Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton on measured sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 on price. The Wharfedale Super Linton ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 ranks #48, rated 4.2/5, at $549, $2,150 cheaper.
What the Wharfedale Super Linton does well: A retro styled three way bookshelf speaker with punchy dynamics, a matched pair, and custom stands included in the box. 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 is the deeper-bass option. A great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. Watch for: Slight recessed upper-midrange around 2kHz from the tweeter-to-woofer handoff.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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 great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size.
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 | Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $549 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #48 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) | 62Hz (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” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps) |
| Drivers | 8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter | 1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Bass reflex, rear ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.93 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.6kHz |
| Power Handling | - | 125W continuous, 200W peak |
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