Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2 is the more refined and higher-output loudspeaker, while the Linton 85 remains the cheaper route to genuinely deep, neutral bass. The Linton’s three-way layout reaches a measured 35Hz at F10 and has a very neutral response, but its vertically separated drivers make listening height more critical.
The Aura 2 is nearly ruler-flat through most of the band, reaches about 40Hz in-room, images precisely and stays composed at levels around 100dB at 10 feet. Its AMT tweeter has a narrow vertical window and a potentially sharp 13kHz breakup point. Its 3.1-ohm minimum impedance also favors a dedicated amplifier rather than a casual AVR.
At $3,799 compared with $1,699, the Aura’s premium pays for lower distortion and output headroom, not merely a different finish. The Linton is the easier value choice if you sit at the correct height and do not need extreme playback level.
Buy the Wharfedale Linton 85 if you want the lower-cost, neutral three-way with deep bass for relaxed seated listening.
Buy the Wharfedale Aura 2 if you have a capable amplifier and prioritize precision imaging, high output and cleaner measurements.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Wharfedale Aura 2 reaches 30 Hz (10 dB down) against 35 Hz for the Wharfedale Linton 85, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Close enough not to matter: preference score with a subwoofer (7.9 vs 7.7).
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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 | Wharfedale Aura 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.00 per pair | $3,799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56Hz (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) | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, 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 | 6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 6.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.65 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Upgrade Your Sound with These 6 Surprisingly Affordable Speakers!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Personal Favorite Speakers Under $2500
Where the Ratings Come From
- Wharfedale Linton 85: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Wharfedale Aura 2: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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