Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50 on measured sound quality, the Wharfedale Super Linton on price. The Buchardt Audio E50 ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The Wharfedale Super Linton ranks #25, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699, $1,901 cheaper.
Why pick the Wharfedale Super Linton: A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box. 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 Buchardt Audio E50 is the deeper-bass choice. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. Watch for: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Buchardt Audio E50 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
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 | Buchardt Audio E50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $4600 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (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) | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 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 | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Passive radiator loaded |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2000Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 60W - 200W |
| Country | - | Denmark |
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