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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ ranks #185 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Emotiva Airmotiv B2+’s replacement, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, is rated 4.2/5 at $549.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the better-sounding choice. 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 Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is the deeper-bass option. A discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output. Its bass reaches about 66Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. The tradeoff: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ is discontinued.
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 discontinued bookshelf speaker with a folded ribbon tweeter, punchy midbass and a 6.5 inch woofer with good output.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $449 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #185 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 66Hz (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) | 12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.96 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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