Wharfedale EVO4 Series Loudspeaker User Manual

Important Safety Information

This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.

• Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions.
• Before making any connections, switch all units in your system off at the mains.
• Set the volume control at minimum when switching on your system or changing sources, and turn the level up gradually.
• DO NOT use your amplifier at full volume.
• Ensure that all loudspeakers in the system are correctly wired.
• DO NOT subject your loudspeakers to excessive cold, heat, humidity or sunlight.
• Loudspeakers should not be placed directly facing other hi-fi units, or share the same shelf or cabinet.
• DO NOT place heavy objects on top of loudspeakers.
• Check your TV handbook before installing the speaker directly on your TV set. Consult your TV dealer if you are in any doubt.
• DO NOT connect speaker terminals to the mains supply.
• DO NOT dismantle the loudspeaker. There are no user serviceable parts inside and doing so will void the warranty.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged, exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this device.

Unpacking Your Loudspeaker

EVO4 loudspeakers come in different shapes and sizes. Floor-standing units are heavy; assistance is recommended for unpacking.

• Lift the loudspeaker carefully out of the packing. DO NOT lift using the protective bag.
• Unpack accessories carefully.
• Report any sign of damage or incomplete contents to your dealer immediately.
• Retain the packing for future safe transport. Dispose of packing responsibly according to local recycling provisions.

Attaching the Spikes

CAUTION: SPIKES ARE SHARP.

• Ensure no wires or obstacles are present in the immediate operational area that could be damaged by spikes.
• NEVER drag a loudspeaker on its spikes; always lift it. Get assistance if the item is heavy.
• A mounting hole is located at each corner of the plinth. Thread a spike through each hole.
• Tighten the collar finger-tight so the spike is secure but not locked in place.
• After attaching all spikes, invert the loudspeaker and place it carefully on the floor.

Spike Seats: Spike seats are provided to protect sensitive floors. Mount the loudspeaker on the spikes and place the spike seats under each spike. Level the loudspeakers with the spike seats in place.

[Diagram Description: Shows a loudspeaker plinth with four corner mounting holes for spikes. Spike seats are circular pads placed under the spikes to protect the floor.]

Preparing the EVO4 Loudspeakers

Stands and Brackets

Bookshelf loudspeakers are intended primarily for stand mounting but can be mounted on wall brackets or sturdy shelves. The quality of loudspeaker stands greatly influences performance; avoid flimsy products.

Centre Channel Loudspeakers

Each centre channel loudspeaker includes mounting feet. Use a combination of large and small feet to angle the loudspeaker towards the listening position, especially useful when placed under a TV screen.

Cables and Connectors

Choosing Loudspeaker Cable

Specialist audio cable offers better performance than general purpose wire. Choose a suitable diameter cable; thin cable limits dynamics and bass response. Audio cable is polarised (different colours or a raised rib/tracer). Consider loudspeaker positioning before purchasing cable, especially for bi-wiring.

Ensure cable lengths for left and right channels are equal for balanced signal transmission. Allow some slack for repositioning.

Preparing Loudspeaker Cable

[Diagram Description: Illustrates preparing loudspeaker cable. Twin cores are split to about 40mm. Insulation is stripped from each end, leaving about 10mm of bare wire. Stranded wire should be lightly twisted.]

Connecting Screw Terminals

All loudspeakers use screw terminals.

• Unscrew the terminal. Insert the bare end of the cable into the hole in the base of the terminal. Tighten securely.
• Ensure no bare wire strands can short across to adjacent terminals.

Specialist spade connectors can be used as an alternative to bare wire. Consult your Wharfedale dealer.

Crossover Networks

Bi-Wireable Networks

If speakers have a bi-wireable crossover panel with four terminal binding posts:

• The upper terminals connect to the treble unit (HF+ / HF-).
• The lower terminals connect to the bass unit (Bass+ / Bass-).
• Removable metal straps connect the treble and bass terminal pairs for standard installations. Leave these in place unless bi-wiring.

[Diagram Description: Shows four terminal binding posts labelled HF+, HF-, Bass+, Bass-. Arrows indicate connections to treble and bass units. Metal straps are shown connecting HF+ to Bass+ and HF- to Bass-.]

Single Wire Networks

Used for surround speakers.

Positioning the EVO4 Loudspeakers

Positioning the Front Loudspeakers

Floor-standing models (EVO4.3, EVO4.4) should be positioned at least 200mm from rear walls and 700mm from side walls, facing slightly inwards.

Bookshelf models (EVO4.1, EVO4.2) are best stand or wall mounted, or placed on a rigid shelf. Bass extension improves when smaller speakers are closer to the rear wall.

Placing speakers too close to walls can result in boomy, indistinct bass. Moving speakers further away may allow for increased inward angling (up to 40%), potentially improving the optimum listening position width.

A useful guideline is to position speakers so the listener is as far from them as they are from each other. Treble units should ideally be at ear level for a seated listener. Experiment with configurations for best results.

[Diagram Description: Illustrates front speaker placement. For EVO4.1/4.2, it shows placement on stands or walls. For EVO4.3/4.4, it shows floor placement with minimum distances from walls (200mm rear, 700mm side) and an inward angling of 15-40°. It also indicates a listening distance of 2-4 meters and treble units at ear level.]

Positioning the Centre Loudspeaker

Position the centre channel loudspeaker centrally between the front speakers, close to the television, mounted above or below the screen.

Ensure the unit is on a stable surface to prevent cabinet movement at high volumes. If mounted above the TV, position it forward so the front grille is slightly in front of the screen and the top of the cabinet.

A custom stand is available for positioning under wall-mounted monitors, offering adjustable vertical tilt for optimal dispersion.

[Diagram Description: Shows a centre speaker placed above a TV screen, slightly forward of the screen edge.]

Positioning Surround Loudspeakers

EVO4.S Surround Loudspeakers should ideally be sited 600mm-1.5 metres above the listening position and 2.5-3.5 metres apart, central to the listener and behind the listening position, preferably on a rear wall.

If the listening position is far from a rear wall, speakers may be mounted on opposite side walls, but always behind the listening position.

Ensure the wall is sound and can support the product. Drill two 5mm holes in the wall 200mm apart.

Fix suitable No. 8 round head screws firmly into each hole using appropriate wall plugs, leaving a 5mm stub protruding.

Align the speaker's mounting bracket holes over the screws and carefully lower the unit onto them. The speaker should be securely attached with spacers resting against the wall. Connect the speakers to the amplifier.

[Diagram Description: Shows wall mounting for surround speakers. Two holes are drilled 200mm apart. Screws with 5mm stubs are inserted. The speaker bracket is aligned and lowered onto the screws.]

Setting Up a Home Theatre System

Placement

Front and Effects Channels: Place front loudspeakers 2-3 metres apart, on either side of the television screen, angled slightly towards the listeners.

Place rear effects speakers in a high position, behind the listener's head. If rear/side walls are distant, consider stand mounting. Angle centre speakers towards the listener's ear level if positioned high or low.

Align front faces of centre and surround speakers as much as possible.

Subwoofer:

Subwoofer placement offers flexibility as the ear cannot easily detect the direction of deep bass. Varying distance from the wall alters bass response. Placing a subwoofer in a corner boosts bass but may reduce clarity. Using two subwoofers can enhance system performance.

6.1 and 7.1 System Placement

For 6.1 and 7.1 systems (Dolby Labs, DTS, THX), precise configuration depends on your processor. Ensure the listening seat is not too close to the rear wall.

Optimising time delay for coherent sound arrival from all speakers is critical for these systems.

[Diagram Description: Illustrates Dolby Labs recommended placement for multichannel home theatre systems. It shows a listener in the centre surrounded by speakers: Left Front, Centre, Right Front, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Back, Right Back. Angles are indicated: Left Front (22°), Right Front (30°), Left Surround (110°), Right Surround (90°), Left Back (150°), Right Back (135°). The LFE channel is also indicated.]

Setting Loudspeaker Sizes and Levels

If not using a subwoofer: Set Front speakers to 'Large'. Set the 'Subwoofer' option on the processor to 'Off' or 'No'. Front channels will handle all system bass.

If using a subwoofer: Setting speakers to 'Small' directs all system bass to the subwoofer. Setting to 'Large' reproduces front channel bass from the front speakers. Follow instructions for suitable size and crossover settings.

After finalising loudspeaker settings, use your A/V amplifier's 'Test' mode. Adjust each channel's level until all channels reproduce equal loudness.

Surround channels may appear lower in level than front channels on some material; do not readjust this. Adjust subwoofer output level carefully to avoid overpowering the sound with bass, which can be tiring and limit the subwoofer's response to bass transients. Set a sensible subwoofer input level from the A/V processor, starting with the volume control at 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock.

Delay and LFE Settings

Many A/V processors have delay settings to ensure surround and dialogue information arrives at the listener's ears simultaneously with front channels, even in non-ideal listening positions. Some processors use distance settings, others use time delay.

• Rear Delay: Set a low delay if the listening position is equidistant from front and rear speakers. Increase delay if the listener is closer to the rear speakers.
• Centre Delay: Set to zero if the centre speaker is level with or slightly behind front speakers. Increase delay if the centre speaker is forward of the front speakers.
• LFE: The Low-Frequency Effects channel is an additional bass channel, typically feeding the subwoofer. If no subwoofer is used, the LFE signal is combined with front channels. Use care when setting LFE levels, as powerful low frequencies can overload loudspeakers. If popping or thumping occurs, immediately turn down the A/V processor volume and lower the LFE level. If the problem persists, lower the subwoofer volume.

Phase

Refer to your A/V amplifier manual for phase settings. Incorrect phasing can result in poorly focused sound or 'out of phase' effects, especially noticeable in bi-wired systems. Ensure speakers are connected according to wiring diagrams.

Troubleshooting

Before investigating, switch off the system at the mains.

If the system is not working properly, use this checklist before contacting your dealer:

Looking After Your Loudspeaker

The speakers feature a real wood veneer finish. Protect from direct sunlight, heat, cold, and varying humidity to maintain the wood's natural properties.

• Do not place objects on the cabinet surfaces to prevent damage. With care, the wood veneers will age naturally.
• The speakers have a hardwearing sealed finish. Do not use waxes or spray polishes. Occasionally polish with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and finger marks.
• Exercise caution if playing speakers with grilles removed, especially if children or pets are present.
• Occasionally brush speaker grilles gently with a soft brush. Do not use a vacuum cleaner on grilles.
• Avoid getting liquid behind the grilles. If liquid is spilled, take the speakers to your dealer for attention before use.
• DO NOT open the speakers; there are no user serviceable parts.
• NEVER touch the drive units with objects or hands.

Quality Assurance

Wharfedale speakers are constructed to high standards, using quality furniture construction, finish, and acoustic components, designed for a lifetime of sonic pleasure.

Servicing

In the unlikely event of a fault, return the unit to your Wharfedale dealer using the original packing for safe shipping.

Guarantee terms vary by country and typically exclude:

• Damage or loss occurring in transit.
• Damage caused by accident, misuse, wear and tear, neglect, or incorrect installation/adjustment/repair by unauthorised personnel.
• Consequential damage, loss, or injury arising from the equipment.

Service Centre Address

For technical support, servicing, or product queries, contact your local retailer or the UK office:

IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7DL
UK

Tel: +44(0)1480 452561

Email: service@wharfedale.co.uk

Website: www.wharfedale.co.uk

For information on other authorised service centres worldwide, contact Wharfedale International, UK. A worldwide distributors list is available on the Wharfedale website.

Specifications

The following table details the specifications for the Wharfedale EVO4 Series loudspeakers: