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 Sound 1723 Monitor THX ranks #55, rated 4.2/5, at $2,400, $299 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the more accurate pick. 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 5.16 for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX. The catch: Rolls off earlier than the original Linton (F3 77Hz versus the original’s 52Hz), a deliberate trade-off for the closer-wall-placement flexibility.
The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX is the deeper-bass option. A THX certified monitor with dual 8 inch woofers, a waveguide tweeter, and sturdy build for high output home theater rooms. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. Watch for: The measured on-axis average absolute deviation is 0.979dB and the sound-power directivity-index standard deviation is 3.63, so its response and dispersion are less even than the best alternatives.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $299 with the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $2,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #55 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 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 | Two 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.30 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Certification | - | THX Ultra |
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