жыл бұрын

Elac is my choice because Andrew Jones is a master of coax design

@eruilluvitar 2 жыл бұрын

I love my Uni-Fi Reference. They're fantastic in smaller spaces because they're front ported and don't get that on wall bass bloom.

@raymoore8435 2 жыл бұрын

@@eruilluvitar I use mine in a small room with a Rel tzero sub, and they sound great.

@JC-lk3oy 2 жыл бұрын

@@eruilluvitar Nice. I love my Uni-fi UF51's but they definitely can get a bit boomy when too close to the wall. Really want to hear the Uni-fi Reference someday.

@eruilluvitar 2 жыл бұрын

@@raymoore8435 Nice! I use mine in my office with an SVS 3000 Micro and they're fantastic!

@marcgallant5270 2 жыл бұрын

You should add an extra category when reviewing speakers Nearfield vs standard placement two different use case scenario, I have HiFi speakers for my desktop as well as my dedicated room/theater

@crazyME456 2 жыл бұрын

i love my evo 4.2s and it has incredible soundstage. it also indeed sounds large like floorstanders. 3d imaging is its weak point. the highs, while airy and detailed, feels suppressed and lacks sparkle that some people will look for. it also has solid, deep and smooth bass but will get all over the range (although i think most people will love that). the mids are hard to tame as it often gets too forward for me. its definitely not a family speakers as its so hard to get the perfect angle.

@Beathoven007 2 жыл бұрын

Try giving the treble a little +2 or +3 boost on your amp. You will notice that it directly becomes more forward. I only can guess why they have done it like this since AMTs can sound a bit harsch when not neutralized. The hisses on the s sound in spoken words seem to get more obvious and I think the speaker has been tuned towards neutrality in accoustic music and vocals / spoken voice Also the Evo, due it's 3-way setup has this illusion that when you add treble while listening to a drummer playing the hihats, it is like moving those more forward in the mix, like doing something with the presence rather than with brightness only. Quite stretchable.

@crazyME456 2 жыл бұрын

exactly! that's what i do via equalizer (my music source is a laptop). a slight increase in treble makes it perfect for me.

@markd4292 2 жыл бұрын

Love to hear your take on the Martin Logan 35XTi and/or the the DT 11.

@thecman26 5 ай бұрын

Dayum, I thought that I was high class when I bought my Infinity reference bookshelf speakers back in 93! They were $200... $1000 bookshelf speakers? Oh my! A great album to test them is Yellow, One Second. Been a favorite of mine for decades!

@mauriciocaraza7239 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Vid, thanks How would you compare the CSS criton 1TDX with those 3 speakers ?

@TheConnoissumer 2 жыл бұрын

Really enjoying your channel, Randy, especially your dry sense of humor. I'm a budget hifi guy, too. It might be fun for you to do a shootout series on used gear. Or maybe compare something new to something used at a similar price point. I'm a Totem Acoustic fan. I own a pair of Model 1 Sigs I bought used for $600, a pair of Hawks I got for $900, and a pair of Sky's I got for $1200. All smokin' deals if you ask me. All in excellent condition. Each with their own voice. The XLS and Criton 1TD-x are next on my list. I assume they will be in league with the Totems. High quality cabinets+high quality drivers+high quality crossovers=MAGIC. I also grabbed a used Outlaw RR2150 for $350. Killer amp for that money. And I own a Primaluna Classic I got for $1300. They've been reviewed a lot already, but the Dragonfly DACS are pretty fantastic, too. I'd love for you to review the GR and CSS subs. I'll be ordering two of the CSS 12" passive radiator subs for my HT soon. Keep up the great work!

@robertpollak6572 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Randy, How are you doing? Love the channel! I'm wondering if you could do a dac tier rating like the one you did for speakers. I would like to see stock Elac debut 2.0 6.2 vs GR research upgraded comparison. Also stock Sony SSCS5 $75 to $148 speaker vs GR research upgraded comparison 😀 I have both of them and would like your opinion of the 4 speakers. And maybe a comparison of upgraded Sony and Elac to the GR research XL-S Encore. Thanks Bob

@dksculpture 2 жыл бұрын

Love your reviews. “Asmacc” 😂. On a more serious note, though I’ve owned several stand mount speakers. I much prefer floor standers. Stand mounts are precarious, less appealing visually, harder to reposition, speaker wire is higher, etc. All things being equal, floor standers take up the same space and offer higher efficiency or extended bass too. Yeah, they cost more but you don’t need stands. To paraphrase Quint, “I’ll never buy another stand mount again”. 😂 I’d make an exception for Buchard’s tripod type of stand. They seem very stable, they’re attached to the speaker, and they look good.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Good info. You missed something though… floor standers are harder to box up and ship back to the factory and heavier to carry up stairs. I’m kidding. Floor standing speakers are starting to grow on me

@dksculpture 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman I’m sure floor standers are more work and I appreciate your effort … Just sharing my conclusions after decades of audio addiction. 😂

@halmorrison5397 2 жыл бұрын

This review was amazingly detailed thankyou.

@madcrabber1113 2 жыл бұрын

Those Wharfedale speakers look amazing 👏

@JC-lk3oy 2 жыл бұрын

Those "bells" in Chocolate Chip Trip are actually Danny playing on the edge of a gong. It blew my mind when I saw him play that live because I thought the same thing, that it was bells. Great song to test with though.

@madcrabber1113 2 жыл бұрын

Danny is a beast 💪

@TheChez21 2 жыл бұрын

Hey great video! Recently saw your emotiva T1 plus video ..I would love you to compare it to the Evo 4.2. Would like to get your opinion on the AMT sound differences. I think this would make an interesting shoot out.

@stonefree1911 2 жыл бұрын

Good comparison. One big factor here is the 4.2's gorgeous soft-dome midrange and how Wharefedale pairs it to the AMT driver. That is the EVO series special sauce. The AMT on the EVO's are very large compared to most and that will aid in dispersion and soundstage.

@stevenswall 2 жыл бұрын

9:30 Might be strong correlation with aluminum vs other materials sounding more warm or cool with the bass in your experience, but the Genelec 8260 which is more neutral than any other speaker I've heard is neither warm not cool, and the entire frequency response can be tilted based on user preference. I think it's more than the material, as there are paper cones that sound warm and tubby, and others that sound like they are just doing upper bass and aren't "warm" at all.

@hmrowland6114 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure why you test with a digital source rather than actual music but I appreciate that you admit it early in your reviews so I don't waste my time. Ok? Alright? Love my Wharfedale Evo 4.3. You give great video Randy.

@deraeler 2 жыл бұрын

Love the reviews. Your comments re: placement are key for my situation. I an considering pulling the trigger on the EVO 4.2s...however my room layout dictates my ONLY location for my living room home theater front/primary speakers is on top of my entertainment center, placing them approx. 7' off the floor. It's a vaulted ceiling log home - very open, wood beams etc so a lot of reflection - so perhaps a little harsher than most...but I really have no other option re: placement. Would you still recommend these, and what are my options for "tuning" these? Aside from EQ on my AV receiver (or a dedicated EQ), your review seemed to imply there are some other tuning options for these. I'm guessing you're only talking about placement though, distance from the wall etc. and perhaps bi-amping. Appreciate your thoughts on this. Definitive center channel, older JBL bookshelf/monitors for my rears, SVS PB1000 PRO sub. Marantz NR1504 but moving to Onkyo RZ50 or Integra DRX3.4 soon.

@tristenl6938 2 жыл бұрын

I have been rocking the Wharfedale Denton 85th anniversary, they have been the best speaker I have had in my system ( $900). The new ELAC had my attention until the price went up.

@rosswarren436 2 жыл бұрын

How would you characterize their sound? Neutral? Warm? Mid-range forward? Bassy? Smooth treble? Thanks. I'm searching for some bookshelf speakers to replace some ancient JBLs in my den system that will do double duty for movies too. All the reviewers raved about the Uni-Fi Reference and at $999 maybe so, but not now at $1200 when that opens up more choices or makes you look at speakers that still are below $1000.

@tristenl6938 2 жыл бұрын

The Dentons are warm and have a slightly bumped up bass to my ear. I really enjoy them with the types of music I listen to. The speakers might have been made specifically for the 70s mellow gold station from Amazon, but they handle all the rock and techno I throw at them.

@rosswarren436 2 жыл бұрын

@@tristenl6938 thanks! I'm a 70s kind of guy...LOL...But I love a wide variety of music, from Americana, to jazz, to electronic/techno/ambient, indie, singer songwriter, and of course rock....Maybe the Dentons are the ones I need. I'll definitely consider them. They are $900 now, cheaper than the ELACs and the Lintons are (without stands) the same price as the ELAC Uni-fi Reference are now ($1200), so definitely they should be considered in that regard. I also see the 80th anniversary Dentons are still available for $599 and might be a great bargain too.

@ConnorBright 2 жыл бұрын

What kinds of music

@andreassouth1523 2 жыл бұрын

@@tristenl6938 Many reviewers wrote that dentons tweeter is harsh sounding and ringing in direct comparison with dentons 80th.I like dentons 85th to buy.I have wrfs 225s and like dentons 85th very much but not heard them.The same they wrote about Lintons tweeter.

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

I heard of asmacc last night. It was around 2am and it involved the area around my gf rear ported design

@bpalpha 2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see a used stereo setup vs new in box setup comparison. Maybe that cheap imposter over at new record day could help out?

@tonykindred520 2 жыл бұрын

I was skeptical when you started this channel Randy. The attempt to convey into words some idea of the sound of individual speakers is dicey at best. But, this is your best review to date, describes their respective sounds probably about as good as humanly possible, and brings a much needed unique voice to the review process. Well done and thanks.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tony. Yeah. A lot of people think I’m an idiot. But I’m going to keep doing what I do

@maaudiosubs 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Alot of people are probably right. Having said that I love the channel.

@luxpiotr 2 жыл бұрын

And this is real info!!! Thx man, you help ma alot.

@Crokto 2 жыл бұрын

so far, only dogs, sandwiches, and shoelaces are certified audiophile. excited to see what comes next

@AverageNiceGuy Жыл бұрын

Nice work 👍 I have experience with the SVS Ultras. Perfect description 😎👍

@hlurpseed 2 жыл бұрын

Imagine my surprise to find out ASMACC is really a true organization, and not just one of Randy’s farcical sponsors. I now have a trusted resource to rely on for certified audiophile gear. May the audiophile gods grant you many moons, Randy!

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Great organization .

@rosswarren436 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe they SHOULD sponsor Randy....just sayin'...

@hondaphan4172 10 ай бұрын

You're kidding?! I didn't look it up but I felt certain it was a Randy creation with a funny title...LOL!

@bwithrow011 2 жыл бұрын

If I had money to spend, the Elac Uni Fi would be my choice for 3 reasons. 1. They are front ported which is the type I work with. 2. The concentric mid/high driver gives a point source experience. 3. This design is fairly accurate which is something I depend on in my work.

@bilguana11 2 жыл бұрын

Increased import costs.

@kohnfutner9637 2 жыл бұрын

Randy loves elac so I'm sure he'd say you can't go wrong doing that.

@gg0297 2 жыл бұрын

Great comparison, Sir! In my country, Svs Ultras cost 2.5x more than the Wharfedale Evo 4.2, placing them in a league of Triangle Genese Trio, Focal Aria 906, Bowers and Wilkins 706 S2, Canton Vento 826.2 and many other higher end speakers, but it is interesting to see your opinion, nonetheless.

@-MarkWinston- 2 жыл бұрын

SVS and other ID brands cost a fortune outside of US, or else my house would be full of SVSs, Monoprices, Rythmiks and especially JTRs from wall to wall

@gg0297 2 жыл бұрын

@@-MarkWinston- Of course. That's why Wharfedale, a brand from UK, costs so much in the USA.

@-MarkWinston- 2 жыл бұрын

@@gg0297 Weird, Wharfes cost the same as US in my country

@gg0297 2 жыл бұрын

@@-MarkWinston- Here the 4.2 cost almost 500 euros.

@-MarkWinston- 2 жыл бұрын

@@gg0297 The 4.2 is 615 euros here after conversion. What a rip off.

@Markpab 2 жыл бұрын

How about a review of the Wharfedale Linton speakers, Randy? I believe the speakers without their special stands would cost about the same as the Elacs. They are big 3 way old school speakers, definitely not for a bookshelf, with an 8" woofer. Could be interesting.....

@Capybarainahumansuit 6 ай бұрын

I know this message is old but if you're only doing 2 channel get the biggest speakers you can. If you're running a sub completely ignore bass and cone size over 6.5 imo atleast.

@rayray8645 2 жыл бұрын

Would really love to hear your thoughts on the Revel Concerta2 M16 bookshelf speakers.

@bmorerva7500 Жыл бұрын

I ordered these three speakers and am auditioning over the next month

@gianboomer 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Btw What happened to the anthem amp you got rid of it

@chuckmcdonnell5275 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Randy, Now that you have glasses, have you noticed a slight improvement in sound stage and focus with your glasses off vs on? Thanks for your entertaining and informative channel.

@valleyguy633 Жыл бұрын

You never hear much about slam or impact in speaker reviews. That's definitely something I would be interested in. Other than that, I really like your real world approach to reviews. I'm not really a graph guy.

@nathanielbrice8725 2 жыл бұрын

Just wondering if the Wharfedale Evos would be good as (home) recording studio monitors?! I know Abbey Road studios use B&W speakers and I can’t afford ATC’s, so I figure the Evos could be an affordable, good looking alternative! Thoughts?!

@user-fm6md3lu3p Жыл бұрын

Hi, trying to decide between the Evo and the Elac. One odd thing you may be able to explain to me is the crossover frequencies: 260/1.8k for the Elac, 1.4k/3.9k for the Evo. I checked another 3-way: Wharfedale Elysian 2: 360/2.9k. Looks to me like the tweeter in the Evo doesn't get to do much (esp for my ears, which seem to not hear anything above 4.5k), midrange as well. Woofer seems to be doing most of the work.

@NaveenKumar-uh2gk 2 жыл бұрын

Great comparison

@tjellis1479 2 жыл бұрын

Still waiting to see your house band...they nail it every time.

@Rodador24 2 жыл бұрын

If the Elac's are actually $1200, then how would these three fare if the Wharfdale Linton was added to the group?

@DomRivers67 2 жыл бұрын

Wharfedale here in the UK (less than $750 makes them the cheapest of all of those there, SVS are $1200.....which shifts the comparison a bit), they become more cohesive with time, and I find with their slot porting they are LESS placement sensitive than most...so your findings are a bit surprising tbh. Allied to an Arcam SA20 and a 2021 Node, I couldn't ask for more, they've scaled really well with the better quality amplifier. The Evo's are the entry level to actual flat response (most speakers at this price have a boosted treble and bass response...to compensate for the mid boosted commercial recordings, leading to a lot of people thinking they are rolled off....find an audiophile recording though...and suddenly things make sense....this isn't a Guns n Roses speaker in short)

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I thought guns and roses sounded pretty good through the evos. Your findings with guns and roses are a bit surprising tbh.

@jdgobio 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you, my experience with the Evos are very similar. I find them very easy to place to get good sound. But there are several reviewers saying that they need a lot of TLC in terms of placement which I don't really agree with.

@-MarkWinston- 2 жыл бұрын

The Dimaonds (12s) are the flattest sounding speakers at entry level or below 500 I must say. The Evos are a step above the Diamonds but the surprisingly the Diamonds are even flatter than the Evos on the graphs. Crazy huh? Wharfedale seems to get things right nowadays, big time. Im about to get a set of the 4.2s, or maybe starve for the next 6 months and go for the 4.4s. Lol!

@DomRivers67 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman could be partnering kit, I've got the new Node and an Arcam SA20....I like my metal but find this setup a bit...over analytical...and dry, it's hard to explain... everything is there, bass, mid range, beautiful treble...and yet it doesn't get my foot tapping, it's like it's all being laid out in front of me in its ingredients...without ever becoming a meal. Listen to barer recordings or orchestral though and it's hair raisingly good.

@nathanaelcole8466 2 жыл бұрын

I just listened to Chocolate Chip Trip! Great track for sure.

@Scalptrash 2 жыл бұрын

Elac, easiest to place and good at everything.

@bengleason508 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Randy

@spl4t1 2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see a review of the JBL 4309s. Listened to them at a store and was very impressed.

@joelane4670 2 жыл бұрын

Can we drive these speaker well without a amp. I have a Demon avr-1500. Older avr,but I believe 75 watts. Still sounds good in my opinion..looking to upgrade soon. Well perhaps when hit the power ball. Thanks bud. Great. Presentation, spot on brother

@je1540 2 жыл бұрын

CAM - question: I am considering the wharfedales with the nicer (more sturdy) stands. That brings the total to $1550. Would it be better to just jump to the Wharfedale Lintons with stands which are 1799? I can’t find a place where I can listen to them.

@joshuaalvarez9796 2 жыл бұрын

Very thorough review and answered a lot of the questions most would ask about (soundstage and imaging). Looking forward to other videos!)

@rizalahmad4207 2 жыл бұрын

I really hope you could review the fyne audio f500 bookshelf.

@MrSilviut 2 жыл бұрын

Will you please talk about the MartinLogan Motion 15i? I have heard it thought it was great, want to know your thoughts.

@user-wp1ir3et2u 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Randy .What about the WHARFEDALE Denton 85 ?

@muzammelhaquemukul7089 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, how does Emotiva's twitter compare to 4.2? I know both are in different league but would like to hear about them as both have AMT twitter.

@KevinMogee 2 жыл бұрын

Randy, do you have a recommendation for speaker dampening? I don't have dedicated stands, but I want to cut down on vibrations to the piece of furniture my diapers are sitting on. Anything you can suggest?

@alejandroaguilar9038 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see you put together a good 2.1 system with your fav book / sub based on price range

@davidh9659 10 ай бұрын

What you're saying is that if i got a pair of UBR62s for the equivalent of 600$, that would be a decent purchase? :P I liked the Uni-Fi 2.0 when i listened to them briefly, so I'm guessing the Reference model is just a little more of the same? Trying to figure out which amp to drive it with. Is it reasonable to assume a "smiley" amp might work best in order to give it more "air"?

@andyroche9905 2 жыл бұрын

Have a good weekend Randy

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

You too

@ericmann1781 2 жыл бұрын

I'd say you're absolutely right about the Elac's reserved nature until you hit higher volumes and that they are excellent all round speakers. I have them setup nearfield 5" from the wall powered by the IOTAVX stack and a Monoprice 788 as a dac and they sound fantastic in games and music. The first day I tested my setup in a game in the Division 2 at high volume I was amazed, the bass punches quickly and you just feel the sound everywhere, battles FEEL like war and nearby rifles sound crisp and violent. These are the BEST gaming speaker I have ever used lol Edit: Plus I get zero fatigue even after hours of use. I would love to try the Evo 4.2 for home theater use but I would have a hard time setting them up right. But...if I ever find them up for grabs on the used market for a good price I'm definitely going to try them out, see if they can replace my F501's or not.

@Pentenfi 2 жыл бұрын

For hometheater use, you can use either because you'd eventually highpass them at around 80 Hz and let a beefy sub have fun below that. HT has different demands on speakers compared to stereo music. For stereo listening the subtle differences of speakers play a bigger role

@slyfoxx8540 2 жыл бұрын

You would say these nice things a few minutes after I'd changed my mind about these for being reserved lol, and there gonna be for the same use although I'll be using an yamaha a8a when it comes out.

@randalllawkin 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Randy, how does the Elacs unifi Reference compare to the Jamo C93ii?

@CompetentSalesUSA 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@Roof_Pizza 2 жыл бұрын

Any of these available normally in odd numbers? 3.1/5.1 etc?

@MelanicWarrior 2 жыл бұрын

Can you please give us your thoughts on the Dali Oberon 3 bookshelf speakers?!

@Fane182005 2 жыл бұрын

Where does de GR research xls encore or the CSS audio cryton 1td or 1tdx with standard or upgraded crossover fit in terms of performance compared to 1k 2k 3k speakers? Are they similar to anything you heard in a specific pricepoint? For example nbt studio compares the 1td with standard crossover to the Sonus Faber Electa Amator III wich are a 10k speaker... Maybe the 1tdx goes more in the direction of focal micro utopia beryllium tweeter. I don't want to be enjoying or something...just trying to do my homework befor I start building..plus shipping to Europe... Thank you so much and keep up the good work!

@bjwal6 2 жыл бұрын

Also keen for off the shelf comparisons to CSS, as shipping to Australia is… alarmingly expensive

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a hobbyist woodworker and the light bulb just went off for me. I should really try a high end DIY kit. Once you soak your blood and sweat into something to build it well and make it look great, the psychoacoustical properties must go through the roof. Yeah they sound the best. I ASSEMBLED THESE!! In all seriousness, I need to look at these closer for next set of speakers.

@pokerbarloahavia 2 жыл бұрын

@@erics.4113 bro get the bmr philharmonic kit it is the best as measured by erin's audio corner. if you are already an experienced wood worker. Those are end game speakers.

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

@@pokerbarloahavia thx for the info I'll take a look. But no, my end game speakers will have white paper woofer cones with black dust caps (like jbl classic style) and the cabinets covered in blue shag. The cookie monsters

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Well all speakers sound different. I will say both the encores and the Critons sound great. To be fair I haven’t heard anything that is well over 1000 for a factory speaker.

@paulgillard5094 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Danny, I'm looking for a small bookshelf with amazing vocal clarity. Any ideas. Thanks in advance.

@aznpballa 2 жыл бұрын

The Polk R200 are generating a lot of buzz. I wonder if it’s a better buy to get the R200 at $650 than any of the speakers In this video

@steveunderwood3683 2 жыл бұрын

Most electronics seems to be cheaper in the US than in the UK, but the Evo 4.2 is 599 pounds in the UK, including 20% VAT. Without the VAT that's only $680.

@paradoxstudios6639 2 жыл бұрын

Any Paradigm 40b comparisons with Goldenear BRX or Sonus Faber Lumina 2, Monitor Audio Silver or Gold ?

@remihuber 5 ай бұрын

Is it wise to place the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 speakers slightly low in a living room to take advantage of mediums in the best conditions ?

@sidesup8286 2 жыл бұрын

Some more "amusing" Choice Cuts from the weekend Butcher Shop. * The Real McCoy- by theThe Ventures * Armando's Rhumba- (instrumental) by Chick Corea *Puttin' Up With Me-by Mose Allison. The very vintage Ventures had the best selling rock instrumental album of all time for a span of 27 long years. From 1960 all the way to 1987, when it was displaced by a rock instrumental cd. Which album displaced it? *

@TheDenix8 2 жыл бұрын

How are Elacs with lower quality material (recordings)? Do they painfully show flaws in it?

@WheeledandWellArmed 2 жыл бұрын

Randy, I have a subwoofer by Hsu Research VTF-15H MK2 and my old Nikimichi and Polk speaker died when my kids were young, now my kids are old enough to enjoy music. Anyway, now I have a $3000 budget. I have about 1000 CDs I would like to put in a music server. What would you recommend? I was thinking about the ZENMINI MK3 1TB, ELAC Music Server DS-S101G, Cocktail X14 or Bluesound VAULT 2i; I need a music server that can rip and hold my CDs. My room is 12 feet wide where the speakers would go and 24 deep and 8-foot ceilings (with a kitchen in the back). I would like to use the Hsu subwoofer and I'm focused on the Outlaw RR2160MKII. Speakers I was thinking Magnepan LRS or KEF LS50 Meta. I think the Outlaw can push these hard-to-drive speakers and the outlaw has base management. Which music server and which speakers. And feel free to recommend something I haven't thought about. Sorry it is above budget but you have reviewed some of these. Any help is greatly appreciated.

@peterbaugh51 2 жыл бұрын

Elac dbr62 driven with a tube or hibred tube stereo amp. On stands. DONE. Unifi's may be better if you have enough power. I still like two ways better. Just preference.

@mutatedgenome 2 жыл бұрын

Were any of these better than the XLS Encores?

@stonefree1911 2 жыл бұрын

Ok, so you did well by my Evo 4.2's, so I will reinstate your birthday. I love the 4.2's and, as many reviewers state, they play much above their price point. A few things, I do disagree with the your feeling of the sweet point (off-axis performance) of the 4.2's. I went from Maggies to the 4.2's and one of the reasons was how many reviewers noted how well the EVO's travelled. Moving around didn't greatly change the soundstage. I find this to be true, at least in my room. Also, it seems like you use a lot of rock to compare. Nothing wrong with that. I love rock too, but I do agree, while the EVO's can rock VERY well, it is not there strongest point. Now for resolution and clarity of higher sourced music, I think the EVO's really stand out in this field. The EVO's are, however, less forgiving to bad equipment. All of these speakers need subs though.

@davidsimon1642 2 жыл бұрын

Gran reseña de tus EVO. ¿con qué amplificador los usas? Yo actualmente tengo un Marantz Nr1608 con unos Q acoustics 3050, y estoy valorando adquirir unos EVO 4.2 con un altavoz central EVO 4c.

@MrWslindsay 2 жыл бұрын

The Evo is a great speaker but like you stated is too finiky with placement. It's definitely the enthusiast speaker of the bunch. You have to have the room. The SVS is great but got analytical and fatiguing to me. I never used them. I'd like to eventually hear the Elacs although it may be a while. I had the UB5s and loved them but eventually moved on. I've switch direction towards floorstanders and have currently been on a Tekton Lore Reference ride with a pair of Lore's on the way (both in the $1k range if configuratively priced). It's too bad you have to wait as long as you do, but they are worth it if you like their sound signature. Maybe one day, a pair of Zu Dirty Weekends will get a demo sometime in the way distant future. 😅

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

I really want to hear lore, and lore reference and zu dirty weekend. I'm not sure I want floor standers but originally I was going to go with them. Curious why are you stepping up to Lore? You do some high volume listening?

@MrWslindsay 2 жыл бұрын

@@erics.4113 Well. Was originally going for the Lore and at the time went with the Reference because of size constraints. I have a pair of Bucharts that I've been using in my living room and I have two six month old puppies which have almost knocked them over so I ordered the bigger brother Tektons to compensate for that. I'd love to have a set of Pendragons or Double Impacts as my dream speakers but just don't have the space. What I like about the Tektons is whatever source equipment your using, it comes through. They tell you what's going on throughout the whole chain. Eric Alexander has something good going on over there and it shows. But like every speaker they have their own sound. At the moment I needed something sturdier to keep upright so I went with another pair. And I have I tube amp which I'll probably pair them with. They're known to like tubes

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrWslindsay yes. I've seen how crazy sensitive they are and heard tube setups are yummy with those. Maybe in the future for me. So much to try I wish I had 10 ears and 400 hours per day to listen!

@jegantdragoch.7088 Жыл бұрын

sorry - but just wondering which one is actually better for classical music or what kind of sound signature that classical listeners are aiming for? Im feeling that there's a lot of mid to high - and lesser base compared to other genres of music?

@Mike81111 2 жыл бұрын

Wharfedale all day long.

@lukeselker5175 2 жыл бұрын

I clicked so fast! I keep waffling between whether or not it's worth the premium for the coaxial/3- way debut reference design vs the 2 way.

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

I love the horizontal soundstage of the 3way in my ub52... but I am a little confused on the merits of this design when you look further up ELAC line. Their carina and then ultimately vela series are their premium stand mounters and they ditch the 3way for one of those JET/ribbon style tweeters. So, it appears as if the concentric 3way design tops out with the unifi reference which I'm probably going to shell out the 1200 to hear. I love the ub52 so far, but if there are levels to this thing and the unifi reference take it up significantly then I'm sold

@RennieAsh 2 жыл бұрын

@@erics.4113 TAD uses co-axial, and those cost a bomb

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

@@RennieAsh well I don't make bombs I make dollars! So guess I can't afford those 😃

@RennieAsh 2 жыл бұрын

Eric S. yes, bombs are expensive, unless they are sherbet bombs. Those are cheap

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

@@RennieAsh what are sherbet bombs? Is that like an ice cream float in some sort of drink?

@williamvezina1944 2 жыл бұрын

Please review the Elacs 05s vs 06 unified models, from what I hear about both, is balance, clarity, soundstage, imaging, neutral, and details, soon, can't wait. Thanks 👃🤘☕