Linton 85 / Q Concerto Meta / AE300 MkII for low level listening

[bh69]

Hi,
I’m currently considering the Wharfedale Linton 85 as one of three possible speakers for a small/medium-room nearfield system.

What attracts me to the Linton is its musical and engaging character. I’ve noticed that quite a few experienced listeners seem to become genuinely attached to it, rather than merely describing it as “good for the money”. That aspect is important to me.

However, I mainly listen to classical music, baroque music, vocal music and jazz, at relatively low listening levels.

My concern is whether the Linton’s warm/full presentation becomes a problem with complex classical recordings:

• Does the bass remain well defined rather than becoming somewhat boomy?
• Can you follow individual instruments/sections in a dense orchestral tutti?
• Does it preserve contrapuntal detail and spatial separation, or can the orchestra turn into a somewhat homogeneous “wall of sound”?
• How does it behave at low listening levels?
• Most importantly: after listening for an hour, do you find yourself thinking about the speaker, or does it simply make you want to keep listening to the music?

I’m less interested in ultimate neutrality or laboratory performance than in a speaker that is non-fatiguing, tonally natural and emotionally engaging.

I’m also considering the Acoustic Energy AE300 MkII and KEF Q Concerto Meta, so I’d particularly appreciate comparisons with either of those if someone has direct experience.

For context, my current system is a WiiM Pro Plus feeding a WiiM Vibelink power amplifier. I listen nearfield, roughly 1–1.5 m from the speakers, and usually at quite low levels (roughly 40–60 dB). I also have tone/EQ adjustment available in the WiiM, so I’m not particularly concerned about small frequency-response deviations that could easily be corrected. What matters much more to me is the overall character, lack of harshness or distracting resonances, bass definition and, above all, whether the speaker lets me forget about hi-fi and simply enjoy the music.

Thanks

 

[Matt_Holland]

I’m less interested in ultimate neutrality or laboratory performance than in a speaker that is non-fatiguing, tonally natural and emotionally engaging.

Neutrality, extended bass, lack of resonances and low distortion are exactly what you want. Measurements will point you in the right direction.

I’m also considering the Acoustic Energy AE300 MkII and KEF Q Concerto Meta, so I’d particularly appreciate comparisons with either of those if someone has direct experience.

Sorry I have not experience with the Lintons or AE. The KEF would tick your box for low fatigue and smooth, neutral character.

. I listen nearfield, roughly 1–1.5 m from the speakers, and usually at quite low levels (roughly 40–60 dB).

Nearfield listening might steer you towards a coaxial design like the KEF for more consistency of tonal balance and imaging stability if your head position moves around. In practice with a well designed conventional mid-tweeter configuration this shouldn’t be a problem. Directivity heatmaps can guide you here. There is something about the KEF coaxials. I’ve always found them very easy to listen to produce a natural and wide soundstage.

I also have tone/EQ adjustment available in the WiiM, so I’m not particularly concerned about small frequency-response deviations that could easily be corrected.

As you listen at low SPL I would look at using the EQ to adjust the bass levels to compensate for the hearings lower sensitivity at lower SPLs. (see equal loudness contours).

What matters much more to me is the overall character, lack of harshness or distracting resonances, bass definition and, above all, whether the speaker lets me forget about hi-fi and simply enjoy the music.

Thanks

Choose a neutral speaker with a flat, smooth on-axis response, with good directivity and low distortion. You can add “character” using EQ.

 

[Cote Dazur]

Hi,
I’m currently considering the Wharfedale Linton 85 as one of three possible speakers for a small/medium-room nearfield system.

What attracts me to the Linton is its musical and engaging character. I’ve noticed that quite a few experienced listeners seem to become genuinely attached to it, rather than merely describing it as “good for the money”. That aspect is important to me.

However, I mainly listen to classical music, baroque music, vocal music and jazz, at relatively low listening levels.

My concern is whether the Linton’s warm/full presentation becomes a problem with complex classical recordings:

• Does the bass remain well defined rather than becoming somewhat boomy?
• Can you follow individual instruments/sections in a dense orchestral tutti?
• Does it preserve contrapuntal detail and spatial separation, or can the orchestra turn into a somewhat homogeneous “wall of sound”?
• How does it behave at low listening levels?
• Most importantly: after listening for an hour, do you find yourself thinking about the speaker, or does it simply make you want to keep listening to the music?

I’m less interested in ultimate neutrality or laboratory performance than in a speaker that is non-fatiguing, tonally natural and emotionally engaging.

I’m also considering the Acoustic Energy AE300 MkII and KEF Q Concerto Meta, so I’d particularly appreciate comparisons with either of those if someone has direct experience.

For context, my current system is a WiiM Pro Plus feeding a WiiM Vibelink power amplifier. I listen nearfield, roughly 1–1.5 m from the speakers, and usually at quite low levels (roughly 40–60 dB). I also have tone/EQ adjustment available in the WiiM, so I’m not particularly concerned about small frequency-response deviations that could easily be corrected. What matters much more to me is the overall character, lack of harshness or distracting resonances, bass definition and, above all, whether the speaker lets me forget about hi-fi and simply enjoy the music.

Thanks

I have no opinion on the Linton, but what I know is that where in a given room the speakers are located and where you sit is a key element to enjoy. (Or not ) any speaker. You seem to be some how emotionally attach to the Linton, I think you will make it work for you.
Let us how how it goes.

 

[Mnyb]

Sitting 1 meter from the lintons may not lead to that god driver integration, suppose they need more distance to meld together coherently.

A coaxial speaker lends itself to closer proximity, and as high level is not a requirement even better. Coaxial may not be the best for very high spl solutions ( unless as compression drivers in some kind of horn ) .

 

[bh69]

One more option - a DIY columns with a full-range driver (Marketaudio MAOP 11 MS seems to be good).

 

[Cote Dazur]

One more option

At this point, I would recommend that you start by reading speaker reviews from Amir and also read the pinned articles in a speaker review thread.
it will help you narrow down what matters and what does not matter when choosing loudspeakers.

 

[Matt_Holland]

Ascilab and Audio First worth looking at as well. Might want a sub to go with their smaller stand mounters though.