John, you're quite correct about the design aims of these speakers. I conceived the design of the Linton 85 to bring back the type of sound that I remember back in the mid '70s when I was managing a hi-fi shop and selling Wharfedale loudspeakers (among others of course). The aspect that people liked about Wharfedale is that you could play any style of music, no matter what the recording quality, and they would always sound enjoyable. That's what I worked hard to maintain in Linton 85 while bringing the whole speaker performance up to date to suit modern sources and equipment. It seems (judging by Linton 85 sales and the longevity of this design) that a lot of people love this type of performance today. However, there were a few users who (perhaps like yourself) wanted a bit more out of this design, particularly regarding clarity, detailing, image focus and transient attack. Those are the listeners for whom I designed Super Linton. I'm hoping that you agree that what is most likeable about Linton 85 has been retained in the Super Linton but those aspects that some people were wanting so much have been added.
Thanks for saying more about the Super vs the Zu, John. Much appreciated. After 10 days of playing my New Supers with a Yamaha Amp, I have now put my Willsenton R8 back in the chain with very, very pleasing results. A great combination in my room! Agree with everything you said here about the sound of the Linton 85.
There’s so many great channels that review audio equipment and I’d hate to pick the best cause you’re all a bit different but you’re my favorite if that means anything. Your recommended albums and bands are a bonus. Great review.
One thing that I don’t think has been mentioned yet about the Super Lintons- did they retain the regular Lintons’s “listen to for hours and hours” quality, or another way to put it, are the Supers as free from listening fatigue as the regular Lintons are?
They have much more presence for sure. But, not quite fatiguing. Most of the irritating frequencies are still rolled off. I think they are better than the heritage 85. Just realize that these are definitely not HiFI reference speakers. These are a mi-fi version of the Linton.
Thank you for following up your review of the Super Linton speakers - and thank you for mentioning the Echo and the Bunnymen recording, as well. I will be giving it a listen!
Die 85er Linton wurden ursprünglich in der Stereoo mit 87/100 Punkt bewertet und haben damit deutlich teurer Lautsprecher übertrumpft. Ich denke mit den Super Lintons wird es ähnliche sein.
Today I audtioned these with a very nice McIntosh Amplifier and was blown away. I bought them and sound fantastic at home as well ( Technics 1500c Audiolab 6000t/M Dac Plus , Yamaha As1200). Forget the cynics and check them out for yourself
Hi there. Another great and informative video. I'm curious as to whether there will ever be a full video on the Audiolab 9000a. I recently purchased one and am very happy with it. I listened to it compared to the Cambridge Audio CX81 MKII and the Arcam A25 through a pair of Fyne Audio Vintage Classic. The Cambridge in comparison to the others sounded pretty woolly in the bass and while I really liked the presentation of the Arcam, the Audiolab had real grip on the bass and sounded more detailed and balanced. I am currently loving it hooked up to my PMC Prodigy 5s that now have greater presence and particularly good resonance and thump on bass drums compared to my old Arcam Alpha 10. Would love to hear your full thoughts on the amp. Cheers. Scott
Is the CD softpack and the image on the flatscreen intentionally color-coordinated? That is fabulous aesthetic synergy and the music is great. Thanx as always.
Thank you for Sharing youre amplifier Experience. That was very intersting to hear. In General in was Missing additional thoughts and experiences compare to what i was hearing from other Reviews of yours. What i menn this review didnt Had as much new thoughts to that topic as youre Reviews usually Had. Kind regards from Prenzlauer Berg
I own Lintons that are playing way better than they should after many upgrades in the system, but I keep thinking on the Mission 770s. I would have bought those if the price difference wasn't as huge. So what I wanted to know is how close the Supers get to the Missions in overall engagement but for that I'll have to hear them for myself. I suspect I' m still screwed and will prefer the Missions though...
I'd guess the Supers are on the line between the 85s and the 770s (sorry, which I think are not attractive without their grills, but I guess that doesn't matter). Where on the line? Unknown but I'm trying to think of ways to get away with getting the Supers. I own the 85s as well.
@DarkoAudio John, I am not sure but one possible reason about how the Super Linton works with the MF A1 compared with the Kef (less sensibility and lower impedance) could be that the drivers are bigger in SL and they require more energy to be moved properly. Despite you mentioned that it’s in the Hugh’s where you find the difference… the correct conclusion is what you mention a bout how important is to test by ourselves. On the other hand, what I love from the Linton and SL are the stands. I have a pair of old Namco NSR300 and I would like to make something similar.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is 90dB at 2.83V, 1metre, not 1Watt, 1metre. Also the rated impedance is nominal. So you also need to look at the impedance curve to get a clearer idea of how it matches a source our the frequency range. I wish they would standardise how they specify equipment so it would be easier to compare, although as you say, ears know best. Cheers.
Thanks for your thoughts . I saw you mentioned the NAD M23. Can I ask your thoughts about it? Has class D become so good to be preferred to A or AB . For instance, how do you compare it with the Benchmark AHB2? Thanks
Thank you very much Darko, very informative and enjoyable video! Greetings from Italy... and one album suggestion from my country you will like: "Mondi Lontanissimi" by Franco Battiato, one of our greatest rock composers. Perfectly recorded, I own the original DMM LP and it is amazing.
Any idea how the super Linton or the normal LInton will pair with the Denon a110 Integrated? Any feedback from yourself or the viewers would be appreciated. I am not chasing super analytical or studio accuracy, but am down with warmth and mid centric.
When you can't listen first? The Linton 85th., or the Super Lintons!? Guess I'll have to buy them both!? Both looks great, and they seem to have the sound I'm looking for, but with some differences though.. If someone wants to help, please do! Mid-size room, a NAD 218thx amp, and the source is CD/stream.
your amp will have no problems with either, and can likely drive them to very loud volumes in your mid sized room. The Super may get a little louder, it's a bit more sensitive. But either will be just fine to any sane levels and beyond. The 85s (which I own) are considered to be easy to listen to for hours on end, as others have commented. They are apparently not the MOST revealing speakers out there (even in the same price range) but they give me most of the details I want to hear, I don't hear them as deficient at all. Also the highs are a LITTLE rolled off (apparently) compared to some and even the Supers, but I don't hear them as lacking either. I have my preamp set to (gasp!) +6dB in the bass and +1dB treble. I have them well out into the room to get best soundstaging and depth/imaging, plus I have a rack and table behind them I don't want to move. With placement and tone controls (gasp! again) they measure flat from low treble to 20Hz in-room (WITH my PEQ'd SVS SB1000 Pro sub). My room IS well-treated, which if you can do it, is WELL worth the cost. The Supers are supposed to be more supple / musical in the bass and treble, and a little more sensitive. I'm trying to find justification to buy them as well! PS: if you need to place speakers CLOSE to a wall (1' minimum IIUC) the SUPERS are designed for that. The 85s need a bit more room, unless you want to experiment with plugging the ports. IF I can get some Supers, I'm anticipating giving the bass about +8dB (sacrilege! I know) but that's what it seems like it would take in my setup and room. I really don't have an issue with that, and have a mighty Parasound A 21 amp (400Wpc into 4 ohms) so it can handle whatever I want to do.
@ Thanks!! I totally understand. Just thought I would ask in case you still had them. I remember listening to KLH model 5’s and the OG Lintons back to back. 5’s were much more detailed… Lintons sounded like a blanket was draped over them in comparison. In my mind I’m guessing that the super’s might have more in common with the model 5’s. Great work!!
Gosh! I've picked up around a dozen new albums lately. Huge fan of Echo and the Bunnymen anyhow and their solo projects. I'll keep my eyes open for that one too. Still enjoying a lot of alternative folk music for me, Waxahatchee, (JS) Ondaro, The Wild Reeds, picked up Billy Joe & Norah Jones Foreverly album recently. Patty Griffin, Hurray for the Riff Raff and I finally replaced my copy of R.E.M.s Dead Letter Office with a spectacular original pressing, promo copy to a college radio station. I bought a vintage CD player rather than a new model. Not sure if I made the right move. I don't think anyone has a right to complain about either of these Lintons. These are a good go to, but the higher price of the supers bring a lot of competition from Q, Kef, SVS, Polk, Paradigm, PSB... I'm sure my Denon receiver would make good friends with either one of these Wharfedales. 😐
John, you're quite correct about the design aims of these speakers. I conceived the design of the Linton 85 to bring back the type of sound that I remember back in the mid '70s when I was managing a hi-fi shop and selling Wharfedale loudspeakers (among others of course). The aspect that people liked about Wharfedale is that you could play any style of music, no matter what the recording quality, and they would always sound enjoyable. That's what I worked hard to maintain in Linton 85 while bringing the whole speaker performance up to date to suit modern sources and equipment. It seems (judging by Linton 85 sales and the longevity of this design) that a lot of people love this type of performance today.
However, there were a few users who (perhaps like yourself) wanted a bit more out of this design, particularly regarding clarity, detailing, image focus and transient attack. Those are the listeners for whom I designed Super Linton. I'm hoping that you agree that what is most likeable about Linton 85 has been retained in the Super Linton but those aspects that some people were wanting so much have been added.
not for 1000 bugs more
I love the look of the Lintons. I know its just a wood box, but it looks like a very nice wood box.
Thanks for saying more about the Super vs the Zu, John. Much appreciated. After 10 days of playing my New Supers with a Yamaha Amp, I have now put my Willsenton R8 back in the chain with very, very pleasing results. A great combination in my room! Agree with everything you said here about the sound of the Linton 85.
There’s so many great channels that review audio equipment and I’d hate to pick the best cause you’re all a bit different but you’re my favorite if that means anything. Your recommended albums and bands are a bonus. Great review.
One thing that I don’t think has been mentioned yet about the Super Lintons- did they retain the regular Lintons’s “listen to for hours and hours” quality, or another way to put it, are the Supers as free from listening fatigue as the regular Lintons are?
I would like some one to elaborate on that as well.
Just buy the ELYSIAN if you are too worry about the Linton!! I myself will just skip all Wharfdale products and go straight to the Elysian.
@@simplereef4854 which version?
They have much more presence for sure. But, not quite fatiguing. Most of the irritating frequencies are still rolled off.
I think they are better than the heritage 85. Just realize that these are definitely not HiFI reference speakers.
These are a mi-fi version of the Linton.
@@jeremyelliott9831So better to spend more elsewhere?
Thank you for following up your review of the Super Linton speakers - and thank you for mentioning the Echo and the Bunnymen recording, as well. I will be giving it a listen!
Great presentation as always, with commonsense and always with a touch of humour 😎👍🎵🎶
John, Always enjoy your videos that expand on a previous topics. They do make you think. 🙂
Congratulations on 350K!
Die 85er Linton wurden ursprünglich in der Stereoo mit 87/100 Punkt bewertet und haben damit deutlich teurer Lautsprecher übertrumpft. Ich denke mit den Super Lintons wird es ähnliche sein.
I just wanted to say that both appartments look beautiful!
In terms of audio - would be interesting if you had one tube amp too for comparisions
Thanks John! Your experience with the Linton versus Kef. A1 vs 9000a combos completely destroy my preconceptions! Sob...;-)
"The plural of vinyl is vinyl" - Please make some t-shirts with this in large letters! ;)
So long and thanks for all the fishes
Just like the plural of Lego is Lego (as I often remind American friends 😅) It's a material...
I like this album recommendation. Thanks for that.
Thank you, from Peekskill, New York.
Today I audtioned these with a very nice McIntosh Amplifier and was blown away. I bought them and sound fantastic at home as well ( Technics 1500c Audiolab 6000t/M Dac Plus , Yamaha As1200). Forget the cynics and check them out for yourself
“Xebeche, he who walks loud says nothing…”
Love the Dead Man/Gary Farmer nod. Love the reviews and always the music recommendations.
In the end it all depends on taste ... I'm completely in love with my Linton and don't feel the need to go Super
Most stereo hi-fi shops have disappeared so listening before purchasing is not really an option for many any longer unfortunately…
Hi there. Another great and informative video. I'm curious as to whether there will ever be a full video on the Audiolab 9000a. I recently purchased one and am very happy with it. I listened to it compared to the Cambridge Audio CX81 MKII and the Arcam A25 through a pair of Fyne Audio Vintage Classic. The Cambridge in comparison to the others sounded pretty woolly in the bass and while I really liked the presentation of the Arcam, the Audiolab had real grip on the bass and sounded more detailed and balanced. I am currently loving it hooked up to my PMC Prodigy 5s that now have greater presence and particularly good resonance and thump on bass drums compared to my old Arcam Alpha 10. Would love to hear your full thoughts on the amp. Cheers. Scott
I have a valve amp, which drive the standard Lintons and sound fantastic.
You are correct Mr. Darko... Vinyl is a non-count noun, so... Great postscript to your recent review...!!!
Thx for the Zu comparison
They look quite at home in your space, perfect pairing with the musical fidelity if you ask me. For that reason alone I'd need to keep them.
wharfedale 😎
Wharfedale is awesome! I have the Evo 4.4 and love them…..and my wife thinks that they look nice!
Is the CD softpack and the image on the flatscreen intentionally color-coordinated? That is fabulous aesthetic synergy and the music is great. Thanx as always.
John, "Evergreen" was a really good return, from Bunnymen. After that, I do think "Siberia", from 2005, is their the second best.
Thank you for Sharing youre amplifier Experience. That was very intersting to hear. In General in was Missing additional thoughts and experiences compare to what i was hearing from other Reviews of yours. What i menn this review didnt Had as much new thoughts to that topic as youre Reviews usually Had.
Kind regards from Prenzlauer Berg
I own Lintons that are playing way better than they should after many upgrades in the system, but I keep thinking on the Mission 770s. I would have bought those if the price difference wasn't as huge. So what I wanted to know is how close the Supers get to the Missions in overall engagement but for that I'll have to hear them for myself. I suspect I' m still screwed and will prefer the Missions though...
I'd guess the Supers are on the line between the 85s and the 770s (sorry, which I think are not attractive without their grills, but I guess that doesn't matter). Where on the line? Unknown but I'm trying to think of ways to get away with getting the Supers. I own the 85s as well.
I wish you could obtain and review a pair of Zu DW6. I would be curious to hear your comparison with the DWX, and with these Wharfdale SLs.
What about the A1 with the Monitor Audio silver 100 7G?
Could you maybe do a third video now ;) i wonder how do they compare to kef r3 meta. Isnt that a more appropriate comparison in terms of price?
@DarkoAudio John, I am not sure but one possible reason about how the Super Linton works with the MF A1 compared with the Kef (less sensibility and lower impedance) could be that the drivers are bigger in SL and they require more energy to be moved properly. Despite you mentioned that it’s in the Hugh’s where you find the difference… the correct conclusion is what you mention a bout how important is to test by ourselves.
On the other hand, what I love from the Linton and SL are the stands. I have a pair of old Namco NSR300 and I would like to make something similar.
The Wharfedale Super Linton is 90dB at 2.83V, 1metre, not 1Watt, 1metre. Also the rated impedance is nominal. So you also need to look at the impedance curve to get a clearer idea of how it matches a source our the frequency range. I wish they would standardise how they specify equipment so it would be easier to compare, although as you say, ears know best. Cheers.
They’re certainly gorgeous to look at. I really value that.
Thanks for your thoughts . I saw you mentioned the NAD M23. Can I ask your thoughts about it? Has class D become so good to be preferred to A or AB . For instance, how do you compare it with the Benchmark AHB2? Thanks
Lovely Rega (P8/P9)
Thank you very much Darko, very informative and enjoyable video! Greetings from Italy... and one album suggestion from my country you will like: "Mondi Lontanissimi" by Franco Battiato, one of our greatest rock composers. Perfectly recorded, I own the original DMM LP and it is amazing.
I think you left out the Super music depth is pretty awesome
Any idea how the super Linton or the normal LInton will pair with the Denon a110 Integrated? Any feedback from yourself or the viewers would be appreciated. I am not chasing super analytical or studio accuracy, but am down with warmth and mid centric.
I use a Denon pma 1510 with Linton 85 and it's fantastic . Denon A110 is much better amp
I guess the issue for us normal folks is that its difficult to try loads of different equipment.
When you can't listen first? The Linton 85th., or the Super Lintons!? Guess I'll have to buy them both!?
Both looks great, and they seem to have the sound I'm looking for, but with some differences though..
If someone wants to help, please do! Mid-size room, a NAD 218thx amp, and the source is CD/stream.
your amp will have no problems with either, and can likely drive them to very loud volumes in your mid sized room. The Super may get a little louder, it's a bit more sensitive. But either will be just fine to any sane levels and beyond.
The 85s (which I own) are considered to be easy to listen to for hours on end, as others have commented. They are apparently not the MOST revealing speakers out there (even in the same price range) but they give me most of the details I want to hear, I don't hear them as deficient at all. Also the highs are a LITTLE rolled off (apparently) compared to some and even the Supers, but I don't hear them as lacking either. I have my preamp set to (gasp!) +6dB in the bass and +1dB treble. I have them well out into the room to get best soundstaging and depth/imaging, plus I have a rack and table behind them I don't want to move.
With placement and tone controls (gasp! again) they measure flat from low treble to 20Hz in-room (WITH my PEQ'd SVS SB1000 Pro sub). My room IS well-treated, which if you can do it, is WELL worth the cost.
The Supers are supposed to be more supple / musical in the bass and treble, and a little more sensitive. I'm trying to find justification to buy them as well!
PS: if you need to place speakers CLOSE to a wall (1' minimum IIUC) the SUPERS are designed for that. The 85s need a bit more room, unless you want to experiment with plugging the ports. IF I can get some Supers, I'm anticipating giving the bass about +8dB (sacrilege! I know) but that's what it seems like it would take in my setup and room. I really don't have an issue with that, and have a mighty Parasound A 21 amp (400Wpc into 4 ohms) so it can handle whatever I want to do.
😂 Say it ain't so! No worries John.
Can you do a “ memory“ comparison with the Heresy 4’s?
Sorry. I don't do "memory" comparisons because they're wholly unreliable.
@ Thanks!!
I totally understand. Just thought I would ask in case you still had them.
I remember listening to KLH model 5’s and the OG Lintons back to back.
5’s were much more detailed… Lintons sounded like a blanket was draped over them in comparison.
In my mind I’m guessing that the super’s might have more in common with the model 5’s.
Great work!!
If anyone has bought the Super Linton let me know you think? I'm giving these serious consideration
I am waiting for the Mega Linton for 3000 Euro
Super/Linton vs atalante 5?
I've audiotioned the Supers with the A1 and agree, I didn't like them, sound was dry.
How come your LP's are all so flat John? Are you just lucky? Because i'm not!
Thank you so much for the videos about Super Linton from Russia.
John’s reviews rival that of reviewers three times as pretentious
👏🏻
Beautifully done
Have I missed your video on your new acoustic panels in Berlin ?? The white slats where your TV is .... These are new right? Any more info please?
Gosh! I've picked up around a dozen new albums lately. Huge fan of Echo and the Bunnymen anyhow and their solo projects. I'll keep my eyes open for that one too. Still enjoying a lot of alternative folk music for me, Waxahatchee, (JS) Ondaro, The Wild Reeds, picked up Billy Joe & Norah Jones Foreverly album recently. Patty Griffin, Hurray for the Riff Raff and I finally replaced my copy of R.E.M.s Dead Letter Office with a spectacular original pressing, promo copy to a college radio station. I bought a vintage CD player rather than a new model. Not sure if I made the right move. I don't think anyone has a right to complain about either of these Lintons. These are a good go to, but the higher price of the supers bring a lot of competition from Q, Kef, SVS, Polk, Paradigm, PSB... I'm sure my Denon receiver would make good friends with either one of these Wharfedales. 😐
Nothing better that shouting nonsense loudly.
Good call out at the end.
When paying chinese labor rates, I guess it's also easier to beat the prices of your competitors. No thanks.
Listening to Echo and the Bunnymen
i think if you want a good speaker you can skip the supers
Have you actually heard them in person? I'm listening to them right now and they sound excellent . I've enjoyed every record I've played