Short answer: the Wharfedale Linton 85. It ranks #36 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,999. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #50, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499, $500 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Wharfedale Linton 85 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.07 against 4.89 for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. The catch: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
Why pick the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. The catch: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $500 saving on the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Linton 85 | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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