Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Wharfedale Linton 85 ranks #36, rated 4.3/5, at $1,999, $1,631 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Wharfedale Linton 85: A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size. Watch for: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
The GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding option. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The catch: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,631 you would save on the Wharfedale Linton 85 does not close the gap.
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 DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (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) | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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