Wharfedale EVO 5.C Center Speaker, White Matte (Each)

The Wharfedale EVO 5.C is a 2-way center speaker with AMT tweeter and two 130mm Kevlar woofers, voice-matched to the other models in the EVO 5 series.

The center channel carries most of the action in a film's soundtrack. Cut corners here and you cut them exactly where you'll notice most – usually right when a crucial line gets mumbled.

Why the EVO 5.C?

The 5.C uses the same 35 × 70 mm AMT tweeter as the front and rear models in the series. That's precisely the point: a soundstage falls apart wherever the center sounds different from the stereo speakers beside it. Here the driver technology is identical, so voices and effects move seamlessly across the front. On top of that come two 130mm Kevlar woofers, giving male voices the foundation that small center speakers typically owe you.

What you hear

Dialogue becomes intelligible without you having to ride the volume – and it stays that way even when the music track underneath picks up. With 89 dB sensitivity, the 5.C is undemanding enough that even a mid-range AV receiver drives it cleanly. And because it reaches down to 56 Hz, it doesn't sound like a megaphone but like a full-fledged speaker.

Who is the EVO 5.C for?

The 5.C is mandatory for anyone building an EVO 5 front, and a very good choice for any home cinema where dialogue intelligibility has been an issue. Plainly put: if you lock it inside a closed rack compartment or behind a cabinet door, you might as well save your money – it needs a clear sightline to the listening position. And at 52 cm wide and 12.5 kg, the shelf underneath needs to be sturdy.

Our verdict

A center speaker not designed as a compromise, but as a speaker in its own right – and that's exactly why it makes the difference between "you understand everything" and "you're drawn in." Whether it fits under your TV and how to align it, we're happy to work through with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil; our technician Mauri will also set up the system on site if you'd like.

What the trade press says: "A center is only needed for the dialogue from the middle of the screen? The EVO 5.C would be far too good for that alone." – AUDIO TEST 6/2025 (94%, rated "excellent").

Technical Data

• Design: 2-way center speaker, bass reflex with SLPP plinth port
• Tweeter: 35 × 70 mm AMT (Air Motion Transformer)
• Woofers: 2 × 130 mm, woven Kevlar diaphragm
• Frequency response: 56 Hz – 24 kHz (±3 dB)
• Bass extension: 49 Hz (−6 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 2.3 kHz
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms (8-ohm compatible), minimum 4.1 ohms
• Recommended amplifier power: 25 – 120 W
• Maximum SPL: 103 dB
• Cabinet volume: 14 litres
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 520 × 188 × 305 mm (incl. cover and connection terminals)
• Weight: 12.5 kg
• Finish: White, matte
• Sales unit: Each
• Included: 1 center speaker, magnetic front cover, rubber feet, instruction manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EVO 5.C have to sit exactly centered under the TV?

Ideal is centered with a clear sightline to the listening position. It forgives a few centimeters of offset without issue, thanks to its even dispersion. What it doesn't forgive is a closed furniture compartment or a cabinet door in front of it – that's exactly where it loses the precision you bought it for.

Is a mid-range AV receiver enough for the EVO 5.C?

Yes. With 89 dB sensitivity and a minimum impedance of 4.1 ohms, it's uncomplicated to drive. 25 to 120 watts is recommended. More important than power is that the receiver is 4-ohm capable – which is standard on current mid-range units.

Does the EVO 5.C also work with speakers from other brands?

It'll always work technically, but it rarely sounds homogeneous. Because the 5.C uses the same AMT tweeter and the same Kevlar diaphragms as the other EVO 5 models, it forms a seamless front together with them, with no audible break during a pan. For mixed setups, we're happy to advise you on what fits together.

Why buy the Wharfedale EVO 5.C from HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell the unit, we put it into context: what fits with it, what you really don't need. As an established specialist team in Wädenswil, we take care of warranty, installation and service – our technician Mauri will also set up the system on site if you'd like. Reachable at 044 680 22 00 or via WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Pairs well with

• AV receivers – the drive for your whole home cinema front
• Home cinema speakers – front, rear and Atmos for your set
• Speaker cables – neatly made up for every channel
• Wharfedale – the whole EVO 5 series at a glance