Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. Both are rated 4.3/5 for sound quality (#41 and #36 of 222 bookshelf speakers), and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 costs $1,748 against $1,999 for the Wharfedale Linton 85, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
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 58.6Hz for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. The catch: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty. The tradeoff: On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, so a listener sitting dead center may notice more unevenness than with smoother AsciLab or Ascend towers.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $251 less than the Wharfedale Linton 85.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size.
A ribbon tweeter bookshelf speaker with hand matched pairs, a frequency response printout for each unit, and a long seven year warranty.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Linton 85 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | $1,748 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 14.3”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.95 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Handling | - | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Frequency Response | - | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Warranty | - | 7 years parts and labor |
| Country | - | United States |
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