Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton. It ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $2,699 and is still sold new; the Buchardt S400 MKII ranks #111 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Buchardt S400 MKII’s replacement, the Buchardt S400 MK3, is rated 4.0/5 at $2,300.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the more accurate option. 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 5.38 for the Buchardt S400 MKII. The tradeoff: 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 S400 MKII is the deeper-bass option. Bookshelf speakers with very flat sound, precise imaging and adjustable bass, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its bass reaches about 59Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. The tradeoff: Sounds a bit bright and slightly boosted above about 7-8kHz on-axis, even with 30° of toe-out: benefits from about 1 inch of sidewall absorption at the first reflection points to tame it.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Buchardt S400 MKII is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Buchardt S400 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $2400 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (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) | 14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.46 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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