Short answer: the Super Linton for dynamics, the Linton 85 for bass extension and price. These rank #36 and #25 out of 222 large bookshelf speakers, and the price gap between them is $1,000.
This is a genuine engineering tradeoff, not just a step up. Erin’s Audio Corner measurements show the Linton 85 reaching a -3dB point of 52Hz, versus 77Hz on the Super Linton, a deliberate compromise the Super Linton makes in exchange for closer-to-wall placement flexibility. In return, the Super Linton fixes the original Linton’s main flaw, a 1-3kHz scoop that made it sound soft and subdued, and measurements show a major dynamic-range improvement where kick drums retain their impact at high volume instead of compressing. It also measures about 3dB more sensitive at 88.2dB versus the Linton 85’s 85.1dB, meaning it needs roughly half the amplifier power for the same output.
Both use the same core drivers: an 8” woven Kevlar woofer, a 5” woven Kevlar midrange, and a 1” soft dome tweeter, in a rear-ported cabinet. The Super Linton’s measured horizontal radiation is wide at about ±70°, which Erin’s notes call right in the preferred range for an enveloping soundstage, though its vertical dispersion narrows to about ±20°, meaning multi-row seating outside that window loses top-end. The Linton 85’s own con is the drivers’ spacing hurting its vertical off-axis response. The Super Linton also ships as a genuinely matched pair, measured within about 1dB of each other, and comes with custom matching stands.
Setup matters more on the Super Linton: its asymmetrical design needs the tweeters facing outward for the most linear in-room response, and about 10 degrees of toe-out to smooth out diffraction that shows up around 1.5 to 2kHz on-axis. Its minimum impedance also dips to about 3 ohms around 150Hz, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended.
Buy the Super Linton if dynamic range and a filled-in midrange matter more to you than deep bass extension, and you have the room and amplifier to set it up properly.
Buy the Linton 85 if you want deeper bass extension for less money, or if the original Linton’s more relaxed 1-3kHz balance suits your taste better than the Super Linton’s added punch.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Efficiency: the Wharfedale Super Linton is rated at 88.2 dB sensitivity against 85.1 dB for the Wharfedale Linton 85, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (35 Hz vs 34 Hz, 10 dB down); preference score with a subwoofer (7.9 vs 7.9).
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 Super Linton | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.00 per pair | $2,699.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #25 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) | 77Hz (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) | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, 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 | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 6.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 | 7.94 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: KLH Model 5 or Wharfedale Linton? Linton for me. But you may disagree. Here is why.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Upgrade Your Sound with These 6 Surprisingly Affordable Speakers!
Where the Ratings Come From
- Wharfedale Linton 85: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Wharfedale Super Linton: 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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