Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton. It ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The Polk R200 ranks #178, rated 3.2/5, at $799, $1,900 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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 5.09 for the Polk R200. 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 case for the Polk R200: A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room. Watch for: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,900 you would save on the Polk R200 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.
A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Super Linton | Polk R200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $799.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #178 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 74Hz (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) | 14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 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 | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.61 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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