Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton. It ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #50, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499, $1,200 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the more accurate choice. A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.09 against 4.89 for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Watch for: Rolls off earlier than the original Linton (F3 77Hz versus the original’s 52Hz), a deliberate trade-off for the closer-wall-placement flexibility.
What the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX does well: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. The catch: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,200 saving on the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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