Wharfedale Lintonchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Many owners describe the Linton's tonality as warm, smooth and musically engaging across a wide range of genres. This 'Wharfedale house sound' is cited repeatedly as the reason listeners fall in love with the speakers.

@Schlock3000

I tried a lot of much more expensive speakers at my home. B&W 702 S2, Wharfedale Aura, KEF R3 Meta... and I stopped at the Lintons :) I'd say the KEF R3 Meta might be the best compromise of analytical yet warm sound, but it needs a sub and I don't like subs. But surely a fantastic speaker.\n\nHowever the Lintons never try to be the most revealing speaker, yet they have a lot of resolution in the higher registers. It is not meant to be in your face, yet it makes you tap your feet and bop your head like no other speaker (for me). They do not have the ultra-tightest bass, but still very good and most importantly it fills your room. And they have about the best sounding mid-range, especially voices, of any speaker I've heard (except maybe the R3 Meta).\n\nThe Lintons stand for 2 important things for me:\n1. In a world, where every speaker company tries to make their speakers more revealing, more analytical, more \"sharp\" and tries to sell it as \"audiophile qualities\", the Lintons show us what a speaker must do. \n2. In a world of rarely acceptable price-value ratios, the Lintons make me wonder why they don't cost 2k or upwards. They are truly worth the money you spend on them, even with the stands.launch

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March 5, 2025

@puddleglumsmusiccollection9151

Sound amazing whatever they threw in there. Love it the way it is. Smooth, soundstage is great.launch

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July 31, 2023

@aounay

I was lucky enough to audition these vs. LS50Meta vs Wharfedale Evo4.2 vs Dali Oberon5 vs the same Monitor Audios back to back in a lovely audio store. I went into the store thinking I was going to buy the LS50Metas but came out with the Lintons. when you turn the volume up to fun levels it is the Linton every time. Bought them November 2022 and have zero regrets and have stopped looking at equipment.launch

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June 11, 2023

@drazenbabich

Love mine, my best speakers in my 30+ years listening to hi-fi. These are staying, had them for 2 years now and will for many more :) Just about everything on them is done 'just right'. An the design is timeless and they feel like pieces of furniture, not just speakers. I have done away with tall, designer-modern looking, slim monolith towers, not my thing anymore.launch

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March 18, 2023

Multiple long-term owners specifically praise the ability to listen for hours without ear fatigue, even at loud volumes. This is mentioned as a standout trait compared to more analytical or bright-sounding competitors.

@CorseSquadra

Ordered the Lintons (including the gorgeous stands, in walnut finish) after reading and watching every review available online. Waited 3.5 months for the AD to bring them due to backorder delay. Hooked them up to my vintage Onkyo TX-2500 Mk.II receiver. I had previously used a pair of Telefunken TLX-3 with IsoAcoustics isolating stands, which sadly had their crossovers blown, and no replacements were available anywhere. I was initially concerned of the relatively low power of the Onkyo (40W/ch @8Ω), but when I did the math I found out that they can drive the Lintons up to 94dB @ 1m. I don't really need that much in my medium sized dining room. The thing that impresses me most is the ease of the flow of music in the room. They can be played daily for hours on end, without getting tiring or annoying. Rock and metal songs are impressive, and I was able to recognize subtle details which were eluding me, even after 25 years of listening to them in all kinds of setups and mediums.\nThank you for the honest videos, and greeting from Nicosia, Cyprus!launch

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September 16, 2024

@jasonshort1437

The wife got me a set of these for my 50th birthday in April. I've thrown everything from avant jazz, prog rock, electronic, hardcore punk, country to classical at them and they handled it all with ease. They don't hype any part of the frequency spectrum and they are very honest. I've had many loud, all day listening sessions on them and they don't kill your ears. Like mentioned, placement is key and they really did need a bit of break in before the sound really started to bloom. Two thumbs up!launch

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December 25, 2022

@gregorytrane7828

Nice review. These speakers are rated favorably throughout the audio world and many prefer them over higher end speakers costing much more because their sound is non-fatiguing, warm, balanced and doesn't over emphasize the mid range and highs with weaker bass, like many high end speakers offer these days, to gain a better image and Soundstage. These will be my next speakers.launch

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December 17, 2022

@RobCCTV

Truly great speakers. The mid range is mind blowing. Vocals are incredibly clear and smooth. The bass (if away from the wall) is punchy and controlled. ZERO listening fatigue, listening to these speakers for hours. Had them for months, and I strongly recommend them to anyone.launch

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August 22, 2022

Commenters frequently note the Linton punches well above its price, outperforming or matching speakers costing two to ten times as much in comparisons. Several call them a 'steal' or note they wonder why they don't cost more.

@Schlock3000

I tried a lot of much more expensive speakers at my home. B&W 702 S2, Wharfedale Aura, KEF R3 Meta... and I stopped at the Lintons :) I'd say the KEF R3 Meta might be the best compromise of analytical yet warm sound, but it needs a sub and I don't like subs. But surely a fantastic speaker.\n\nHowever the Lintons never try to be the most revealing speaker, yet they have a lot of resolution in the higher registers. It is not meant to be in your face, yet it makes you tap your feet and bop your head like no other speaker (for me). They do not have the ultra-tightest bass, but still very good and most importantly it fills your room. And they have about the best sounding mid-range, especially voices, of any speaker I've heard (except maybe the R3 Meta).\n\nThe Lintons stand for 2 important things for me:\n1. In a world, where every speaker company tries to make their speakers more revealing, more analytical, more \"sharp\" and tries to sell it as \"audiophile qualities\", the Lintons show us what a speaker must do. \n2. In a world of rarely acceptable price-value ratios, the Lintons make me wonder why they don't cost 2k or upwards. They are truly worth the money you spend on them, even with the stands.launch

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March 5, 2025

@kevinmallory5237

A audio bud of mine and I were auditioning a pair of Harbeth C7ES-3 XD powered through top shelf Naim and Marantz amps. We could not figure out what was missing - vocals on many of our favorite tracks were not coming through with good warmth and tone. We thought our amps may have been the problem (both rated over 100 W). After hours of listening, we were frustrated and decided to go home to recompose and go at it the following day. Before we left, we decided to listen to the Linton's - blew us both away. Better vocals, big fully enveloping sound stage, and very nice and surprising bass. He bought the Linton's over the Harbeth, plus an nice turntable, and still had money to spare.launch

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December 23, 2024

@aounay

I was lucky enough to audition these vs. LS50Meta vs Wharfedale Evo4.2 vs Dali Oberon5 vs the same Monitor Audios back to back in a lovely audio store. I went into the store thinking I was going to buy the LS50Metas but came out with the Lintons. when you turn the volume up to fun levels it is the Linton every time. Bought them November 2022 and have zero regrets and have stopped looking at equipment.launch

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June 11, 2023

@gregorytrane7828

Nice review. These speakers are rated favorably throughout the audio world and many prefer them over higher end speakers costing much more because their sound is non-fatiguing, warm, balanced and doesn't over emphasize the mid range and highs with weaker bass, like many high end speakers offer these days, to gain a better image and Soundstage. These will be my next speakers.launch

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December 17, 2022

Reviewers consistently single out the midrange and vocal reproduction as exceptional, describing performances as lifelike and present. Several call this the best vocal reproduction they have heard at the price.

@Schlock3000

I tried a lot of much more expensive speakers at my home. B&W 702 S2, Wharfedale Aura, KEF R3 Meta... and I stopped at the Lintons :) I'd say the KEF R3 Meta might be the best compromise of analytical yet warm sound, but it needs a sub and I don't like subs. But surely a fantastic speaker.\n\nHowever the Lintons never try to be the most revealing speaker, yet they have a lot of resolution in the higher registers. It is not meant to be in your face, yet it makes you tap your feet and bop your head like no other speaker (for me). They do not have the ultra-tightest bass, but still very good and most importantly it fills your room. And they have about the best sounding mid-range, especially voices, of any speaker I've heard (except maybe the R3 Meta).\n\nThe Lintons stand for 2 important things for me:\n1. In a world, where every speaker company tries to make their speakers more revealing, more analytical, more \"sharp\" and tries to sell it as \"audiophile qualities\", the Lintons show us what a speaker must do. \n2. In a world of rarely acceptable price-value ratios, the Lintons make me wonder why they don't cost 2k or upwards. They are truly worth the money you spend on them, even with the stands.launch

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March 5, 2025

@kevinmallory5237

A audio bud of mine and I were auditioning a pair of Harbeth C7ES-3 XD powered through top shelf Naim and Marantz amps. We could not figure out what was missing - vocals on many of our favorite tracks were not coming through with good warmth and tone. We thought our amps may have been the problem (both rated over 100 W). After hours of listening, we were frustrated and decided to go home to recompose and go at it the following day. Before we left, we decided to listen to the Linton's - blew us both away. Better vocals, big fully enveloping sound stage, and very nice and surprising bass. He bought the Linton's over the Harbeth, plus an nice turntable, and still had money to spare.launch

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December 23, 2024

@RobCCTV

Truly great speakers. The mid range is mind blowing. Vocals are incredibly clear and smooth. The bass (if away from the wall) is punchy and controlled. ZERO listening fatigue, listening to these speakers for hours. Had them for months, and I strongly recommend them to anyone.launch

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August 22, 2022

@guystpierrecomposer

That is kind of bizarre... I own the Linton and I love them. They are colored but not at all with the regular \"V shape\". The mid are really revealing and I can easily judge subtleties of a mastering on those. After your review of Sony's sscs5 I got them for my 5.1 home setup. From a measurement point of view, the Sony seems \"way better\" to you. In reality, the Linton are 10 times better with there flaws then the Sony .... And I'm pretty sure the Sony with your modification would not at all compete with the Linton as is (I would be very curious to hear that). This commentary come from a sound engineer working with Focal 5k $ monitor speakers in a tuned room all day long... nevertheless , your channel is very interesting and I guess there is an explanation on that gap between my \"in reality impression\" versus measurements....launch

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December 15, 2021

When properly positioned, the bass is described as punchy, controlled and surprisingly extended for a stand-mount speaker, filling the room without needing a subwoofer for many listeners.

@Schlock3000

I tried a lot of much more expensive speakers at my home. B&W 702 S2, Wharfedale Aura, KEF R3 Meta... and I stopped at the Lintons :) I'd say the KEF R3 Meta might be the best compromise of analytical yet warm sound, but it needs a sub and I don't like subs. But surely a fantastic speaker.\n\nHowever the Lintons never try to be the most revealing speaker, yet they have a lot of resolution in the higher registers. It is not meant to be in your face, yet it makes you tap your feet and bop your head like no other speaker (for me). They do not have the ultra-tightest bass, but still very good and most importantly it fills your room. And they have about the best sounding mid-range, especially voices, of any speaker I've heard (except maybe the R3 Meta).\n\nThe Lintons stand for 2 important things for me:\n1. In a world, where every speaker company tries to make their speakers more revealing, more analytical, more \"sharp\" and tries to sell it as \"audiophile qualities\", the Lintons show us what a speaker must do. \n2. In a world of rarely acceptable price-value ratios, the Lintons make me wonder why they don't cost 2k or upwards. They are truly worth the money you spend on them, even with the stands.launch

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March 5, 2025

@leonardgucciardo8386

I have the 85th anniversary Lintons attached to a Wilsenton R8 and the realism is incredible. If you close your eyes you would think you were center stage. Price wise I don’t think you can get a better set of speakers to work with tube amps. The efficiency of these speakers makes it possible to get theater or an intimate club sound right in your living room. Put about 100 hours on them and they really explode with the range they were designed for. Would love to move up to the super Lintons but I don’t have the room for another set of speakers. That’s the problem with the hobby. You have to have room for all that electronic candy.launch

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November 24, 2024

@RobCCTV

Truly great speakers. The mid range is mind blowing. Vocals are incredibly clear and smooth. The bass (if away from the wall) is punchy and controlled. ZERO listening fatigue, listening to these speakers for hours. Had them for months, and I strongly recommend them to anyone.launch

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August 22, 2022

@johanbeeckaert

I have them connected to a Lyngdorf amplifier with RoomPerfect and they sound fantastic.From highs to the lows, they are very balanced and with RoomPerfect, they image very good with a large and deep podium. They surprise me every time, given the price. They are way better than my KEF LS50 Wireless or my Focals Aria. They put music first, you just sit down, relax and enjoy.. with other speakers I'm always busy with the next step.. now this is over. Oh and my seventies and eighties records do finally sound good..launch

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July 5, 2022

Owners praise the cabinet construction, real wood veneer, and included matching stands as top quality and beautiful, giving a furniture-like presence. Several note the speakers are surprisingly hefty and well made despite being manufactured in China.

@MrJueKa

imo the Wharfedale Linton and the smaller Denton sound well balancend and not annoying, so they are better for long time listening in contrast to many other modern concept speakers in this prise range ... and they look like \"real\" loudspeakers and not like designer furniture ... I`ve the same impression with all the other retro concept speakers made in the UK and together with British amps they all are \"a bingo\" for my ears and heart with a huge fun factor ... and especially the compact boxes are imo highly recommended for \"normal\" living rooms of \"normal\" people ... by the way, I don`t care whether speakers are \"wife friendly\" or not ;-) \nin Germany, where I live, the Lintons + original stands are already available for about 1,100 EUROS/pair = 1,110 USD as a regular price (as of mid-2022)launch

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July 16, 2022

@brucemitchell5092

Good review. I owned these and loved their tonality and great bass resolution. Your comment on the toms - upper bass- these are stellar. Ultimately I could not get the width of soundstage in my room, and have been using a narrower baffle (and much more expensive) speaker. Your comment on appearance and quality of the speakers and stands is also spot on too. I thought that these would be a budget Harbeth, but their presentation is very different and warmer - not as much resolution of detail and “realness”. But Harbeth SLH5 + are what, 3x the price! Congrats on having a real sponsor, but I do miss Sith’s “high value” products.launch

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February 11, 2022

@hmrowland6114

$1,400 with the amazing stands. The cabinet is three layers, MDO and chip board + the Wood veneer is beautiful. Set-up: the tweeters go to the insde, so there is a definite R/L speaker. I would love to have a pair. Love my Wharffie Evo 4.3 and 4.2. Hands off my Wharffie's geek!launch

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February 9, 2022

@beninski707

Your video helped me decide on pulling the trigger on these. Yes, they are made in China and yes China makes a lot of crap but these speakers are truly an exception. Their build is extremely high quality. They are hefty at 40 lbs each with matching steel/wood stands at 30 lbs apiece. The real wood veneer is gorgeous. Even the grills are top notch. I love the retro look and feel of these Lintons. Most of all, they sound great!! I was using the mighty Klipsch RF7iiis for both home theatre and 2 channel listening but for music listening, They were just a little too forward in the treble region for my liking The Lintons remedied this problem and I now enjoy my vinyl collection all the more.launch

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September 7, 2020

Owners report good results pairing the Linton with modest solid-state amps, NAD, tube amps, and even lower-wattage integrated amps thanks to their sensitivity, making them flexible for various budgets.

@leonardgucciardo8386

I have the 85th anniversary Lintons attached to a Wilsenton R8 and the realism is incredible. If you close your eyes you would think you were center stage. Price wise I don’t think you can get a better set of speakers to work with tube amps. The efficiency of these speakers makes it possible to get theater or an intimate club sound right in your living room. Put about 100 hours on them and they really explode with the range they were designed for. Would love to move up to the super Lintons but I don’t have the room for another set of speakers. That’s the problem with the hobby. You have to have room for all that electronic candy.launch

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November 24, 2024

@casey_goins

Your video convinced me to get these. I agonized for a week over the purchase but I finally decided to call local shops to see if anyone had a pair in stock. Being in Nashville you’d think it would be a sure thing - but nope. I’d all but given up until I checked the Wharfedale website and found out there is a dealer in town that specializes more in the ultra high end stuff than vintage. Gave him a call and he told me he has to make some room and I could have them AT COST! Picked them up same day and I’m in love ever since. My 2238b has no problem driving them. \n\nI got the mahogany with stands for about half what I would’ve paid out the door anywhere else. Deal of a lifetimelaunch

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October 7, 2024

@CorseSquadra

Ordered the Lintons (including the gorgeous stands, in walnut finish) after reading and watching every review available online. Waited 3.5 months for the AD to bring them due to backorder delay. Hooked them up to my vintage Onkyo TX-2500 Mk.II receiver. I had previously used a pair of Telefunken TLX-3 with IsoAcoustics isolating stands, which sadly had their crossovers blown, and no replacements were available anywhere. I was initially concerned of the relatively low power of the Onkyo (40W/ch @8Ω), but when I did the math I found out that they can drive the Lintons up to 94dB @ 1m. I don't really need that much in my medium sized dining room. The thing that impresses me most is the ease of the flow of music in the room. They can be played daily for hours on end, without getting tiring or annoying. Rock and metal songs are impressive, and I was able to recognize subtle details which were eluding me, even after 25 years of listening to them in all kinds of setups and mediums.\nThank you for the honest videos, and greeting from Nicosia, Cyprus!launch

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September 16, 2024

@brianbieniowski2777

What a treat to see you review these speakers, John. I've had my Lintons for about two years. For me, they represent the sweet spot for my rather broad, yet specific, tastes -- they add meat to the bones on thinner 80s indie recordings like Microdisney, but absolutely bounce with techno (my \"do I like the sound of this gear\" test LPs are Nuron's LA Source and Seefeel's Succour). They have scaled nicely as I've upgraded other elements in my chain too - sounded great with a Rega Elex-R, but positively glow with a lower watt tube amp (I've a 44 watt Primaluna now). Sure, I think about Spendor or Harbeth, but it's hard to convince myself it'll be worth the money — these are keepers.launch

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June 10, 2023