Short answer: the Wharfedale Linton 85. It ranks #36 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,699; the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX ranks #66, rated 4.1/5, and costs $2,200, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Wharfedale Linton 85 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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 5.07 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 76.9Hz for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX. Watch for: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
The case for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with twin woofers, smooth sound, healthy sensitivity, and port plugs to tune the bass to your room. The catch: In the configuration measured, the bass response starts to fall early, about 77Hz at -3dB, though it keeps going to about 50Hz at -6dB and 33Hz at -10dB, so it benefits from a subwoofer or placement near a wall.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Wharfedale Linton 85 scores 7.9 against 7.1 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX is rated at 88.7 dB sensitivity against 85.1 dB for the Wharfedale Linton 85, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (35 Hz vs 32.9 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Linton 85 | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.00 per pair | $2,200 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76.9Hz (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) | 22.4”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (569 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 | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88.7dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed or ported (port plugs included) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.08 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Certification | - | THX Ultra |
| Frequency Response | - | 46Hz-20kHz ±3dB with two vents, 66Hz sealed (manufacturer specified) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Wharfedale Linton 85: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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