Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Wharfedale Linton 85 ranks #36, rated 4.3/5, and costs $1,999, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the KEF R3: A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. The tradeoff: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
The Wharfedale Linton 85 is the deeper-bass choice. A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 58Hz for the KEF R3. The catch: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Wharfedale Linton 85 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Wharfedale Linton 85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $1999 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, rear |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 7.87 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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