Short answer: the AsciLab F6Bs. It ranks #20 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5); the Wharfedale Linton 85 ranks #36 (rated 4.3/5).
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 5.24 for the AsciLab F6Bs. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the AsciLab F6Bs. The tradeoff: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
The case for the AsciLab F6Bs: A slim, sealed bookshelf speaker that mounts flat on a wall bracket, with accurate sound and wide, even dispersion for a great price. The tradeoff: AsciLab’s own site shows the F6Bs sold out, though it remains in stock through resellers like Audiophonics and Tested Audio.
Buy the AsciLab F6Bs. It is rated higher for sound quality 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 slim, sealed bookshelf speaker that mounts flat on a wall bracket, with accurate sound and wide, even dispersion for a great price.
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 | AsciLab F6Bs | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | €799 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 14.5”H x 8”W x 6.1”D (368 x 203 x 154 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug, 6” fiber cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.2dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.90 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1kHz |
| Mounting | - | VESA 100 wall mount compatible |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | South Korea |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB full bandwidth, 102dB above 100Hz (manufacturer specified) |
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