Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton. It ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699; the JBL 708i ranks #122, rated 3.7/5, and costs $2,998, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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 4.33 for the JBL 708i. 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 JBL 708i is the deeper-bass choice. A high-output 8 inch professional monitor with a compression driver and waveguide, designed to run bi-amplified with JBL processing. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. The tradeoff: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL 708i and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | JBL 708i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #122 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43.9Hz (measured active-mode, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm) | 17.2H x 9.8W x 11.5D in |
| 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” compression driver, 8” woofer |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90dB (1W/1m) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 4.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 6.21 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way passive/bi-amplified, dual front ports |
| Maximum SPL | - | 108dB continuous, 114dB peak |
| Amplifier Power | - | External Crown DCI amplifier and JBL DSP required for measured active configuration |
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