Short answer: the Wharfedale Linton 85, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) measures as well as it (#40 vs #36 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Wharfedale Linton 85 is still sold new at $1,999. The Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Wharfedale Linton 85 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. 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 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Watch for: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good.
What the Philharmonic BMR (v1) does well: A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. The tradeoff: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85 new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A retro styled bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch woofer, very neutral sound, and good bass extension for its size.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Linton 85 | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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