Can My Favorite Vintage Speakers Be Dethroned? Wharfedale Linton & ADS L810

This week, we’ve got something special in the shop: a brand-new pair of Wharfedale Lintons! These speakers not only look fantastic with their vintage aesthetic, but their build quality might make you think they cost significantly more than their asking price. You could say we were fans before we even fired them up!
And the sound did not disappoint. They sounded fantastic! This got Kevin wondering, "Are these speakers going to dethrone my favorite vintage speakers, the ADS L810s?" Naturally, the next thought was, "We need to shoot a video about these!"
So here it is: our rough-and-tumble, smartphone-shot reaction video featuring some of the guys just hanging around the shop. You won’t want to miss this one, so as Randy from The Cheap Audio Man would say, "Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and join us as we talk about the Wharfedale Lintons." Enjoy!
Let us know in the comments if you’ve heard the Lintons or if you’ve ever considered swapping out your favorite vintage speakers for something brand new.
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! / discord
_____________________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Advance Paris, Cambridge Audio, new vinyl records, and more!
skylabs-shop.m...
`
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.b...
Join this KZbin channel to get access to the perks:
/ @skylabsaudio
We just started a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
www.patreon.co...
___________________________________________
Some more product links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Grado Phono Cartridges, Record Cleaner, and more- available at skylabsaudio.c...
iSonic Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner (10-Records)
amzn.to/3QlHwtQ
A1 Phono Preamp Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Turntable Pre Amp
amzn.to/4dkODMT
Douk VU3 VU meter and A/B switcher
amzn.to/44gxjol
Speaker wire
Voltive 14/2 Speaker Wire
amzn.to/3vNPdCa
RCA cables
Audiophile 2RCA Male to 2RCA Male Stereo Audio Cable,Gold Plated | 4N Oxgen-Free Copper Core (3 Feet (1M))
amzn.to/3Jlm4RV
U-turn Turntables amzn.to/49hbuWW
Rega P1 Turntable amzn.to/3HJ8Ayp
Audio Technica ATLP120 turntable amzn.to/3Ou2VzU
Audio Technica AT LP60 Turntable amzn.to/3uhLRGK
Fluance Turntables amzn.to/3SK5L6L
Pro-ject Turntables amzn.to/49eUAbi
Ortofon Phono Cartridge amzn.to/3Oy2955
Tracking force scale- amzn.to/42tok1Z
Pyle Phono Preamp amzn.to/3HPbqSo
Ampapa Phono Preamp amzn.to/3HLSeFs
Klipsch R-51 Powered Speakers amzn.to/42pgIh6
Edifier Powered Speakers amzn.to/48U4teS
_________________________________________________________
Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission.
We have owned and used every product in the links below.
Recommended Turntables:
Audio Technica LP60 Great entry-level “fully automatic” turntable for under $150 amzn.to/3eAPC1B
Rega Planar 2 Turntable with Premounted Carbon MM Cartridge (Gloss Black) amzn.to/3GA8s3R
U-turn Orbit Plus- Skylabs favorite new turntable amzn.to/3sFtudU
Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Cartridge amzn.to/3TiuQq0
Best vintage electronics cleaner! Deoxit D-5 - amzn.to/3QJHKu5
#vintagehifi #vinylrecords #vintagestereo

[@caseygoins8836]

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. I got the mahogany with stands for about half what I would’ve paid out the door anywhere else. Deal of a lifetime

[@jefferytisdale4348]

My uncle sold me a set of epi 500 for a dollar after i purchased a marantz preamp 70 x 70 watts. He purchased them new in the 1970's. He has never let me down. They sound great! Plenty of low end. No sub needed. I miss my uncle. He passed about 3 years ago.

[@limulus61]

I was in college from 1979-1983 and one of my buddies had a set of epi speakers. I agree, they were great. I had a set of Rtr speakers and a Sansui receiver along with a Sony turntable. I still have the turntable but don't use it. That's back when there were lots of big Sansui, Kenwood, Pioneer and Marantz receivers blasting tunes in the dorm. My RA had an enormous Sansui receiver. He also had a vintage refrigerator that was full of beer. Best RA ever.

[@lucbegin7334]

Bought my Wharfedale Linton 85's a year ago and LOVE them. First time going mid-tier price on speakers with zero regrets. Paired with a pioneer sx-850 for vinyls and a Cambridge axr100 for digital music. Super happy with their fit and finish, quality and of course their sound.

[@MikeVideos327]

Almost my same set up. Do you use the preamp in the axr100 or use a dedicated one?

[@karaDee2363]

Kevin, I know you're very honest and I totally trust you

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Kara :)

[@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. Thank you for the honest videos, and greeting from Nicosia, Cyprus!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Good to know

[@ropeburn6684]

That's nice to hear. I'm eyeing the Lintons, for Techno and Drum'n'Bass and Industrial etc. - the demands are similar to metal, so that should be working nicely as well. Have been using larger 2-way bookshelf speakers with an old 12" subwoofer I want to get rid of - I think my neighbours may Iike that. 😂 How's the deep bass? If they do a solid 40Hz and gently roll off below, that would be easily good enough. My room isn't that big, and the amplification side is well covered.

[@CorseSquadra]

@@ropeburn6684 I placed them relatively close to the wall, at around 30cm (1ft). Bass is clear and coherent without being boomy, and they indeed roll off at around 40Hz. The dispersion is vey good, and the stands help in that regard, as they place the centerline in ear level when seated. Bass boost can of course be adjusted, but the sound doesn't get muddy even at high SPL with the loudnesss turned on. I believe that they'll fit your needs, and offer a cleaner setup aesthetically.

[@lobstame]

Kevin I find myself in the same conundrum as I listen to each pair of speakers I can borrow and audition. It is too difficult to do a 30 minute or album A/B comparison and saw, “Wow! These are the best ever!” I don’t remember the exact date I purchased my Thiel CS3a set so long ago but I recently had the tweeters and woofers rebuilt and it took months to realize they are just now revealing themselves. As you know, the real joy is just immersing yourself over many weeks to really appreciate that new sound you somehow miss in a quick A/B session. That is why I miss a real brick-and-mortar store. …can’t explain that to those poor young whipper-snappers that didn’t grow up in that era. But, some day I will be able to visit your showroom. Thanks for your sharing of these moments for us.

[@steliosb8195]

best speakers i ever have the lintons are amazing speakers for rock and metal ... love them

[@juanpindongas5907]

Amp?

[@steliosb8195]

@juanpindongas5907 I have a marantz 40n brother this thing is a beast. I have try them with hegel h190 and the marantz is far better Old school sound vintage , amazing bass and control , I will never sell it

[@juanpindongas5907]

@@steliosb8195 nice amp, I have Sansui au 517

[@sportsmemo7334]

I have a pair of the Lintons paired with a tube amp. IMO the draw is that these speakers do just about everything so well. When the speaker gets challenged to its sonic limits, it just does such a good job of making you think it's not at its limit. Good bass, never sibilant, just an all around great speaker, at a great price. Love mine for sure.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agreed

[@01sapphireGTS]

Picked up a pair of ADS L810 speakers at a local garage sale for either $5 or $10 for the pair. They are not furniture quality finish, but function and sound great.

[@BarksALot-n6c]

Glad the L-810s are still on top. I have mine being pushed by a L-120 Luxman. The layering is AMAZING

[@vwmountainman9701]

Just after moving to Arkansas - I bought a pair of the Linton's w/ stands. As of now they are being driven by Nikko NA-850 absolutely incredible. When I played - May the Circle be Unbroken album - old time bluegrass with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I heard instruments I had not noticed with other speakers. Not that I've listened to hundreds of different speakers. I just couldn't believe how clear everything was. A few I think sounds really good - The Blues Bothers - 4get which album. The recent release - a year ago I think - CCR - LIVE album from the hall. All Pink Floyd I've played - album or CD is mind blowing. I have never had a pair of high-end speakers. These may be mid grade for some people. Only way I got these was using extra money from selling my house B4 we moved. Of course the first thing I set up in the new place was the SYSTEM. Got to have music to work to - am I right !!! Excellent video - as always - keep it up !!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@hughray]

I bought a set of new KLH Model 5 speakers. I spent a lot of time with them and swapped them back and forth with my a/d/s L810/2 on the original stands. I did this for about a week. Back and forth. Different types of music. I ran them both through restored Mac gear. A C28 preamp and a MC2125 amp. Plenty of power. The conclusion was that the new Model 5 speakers have more detail and space in the music without sacrificing warmth. The L810/2 speakers sounded muddy in comparison at the low end. I give the nod to the KLH reboots. An amazing speaker for the money.

[@steveallen489]

I have the ADS L880/2 and the ADS L780/2 speakers. Absolutely love them both. Also have JBL L56, POLK AUDIO 7B, AND Original Large Advents. 😊

[@skylabsaudio]

Very nice!

[@robertdentel1775]

You made a very good point about having your ears adjust to two different sets of speakers before you judge which sounds good. First impressions aren’t always as good as long term impressions.

[@phatsmitty]

Yes, 100%..... I was just thinking this, and you said it perfectly.

[@josedavila5695]

Got the Lintons paired with a Marantz 2230 and they sound absolutely fantastic! Unless you are planing on being a permanent resident inTinnitus town a good small vintage receiver will more than do!

[@WayneSchowalter]

Aw, gosh. You’ve done it again with your Linton review. Making me sad you’re not in my backyard and having me realize that, some day, I will have to do a pilgrimage to your store. Truly the cathedral of hi-fi. Thanks again!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. That's very kind :)

[@richstessman1213]

Good to see you've come around to new. Loudspeakers are the one component where the 50 year old technology simply can't hold up versus modern materials. Many new loudspeakers still can compromise themselves by cheaping out in numerous ways, but the available tools to make new products better, either DIY or commercial, is overwhelming.

[@rafacq]

I spent Friday afternoon listening to a pair of the Lintons at my local cozy County Line Records & HiFi store in Keller TX. What a wonderful speaker. We paired with some Adcom, LEAK, but my favorite was with a Dayton Audio HTA-200. I liked the combination ! I did buy the HTA-200, now I am starting to save some money to buy a pair of Lintons. It feels so good supporting our local small vendors and not buying from Amazon or Best Buy!

[@davidmmontgomery]

I had this same pairing for a while but I thought it might be too warm and laid back as the speakers and the amp have the same characteristics. I ended up pairing with the Cambridge CXA-81 and really dig that. The Dayton looks WAAAY better though, I do miss the glowing tubes and meters.

[@mewzishun1]

I bought a pair of the Lintons new about 10 months ago. They’ve been fantastic. Great bottom, clear mids and the highs are mellow and non-fatiguing. They are being driven by my pair of Kenwood L-07m’s and L-07c preamp. I listen to ton of vinyl on my KD500 too. Just in love with the whole setup. Very immersive.

[@timg2337]

Still have my Legacy Audio Sig 2s after 30+ years. Still love em.

[@Winterfell1066]

I have had the Lintons for several years. They are great. I gave my son my 70s Cornwalls and use my Lintons. I love the stands too. The bass is more than adequate. They take up less room than the conrwalls. Very vintage sounding and looking.

[@skylabsaudio]

Very cool!

[@frankwilson1301]

Are the Lintons large enough for high volume in a large room (15' x 25' with 12' ceiling, 100 wpc amp)?

[@Winterfell1066]

@@frankwilson1301 My room is pretty large, but not that large. However, even though I loved my Cornwalls, I have been very happy with the Lintons. My listening area is about 14x20 with a vaulted ceiling of about 12' so not quite as large as yours.

[@russcoughenour8254]

Totally true about AR 3a's! You can't a/b them or they will lose out. But after 30 minutes of listening, you will be impressed and still wanting to hear more. You can listen to them all day without fatigue.

[@skylabsaudio]

Exactly 💯

[@FirePhoenixAudio]

Agree 100%. I actually prefer my AR 3a's to my 810's but I do add a 2db treble boost to my AR's to give them a flatter response. Even the old manual suggested you add a 2db treble boost for flatter response. My main speakers remain JBL 4355's though. 😂

[@navinadv]

I was happier with my AR 2ax (1968 vintage) than more ads 1290 (1986 vintage).

[@joelruggle3450]

Haven’t heard the Lintons but I have the 80th anniversary Dentons and love them.

[@DethFromAbove1985]

The super Dentons look really interesting to me also. That would probably be all the speaker I would need.

[@billpeirce7]

I love my Wharfdale Lintons. They are hooked up to a Macintosh integrated amp. I tried B&O’s, L100’s, HPM100’s, etc. and those little Lintons rock out! I returned the $6,000 B&O’s for the Lintons.

[@ReasonablySane]

My first "high quality" pair of speakers I ever owned as the ADS L810. I chose them over the "hot thing" at the time, "Stacked advents". In fact, of all the equipment I ever owned, the 810s are the one thing I'm sorry I sold. But I STILL have the same pre-amp and amp (started out as the top half of a bi-amped system) and the turntable I bought at the same time. In fact, they are still my main system. FWIW, I'm talking about the Hitachi HMA 7500 and HCA 7500 and Kenwood KD-500 with the ADC LMF II tonearm. And I replaced the L810's with bi-amped ESS AMT 1B monitors. As I mentioned in a previous post, I sold hi-fi at that time. BTW, I powered the L810's with a Dynaco 400 and PAT-5 that I built around 1974.

[@davidmmontgomery]

I have these Lintons and love them. After a lot of research I selected them as my end-game speaker, paired them with the Cambridge CXA-81 and they're great. The way they look and the stands were also a big part of it, they look right at home in my listening area with a bunch of records tucked underneath. Really non-fatiguing, pleasant sound.

[@JeffN-A]

I love validation from a guy I trust. I bought a set of Lintons in Jan. of '23 and paired them with a Harman Kardon 730 (purchased BTW after your video on undervalued vintage receivers) and have loved this combo to death! So much so, that I bought a set of Wharfedale Dentons for my smaller listening area Thanks again Kevin. I really like your content and always look forward to you (and now the guys) on Sundays. Still thinking about your Father and hoping for the best P.S. Check the mounting screws on the speaker rings. Mine were loose, apparently it's a "thing", or it was a year and half ago.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. I'll check the screws for sure!

[@spyder8986]

Exact same set up I have. 👆

[@joesugarman1355]

Auditioned these in my home about five years ago against a pair of Zu Audio Omen DWII. Two totally different beasts, I know, but at that time, both were about the same price at $1200 and change. The Lintons played better with more combinations of amps/receivers, but the soundstage was small compared to the pickier Zu speakers, which I finally paired with the right amp. They seemed to play at their size, not larger like some speakers--even good bookshelf speakers--do. That said, they're a very solid performer and I sort of wish I had kept both! Thanks for a fine video.

[@MarkKnebusch]

Bought my 810s in 79 or 80 after hearing Jack Renner of Telarc demo his recordings at an IEEE meeting on a pair of 710s. They're still my primary speakers

[@sounddoctor5decades]

I have every Telarc recording mastered on my L1530's in vinyl, CD and if it was produced SACD, Telerc migrated away from 1530's when they were discontinued, went to B&W 801's, then pulled the 1530's back out of the closet again after a couple years and started using them again, they just sounded better and had significantly more dynamic range.

[@mikevadvilavich1414]

I also bought a pair of ADS 810's back in the day, and I loved them. Most people don't even remember the brand, but there was a day when they were the sh*t. I loved the ADS brand so much I also bought their Powerplate amp and rear deck speakers for my first BMW.

[@PaulLeone-f9r]

Love my 810s that I bought back in the day.

[@otherwillsmith]

I recently inherited a pair of 810s. They were on their way to the Salvation Army until someone mentioned I might want them. They called me to see if I’d take them and having never heard of them, I thought what the heck. I’ll check them out. I spent about three hours cleaning them up before hooking them up and taking a listen. Boy am I glad I agreed to take them. These things sound amazing.

[@iamroberty]

I went from a pair of ADS L780/2 with a Pioneer sx750 to a pair Revel M106 driven by a monoblocked Topping LA90Ds. They both sound great but the modern stuff is just so clean. I love it.

[@fredlennon5937]

Too many people sleep on Wharfedale in general. Listening to a pair of Wharfedale Jade 3 standmounts for the past few years. Tried an "upgrade" to Heresy 4's, but keep coming back to the Wharfedales, driven by 50 vintage Marantz watts. Their build quality is superb as well. Look forward to auditioning the Lintons.

[@towertone]

My (newest) main system was a NAD M10v2 with KEF original LS50s, Cambridge Audio CD transport and a maxed out U-Turn Orbit with an SVS 3000 Micro. Sound was good but a little thin. Swapped the KEFs for some Lintons (I bought a pair of Wharfe EVO-2s back in 2012 so...) and the sound improved immensely, but still didn't have the presence I was looking for (had me wishing for Klipsch Heresy's) so I pulled out some old receivers from storage and the 8 year old Outlaw Audio RR2160 used as power with the M10 as a pre filled those Wharfes out and I am now loving this system. Put the KEFs in the office along with the Cambridge behind a NAD C658 pre with an original Peachtree Audio Nova as power (type AB once again!!) and now have a Sony Blu-ray along with TCL into the M10. Outlaw now has the phono feed to keep it all analog and the M10 handles all digital save Apple. So sweet. Vinyl is great, CD, SACD or blu-rays are great, so is Tidal. Apple Music comes to the Outlaw via USB from my office so that plays at 24/192!! Anyhoo the Wharfes are really great, remind me of the systems my dad had in the late 60s-mid 70s.

[@robmaxfield780]

I’m an ADS guy. I have L710s and I love them! I also had a set of L1530s and those were fantastic but I bought a set of Klipsch KHorns and they were absolutely the best speaker I’ve ever heard to date! I sold my 1530s a month later.

[@skylabsaudio]

We all hear different. No right and no wrong =)

[@gratefulwatcher4796]

I have had a pair of Lintons for several months as well as some ADS L1290/2s... Im blessed to have both! Both speakers can handle anything you throw at them! The only caveat for the Lintons I found that they really prefer a medium to large room and high current amplification. Love the channel Kevin and sending positive vibes for your Dad.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@scottthomas920]

Bought my Linton's about 2 years ago, love them. They matchup to many vintage amps and receivers, best setup, so far, is with a Kenwood KA-8100 (with VU meters). A pair of AR 4A's are the only thing that has beaten them so far.

[@PSB-900]

When I was in the market for a new pair of speakers the Wharfdale Linton's in black finish were in contention. I ended up getting a pair of Vandersteen 1Ci+ 2-way speakers. At 70 years old my ears needed a brighter sounding tweeter. Now, if I could have afforded a pair of Wharfedale Dovedale's,... those are freaking amazing!

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, Doves... Wow

[@Crandish99]

I have both and I love them 🤤

[@tomhenderson27]

Just subscribed to Skylabs Audio after watching a half dozens videos. Wow... incredible insight into audio products, new or vintage. Incredibly knowledgeable! Man, this video alone is going to cost us $1,800. I believe he said, 15 watts per channel sounds great. Hopefully, my Sansui 6060 (44 watts per channel into 8 ohms) should hopefully sound pretty good. Guess I have to buy some new speakers to find out.

[@skylabsaudio]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lapetitaasia]

I use my Marantz 1030 with the Wharfedale Linton and a Dual 701. And I don't want anything else. For me they are the perfection.🤩

[@goldengoose5744]

My Lintons are paired with Sansui au 4900. I've changed few crappy resistors to mundorfs and one capasitor to jentzen in the crossover. After modding the sound become more vivid and airy. Even without modding they sound great out of the box. Great pairing with many vintage amps.

[@IrwinWeisman]

I have owned TANNOY 12 DMT studio monitors since 1997. These speakers are incredible! I will never get anything to replace them. If you haven’t heard them then you really should listen to them. However, you will probably need to keep them if you do.

[@stevezeidman7224]

I loved this video. I’m an ADS fan boy myself. I’ve got L710, L780, and 300s. I’m thrilled they weren’t dethroned but it’s also great to know there’s a modern speaker that good at a pretty reasonable price.

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, that Linton is really good.

[@ericschwartzberg5083]

Stick with the ADS your ears are correct. I have owned both.

[@robertmgtx]

There is the insane speakers like Klipsch Klipschorn and more beyond that.I do like the way 15" woofers seem to vibrate the room, and the craftsmanship.

[@m3n9111]

the cabinets on those Wharfedales look so beautiful as well!

[@skylabsaudio]

They are!

[@stevengagnon4777]

​​​@@skylabsaudiothey are beautiful. Can't believe the price is for the pair. The fact that the are designed for the grills in place is a bonus. I don't think poeple really understand the level of workmanship involved. My father was in the sales end of a high end architectural plywood company. So I've seen high quality work they were truly top of the game. The matching of these is right there. The employees that do this are highly payed and it takes many years to get there . The fit and finish is also very good from what I can see too. Just as a question do every pair come in at the same level? They also seem to be well matched in pairs . The empty cabinet is worth the price of admission. The price of materials here in the USA would be significant and then you would need a well equipped shop and the skills to build them . The 5 1/4 inch mid and 1inch dome is classic for a good reason. It's the perfect combination for all vocals. Once that is done every instrument is good to go. Through in the fair sized bass driver and it's complete. Budget wise not in the market , but these I could confidently buy, in all probability keep them and be done for many decades . Great channel and enjoy your presentation. For now my favorite speakers are my heavily modified Bose 301seris II ( what I have on hand) and the ironc thing is every time I think about replacing them . The question comes up but why? Anyway the main modification is the front tweeters are now a pair of Large Advent fried eggs and new crossover. In my space the sound stage is wonderful and the fried eggs really improved the upper midrange as they crossover nice and low. And there is an active fuse in the circuit ... the rear Bose tweeters that I have spares for. I do have a subwoofer blended in crossed over very low and subtle. That is my next upgrade. The little Infiniti BU 1 in its larger cabinet and extra mass isn't ever going to give the grand pianos lowest fundamental note at 27.5 hertz its full impact. I'm about 10 hertz shy in room. Don't need alot of power, still looking for the right driver with lower mass and I will build it. Have a wonderful day. Glad your father is doing well. I truly understand my mother had a bad stroke and I've been seeing her in a nursing home since January. Hoping for a miracle. Verbal communication would be one . We've had one already she is with us and understanding. Seeing a little laugh and a bit of a smile is amazing. The staff all love her ...the gave her the nickname Sunshine. Thank God for every small thing it truly makes a difference every day..

[@socool8860]

I purchased these 2yrs ago and I am running a Parasound a21 amp and Parasound p6 and they are phenomenal. When I swap out speakers sometimes for a few weeks and go back to the lintons it’s like the sound stage is humongous and airy. One of my favorite vocalists was Leonard Cohen and on these he’s right there. All the texture of this voice and the layers of music including the background vocals are all separated behind, above and outside the lintons . My old legacy audio sequel 2 were the only speakers that could match. But just like the lintons the would disappear in the room . They also pair very well with my McIntosh mc 2100 amp . Great speaker!.

[@jukingeo]

Nice review of the Wharfedale Lintons! This is a speaker that often comes up when I am looking at side by side demos. There are many positive reviews of them and Wharfedale in general. While I think the Lintons are very expensive, there is no denying that Wharfedale is a well made speaker. They STILL use veneer on most of their cabinets and their drivers have cast frames. In fact, I do recall a past Skylabs post in which Kevin took apart a vintage Wharfedale and I was amazed at how it was built. It even had a sand filled back panel to help reduce resonances. Amazing stuff! It is nice to see that, even though they are expensive, they are the real deal. I have seen MANY speaker companies that charge and arm and a leg for a speaker and the parts that go into it is nothing really spectacular, and you feel if you spend that amount of money on such speakers, that you are getting ripped off, and you are! In the world of hi-end audio, there is A LOT of screwing around going on. You don't always get what you pay for with hi-end audio, and this is ESPECIALLY true with speakers. You really have to do your homework to make sure you are not being 'trolled'. I also have a set rule when buying audio equipment. I NEVER spend more than $1000 for any single component and I NEVER spend more than $5000 for a whole system. After which, I feel that you fall prey to the Law of Diminishing Returns and you end up spending thousands in pursuit of perfect audio, which is really unobtainable. But after doing much research, yeah, Wharfedales are good stuff.

[@rickyrocket12]

I owned a pair of Warfedales in the early 70s unfortunately disappeared late one night. Always wanted to replace them but were impossible to find back then. I always loved their rich tone and bass response. Im definitely going to track down a pair.

[@francoisboyer7238]

I have the Linton's for the last 2 years. its the longuess I have ever had the same speakers :) I dont think I will ever change them. ( something my girl friend heard me say a few time ;) ) they sound amazing and think I found the perfect sweet spot for the money. Wait a few months and I think they will become your favorite because the speakers will break in. thanks for your video :)

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WayneMerryman]

Wonderful addition to your product line, I will have to stop this week and take a listen. I will bring my own chocolate milk! Thanks for the great video.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks Wayne

[@RandySmith-iz1ml]

Thanks again for the video, pray your dad fully recovers.

[@skylabsaudio]

Much appreciated

[@danwheetman6914]

Also, I don’t feel your hype a product just to sell it, you have Bro honest in all your videos and I really appreciate it. Keep em coming

[@skylabsaudio]

I appreciate that

[@guystpierrecomposer]

I have the Linton and I tested 3 amps : Audiolab 6000a, Cambridge Minx XI and SMSL VMV A1 ( class A 10 watt) and…. The 10 watts win! With the mojo2 as my DAC, the mids are so natural and the hi silky. Plenty of rich bass to! I listen mostly around 80 db or less. I’m a sound engineer and this kit is a bliss

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing

[@eltucamote3903]

I have my Lintons speakers connected to my Cambridge CX81 amp with some blue jeans (10 AWG)cables I recommend this set up,the sound stage is big and very dynamic 😍😍

[@p38arover22]

I have Wharfedale Valdus 400. I gave my daughter my 30 year old Wharfedale bookshelf speakers to go with my old (but still good) Harmon Hardon HK630 Stereo Receiver.

[@mrboat580]

My favorite vintage speakers that I still use are my JBL S38 and S312. They are bargain sleepers. Open them up and the woofers have heavy cast baskets and the mids are in their own chambers. The crossovers are uncomplicated for not having to torture incompatible drivers. They have enough headroom to stay out of distortion territory, even when playing loud. Decent sensitivity. 89db for the S38 and 92db for the 12s. They cured me from any upgraditus for just being good enough, with the rest being up to recording quality of the music. I have higher end modern speakers, but like you said, once you get past the user break-in period again, the differences don't matter so much.

[@spacemissing]

Wharfedale has a long history of making some excellent-sounding speakers. I haven't yet heard these, but I have no doubt they are really good.

[@rankenfile]

Those Linton's look great and its good to know how much you like them. I too love my ADS L810's a ton.

[@RickBranson]

Hi I am the Rick in the video who bought them. I have had them for 6 weeks or so now and tIr me. I think they will only get better the more they get broken in. Glad I bought them. I also had them set up with my Advent OLA speakers and I still think the new technology is better listening for me.

[@oldguy-likes-food]

I first listened to ADS (Braun) speakers at Audio Lab in Harvard Square in Cambridge Ma around 1970. These speakers were incredibly detailed with such a perfect sound stage, it spoiled me for finding a nice sound speaker for decades. After hearing the ADS (Braun) speakers I bought Large Advents, AR3a's, Sonab, Avid, KLH 5's, Boston Acoustics A200 A100, EPI, Klipsch Monitors, and countless others but none were quite as pleasing as the ADS (Braun) speakers. I've been jaded for life after hearing those ADS (Braun) speakers. One runner up would be the obscure KLH Model 23 speaker, it's really smooth with detailed mid range and open with balanced bass.

[@longboardluv2]

i bought a pair of Lintons 8 months ago, paired with my Marantz 2252 in my living room, they make a great combo. ill post a pic on the discord

[@scosal7100]

Never had the budget for high end stuff but back in late 80's I was running my credit card bill up I bought a pair of Canadian made Energy Reference Connoisseurs because I was blown away by the amount of bass coming from the 6'''' poly woofers. The connoisseurs are the floor standing model with a laberynth built into the base. Still have them and original packaging. Always ran them biamped with one NAD3300 per speaker and a Sumo Athena preamp.

[@bizyjo]

I have this speakers amplified with Harman Kardon PA2400 and Kenwood c2 . It rocks!

[@vinylvagrants4829]

I am running a Cambridge CXN 1000 streamer through a Marantz 2235B. The Lintons give me an incredible vintage warm, yet clear sound.

[@garyaho3755]

I bought my ADS L810 II’s in 1980 after hearing them AB’d against JBL L100’s. To my ears there was no comparison. “Toccata” from Fresh Aire III was the demo material. I had also auditioned equivalent speakers from Polk Audio, Infinity, and the Dahlquist DQ-10’s. I still love the ADS’s and use them everyday, as they flank my projection TV screen.

[@joandromunoz887]

Nice! My favorite vintage speakers are Energy Pro 22’s. The tweeter is in my opinion still one of the best out there. And the 7” woofer goes down to 28hz. I just had the tweeters rebuilt and i rebuilt the crossovers, these will hold their own against 10k speakers.

[@herbalizer1234]

I have them paired with rotel tribute amp. Excellent sound and combo. I strongly suggest that combination. My previous speakers were Dali opteron. I was not happy with those. They sounded like a plastic bag was covering them. One thing to mention here, is that the lintons play very well electronic music. Being a "vintage" speaker, that kinda surprised me. I strongly recommend the lintons.

[@larrysacks8927]

You made me want a pair of these speakers, which is very dangerous for me. I am so thankful that you’re not near my home because if you were, I would be very very poor but on the other hand, I wish you were near my home so I could come to your store and become very very poor thank you for another great video you rock. 😅

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@rws915]

Been subscribed for awhile. LOVE your content. I got my Wharfedale Linton 85th's about 6 months ago. I use a Marantz PM8006 with them and a Technics SL-1210GR2 with an OM2 Black cartridge. ABSOLUTE heavenly sound. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when listening. Sometimes it brings me to actual tears of joy. Cheers! Maybe someday I will make the 10 hr journey and stop in (in CLE, OH).

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@tonycombo]

I love my ADS L780 and L980. Big Infinity fan also. I'm a good listener.....

[@christopherstorey1125]

Thanks for the honest review, and hitting home on the shortcoming of quick a/b testing!

[@dinglebarrybonds]

I saw your video, then i saw budget audio man talk about these. Now I have a pair on the way

[@Slkguy230]

Was using Spica TC-50's for quite a while with NAD electronics. Stumbled into a shop kind of like yours that had lost thier lease and was closing out everything. Scored a very nice set of Boothroyd/ Stewart (meridian) M20's. These are an active speaker using the same mid/tweeters as the KEF 104. All original including stands. The MSRP on these was like 4K in the early 80's. I've gotten very fond of active speakers and am looking for a backup pair. Looking at paradigm active 20, genelec G3, and jbl. FWIW, Steve Guttenberg of stereophile gave the Linton great praise as well.

[@sopasadena1499]

My favorite vintage speakers are AR 2ax with upgraded crossover components and a new HiVi tweeter installed with a parallel inductor. Also EPI 500 towers are on the list

[@dwyntsch]

Those speakers look awesome. I got rid of all my surround sound crap, pulled my Polk Audio RTA 12's out of storage.. Sounds great still! I think I paid $775 for them in 79 or 80! (Extra $75 for walnut veneer.)

[@MBowes-nd2vx]

I picked up a pair of ADS L810 in 2019 and they go great with my restored Pioneer SX1050. I use them in a small room and at any volume I think they are all I could want in a near field environ. Kind of nice to see someone with massive exposure to gear pick them out as a FAVE. I also like Wharedales and own a pair of Rosedales and W90s. The W90s are special and large but with tube amps they do the thing we all want, which is to make that music live. So I am intrigued by the new Lintons but unless I find a certain classic speaker at a good price, I am gonna pass on the new stuff. Since your channel is all about the classic audio , I am sure you understand. Cheers from Toronto Ontario.

[@ethimself5064]

Comparing speakers thing - Back around 76 I bought a Pioneer System with HPM 100s. My old system was a budget system I bought for $200 in 72 and the Pioneer System I paid $1750 Both in CAN dollars. I set the Pioneer system with both pair of speakers and for at least 3 days I much preferred the much cheaper speakers/ was somewhat confused. Then at one point I could hear things with the 100s that was literally missing with the other pair. Did not take long to enjoy the 100s, period. I then figured out why this happened - It was due to the much cheaper speakers being crazy more efficient. The 100s were rated at 92 db/1 meter. In short it took me some time to adjust - never had to adjust after this(for some reason)

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Kevin, I dropped out of audiophile mode in early 1989. There was just too much going on and I didn't think much about it until I happened to catch your channel. I can only say back then I was a Cerwin-Vega guy. I honestly would like to listen to new and different components, especially those Wharfedales. Living in very rural Georgia might make that difficult. But you never know, so I will make a solid attempt. Thanks again for adding good knowledge!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@audiojunkie1047]

Another nice video post!! Back in the very early 80s I bought my first pair of decent speakers... Boston Acoustic A60s with the ferro fluid tweeters. They were a two way system paired with a Technics or Onkyo receiver of the day along with a Yamaha EQ via tape loop. That little system kept me happy for years just starting out on my own.

[@kodithebear]

These are the only modern speakers that Im tempted by too 😂

[@scottnewellguitar]

I would buy a pair of the Lintons sight unseen based on this video! Added to the wishlist to pair with my Pioneer SX-850. I bet they would sound amazing! Thanks for another fun one. 😛

[@John-N-541-ym7dx]

Amazing that a SX 450 can drive modern high end speakers.

[@misterarcane3863]

My main speakers are a pair Vinyage wharfedale rosedales...w70d's. Redone the crossover using the crossover from the dovedale 3 ( it has a high and low pass filter for mids) and used russian petp 73-16 caps... I love the sound. I keep toying with idea of saving for a pair of the new lintons,but do worry there going to sound like other modern speakers...forward highs and bass. Also sensitivity is an issue, my fave amp to use a serviced Pioneer SA-6200 its only 15watts, the rosedales are 95db. Also one of the best tweeks ive done is using rothwell q0db rca attenuators between the pre and power amp section...much better signal to noise ratio. Anyways, i really enjoy your channel.

[@svbarr]

The vibe if your shop really reminds me of a cool vintage guitar shop.Bunch of dudes shooting the shit and jone-sing about tone. Like a Barbershop in a small town -- but all the talk revolves around music/gear.

[@USEC3]

I recently bought some Braun L810 (not the US ADS version) refinished the cabinets and recapped the crossovers and I fucking love them

[@kenworth1824]

I may not be local. But I'd still travel to Des Moines to get a good pair of speakers. I'd also get a $8 sticker pack too. Enjoy this channel!!!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks! Hope you get to stop in!

[@ryandorn7831]

The soft dome mid is the magic maker w/ ADS, Braun, Visonik. I wish I lived closer, would love to come by the store and say hi! Thanks for the great content!

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

A previous vid mentioned the ADS speakers and I did a quick run thru on eBay. But I didn’t pull the trigger. Man, back in the day in SoCal South Bay, Old Towne Mall, the hifi shop where we heard the ADS, I still get the chills from remembering that high end. Too bad you don’t ship, would love a pair now from a trusted source

[@xsamitt]

Really like the vibe you guys have! I hope you do more videos !

[@skylabsaudio]

We will!

[@goodboid]

My favourite vintage speakers are a pair of AR18s and I also love my JBL4311. Though the JBLs have been kind of replaced with a newer pair of 4429s.

[@s.k.y_kitty3godward850]

Wharfdale is actually place in Yorkshire UK 🇬🇧,I’m originally from there,Wharfdale speakers I you to own were W30 speakers meny years ago ,thay blew me away , Wharfdale were at top of there game 60 70 and 80 ,nice see there on American market,enjoy them

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@billsmith5166]

ADS of that era were amazing. There were so many different speakers of that vintage that were taking big steps because of the improvement in driver design. I never warmed up to the AR 3s though, and I really tried.

[@jeffbranch8072]

Whew! I'm really glad you checked those speakers with an SX-450. I have an SX-434 and don't have that kinda scratch to drop on new speakers right now. That was close.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

I once owned a pair of ADS 810s. Now I have the ADS 1230s, same drivers, bigger cabinets. ADS speakers are tough to beat, even compared with today's offerings. I never heard the Lintons, which are often compared with the KLH 5s.

[@billpeirce7]

I bought the KLH 5s thinking they could replace my Lintons. Nope. Returned the KLH’s.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

@@billpeirce7 Interesting. If I had a smaller listening room, the Lintons would be high on my list to buy. My ADS 1230s fill my 19X14 foot space with ease. I'm not sure a bookshelf type speaker could do that.

[@bart2975]

I absolutely love my Wharfedale E70

[@ralphdias1710]

I don’t know how the algorithm gods led me to your video, but I’m glad they did. I enjoyed listening to your honest impressions. Speaking of speakers, I have a pair of Yamaha NS-1000 monitors in my garage that have been unused for over 10 years. They were given to me by a musician who used them in his recording studio. They must be 50 pounds each. I used them for 10 years or so. Last time I listened to them they were great, but I’m no expert. Do you recommend I get them repaired or checked out in some way before I try them again? Do you think they might have value to someone as is? I am older now, and my ears honestly do not seem to hear the music as well as they did 40 years ago. Thanks for any thoughts you have on these speakers. Keep up the good work.

[@pascalmarais2861]

Klipsch Heresy 1s and Polk monitor 10. I also loved the under appreciated Celestion DL10. Massive sound for very little money. I sold my JBL L100 after hearing the DL10...

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@JodyM2]

When I was a boy I bought a used system HPM 100s & an Onkyo 45 Watt Per Channel Receiver it worked well.

[@richardtomasek]

The ADS L810s were out of my price range back then, but I did know how terrific they were.

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

ADS L 710 and L 1290, assuming no one opened the boxes, changed out any original parts, are the bench mark. Why? Because they do not sound like speakers at all. The sound reproduction is so faithful, close your eyes and you would swear there was a live musical quartet in your living room. Acoustic guitar, violin, cello, voice, chimes, bells, breathtaking! To be sure, not all ADS models are the top of the mountain. The L 810, although bigger and pricier than the L 710, are a little bass heavy. And other models (which I own) have some coloring. But in the case of the 710 and the 1290, they struck gold! If you see a pair, snatch the up!

[@mikegallagher2732]

Hey Kevin, you NEED to hear the DOVEDALES !!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Lintons tho !!!!! HOPE your Dad is doing Better !!!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Someday :)

[@nesutoneko]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the current production KLH Model 5, particularly matched against the ADS L810. Nice video, keep up the great work!