Short answer: the Wharfedale Super Linton if sound quality matters most, the Polk Reserve R100 if price matters most. The Wharfedale Super Linton ranks #25 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $2,699. The Polk Reserve R100 ranks #160, rated 3.4/5, at $699, $2,000 cheaper.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is the more accurate option. 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 5.46 for the Polk Reserve R100. 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 Polk Reserve R100 is the deeper-bass option. Compact bookshelf speakers with unusually useful bass for their size and a vent that avoids port noise. Its bass reaches about 68Hz before falling 3dB, against 77Hz for the Wharfedale Super Linton. The catch: Erin measured only about 85dB sensitivity and the impedance reaches 3.6 ohms, so it is neither efficient nor an entirely benign AVR load.
Buy the Wharfedale Super Linton if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Polk Reserve R100 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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.
Compact bookshelf speakers with unusually useful bass for their size and a vent that avoids port noise.
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 | Polk Reserve R100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 per pair | $699.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #160 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (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 6.5”W x 10.2”D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 3.6 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 | 1” Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter; 5.25” Turbine Cone midwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear X-Port |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.09 | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.94 | 7.93 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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