Short answer: the Wharfedale Linton 85. It ranks #26 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1699.99; the JBL HDI-1600 ranks #35 and costs $1980, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Wharfedale Linton 85 offers: Very neutral frequency response and good bass extension. Watch for: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
On the JBL HDI-1600 side: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Set against that: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL HDI-1600 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Linton 85 | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1699.99 | $1980 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #26 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.2"H x 11.8"W x 13"D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 8"(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5"(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1" (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs / 18.4 kg each | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Wharfedale Linton 85: $1699.99 Crutchfield
Pros: Very neutral frequency response and good bass extension.
Cons: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good
Full Wharfedale Linton 85 review and specifications →
| 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) |
| Drivers | 8"(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5"(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1" (25mm) soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs / 18.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Discover Why I Can’t Stop Raving About the Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Speaker
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Wharfedale Linton 85 Review
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Top 5 Speakers at Any Price
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Upgrade Your Sound with These 6 Surprisingly Affordable Speakers!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Personal Favorite Speakers Under $2500
- Reddit Search for Wharfedale Linton 85 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs Revel M126Be
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs ELAC VELA BS 403
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs Dynaudio Heritage Special
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs GR-Research NX-Bravo
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs Wharfedale Super Linton
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs ELAC DB63
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- See all 18 comparisons
JBL HDI-1600: $1980 Discontinued Crutchfield
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve.
Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons