Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speaker review & measurements by Erin's Audio Corner

[cavedriver]

This:

that is the "85th anniversary" version, or current base model. And yes, it is rear ported and is the same speaker that was reviewed as referenced in this thread.

 

[dfuller]

I prefer putting speakers as close to the wall as I can, and cutting back the boundary bass boost. Free headroom, less SBIR.

 

[Soniclife]

I prefer putting speakers as close to the wall as I can, and cutting back the boundary bass boost. Free headroom, less SBIR.

I agree, but getting the DSP right isn't simple, at least for me in my room, but results can be incredible when you do.

 

[IngMishael]

I prefer putting speakers as close to the wall as I can, and cutting back the boundary bass boost. Free headroom, less SBIR.

hear hear

 

[TheBatsEar]

A reviewer in Brazil wrote this about the Linton: not everyone can keep it 1 meter away from the wall. What do you think about this? (I'm currently buying the regular Linton, not the 85).

It's true. But it's as true for small speakers.

I think there are two large things that should be considered with speaker placement:

1. The more space between speakers and boundary walls, the more precise they stereo image can be. The reason is that you want reflections come as late and as attenuated as possible, direct sound from the speaker should come first and be louder, so you ears can better distinguish and rebuild the stereo image.
2. You get boost from boundary walls in lower frequencies, so you might want to place smaller speakers near to a wall or corner, but that costs stereo separation. I think this is the source of "place small speakers near walls" and "place large speakers away from walls".

I for one would say place all speakers away from walls for best stereo imaging, and then use one or two subwoofers near corners in combination with PEQ to get acceptable low end.

Sadly, most of us have to compromise in real life, so we use rugs, uneven bookshelf fronts, plants and other stuff to reduce the negative impact of early reflections. And sometimes you just have to deal with the cards you get and live with a suboptimal stereo image.

 

[raindance]

You can always plug the ports to place them near the wall. The Linton 85 is not designed for close wall placement unless you have EQ or can plug the ports or both.

The Super Linton IS designed for close wall placement and will work much better with the ports open.

 

[KLi]

A reviewer in Brazil wrote this about the Linton: not everyone can keep it 1 meter away from the wall. What do you think about this? (I'm currently buying the regular Linton, not the 85).

It just needs a small space between the walls, at least 1 meter behind it, and 60 cm from the side walls, to perform at its best.

Hi, I have it with the distance of a hand from the wall, the85th (see profile pic), and they sound spectacular. There just is no more space in my small room. Could it be better? Maybe, I don't care.

 

[cavedriver]

Mine were 3.5' feet from the wall, but they also used to have a credenza between them that spanned the distance between them. When I removed this and replaced it with a typical audio component rack the imaging and clarity improved dramatically. Literally night and day getting rid of all that reflecting surface. Whatever you can do- get those speakers away from surfaces that can generate early reflections!

 

[Snoopy]

Mine were 3.5' feet from the wall, but they also used to have a credenza between them that spanned the distance between them. When I removed this and replaced it with a typical audio component rack the imaging and clarity improved dramatically. Literally night and day getting rid of all that reflecting surface. Whatever you can do- get those speakers away from surfaces that can generate early reflections!

I had exactly the same experience with my super Linton. Had a TV between, removed the TV but ended up having a desk there that covered the whole area between them.

Got a real HiFi Rack from solidsteel. And what a difference for the loudspeakers. And also my turntable and its isolation.

 

[Infinit0]

Any of the owners of the linton have succesfuly added a subwoofer?
I am thinking in buying a REL t7x I think it will be a good match.

On the other hand, I am using Dirac Live and plan to buy Dirac Bass Correction too.

I have just auditioned (Subjective comment please) the Super Linton.
I must say they are a more "modern" sound compared to the original Linton, of course they sound clearer/brighter for me, specially in the. mids. Also I have noticed a better bass (If you add a sub doesn't matter in my case). Not sure in long sessions if they will fatigue instead of the relaxed/warmth sound in the original Linton. Are great speakers, but for me not worth the upgrade and not a good price/value ratio than the original Lintons.

So having in mind that, again, with price/value relation, I would say I much preffer the killer combo of Original Linton + Dirac + a sub probably
But if you have the extra money and you don't care, Super are a good option too.

 

[Snoopy]

Dirac live won’t work if you plan to use the high level connections of the rel. because you will be removing the low frequencies from the loudspeakers.

And if you don’t use the high level connection I don’t really see a reason to spend more on a rel subwoofer.

 

[Infinit0]

Dirac live won’t work if you plan to use the high level connections of the rel. because you will be removing the low frequencies from the loudspeakers.

And if you don’t use the high level connection I don’t really see a reason to spend more on a rel subwoofer.

Yes I have just realised that... the thing is my amplifier doesn't have sub output (Rega Elicit mk5) sadly.
I won't change the amplifier I am happy with pairing with the Linton

So my only option was REL, I could add 1 or 2 not sure still about it
But I Will be applying DIRAC Live normally, without bass control because of that reason

The only viable option will be to add a miniDPS Flex into the equation... but I don't want to, also more money...
Woah...

 

[Soniclife]

So my only option was REL

It's not, plenty of subs have high level inputs, rel just seem weirdly popular for the cost and quality.

 

[Miniyouuuu]

I have the Lintons plus 2 sub (SVS SB2000) and a miniDSP flex digital.
Lintons have a wonderful bass for the price. Nice chest punch.
In my house Subs get below 20hz’s in my room and fill some room-modes so the bass is more even. But I wouldn’t recommend these subs without any DSP.

Regarding the SuperLinton, it sounds more modern, more polite, clearer highs but less character to my ears.

 

[Abdo]

This post is answering some questions for me, because I've always heard that Super Lintons are more analytical and have less of the sound of the past.

I'm still undecided about which one to buy. Besides the more vintage sound of the Linton, here in Brazil the Super Lintons cost twice as much.

Is the difference really that big, or is it worth it?

And one last question: even after adjusting the Super Linton, would it sound the same as the Linton?

 

[Miniyouuuu]

Why would you want to convert the SuperLinton to Linton?
The SuperLinton sound very different to the Linton, much more than what I would think (or want).
I want more detail for the Lintons but the super Lintons are not my taste. I’m close to change them for the Mofi SourcePoint. Nice mid-range, a tad elevated in the highs, but huge holography of sound.

 

[Infinit0]

It's not, plenty of subs have high level inputs, rel just seem weirdly popular for the cost and quality.

I have the Lintons plus 2 sub (SVS SB2000) and a miniDSP flex digital.
Lintons have a wonderful bass for the price. Nice chest punch.
In my house Subs get below 20hz’s in my room and fill some room-modes so the bass is more even. But I wouldn’t recommend these subs without any DSP.

Regarding the SuperLinton, it sounds more modern, more polite, clearer highs but less character to my ears.

Yes I know, the thing is I am between:
- Adding 1 REL t7x
- Adding 2
- Adding 1 SVS 1000 Pro
- Adding 2
- Do nothing

The problem is in any case I wont be applying dirac bass control, so that makes me think 1 sub could be better to add in my room
I usuallly do 50/50 movies and music and my room is about 5.2m x 4.4m (24 m2 aprox)

I am already using Dirac LIVE with nice results, if I want to also do Dirac bass control I would need to buy a MiniDPS Flex, but that's more money and as I said I am not convinced to do it, because in that case I think the decission is obvious (2x SVS 1000 pro).

 

[Miniyouuuu]

MiniDSP flex lacks Dirac bass control, offering only Dirac Live (stereo-only). For more channels, you’ll need MiniDSP flex eight or MiniDSP HT. Regular MiniDSP flex allows independent adjustment of four channels, but Dirac Live recognizes only two. Manual setup is required for these subwoofers.

I’m happy with SVS sealed subs. Pro models include DSP for better integration.

2 subs give you better low bass control and dispersion around the room. But 1 sub is cheaper and easier to integrate without any MiniDSP. You could start with just one sub and later integrate the second.

 

[Infinit0]

Well finally I have decided to go with REL Classic 98 just for the looks... I cannot convince my wife otherwise. The 99 is too much for my room and too big aesthestics too...
Probably is not the best match but is what I can buy, lol...

I am just deciding if do a trade-off of my Linton with the Super Linton for 999 extra bucks, they take it as part of the payment. I am still not convinced that the end result would end up being a little more fatigue or to forward in the treble + too many detail, specially with my rega...

 

[Miniyouuuu]

I remember the Rega to be quite calm and warm. I don’t think I would be a bad match with the SuperLintons. My issue with these SuperLintons is the politeness that the Lintons don’t have. You don’t have the precision, the upper frequencies roll-off is killing all the brightness, but Lintons are very cohesive gently in their concept.