Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#24 and #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers), and the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 costs $798 against $2,699 for the Wharfedale Super Linton, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
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 5.33 for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. 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.
The case for the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2: A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price. The tradeoff: Bass rolls off early for the cabinet size, measuring 77.6Hz at -3dB, 64.5Hz at -6dB, and 48.3Hz at -12dB; the preference score without a subwoofer is only 5.33.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $1,901 less than the Wharfedale Super Linton.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box.
A dual woofer bookshelf speaker with accurate sound, high sensitivity, and lots of clean output, a superb partner for a subwoofer at a modest price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $798 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 53Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 21 x 7.5 x 10.5 in each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 27mm soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB at 2.83V/1m anechoic |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.99 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 240W continuous; 400W short-term peak |
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