New Speaker Does Magic Tricks in My Living Room

[@cheapaudioman]

FlexiSpot E7pro standing desk: bit.ly/4eoOwiH (US) bit.ly/4fluEOX (CA) Use my code ''YTE7P50'' to get EXTRA $50 off! FlexiSpot Black Friday Sale now, Up to 65% OFF! You also have the chance to win free orders during this period. Buy more, save more, and the price now is the same as Black Friday, don't miss this chance! Wharfedale Super Linton wt Free Stands bit.ly/4hNuEIX (affiliate) Previous Linton howl.link/cmqame9nS1I (affiliate)

[@bobtowncarguy82]

I have never heard the Lintons, but they definitely have me in the looks department. Love the matching stands that double as record storage.

[@markjacobsen605]

I considered these. But purchased the KLH Model 5 instead. I listen to jazz and classical and the fives give me the detail I was looking for. Particularly mids and highs.

[@johntucker5994]

Randy, the designer has said that these speakers should be used with the speaker grills on. YMMV. With these speakers apparently being more neutral (less warm) than the originals but with better soundstage, I could see a robust tube amp being a very good match.....for ex. the Willsenton R8 using KT88 or 6550 tubes.

[@wardprocter2371]

I never really believed in speaker “break-in” until I got my Linton 85s. When I first got them, they were good, almost great. Now, after a year, I can say they’re f-ing fantastic! There must be something about woven fibre drivers that requires some time for them to loosen up a bit.

[@photo_n_art]

Speakers “break-in” is mostly psychological effect, you are just getting used to the sound. There is no measurable data to support the claims of any difference in sound before and after “break-in” period… what I like to call it, it’s strictly psycho-acoustics

[@ericmann1781]

Same here, although for most of the gear I have used i never noticed a difference, like the Focal Aria 906, Elac UBR62, KEF 750's, I never noticed any changes. The Fyne Audio F501 seemed less harsh after a few weeks, which had me confused as I didn't believe in break in at the time. Then there was a difference with my Triangle speakers with bass response. For the mids and highs I can't recall at all, if there was it may very well have been placebo since it was minimal, but the bass, especially on the Triangle Signature Thetas, what a difference after about a month. I remember how tight and stale the bass felt, then after a while I noticed I had to reduce the bass on my Rotel because of how boomy it seemed to become. I finally learnt about speaker placement and pulled them further away from the wall, but the bass presence was still quite a bit more impressive. Same for the Triangle Comete, not nearly as much as the Thetas though. It has been the same for integrated and separates, I never noticed a change, including my Advance Paris 10 Classic, sounded perfect from day 1 and never changed. I even changed the tubes to the Gold Lions everyone recommends, no difference what so ever lol. If it changed after a break in it was minimal enough for me to not notice it at all, the stock tubes are that good.

[@thecircuitbox]

Agreed, break in is what we call bro science in the industry.

[@arthurcooper3484]

Thanks for your review, I'm seriously considering these. Question from a non-technical audio person - it looks like your set up has a much longer speaker cable to one speaker than the other. Does this cause any audible changes to the sound quality over equal length cables?

[@Casitaboys]

I love my Lintons. I think I got them on sale for $1899 a couple years ago. They sound amazing for everything. I paired them with a Cambridge AXR100. Sadly I had to leave them back home when I moved overseas but I think about listening to Vinyl through them all the time.

[@Miersemann]

I love the dog . Put him/her in more videos 😉

[@bradleydurbin6784]

I was listening to some older Wharfedale speakers from the early 90s at my local vintage used repair shop. They were small speakers with a 6 inch driver and they sounded incredible. Listening to a Jerry Garcia solo album on them in the shop.

[@gino3286]

Hi could you share the model ? thanks

[@l88ka]

since i got wharfedale diamond 12.2 im HUGE wharfedale fan

[@NickBR57]

I was brought up with my father's Wharfedale Lintons and Wharfedale amp in the 70s, so I appreciate the real wood hogh quality build we used to get back then.

[@DJM626]

Just ordered a pair of the 85th Anniversary at a price that was waaaaaay too good to pass up. Looking forward to getting these tomorrow. Paired with my Sansui G-9000 receiver that has many tonal choices and combo's that can be achieved with all of the power to go with it, I am sure these speakers are going to kill it for me! I am also a firm believer that they will have need time to break in. As when I have had my receiver re capped it took way over 100 plus hours to break in before it sounded as good as it did before it was re capped. To me, it's not a matter of your ears getting used to it. I knew what it sounded like before and I know what it sounds like after and there is an enormous difference in sound

[@nasdkhan254]

I heard them today at a local hifi store. Very impressive . A contender . Some real depth

[@tm4000m]

OMG the puppy is silly cute!

[@BostonMike68]

Those are nice looking speakers, they are designed to have the grills on for diffraction. It's a 3 way that gives you that sound stage.

[@BostonMike68]

I watched an interview with the designer that's how I know that they are designed to have the grills on, even though I always like to have the grills off myself. Infact I don't even build grills for my speakers, maybe the next pair

[@thomas_n_OH]

The guys at Skylab say both the 85th anniversary and supers get better after break in period. Both are on my radar. We’ll see what the Christmas bonus looks like.

[@pointormond]

If people like British 3 way speakers and want a serious bargain. Look into Celestion Ditton 44's . For about 500 dollars you get something pretty special. Ive done A B tests with good vintage and new speakers and the differences arent 2000 dollar differences. Just an opinion. I havent heard the Lintons - but have compared my Dittons with new high end Focal speakers and it wasnt a blown out the water situation.

[@HD-Tech]

Don't do the comparison until you have many hours on the Supers. You're going to find a lack of bass compared to the OG's until then. Just my 2 cents. Spoiler alert, the new tweeter is better.

[@LeoRousseau]

The rolloff on the highs is why I didn't keep the OG's...

[@Norman-bone13]

We did state this was more of an overview than a review.

[@MechAdv]

The super linton has an extended bass shelf design. They are supposed to be placed close to the wall. If you bring them out into the room, they are going to be like 6db down at 80hz. That’s where the lack of bass is coming from, the enclosure tuning.

[@HD-Tech]

@@MechAdv Im well aware of the design and the recommended speaker placement. I was referring to the fact that the bass gets better after an extended break in. But I guess I already said that.

[@jeffreylehman1159]

These are designed to be placed closer to a wall for base reinforcement.

[@LelandPratt-nw9ix]

I think the Supers are designed for grills on, to combat refraction from the beautiful but sharp mahogany corners. Hopefully the fabric is light enough. I’ve got EVO4.3s and the grills are pretty transparent to sound. It’s pretty rare but it is a really nice surprise, hearing new sounds coming out of familiar music. An amplifier is surprising me now. Good hobby. PS. speakers can mellow out for months. 65 or 70 db’s doesn’t flex much.

[@1324390]

Randy, you're right -- the Lintons need juice for sure ! I've had my pair of Linton 85s for just over a year now and can confirm that these speakers require not only time but also some power to break in. For a while I had them fed by a 45 wpc KT88 tube amp, and frankly I thought they didn't quite live up to the hype. There was muddiness in the bass, graininess in the mids and haziness in the highs. I was so unimpressed initially as wanting to return them during the first month, only to be dissuaded from doing so by a friend who said they would need at least 100 hours to break in. The sound improved after a couple of months of sparing use since I didn't get to listen to them for more than 4 hours a week. But the improvement was really marginal. The revelation came only recently when I bought a 138 wpc Class AB solid state amp. Only after a week of hooking up the Lintons' sound underwent an Incredible Hulk-like transformation. The sound stage expanded immensely, and gone were the muddiness, graininess and haziness. Sonic lines became more sharply focused and defined. Finally the overwhelming dynamism astounded me. Conclusion: don't be misled by the Linton's claimed sensitivity of 90dB. These speakers need some real amp power to help them metamophosize.

[@paulhanlon5112]

The Heritage series from Wharfedale perform best with High Current amplifiers, these speakers performance will be compromised if used with amps that don't have enough Sizzle, this applies to the Denton 80's 85's as well !

[@radm5846]

Please provide the name of the amplifier you are currently using.

[@paulhanlon5112]

Arcam A39...also an Exposure 2010...but any well made Amp will suffice..just not cheap home theatre amps !

[@patrickgrantham8800]

All that Wharfedale have done is put decent drivers in a well made box and actually designed the crossover properly. Basically it has been properly voiced to achieve the best overall sound. Too many other manufacturers just stick junk crossovers in the speakers (that are probably designed using software / simulations) because most people never see those parts. When you do it properly you get the magic you experienced.

[@davidmojonnier1034]

Thanks Randy. Good stuff.

[@6643bear]

Hi Randy , another great video, I have over 40yrs old Linton 2 speakers , I replaced the caps on the crossover and they sound great for the age . Love the puppy . Regards mark

[@purrito4424]

Linton are an all time classic.

[@Thedarkdj4450]

You should do a here is what's on sale black friday video. Like a comp of preamp speakers etc

[@kostasjezuz4846]

MAGNAT makes some really nice 3-way vintage-style speakers that are also cheaper than the Linton, check out the Magnat Transpuls 1000 for example

[@TriAmpMyFi]

The Magnat 3-way w/ 15" has been out of stock for more than a year now...... check out the Cerwin Vega 15"

[@felipencl]

The Mofi Sourcepoint 8 (SP8) are selling for US$1999 without stands and US$2199 with stands, being a direct competitor to the super lintons. Could you compare the two Randy? I suspect many people would apprecciate it.

[@naastradamus]

Randy, I prefer the wobbly card table for HiFi Product Reviews. You know, for a LEGIT presentation of value at a good price.

[@ethimself5064]

They seem impressive all in all

[@jakus514]

The proof to me that speaker break-in is real, is that my buchardt s400 mk2 was only listenable with my amps loudness button engaged for the initial 50hrs. I wanted to return them before 50, then started to love them after 100. No need for loudness today :)

[@Norman-bone13]

Thanks Randy. Have you listened to Wharfedale’s Super Denton yet? Would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about that small three-way stand mount.

[@paulshallbbk6778]

So the cheap audio man is starting to experience holographic hi fidelity sound, perhaps his love for valve pre- amps may be on its way? welcome to the audiophile world, closer and closer? love the channel great fun.

[@adsph]

Appreciate your thoughts as always Randy. What a good looking loudspeaker. That Advance Paris putting some magic class a into them surely helps. Those dual purpose stands. Damn fine value.

[@clarencehoover6748]

Randy, perhaps use your adjustable table(s) as an adjustable speaker stand. Custom/adjustable tweeter height!

[@steveh545]

I thought the same! lol. gimmicky but cool.

[@jerryjohnson4625]

Tweeter borrowed from the Dovedale. I own the Lintons , on top is a pair of Aperion flat ribbons and a ReL 98 on the side. 35 wat tube untegrated. Sounding very nice. Would be fun to have a ss amp and maybe a valve pre .

[@jemandvondort1585]

Looks like they realized that they priced the 85 too low and now released a more pricy version with supposedly better sound.

[@surfmorworkless]

I was hoping you’d talk about these soon.

[@s.daniel9224]

Thanks for the heresy comparison. I was about to go down the klipsch road, starting with the heresy. And, I buy open-box which sending them back or trial period may not be allowed. Open-box is kinda my hi-fi kink. It allows me to justify the expense. Yes, I’ll tell my therapist…

[@g.fortin3228]

I have a smaller set of Wharfedale Diamonds that just sound SO good with one of my receiver's (secondary system) .. i really get it with their build quality. Impressive.

[@spacelord2234]

Love the Linton's. Looking forward to the comparison with the original linton....and hope they re not "better"😅

[@MechAdv]

Based on the measurements, the “Super” model corrects slight midrange scoop in the old model, and implements an extended bass shelf design so you can place them close to the wall to achieve a balanced in room responsez

[@justincase5272]

The best sounding pair of speakers I've ever owned were the ones I designed and built myself.

[@dropthehammer1360]

If the mahogany finish on those Supers is the same as the one on the 85th, photos and videos don’t come close to doing it justice.

[@wardprocter2371]

Totally agree! I was getting tired of Walnut so when I bought my Linton 85th, I thought I’d try out the Mahogany. They are stunning (in looks And sound).

[@ericmann1781]

I wish i had room for these, they look amazing and seem like they could replace my Triangle Comete who are paired with my A10 Classic.

[@ginom407]

I need to hear these. It's a shame they weren't at Capital Audio Fest. Thanks Randy! 👍👍👍

[@ericmann1781]

Seriously, I've been interested in these and the KLH speakers since they came out, I don't really have the space though and if I fell in love with them it would be a bit of an issue, but I would probably suck it up and keep them regardless lol.

[@gh00al]

Awesome but... Need that comparison video with the original Linton!

[@fivish]

If you play quiet then bass and trebble lift is essential. At higher levels it can be flat.

[@alwayspushing2031]

These at $2,500 vs ZU Audio Supreme at the $2,1000 area would be a nice comparison as they are both rather large "bookshelf speakers" and within a close price range.

[@yolo_burrito]

Chamfered edges is the word you were looking for.

[@janpetersen4397]

Look forward to the comparison with the regular Lintons

[@blue_blue-1]

I suppose that the heights and mids are no problem for less expensive speakers. The problem is the bass, and this will highly depend on your room.

[@Katra8189]

So I was wondering how long you’ve run these speakers? @ 30 hours I guess. I have always found that the accurate sound of new speakers definitely takes a few days of increasing volume until they become fully balanced. Different amplifiers don’t really tell enough until 3 or 4 days. After that you really know what they are going to consistently sound like. It’s worth the wait with really well engineered speakers to have them fully broken in.

[@steveh545]

cool. Looking forward to the follow up vids. I think if i swap my Lumina 2's for these might wife might notice.

[@nasdkhan254]

It sounds like the Super Linton need to break in a lot more. Please do another review in 4 months time 👍

[@adrianinnavan3910]

I thought from the title you were going to review some Magico speakers, you know, the hugely expensive aluminium block Italian monsters.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Klipsch Heritage = stamped-steel super-low-cost/quality ($100-150) woofers, zero internal insulation, no/minimal cabinet bracing, ultra cheap crossover components, ‘50s audio knowledge/tech. You’re paying for the hype, name, legacy and pretty veneers.

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@dragonstone6594]

Try these with the Topping B200 mono amp.

[@tiffinytiffable]

Randy, I appreciate your reviews. I want to share with you my anecdotal experience with the Heresy IV that you mentioned in this review. Mine took forever to break in; honestly it took me two plus years and all of a sudden the height of the sound stage raised and became large sometimes defying logic. Also, once broken in, they need to be on the floor away from the wall for holographic bass and of course more bass. Maybe revisit the Heresy given this long break in period.

[@pinner_blinn]

Randy said he'd like to buy a pair of the Heresy IVs in his original review back in the day. Not sure how that morphed into, "didn't resonate".

[@ianyates7742]

Talking about woofers I love the four legged woofer ❤❤put him her in some vids 😊

[@AlexGrGR66]

There are also the new Super Denton which are smaller 3way speakers, the older ones were 2way

[@jdynes]

Randy, I would love to know your thoughts or a test with the Super Linton's connected to the Unico Primo - please let me know your thoughts! Thanks

[@EvenHarmonics]

Yes, please. You said the Primo has some magic and this speaker has magic, so, together….. thanks!

[@limulus61]

I just ordered a set of the Linton 85th Anniversary speakers and stands for $1,499. I have a mahogany boat, so I had to have the mahogany speakers. They are scheduled to be delivered by FedEx on Thursday and the stated weight is 160.30 pounds in 4 boxes. I hope I don't have Super Linton envy. My trusty 1990 Denon DRA-1025 (125wpc) will power them. It has tone controls and also variable loudness. Not just a loudness on/off button. I'm also not a Klipsch fan. I inherited a set of Klipsch speakers from my father in-law who bought them in the 1990s. I didn't ever like them. I think it was the horns. I sold them to a man who was very excited to get them.

[@SnapperX3]

I don't think you will need the loudness on the 85ths, but it is always nice to have that option if you like to listen at lower volumes. They will sound good out of the box, but they get better with age. Also, they are designed to be listened to with the grills on. I think minimally, you will want them a foot or more off the wall. I think I am about 2 feet off the wall right now.

[@BaaBaaBoozeHound]

Hopefully there's a good trial with thr WIIM amp. These two are both on my shopping list so it would be really great to know the thoughts.

[@yolo_burrito]

I say Lin-ton too. It’s because I’m from the south and there’s a Linton Rd in Ft. Lauderdale and that’s what everyone calls them.

[@PioneerDoom7114]

I bet a couple of Hypex Ncore mono blocks with the New NCX500 modules would make the Lintons magical and get them broken in in no time.

[@yuckysamson]

5:54 - RANDY IS AN ANGEL!!

[@cheapaudioman]

You’re an angel!

[@yuckysamson]

@@cheapaudioman No. You are.

[@rosswarren436]

Would these play large enough and scale well enough to fill a 13' x 25' living room with an 8' ceiling or should I look more at floor standers instead? Thanks. I'd likely get a SVS subwoofer to use too for that bottom octave.

[@Edward-Norton]

Have you ever listened to the Mission 770's? I wonder how these compare to a more expensive British speaker.

[@NathanStorer-RC]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the PS Audio FR5 bookshelf speakers. A bit pricier than these Wharfedale speakers, but I'm curious how you feel they sound.

[@84listn]

Hi Randy, thanks so much for all the helpful information and your added humor. These look almost identical to the current Linton Heritage with Kevlar drivers for around $1,789 including stands. Does the extra $1,000 for the Super Linton give that much extra sonic bang for the buck? At these prices I could get the Emotiva XT1 Towers and matching Center. If I remember correctly you described the XT1's as having similar sonic qualities (tight and punchy low bass, warm midrange, and clear treble that is not harsh). Any thoughts or advice?

[@darkpatches]

Time to get my Lint on.

[@MS-pw8yu]

Well done. 👏

[@kevingest5452]

I mean, loudness generally boosts the high and low ends of the spectrum, so if you thought it was too mid-heavy to begin with, it's unsurprising that you'd like it better with the loudness on.

[@MechAdv]

Also, the biggest difference between the linton and super linton is that the super linton fills in the slight midrange scoop in the original, and has an extended bass shelf cabinet tuning.

[@MountainAdventures1]

You've talked about holographic imaging in your old Unifi 2 review, and then talk about the Warfedale imaging as if you're hearing something new, so I'd like to know what is different? I'd love a comparison between the two, especially with a subwoofer. I suspect my Unifi2 system with sub would outperform the Wharfedales without sub, while still costing a lot less. I'd love to be proven wrong!

[@wrestleshute]

My dive intp hifi started with the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, i wanted to upgrade to the Lintons but my space was too small... or should I my bankroll was too small LOL. I ended up with the Denton 85th instead and they are amazing, and for the price at just under $700 i had to purchase them and am very happy with thse Wharfedale's

[@paulrobinson3649]

Well, if you're going on the Heritage trail, why not try something from the Tannoy Prestige range? You may have room for a Stirling.

[@paulo1901]

Hey Rand! Have you tried the Super Lintons with the Emotiva TA1 integrated amplifier? Tell me about it! Thanks and cheers.

[@zbyslaw50000]

Advance does the magic between speakers

[@essendon72]

I'll have to have a listen to the Super. I thought the standard Linton was very bland. May have been the Yamaha amp possibly (A-S2200).

[@davidtomsett]

They are good but would be better without the chamfered edge on the front baffle!

[@campbellread1918]

Hi R, with the intense interest in vintage style speakers, would you take a look at an Elipson XLS15, these are monsters. thx Cam

[@armandoalvarez1805]

Gracias por utilizar la ia ahora puedo escuchar la traducción en español Gracias

[@markcarrington8565]

Er no, the Linton is far from being the cheapest heritage three way in the Wharfedale range. The Super Denton is £999 for starters.

[@kevinyoungM14EBR]

Everyone and even their brother from another mother is currently reviewing these speakers... I wonder how the compare to vintage ADS L780/2 speakers.

[@timc_2433]

mofi sp8 comparison coming?

[@felipencl]

Would be awesome

[@fivish]

Have you ever heard Spendor BC1's? They are 'magical' and have never been bettered. Mine are from 1980.

[@chacabaca]

I’m a simple man. I get my cheapaudioman alert, I watch.

[@JohnEasterday-j6c]

Bill O'Reilly is epic simple. He's like 150 years old.

[@photo_n_art]

One thing those speakers won't do is clean your house 🤣🤣🤣

[@GiguereSylvain]

It's surprising that Wharfedale succeeds to provide such a quality product at a decent price, especially compared with other "Heritage" same size speakers that cost.. double. They're not cheap, but I can hardly understand that these north american Heritage speakers cost double, say a pair of Zu DW6 wich is a great product it seems.. It's either some manufacturers wish to Surf on the old Heritage wave.. or .. ?

[@annebokma4637]

So next will be the "cheapest" Boulder gear? 😂😂 Keep them coming cheap audio Man

[@michaelsegel8758]

A pomsky? Seems everyone just dropped their vids on the Super Lintons. Good review, and you're still 'Cheap Audio Man'. (Although the Geshelli isn't that cheap either!) Besides 'Good value audio man' just doesn't have the same ring...

[@dominicgreen115]

Important question, what watch are you rocking in this video. Speedmaster?

[@pascalnuman5391]

Thanks Randy... Now I have te sell my 85th! Darn! How do they compare anyway since you have both at home?

[@Brian_Romska]

I’ll buy them 😂

[@pascalnuman5391]

@@Brian_Romska Shipping from the Netherlands will cost you. ;) LOL

[@cheapaudioman]

deep dive video to come out on that very topic next week

[@pascalnuman5391]

@@cheapaudioman Super!!! :)

[@SnapperX3]

I'd hold off on swapping out until people get some time on the Supers.

[@russgeer9450]

I also have the Advance Paris A-10. Where is the loudness control adjusted at? I am baffled, please help!

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Great review as always. Is that a free range husky?

[@murraywebster1228]

Hi, professional sound engineer here, if you want some muscle for your Linton‘s, with onboard DSP,networking and a very reasonable price you should check out the Lab.Gruppen IPX Series of amplifiers, I think you would be shocked with their sound quality and power, all are 19“ rackmount 1HE, with 1200,2400 & 4800 watts of total power, I know you like to shake up the audiophile world, these amps definitely will 🤭🤭🤭 ps. They also have digital (AES3) and analog (balanced) inputs, so if you want to have unconstraint dynamics…. It’s a pity you can’t bi-amp them, then you can set your Bass exactly how you want, make different volume listening presets in the DSP, which is very powerful. By the way I have 5 IPD2400‘s, the last generation of this amp.

[@renatomorais8136]

I'm starting to feel let down, I have the original Lintons and was hoping these would keep the good things but be more open, more defined and more refined. So far from the reviews I've seen, either people are listening to them straight out of the box or they are actually not a improvement. "Had to use the A10 with loudness on"... what? I don't know about the a10 but my a12 is way better without the high bias and bypassing the tone controls, if that improves things it's not really a speaker I want. But it's probably too soon to tell, my Lintons only opened up after 200h or so. Crossed fingers!

[@Monarch90]

any plan to make speaker tier list sir ?

[@Victor43377]

Would you get these over the Forte IVs if they were the same exact price?

[@anthropologo3496]

really not feeling it...the mad dash to vintage seems to revive around collecting and over-pricing / flipping amps and turntables - the original speakers are still out there - especially on local FBM and CL - they are big, heavy, and intimidating - no one wants them, and with folks from my generation dropping like flies, they are readily available - the caps and boards and such in them are usually super robust and if you can solder, you can replace...also, learn to shim and refoam and you are golden...i currently have a pair of 1st gen AR-1s with the AR-3st add on satellite's...i'm in $600 total...

[@jr-su8pd]

Subscribed mate. Love your channel. Great review. Not long had the Super Dentons which are pretty good, would love the Super Lintons but I think my flat is too small meaning they would be pushed about 10 inches from the side walls which wouldn't be great.

[@naastradamus]

Randy, what amplifier do you run on the original Linton speakers, which give you the "punch" you like?

[@cheapaudioman]

I’ve had a bunch of different ones on there. The Emotiva monoblocks were nice and thumpy with them. Also the unison labs unico primo was a wonderful match