Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton. It ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $1,399 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the more accurate pick. 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 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. 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 GR-Research X-LS Encore is the deeper-bass option. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. The catch: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,399 you would save on the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not close the gap.
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.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| 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 | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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