Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton for better sound quality, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 for the lower price. The Wharfedale Super Linton ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 ranks #113, rated 3.8/5, at $468, $2,231 cheaper.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the better-sounding pick. A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box. 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 CBM-170 SE2: Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms. The catch: A narrow dip in the on-axis and listening-window response appears in the 3-5kHz range (down to about -2.7dB), mirrored by a matching dip in the directivity index at the same frequencies: likely a brief widening of dispersion right at the tweeter/woofer crossover.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box.
Compact two-way bookshelf speakers with a SEAS tweeter, a very flat midrange and smooth sound that suits most rooms.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 Super Linton | Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $468 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #113 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 12H x 9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter, 6.5” proprietary composite polygel cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.8dB (2.83V/1m, measured, manufacturer spinorama data; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 6.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 8.66 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 200W continuous, 400W peak |
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