Wharfedale
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Best classic sound for discerning audio enthusiasts.
The Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are a tribute to a classic design, offering a warm and engaging listening experience. These 3-way speakers feature an 8-inch woven Kevlar bass driver, a dedicated midrange driver, and a soft-dome tweeter for a rich and detailed soundstage. Designed for both music and home theater, they deliver impressive bass response and clarity. The classic aesthetic, available in Walnut, Black Oak, and Mahogany Red finishes, complements any decor, making them a stylish as well as an auditory pleasure.
$1999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3298
/ 10803
#3298 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+15%
Above average
Type
3
/ -way bookshelf speakers
Who it's for
- Music enthusiasts desiring a classic, immersive audio experience.
- Home decorators valuing vintage style and premium craftsmanship.
- Discerning audiophiles seeking premium sound without breaking the bank.
Who should skip it
- Apartment residents or those with limited living space.
- Listeners preferring flexible and easy speaker placement.
- Casual listeners using entry-level or budget audio equipment.
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Three-way design creates an expansive, immersive listening environment for any room.
Bass Authority
The eight-inch Kevlar driver delivers punchy, controlled low-end without distortion.
Aesthetic Appeal
Classic wood veneer finishes offer a timeless, sophisticated look for modern homes.
Midrange Clarity
Dedicated driver ensures vocals and instruments sound natural and remarkably present.
Amplifier Versatility
Handles a wide power range, making them easy to pair with various amps.
Build Substance
Heavy, rigid cabinets minimize resonance for a clean, uncolored audio output.
Key Specs
Type
3-way bookshelf speakers
Woofer
8" woven Kevlar
Midrange
5"
Tweeter
1" soft dome
Frequency Response
40Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity
88dB
Impedance
6 Ohm
Recommended Amplifier Power
25-200W
Know before you buy
While they are technically bookshelf speakers, they are quite large and heavy at over 42 pounds each. They are designed to be placed on dedicated stands to achieve the correct listening height and to properly showcase their aesthetic, rather than being tucked away on a standard shelf.
The Lintons are relatively efficient with an 88dB sensitivity, but they perform best with a quality amplifier. We recommend an amplifier rated between 25 and 200 watts per channel to ensure you have enough headroom to drive the 8-inch bass driver properly.
The 3-way configuration uses a dedicated driver for the midrange, which allows the speaker to handle vocals and instruments with much greater clarity and separation. By offloading the midrange duties from the bass driver, the soundstage feels more open, detailed, and less congested.
Because of their 8-inch woofer and substantial cabinet size, they can easily overwhelm a very small room with too much bass. They are best suited for medium-to-large listening spaces where they have enough room to breathe and project their soundstage.
For most music listening, you likely won't need one. The 8-inch woven Kevlar bass driver is capable of reaching down to 40Hz, providing a deep, punchy, and natural low-end that is sufficient for most stereo setups.
Yes, they are excellent for home theater. Their detailed soundstage and dynamic range make them very capable front speakers for movies, though you may want to pair them with a matching center channel if you are building a full surround sound system.
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