Audio T Verdict
The Wharfedale LINTON is one of those rare speakers where the retro appearance is much more than styling. Its broad front baffle, substantial 200mm bass driver, dedicated 135mm midrange and large cabinet are fundamentally different from the narrow two-way towers and compact standmounts that dominate the modern speaker market. The result is a loudspeaker with genuine scale, generous bass and an easy sense of musical body that makes you want to keep putting another record on.
Importantly, this is not an old loudspeaker design reproduced for nostalgia's sake. The current LINTON takes its inspiration from a name dating back to 1965 but uses contemporary drive units, crossover engineering and cabinet construction. Its three-way layout allows each driver to concentrate on a more appropriate part of the frequency range, while 90dB sensitivity, a 6O nominal impedance and a broad 25–200W amplifier recommendation make it surprisingly accommodating when it comes to amplification.
The matching stands are also far more than an optional cosmetic extra. They position the speakers at the correct listening height, provide a rigid metal support and incorporate dedicated storage for 12-inch records. For anyone who wants a substantial, full-bodied loudspeaker with real furniture appeal rather than another anonymous black box, the LINTON remains one of Wharfedale's most distinctive and enjoyable designs.
Wharfedale LINTON Speakers with Matching Stands
The Wharfedale LINTON combines the proportions and character of a classic British loudspeaker with modern acoustic engineering.
First introduced as a model name in 1965, LINTON became one of Wharfedale's best-known loudspeakers through the following decades. The current Heritage Series version keeps the broad-baffle, three-way format and substantial cabinet that defined the originals while completely re-engineering the speaker for modern systems.
This Audio T package includes the dedicated Wharfedale LINTON stands, designed specifically for the size and weight of the loudspeakers and incorporating convenient storage for 12-inch records beneath each speaker.
- Three-way Heritage Series standmount loudspeaker
- Matching Wharfedale LINTON stands included
- 200mm / 8-inch woven Kevlar bass driver
- 135mm / 5-inch woven Kevlar midrange driver
- 25mm / 1-inch soft-dome tweeter
- Dedicated internal enclosure for the midrange driver
- Rear-ported bass-reflex cabinet
- 90dB manufacturer-specified sensitivity
- 25–200W recommended amplifier power
- 110dB peak SPL
- 6O nominal impedance
- 3.5O minimum impedance
- 40Hz–20kHz frequency response
- 35Hz bass extension at -6dB
- 630Hz and 2.4kHz crossover frequencies
- 37.6-litre cabinet volume according to Wharfedale's official manual
- Hand-matched wood veneer finishes
- Wide traditional front baffle
- Traditional cloth grille
- Offset tweeter arrangement
- Designed to be used with tweeters facing inwards
- Grilles designed to remain fitted during normal listening
- Rigid dedicated metal speaker stands
- Veneered stand panels matched to the speakers
- Built-in storage space for 12-inch records
- Black Oak, Mahogany and Walnut finish options
A Wharfedale Name Dating Back to 1965
The original Wharfedale Linton appeared in 1965 and developed through several generations during the 1960s and 1970s.
At the time, the formula was straightforward: build a substantial but affordable loudspeaker with enough cabinet volume for a genuinely useful bass driver and make it suitable for ordinary domestic music systems.
The current LINTON Heritage model deliberately returns to that philosophy rather than simply borrowing a vintage-looking grille and badge.
A Modern Loudspeaker Behind the Retro Styling
Although the proportions, veneer and cloth grille deliberately reference classic Wharfedale loudspeakers, the current LINTON is a modern speaker.
Its drive units, crossover, enclosure and materials were developed for contemporary hi-fi systems rather than copied from an original 1960s circuit or driver specification.
Why the Wide Cabinet?
Modern loudspeaker design often favours narrow cabinets containing relatively small bass drivers.
LINTON takes the opposite approach.
Its front baffle is 300mm wide and accommodates a full 200mm bass driver without requiring an unusually tall cabinet.
The result gives the speaker a very different appearance and allows Wharfedale to use a genuinely substantial woofer rather than relying entirely on several small cones moving through large excursions.
Three-Way Speaker Design
LINTON is a true three-way loudspeaker.
Instead of one mid/bass driver trying to cover everything from deep bass through the vocal range before meeting the tweeter, three dedicated drive units divide the workload.
Low and Mid Frequencies
- 200mm dedicated bass driver
- 135mm dedicated midrange driver
- 630Hz first crossover point
- Separate midrange chamber
High Frequencies
- 25mm soft-dome tweeter
- Dedicated high-frequency motor
- 2.4kHz upper crossover point
- Offset position for controlled dispersion
Why Use Three Drivers?
Each drive-unit type has an operating range where its size and construction are particularly well suited.
A large woofer can move the volume of air required for deep bass, while a smaller midrange driver can respond more readily through the frequencies occupied by voices and instruments. A lightweight dome is then responsible for high-frequency information.
Separating these duties allows Wharfedale to optimise each part of the loudspeaker rather than asking one cone to perform several conflicting jobs.
200mm Woven Kevlar Bass Driver
The most visually obvious component is the large 200mm or eight-inch bass driver.
Its black woven Kevlar cone is mounted to a rigid chassis and works with the substantial bass-reflex enclosure to provide usable low-frequency extension down to 35Hz at Wharfedale's -6dB reference point.
Why an Eight-Inch Bass Driver?
Producing low frequencies requires moving air.
A larger cone provides more radiating area than the smaller bass/mid drivers typically found in compact modern standmount speakers.
That additional area can contribute to:
- Greater low-frequency scale
- More physical weight from bass guitar and drums
- Lower driver excursion for a given output level
- Greater dynamic headroom
- A more effortless presentation in medium and larger rooms
35Hz Bass Extension
Wharfedale specifies the LINTON with a normal frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz within +/-3dB and bass extension reaching 35Hz at -6dB.
That is substantial low-frequency capability for a passive standmount loudspeaker.
Does LINTON Need a Subwoofer?
For most two-channel music systems, not necessarily.
The 200mm bass driver and 35Hz extension already cover the majority of conventional musical bass information.
A subwoofer can still be useful when:
- You want deeper sub-30Hz electronic bass
- You listen to pipe-organ recordings
- You want greater physical impact at very high levels
- You are integrating the LINTON into a home cinema system
- Your room or personal preference calls for additional low-frequency extension
135mm Dedicated Midrange Driver
Above the woofer sits a separate 135mm woven Kevlar midrange driver.
Its job is especially important because much of the musical information our ears are most sensitive to sits through the midrange: voices, guitars, piano, strings, brass and many of the harmonics that give instruments their recognisable character.
Dedicated Midrange Enclosure
The 135mm driver sits within its own internal enclosure rather than sharing the complete bass cabinet directly with the 200mm woofer.
This isolates it from much of the pressure generated by the bass driver and allows the midrange section to operate in an acoustic environment designed specifically for its frequency range.
Why Midrange Isolation Matters
The large bass driver can generate substantial pressure inside the main cabinet.
Allowing that pressure to interact directly with the rear of the midrange cone would make its job considerably more difficult.
Giving the driver its own chamber helps Wharfedale control the energy behind it and preserve clarity through vocals and instruments.
630Hz Lower Crossover
The bass driver hands over to the dedicated midrange at 630Hz.
This means the large 200mm cone can concentrate primarily on low frequencies rather than being asked to reproduce a large proportion of the vocal range.
25mm Soft-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by a 25mm fabric soft dome.
The lightweight diaphragm and high-flux magnet system are designed to provide smooth treble extension while integrating naturally with the dedicated midrange driver.
2.4kHz Upper Crossover
The midrange hands over to the tweeter at 2.4kHz.
By this point the 135mm driver has covered a broad and musically important region without forcing the tweeter to reproduce frequencies unnecessarily low in its operating range.
Offset Tweeters
One of the LINTON's unusual details is that the tweeter does not sit exactly on the vertical centre line of the baffle.
The left and right speakers are therefore handed rather than being completely interchangeable in orientation.
Tweeters Should Face Inwards
Wharfedale specifically recommends setting the pair up with the tweeters towards the inside of the stereo pair.
With the supplied grilles fitted correctly, this means the Wharfedale badges sit towards the outer edges.
Check Left and Right Orientation
The LINTON pair should be positioned with the offset tweeters facing inwards. Swapping the speakers so the tweeters face outwards is not Wharfedale's recommended setup.
Leave the Grilles On
This is another LINTON detail that runs against the assumptions people often make about hi-fi speakers.
Wharfedale recommends listening with the supplied cloth grilles fitted.
The grille structure forms part of the intended high-frequency dispersion behaviour, and removing it produces a brighter but less smooth response.
Yes, Really: Grilles On
If you normally remove speaker grilles automatically for serious listening, make an exception here. Wharfedale's own LINTON manual specifically says the grilles should remain fitted for optimum performance.
A Traditional Cloth Grille
The grille is a major part of the LINTON's visual identity as well as its acoustic design.
Rather than hiding the speaker's heritage styling, the cloth front reinforces the furniture-like appearance and protects the three drive units beneath.
Bass-Reflex Cabinet
The current LINTON uses a vented bass-reflex enclosure.
The port works with the 200mm woofer and internal cabinet volume to extend useful low-frequency output beyond what a sealed enclosure of comparable size would typically provide.
Rear-Wall Distance Matters
Because the speaker produces substantial bass, its relationship with room boundaries matters.
Wharfedale warns that placing the speakers too close to walls can increase low-frequency output to the point where bass becomes boomy or indistinct.
Start With Some Breathing Room
There is no one universal wall distance that works in every room.
Begin with useful space around the speakers rather than placing them hard against the rear wall, then make small adjustments while listening to familiar bass-rich recordings.
What If the Bass Is Too Strong?
Try moving the speakers further from nearby walls and corners.
Room boundaries reinforce bass, so physical positioning should be investigated before trying to solve an acoustic problem by changing amplifiers or cables.
What If the Bass Is Too Light?
Moving the pair slightly closer to the rear wall can provide additional boundary reinforcement.
Make the change gradually so you retain low-frequency definition rather than trading too much control for extra weight.
Toe-In
Wharfedale recommends experimenting with inward speaker angle to create a solid and spacious stereo image.
If the speakers are positioned further from the walls, the manufacturer says the angle can be increased, potentially up to around 30 degrees depending on the room and listening position.
Don't Chase One Perfect Angle
Toe-in affects both image focus and the amount of direct high-frequency energy reaching the listener.
Try small changes and listen for:
- A stable central vocal image
- Natural width between the speakers
- Useful depth behind the front plane
- Balanced treble
- Similar left and right tonal balance
The Matching LINTON Stands
This Audio T package includes Wharfedale's dedicated LINTON stands.
They are not generic metal supports with a veneer panel added for appearance. Wharfedale designed them specifically around the footprint, weight and acoustic axis of the LINTON cabinet.
Correct Listening Height
The stands position the speakers so their driver array sits at an appropriate height for a seated listener.
This removes much of the guesswork involved in finding a generic stand tall enough, stable enough and with a top plate large enough for the substantial cabinet.
Rigid Metal Frame
The structural frame is metal and designed to provide a stable mechanical support beneath the 18.4kg loudspeaker.
Reducing unwanted movement gives the drive units a firmer platform from which to operate.
Matching Wood Veneer
Wood-veneered sections at the top and bottom of the stand visually complement the matching speaker finish.
The result looks much more like a complete piece of furniture than a large rectangular loudspeaker balanced on a generic black pedestal.
Built-In Record Storage
The lower section of each stand is deliberately spaced to accommodate 12-inch vinyl records.
For anyone building a system around a turntable, this is one of the LINTON package's most distinctive practical details.
Speaker Stand and Record Storage in One
The record storage is not a separate add-on. It is integrated into the structure of Wharfedale's dedicated stand, allowing a selection of LPs to sit directly beneath the loudspeaker.
Why Use the Dedicated Stands?
LINTON is far too substantial to be treated like a small bookshelf speaker.
Each cabinet is 300mm wide, 330mm deep before the terminals and weighs 18.4kg.
The matching stands provide:
- An appropriately sized support
- Correct listening height
- Good cabinet stability
- A coordinated visual finish
- Built-in LP storage
- No need to guess which generic stand can accommodate the cabinet safely
Can LINTON Go on a Different Stand?
Technically yes, provided it is extremely stable, correctly sized and positions the drivers at an appropriate height.
However, the dedicated Wharfedale stand was designed specifically for the cabinet and is the obvious starting point.
Can LINTON Sit on a Bookshelf?
Despite being classified as a standmount speaker, LINTON should not be confused with a compact bookshelf design.
At 565mm high, 300mm wide, around 360mm deep including terminals and 18.4kg each, it requires substantial support and enough room around the cabinet to work properly.
Speaker Dimensions
Each LINTON cabinet measures:
- Height: 565mm
- Width: 300mm
- Cabinet depth: 330mm
- Rear terminal allowance: 30mm
- Overall depth including terminals: approximately 360mm
- Net weight: 18.4kg per speaker
Allow Practical Cable Space
The 360mm overall depth incorporates Wharfedale's published terminal allowance, but large plugs or particularly stiff speaker cable may need a little more room behind the cabinet.
37.6-Litre Cabinet Volume
Wharfedale's official LINTON user manual specifies a cabinet volume of 37.6 litres.
That substantial internal volume works with the 200mm woofer and reflex system to provide the scale and bass extension that distinguish the LINTON from much smaller standmount speakers.
90dB Sensitivity
Wharfedale specifies sensitivity at 90dB.
This is relatively high for a modern domestic standmount and contributes to the speaker's ability to work with a broad range of amplification.
25–200W Recommended Amplifier Power
The manufacturer's recommended amplifier range is unusually broad at 25 to 200 watts per channel.
That does not mean every amplifier inside those figures will sound identical or suit every room, but it demonstrates that LINTON is not designed around one very narrow amplification requirement.
Will a 25W Amplifier Drive LINTON?
Yes. Twenty-five watts falls within Wharfedale's recommendation.
A well-designed lower-powered amplifier can make a very enjoyable partner at sensible listening levels.
Is 40–60W Enough?
For many normal domestic rooms, a capable amplifier in this range can work extremely well.
The LINTON's relatively high sensitivity helps it achieve useful output without demanding enormous amounts of power.
Will 80–100W Work Well?
Yes. A good amplifier around this region provides useful headroom for dynamic recordings while remaining comfortably within the speaker's recommended range.
Can I Use 150–200W?
Yes, provided the system is used sensibly.
Wharfedale permits amplifiers up to 200W within its recommended specification.
A Powerful Amplifier Does Not Constantly Deliver Full Power
An amplifier rated at 200W does not continuously force 200 watts into the speaker.
The rating describes available output capability. Normal listening typically uses a fraction of the maximum, with additional power becoming useful during musical peaks.
Amplifier Quality Matters
Power rating is only part of the story.
Power-supply quality, current delivery, noise, distortion and the amplifier's behaviour into the speaker's real impedance curve can all influence the result.
Don't Buy an Amplifier by Wattage Alone
The LINTON can work with modest amplification, but it is also revealing enough to benefit from a better amplifier. A demonstration is far more useful than simply choosing the largest wattage figure in the specification.
6O Nominal Impedance
Wharfedale specifies the LINTON at 6O nominal impedance.
The load falls to a minimum of 3.5O, so the amplifier should be comfortable driving conventional modern passive loudspeakers rather than being chosen purely for its nominal 8O power figure.
110dB Peak SPL
The manufacturer gives a peak output figure of 110dB.
This is considerably higher than many small standmount designs and reflects the LINTON's combination of large drive units, cabinet volume and 90dB sensitivity.
Suitable for Valve Amplifiers?
The relatively high sensitivity and 6O nominal impedance can make LINTON an interesting candidate for suitable valve amplification.
As always, the exact amplifier's output transformer, power capability and behaviour into lower impedances should be considered rather than assuming all valve amplifiers are interchangeable.
Suitable for Solid-State Amplifiers?
Yes. The broad 25–200W recommendation gives plenty of scope for conventional transistor integrated amplifiers and pre/power combinations.
Good With Modern Streaming Amplifiers?
Yes. LINTON may look like it belongs beside a turntable and record collection, but there is nothing inherently analogue-only about it.
A capable streaming amplifier can create a particularly tidy modern system while preserving the speakers' classic visual character.
Good for Vinyl?
Absolutely.
The LP-storage stands make the association obvious, but the real reason is simply that LINTON is a full-range passive loudspeaker capable of showing what a good turntable, cartridge and phono stage can do.
Good for CD?
Yes. Pair a CD player or transport and DAC with a suitable amplifier and the LINTON will reproduce it like any other source.
Good for Streaming?
Yes. A network streamer feeding a conventional integrated amplifier or a one-box streaming amplifier both make perfectly sensible partners.
Good for Rock?
The 200mm bass driver and large cabinet make LINTON particularly appealing for recordings that benefit from weight and scale.
Kick drum and bass guitar can be reproduced with a sense of physical substance that is difficult for much smaller standmount speakers to imitate.
Good for Jazz?
Yes. Double bass, drums, brass, piano and voices all make use of the speaker's dedicated three-way driver architecture.
Good for Classical Music?
The LINTON's 110dB peak output, generous bass capability and substantial cabinet make it well suited to larger orchestral recordings as well as smaller chamber ensembles.
Good for Acoustic Music?
Yes. The dedicated midrange driver is particularly relevant to voices, guitars, piano and acoustic instruments where tonal body and low colouration matter.
Good for Electronic Music?
Its 35Hz bass extension gives the speaker useful reach into electronic low frequencies without automatically requiring a separate subwoofer.
Good at Low Volume?
The relatively high sensitivity and broad driver area can make LINTON satisfying at ordinary domestic levels rather than only coming alive when driven extremely hard.
As always, amplifier quality and room acoustics remain important.
What Size Room Suits LINTON?
LINTON is best thought of as a medium-to-large-room standmount rather than a compact bookshelf speaker.
Its deep bass, wide cabinet and substantial driver complement need enough room to breathe.
Can LINTON Work in a Small Room?
It can, but placement becomes increasingly important.
A small room may reinforce the 35Hz-capable bass system heavily, particularly if the speakers are forced close to walls or corners.
In genuinely restricted spaces, a smaller Heritage model such as the Super Denton may be easier to integrate.
Can LINTON Work in a Large Room?
Yes. This is one of its strengths.
The large woofer, substantial enclosure and 90dB sensitivity give it far more room-filling potential than many compact standmounts.
LINTON or SUPER LINTON?
The Wharfedale SUPER LINTON sits above the standard LINTON in the current Heritage range.
It does not replace this model. Instead, it offers a more ambitious upgrade for customers willing to spend more.
LINTON
- Three-way design
- 200mm bass driver
- 135mm midrange
- 25mm soft dome
- 35Hz bass extension
- 90dB sensitivity
- 25–200W recommended power
- 18.4kg per speaker
- 565mm cabinet height
- Dedicated LP-storage stands
SUPER LINTON
- Further-developed three-way design
- Revised 200mm bass driver
- Revised midrange chamber
- Revised tweeter and crossover
- 32Hz bass extension
- 90dB sensitivity
- 25–200W recommended power
- 19.8kg per speaker
- 605mm cabinet height
- Uses the same LINTON stand
Is SUPER LINTON Automatically Better?
It is the more ambitious and technically developed model, but that does not make the standard LINTON redundant.
Wharfedale continues to sell both because they occupy different price points within the Heritage range.
The standard LINTON remains particularly compelling when its performance, included stands and price are considered as a complete package.
What Does SUPER LINTON Add?
The SUPER LINTON introduces changes to the cabinet, bass motor system, midrange enclosure, tweeter, crossover and internal components.
Its published bass extension reaches 32Hz rather than 35Hz, and it is 50mm taller while retaining compatibility with the same dedicated LINTON stands.
Should Existing LINTON Owners Upgrade?
Not automatically.
If you already own and enjoy LINTON, the best approach is to compare the speakers directly rather than assuming a newer model makes the original obsolete.
LINTON or SUPER DENTON?
The Wharfedale SUPER DENTON follows a similar Heritage philosophy in a considerably smaller cabinet.
Choose SUPER DENTON where the room cannot accommodate the LINTON's width, depth and substantial dedicated stands.
Choose LINTON when greater bass scale, dynamic capability and room-filling presence are priorities.
Traditional Looks, Modern Systems
The retro appearance does not restrict the type of electronics that can be used.
Possible systems include:
- Turntable and conventional integrated amplifier
- Turntable, phono stage and pre/power amplifier
- CD player and integrated amplifier
- Network streamer and amplifier
- One-box streaming amplifier
- Valve integrated amplifier
- Modern solid-state separates
Audio T System Experience With LINTON
Audio T stores have used LINTON with a wide variety of electronics, from modern Rega and Cyrus systems to Quad amplification.
That broad compatibility is one of the speaker's attractions: it has enough sensitivity to work with fairly modest amplifiers but enough ability to justify investing in considerably better electronics.
Black Oak Finish
Black Oak gives the Heritage design a more contemporary appearance while retaining the traditional proportions and cloth front.
It can be a particularly useful choice when the speakers need to share a room with modern black electronics and television equipment.
Mahogany Finish
Mahogany emphasises the furniture-inspired Heritage styling and gives the LINTON a warmer, more traditional appearance.
Walnut Finish
Walnut sits naturally between the two, combining visible wood character with a relatively understated finish.
Hand-Matched Veneers
Wharfedale uses matched wood veneers across the cabinets, while the dedicated stands carry corresponding veneered sections to create a coordinated complete system.
The LINTON Is Furniture as Well as Hi-Fi
Some modern loudspeakers are designed to disappear visually.
LINTON takes a different approach. The cabinet proportions, veneer, grille and matching record-storage stands make the speaker part of the room rather than something that needs to be disguised.
Speaker Grilles and Care
Wharfedale recommends keeping the grilles fitted during normal listening.
For cleaning, the cabinet should be wiped with a dry or barely damp soft cloth rather than furniture wax or spray polish.
The grilles can be removed occasionally and gently brushed with a soft brush before being replaced carefully.
Do Not Touch the Drive Units
The exposed cones and tweeter are precision components. Avoid touching them with fingers or cleaning materials, and keep liquids away from the front of the cabinet.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
Use a suitable twin-core speaker cable between the amplifier and each LINTON.
Connect positive on the amplifier to positive on the speaker and negative to negative on both channels.
If one speaker is wired in reverse polarity, bass response and the central stereo image can be seriously weakened.
Keep Cable Lengths Sensible
Allow enough speaker cable to move the cabinets while experimenting with position and toe-in.
There is little benefit in cutting the cable so precisely that the speakers cannot be adjusted afterwards.
Recommended LINTON Setup Routine
- Unpack each 18.4kg speaker carefully and retain the packaging.
- Assemble and position the dedicated LINTON stands securely.
- Place each speaker squarely on its matching stand.
- Check that both stands are stable and level.
- Position the speakers with their offset tweeters facing inwards.
- Make sure the Wharfedale grille badges therefore face outwards.
- Leave the supplied grilles fitted for normal listening.
- Begin with useful breathing room between the rear of the cabinets and the wall.
- Avoid pushing either speaker hard into a corner.
- Position the pair roughly symmetrically around the listening area.
- Start with a modest amount of inward toe-in.
- Switch the amplifier off before connecting speaker cable.
- Check positive and negative polarity carefully.
- Begin playback at a conservative volume.
- Use familiar vocal material to judge the central stereo image.
- Adjust toe-in in small increments.
- Play familiar bass-rich music.
- If bass sounds too heavy, move the speakers further from nearby boundaries.
- If the presentation sounds too lightweight, experiment carefully with slightly greater wall reinforcement.
- Try several listening positions rather than judging the system while standing close to one speaker.
- Spend time refining placement before changing electronics or cables.
Who Are Wharfedale LINTON Speakers For?
They are particularly well suited to:
- Medium and larger listening rooms
- Vinyl-based hi-fi systems
- Listeners who prefer a substantial full-bodied presentation
- Customers who want a three-way standmount speaker
- Fans of classic British loudspeaker styling
- Customers who value real wood veneer finishes
- Record collectors who can use the integrated stand storage
- Rock, jazz and classical music systems
- Modern streaming systems needing a traditional visual character
- Valve and solid-state amplifier systems
- Customers considering LINTON versus SUPER LINTON
Who Might Prefer Something Smaller?
A smaller speaker may make more sense if:
- Your room is genuinely compact
- The speakers must sit very close to walls
- 300mm-wide cabinets are difficult to accommodate
- The dedicated stands would dominate the available floor space
- You already plan to use a subwoofer and prioritise smaller main speakers
- You prefer a more discreet contemporary appearance
Key Features
- Wharfedale LINTON
- Wharfedale Heritage Series
- LINTON speakers with stands
- Dedicated LINTON stands included
- Three-way standmount loudspeaker
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- 200mm bass driver
- 8-inch woven Kevlar woofer
- Rigid bass-driver chassis
- 135mm dedicated midrange
- 5-inch woven Kevlar midrange
- Dedicated midrange chamber
- 25mm soft-dome tweeter
- 1-inch fabric dome
- Offset tweeter position
- Tweeters positioned inwards
- Grilles intended to remain fitted
- 630Hz lower crossover
- 2.4kHz upper crossover
- 90dB sensitivity
- 25–200W amplifier recommendation
- 110dB peak SPL
- 6O nominal impedance
- 3.5O minimum impedance
- 40Hz–20kHz frequency response
- 35Hz bass extension at -6dB
- 37.6L cabinet volume per official manual
- 565mm speaker height
- 300mm speaker width
- 330mm cabinet depth
- 360mm overall depth including terminals
- 18.4kg per speaker
- Hand-matched wood veneers
- Traditional cloth grilles
- Wide Heritage-style baffle
- Dedicated rigid metal stands
- Veneered stand panels
- 12-inch record storage
- Correct seated listening height
- Black Oak finish
- Mahogany finish
- Walnut finish
- Suitable for vinyl systems
- Suitable for streaming systems
- Suitable for CD systems
- Suitable for valve amplifiers where appropriately matched
- Suitable for solid-state amplifiers
- Current Wharfedale Heritage model
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wharfedale LINTON still current?
Yes. Wharfedale continues to list LINTON as a current Heritage Series model alongside the newer SUPER LINTON.
Has SUPER LINTON replaced LINTON?
No. SUPER LINTON sits above it as an upgraded model; the standard LINTON remains part of the current range.
Are the stands included with this Audio T package?
Yes. This product includes the matching pair of Wharfedale LINTON stands.
Are the speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. This is a stereo pair of LINTON speakers with the matching pair of stands.
What type of speaker is LINTON?
It is a three-way bass-reflex standmount loudspeaker.
Why is it called a standmount when it is so large?
Because the speaker cabinet is designed to sit on a separate stand rather than extending all the way to the floor like a conventional floorstander.
When was the original Linton introduced?
The original Wharfedale Linton debuted in 1965.
Is the current model a copy of the original?
No. It takes inspiration from the original concept and proportions but uses modern drivers, crossover engineering and cabinet construction.
How many drivers does each LINTON have?
Three: one 200mm bass driver, one 135mm midrange driver and one 25mm tweeter.
What is the bass cone made from?
Black woven Kevlar.
How large is the bass driver?
200mm or eight inches.
How large is the midrange driver?
135mm or approximately five inches.
Does the midrange have its own enclosure?
Yes. Wharfedale houses the midrange driver in a separate internal chamber.
What size is the tweeter?
25mm or one inch.
What type of tweeter is used?
A fabric soft-dome tweeter.
Why are the tweeters off-centre?
The asymmetric positioning forms part of Wharfedale's intended high-frequency dispersion arrangement.
Which way should the tweeters face?
Inwards towards the centre of the stereo pair.
How can I tell which speaker goes on which side?
With the grilles fitted correctly and the tweeters facing inward, the Wharfedale badges on the grilles sit towards the outside.
Should I remove the grilles for listening?
No. Unusually, Wharfedale specifically recommends leaving the LINTON grilles fitted for optimum listening performance.
Why should the grilles stay on?
The grille design assists the intended high-frequency dispersion around the offset tweeter. Wharfedale says removing them produces a brighter but less smooth response.
Is LINTON rear ported?
Yes. It is a bass-reflex loudspeaker.
Can LINTON go close to a wall?
It can, but the bass will increase as the speaker approaches room boundaries. Wharfedale warns that positioning too close can make bass boomy and indistinct.
What should I do if the bass sounds boomy?
Move the speakers further from the rear wall and corners before making other system changes.
Should LINTON be toed in?
Yes. Wharfedale recommends experimenting with inward angle until you achieve a solid, spacious stereo image.
How much toe-in should I use?
There is no universal setting. Wharfedale notes that speakers positioned further from walls can be angled inward more strongly, potentially up to around 30 degrees.
What is the frequency response?
40Hz to 20kHz within +/-3dB.
How low does LINTON play?
Wharfedale specifies bass extension to 35Hz at -6dB.
Does LINTON need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for music. Its 200mm bass driver and 35Hz extension already provide substantial low-frequency capability.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A properly integrated powered subwoofer can extend the system further where very deep bass is required.
What are the crossover frequencies?
630Hz and 2.4kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
Wharfedale's current documentation specifies 90dB.
What amplifier power does Wharfedale recommend?
25 to 200 watts per channel.
Will a 25W amplifier work?
Yes. It falls within Wharfedale's official recommendation.
Can I use a 40W amplifier?
Yes. A capable 40W amplifier can make an excellent partner at normal listening levels.
Can I use a 50W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 100W amplifier?
Yes. It sits comfortably within the manufacturer's recommendation.
Can I use a 200W amplifier?
Yes. Wharfedale specifies 200W as the top of its recommended range, provided the system is operated sensibly.
What is the nominal impedance?
6O.
What is the minimum impedance?
3.5O.
Is LINTON difficult to drive?
Its 90dB sensitivity makes it relatively efficient, although the 3.5O minimum means the amplifier should be comfortable with real-world speaker loads.
Can I use a valve amplifier?
Potentially yes. Its relatively high sensitivity makes it an interesting match, but the exact valve amplifier's power and output-transformer behaviour should be considered.
Can I use a modern Class D amplifier?
Yes, provided it is suitable for the LINTON's impedance and power requirements.
Can I use a streaming amplifier?
Yes. The speaker does not care whether the source is analogue or digital; it simply requires suitable amplification.
Is LINTON good for vinyl?
Yes. It is an especially natural choice for a turntable-based system, and the matching stands provide storage for 12-inch records.
Do the stands really hold records?
Yes. Wharfedale specifically designs the lower part of each LINTON stand to accommodate 12-inch vinyl records.
How many records can each stand hold?
Wharfedale does not publish a formal record-capacity figure, so we would not quote one.
What are the stands made from?
They use a rigid metal structural frame with matching veneered panels at the top and bottom.
Are the stands designed specifically for LINTON?
Yes. Wharfedale engineered them around the size, weight and listening height of the LINTON.
Can SUPER LINTON use the same stands?
Yes. Wharfedale designed SUPER LINTON to remain compatible with the standard LINTON stands.
Can I use different speaker stands?
Yes if they are suitably strong, stable and correctly sized, although the dedicated Wharfedale stands are the manufacturer's intended solution.
Can LINTON sit on a shelf?
It is physically possible on an exceptionally substantial support, but its size, weight and positioning requirements make dedicated stands much more appropriate.
How tall is each speaker?
565mm.
How wide is it?
300mm.
How deep is it?
The cabinet is 330mm deep, plus around 30mm for the rear terminals.
What is the overall depth?
Approximately 360mm including terminals.
How much does each LINTON weigh?
18.4kg.
What is the cabinet volume?
Wharfedale's official LINTON user manual specifies 37.6 litres.
Why might I see 57.6 litres elsewhere?
Wharfedale's current webpage presently displays 57.6L, while its official LINTON manual lists 37.6L. We use the manual figure because it is consistent with the physical cabinet dimensions.
What finishes are available?
Audio T currently lists Black, Mahogany and Walnut versions with matching stands.
Is Black the original finish?
Black Oak was added to the range after the original Mahogany and Walnut versions.
Is the veneer real wood?
Wharfedale describes the cabinets as wood veneered and hand matched.
Is LINTON good for rock?
Yes. The large bass driver and generous cabinet give drums and bass guitar useful scale and physical weight.
Is it good for jazz?
Yes. The dedicated midrange and substantial bass driver make it well suited to voices, brass, piano, drums and acoustic bass.
Is it good for classical music?
Yes. Its large scale and 110dB peak SPL make it particularly capable with orchestral material.
Is it good for electronic music?
Yes. The 35Hz bass extension gives electronic bass considerable weight without automatically needing a subwoofer.
Is it good for vocals?
Yes. LINTON has a dedicated 135mm midrange driver covering much of the vocal spectrum.
Is LINTON good for a small room?
It can work, but its substantial bass capability and physical size generally favour rooms with enough space to position it properly.
Is it good for a medium-sized room?
Yes. This is one of its most natural applications.
Can it fill a large room?
Yes. The 200mm woofer, 90dB sensitivity and 110dB peak output make it considerably more capable in larger spaces than many small standmount designs.
What is the difference between LINTON and SUPER LINTON?
SUPER LINTON revises the cabinet, bass driver motor, midrange enclosure, tweeter, crossover and internal components and extends the bass specification to 32Hz.
Is SUPER LINTON much bigger?
It is 50mm taller but uses the same 300mm cabinet width and remains compatible with the same LINTON stand.
Does SUPER LINTON replace the original current LINTON?
No. Wharfedale continues to sell both models.
Should I buy LINTON or SUPER LINTON?
That depends on budget, electronics and how much you value the SUPER LINTON's additional refinement and bass extension. A direct demonstration is the best way to decide.
What is the difference between LINTON and SUPER DENTON?
SUPER DENTON is significantly smaller. LINTON provides much greater cabinet volume, a larger 200mm bass driver and stronger low-frequency scale.
Can LINTON be used for TV sound?
Yes. Pair the speakers with a suitable stereo amplifier or AV receiver offering the required television input.
Can LINTON be used in home cinema?
Yes. Wharfedale now also offers a Heritage Centre speaker for customers building a matching multichannel Heritage system.
Should I keep the packaging?
Yes. Each cabinet is large and heavy, so the original packaging is valuable if the speakers ever need to be transported safely.
How should I clean the veneer?
Use a dry or barely damp soft cloth. Wharfedale advises against furniture wax and spray polish.
How should I clean the grilles?
Remove them carefully and use a soft brush where necessary before replacing them.
Should I touch the Kevlar cones?
No. Avoid touching any of the drive units.
What warranty does Wharfedale provide?
Wharfedale currently advertises a three-year warranty subject to its current registration and eligibility terms.
Should I audition LINTON before buying?
Yes. The combination of large cabinet, strong bass and distinctive presentation means room matching and amplifier choice are well worth hearing for yourself.
Related Wharfedale Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Wharfedale LINTON From Audio T?
The LINTON is an excellent example of why choosing speakers by specifications alone only gets you so far. Its broad cabinet, three-way architecture, 200mm bass driver and distinctive tonal presentation are very different from a modern slim floorstander or small two-way standmount, and the room and amplifier around it have a significant influence on the final result.
Audio T can demonstrate LINTON with suitable amplifiers, compare it directly with SUPER LINTON and help with positioning, cabling and system matching. We can also build a complete vinyl, CD or streaming system around the speakers rather than treating the loudspeaker purchase in isolation.
- In-store Wharfedale demonstrations
- Wharfedale LINTON demonstrations
- LINTON versus SUPER LINTON comparisons
- LINTON versus SUPER DENTON comparisons
- Three-way speaker demonstrations
- Amplifier matching advice
- Valve amplifier matching
- Solid-state amplifier matching
- Streaming amplifier matching
- Turntable system matching
- Phono-stage advice
- CD and streaming system planning
- Speaker positioning guidance
- Room-size matching
- Toe-in setup
- Speaker cable advice
- Subwoofer matching where required
- Part-exchange options
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Wharfedale LINTON, compare it with SUPER LINTON or build a complete system around these distinctive Heritage loudspeakers.