Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50 for better sound quality, the Wharfedale Linton 85 for the lower price. The Buchardt Audio E50 ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The Wharfedale Linton 85 ranks #36, rated 4.3/5, at $1,999, $2,601 cheaper.
Why pick the Wharfedale Linton 85: A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size. The catch: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
The Buchardt Audio E50 is the deeper-bass pick. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 52Hz for the Wharfedale Linton 85. Watch for: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Buchardt Audio E50 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
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 | Buchardt Audio E50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | $4600 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (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) | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 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 | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Passive radiator loaded |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2000Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 60W - 200W |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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