Who's the winner? Wharfedale Linton 85th vs. EVO 4.4 - Soundtest

Soundtest - Wharfedale Linton 85th vs. Wharfedale EVO 4.4. Which do you prefer? The more forward sounding EVO or the Lean-Back Linton?
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Music used in video from Artlist:
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00:00: Intro
00:18: (Cinematic) Ian Post - Clarity (Linton 85th)
01:30: (Cinematic) Ian Post - Clarity (EVO 4.4)
02:41: (Classical Music Playing) Ian Post - Canon in Major D (Linton 85th)
05:13: (Classical Music Playing) Ian Post - Canon in Major D (EVO 4.4)
07:43: (Jazz music playing) The Roar by Southside Aces (Linton 85th)
08:41: (Jazz music playing) The Roar by Southside Aces (EVO 4.4)
09:40: (Acoustic / Indie) Low Light - Never Lost (Linton 85th)
10:30: (Acoustic / Indie) Low Light - Never Lost (EVO 4.4)
11:20: (Electronic) Curtis Cole - Ratata (Linton 85th)
12:45: (Electronic) Curtis Cole - Ratata (EVO 4.4)

[@r2d3vadar92]

Wow! You did a Great Job with this sound demo! Thank you.

[@georgejones9059]

In this test, with the same Audiolab 9000 that I’ve just purchased, the Lintons sound better in this video in every way to me. The 4.4's did come alive more with Retata but the Lintons still sounded better. Great video as I’m looking at the Lintons and the 4.4’s were also on my list.

[@joecharpentier6636]

I just bought a pair of the Lintons and have them paired with my Anthem Integrated 225 and the SQ is absolutely stellar. I have FINALLY found a speaker pair that i can listen to endlessly with zero fatigue. I use the Sony hap-z1es for a source and this is the best combination ive ever had in my 25+ years as an audio enthusiast.

[@babolababs4732]

Same here as most of commenters - ended up with Lintons, although I tested Linton 85 speakers against both Diamond 11.4 (which I was told is a hidden gem and kicks way above its weight) and Evo 4.3, not 4.4. Similar sentiments as yours. I also found Diamond 11.4 a little too forward sounding, not in a bad way but still a little tiring. And yes, I added a subwoofer but I have had Wharfedale SW150 from before so was easy addition ;). Deffo god to have a subwoofer, agree.

[@ivangreguric6053]

I auditioned Lintons and Evo 4.2's side by side in a store (I needed something shelf mounted). I went in planning to buy the Lintons based on reviews, but I bought the Evo 4.2, and I am very happy with them. They sound somewhat different and it comes down to preference. I found the Lintons sound richer and forward in the mid to highs, which I did not like. In other words, I found the Lintons sound too forward and bright (in comparison), and preferred the 4.2's, which seemed more balanced and relaxed. Separately, I think the walnut Evo's are one of the best looking speakers around . I love the matt look. The Lintons look dated to me. But this is all personal preference.

[@angelOcrisu]

Lintons brighter than evo? What amp did they used? The same soulless dry audiolab?

[@KLiNoTweet]

​@@angelOcrisuThe Evos are awesome looking for sure. I could look at them all day. Soundwise I prefer the Lintons.

[@lennartl6662]

Same for me. Bought the evo 4.2 and elac dbr62 thinking i would send the evo back. Elac dbr62 gets amazing reviews online and evo not so much because it would be tiring to listen to. Well, i found the elac dbr62 was just too much bass and very sharp on the highs. Did not sound good even after 30+ hours breaking in. Happy owner of the 4.2s. I do want the bass more punchy and tight and the highs a bit more forward with rock. Thinking about getting dirac live for that.

[@MannyDysangco]

Expecting a delivery of my Lintons today...can't wait.

[@ep3typer543]

I'm thinking of getting lintons myself. Any good?

[@ep3typer543]

I have the lintons paired with an audiolab 6000a To me, the lintons have a big, rich, relaxed sound that is never fatiguing. Bass is big. My dad has the evo 4.4 with a rotel ra 1572 mkii The evos sound more focused to me and a little more detailed. For speakers made by the same company they sound very different to each other

[@chrissmith7069]

Thx for the sound test!! . I owned a pair of Evo 4.1's and swiftly sold/moved them on.. I have been considering the Evo 4.4 but after listening to this i'd sooner pass and go with the Lintons! Cheers

[@drazenbabich]

Tested both at my local Audio shop, took Lintons home. They were beautifully warm sounding, well balanced non tiring. Evo's were coming across as a little more clinical and I could tell the music coming separately from left and speakers with eyes closed, while the Lintons had centre-focused sound stage. One personal suggestion though, for both of these speakers, so make sure you add a sub, not a big or powerful one but sub nevertheless as it will fill a bit more at the bottom range. I use 10" sub and it's more than sufficient. Lintons dig a little deeper than Evos in low frequency range but still benefit from a sub, IMO.

[@__DMC__82]

Dreaming about the lintons with that new rel classic 98 subwoofer that just came out for my downstairs set up ❤

[@DANVIIL]

I really don't think you need a sub with the Lintons but I listen to mainly jazz, classical and rock like Steely Dan etc. I don't listen to electronica etc.

[@drazenbabich]

@@DANVIIL Sub requirement will depend on the size and characteristics of the room. Mine is medium size and while Linton's punch deeper than most speakers of this type, I got a completely different bass dimension and lower frequency extension by adding a dedicated sub. I also listen to Jazz predominately, addition of a 10" sub allows me to hear trombone and bass instruments in a whole different way.

[@NOTSoGoodHikers]

Evo 4.4 is much more open and has greater air.. my preference. The LINTONS are much warmer sounding. They also sound good.

[@pteamwheeler]

You do a great job of putting this vid together, well done.

[@RennieAsh]

It's funny, to me the Linton sounds more forward, more impactful. Bass is "bigger" The EVO is more laid back, softer delicate treble and bass, less impact, more mid focused and "open" or diffuse. Can sometimes sound slightly hollow. Can't really say one is better than the other with this recording. They likely will sound different in person and especially in a different room. Also I personally would have the speakers playing on the outside, or, stagger them so they are always teh same distance apart

[@davidbennett3098]

The Lintons are designed to have the grills on.

[@alferro3149]

I've got the Lintons and they are staying. They are connected to a Creek Evolution 100A (outstanding piece of kit). For the price, I can't ask for a better sound

[@alexkorff6479]

in my opinion, Linton is better, they are freer, relaxed, and 4.4 are constrained, sound like from under the bed ... I once had 4.3, and I am not at all enthusiastic about them, and I don’t think that 4.4 is much better than 4.3 ...

[@DANVIIL]

I really like the Lintons in my 19' x 14.5' room and have never felt the need for a woofer but I strictly listen to 2 channel music and no TV etc.

[@yuribotnaru3359]

Did they arrived? Are you happy with them?

[@DANVIIL]

Yes, I'm very happy with them.They are a great value, in my opinion.@@yuribotnaru3359

[@vincentcasasanta3049]

Thank you for posting your sound test videos! Can easily hear the sound signature differences between speakers, using earbuds/headphones, even through YT video playback is compressed. I prefer the L85’s laid-back sound over the forward and bright Evo 4.4. I own the bookshelf Denton 85 (D85) and glad I didn’t almost purchase the Evo 4.2. Below is my comment posted to your L85 vs D85 sound test demo: “I have the Denton 85’s (4 ohms) paired with a Denon 1600ne integrated amp (140W) and SVS PB-2000 Pro subwoofer (550W). Not bright sounding at all (older, hearing tops out @ 12kHz). Absolutely love these bookshelves!! Mainly listen to Jazz. D85 excels in mid-range clarity and tonality of instruments (sax, guitars, string bass, drums, piano, etc). Set-up in 16’x22’ family room. Can play loud/clear/controlled to 95dB (meter positioned 3’ in front of speaker) and reach 85dB @ center listening chair 16’ away. Also sounds good at low listening levels, too. Love these D85’s, pure musical bliss, every time I turn my system on!!” PS: Stream music using the BlueSound Node, however, bypassed its DAC and now use the internal DAC on the Denon 1600ne amp (Burr Brown chip, PCM 1795). It’s ever so slightly better/fuller sounding than the BlueSound DAC.

[@vincentcasasanta3049]

Correction to my above system. Subwoofer pairing is the SVS SB-2000 Pro (a sealed unit), ‘not’ the PB-2000 Pro (ported). SB is better for music and a perfect match for my bookshelf Denton 85’s. Additional useful info .. traded-up SB-1000 Pro subwoofer to the SB-2000 Pro, the 1000 played at its max limits, drew attention to itself, in my mid-size listening room. The 2000 now blends beautifully and effortlessly with the D85’s! Possibly my end-game system? In the future, plan to A/B the D85 and the highly praised Criton 1TD-X bookshelf speakers (w/upgraded cross-over). These two apparently have a similar laid-back and musical sound signature (not overly bright & fatiguing). Will the Criton’s win out? Only time will tell :-)

[@scottyo64]

I felt the 4.4s were too laid back in the high end during my year of ownership

[@gtric1466]

Lintons sound more open and lively. The Evos sound a little more boxy and a bit bright in the upper mid range

[@markgriffiths6540]

Interesting. Like my Evo 4.1 - the 4.4s sound a bit 'strangled'. I rebuilt my old Ruark Sabres with Peerless D27TG35-06 and Monacor SPH-165 with a home-made crossover, and while maybe a little bright, sound far more 'open' than the Evos - similar to (but more so than) the contrast between the 4.4s and the Lintons. I have the old 'Ruarks' on re-capped Arcam 8R/8P combo which sounds 'better' (but a lot less bassy though) then the Evo 4.1s on a Rotel A11 Tribute - the difference is like listening to the Evos music through a beanie (hat).

[@r.8405]

The Lintons have more punch, a far more audible and articulate bass, and are more detailed, but if you listen to the violins and chellos during the Pachelbel track, the treble gets a tad too sharp, which is a huge minus in my book. The Evos are too laid back to be detailed or powerful enough.

[@TheSalami73]

What are your thoughts on how the Lintons would perform with an Aperion super tweeter and 8" subwoofer?

[@Carl-bd1rf]

The two presentations are definitely different. I think I prefer the Linton.

[@46dude41]

Love linton´s stage.

[@andrewwebb4635]

Evo’s sound a little strained at the top? Could be that strange tweeter.

[@MrSplit57]

I own Evo4.2 and this listening test confirmed me I made a good choise! In Pachelbel Canon Evo reproduce a real sound of violin, not some schreeching cats.

[@larrysmac]

Understanding that a legitimate assessment via KZbin's codec is virtually impossible, I don't like either. The EVO's sound unnaturally bright, and while the Linton's highs may sound more natural, the mids and lows are a bit too muddy, IMO. Unfortunately hearing either of them in person is a challenge in Michigan, which is an audio wasteland.

[@SkyNeonPie]

I feel Evo Series is made to use with EQ, subs, and play High volume. Because that’s where the AMT tweeter really shines around 80DB in my honest opinion. I have the 4.1 and WH-D10 sub. And it sounds great with 80 crossover. I’m considering upgrading to surround with either 4.3 or 4.4 and adding another WH-D10. They’re great for my Denon AVR.

[@yanlinchen6973]

I use Marantz pm6007 Integrated Amp with my evo4.1 and sw-150 sub. I want to upgrade my system. Can you tell me what amplifier you use? and give me some suggest. plan1 : evo 4.1 > evo 4.4 plan2 : marantz pm6007 > audiolab9000a thanks for sharing.

[@SkyNeonPie]

@@yanlinchen6973 Hey there. I have it setup with a Denon AVC-S660h. I have since the OP, upgraded and added another WH-D10. I’m still running 2.1 Stereo. And I enjoy music and movies. I would recommend a Marantz amplifier, if you’re exclusively utilizing them for stereo music. But if you want best of both worlds I would suggest, probably a DENON AVR-X1800H or very similar. Nothing more than 80-85 watts, in my experience, since you don’t need a lot to drive them. But a maximum of 100w at 8ohms is probably safe enough if you are gentle with, volume/channel level. I highly recommend to stay at or below 85w amp for 4.1, or I would go for the 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4. I’m going to upgrade yet again and add a center speaker for better movie dialogue. Hope it helps, Cheers.

[@SkyNeonPie]

What I meant to say. 4.1 is a great surround bookshelf speaker. That delivers sound, that lives up to THX sound pressure levels, *if* you include a subwoofer.

[@markmeridian3360]

Both sound very bad played with KZbin's audio compression, my computer's standard audio card, and my $19 computer speakers. Not sure if any differences in the bass was caused by room placement.

[@rdolle990]

The 4.4 has more detail but somehow is not as balanced and natural as the Linton's .

[@jeezuschryst]

Why did the right linton not have the grill on??

[@vatromet1]

Great presentation. Question and your advice. I'm about to buy a Yamaha amplifier AS 1200. But I'm undecided between these two types of speakers. Can you tell me. Is the Fharfadale Evo 4.4 a better choice? ​

[@yuribotnaru3359]

Go with Dovedale.

[@jonathanle1761]

EVO sound is more relaxed and recessed to me while Linton has great clarity. However, Linton sound is not forward and neutral to listen to. Mine goes to Linton.

[@seaneckhart9914]

That jazz song is just a world of difference from the Lintons. The choice is clear

[@loneronta]

En la última canción se puede apreciar como las Evo manejan mejor la parte alta. Las Linton ofrecen un sonido desordenado. Por lo menos eso escucho con mis auriculares.

[@sourav0vlsi]

Wrong time stamps on Curtis Cole - Ratata. Please correct.

[@Audiophilesdoteu]

You are totally right, hereby fixed. Thanks :)

[@giannislarch]

But, what are the sources and amplifiers?

[@Audiophilesdoteu]

Audiolab 9000A and Node 2i digital out to the 9000A.

[@NetMediaLab]

@@Audiophilesdoteu Good Morning! thank you very much for the reply. Nice....

[@giannislarch]

@@Audiophilesdoteu nice, thanks.. All are nice devices, and of my favorites..

[@mietekkowalski935]

Linton🏆👍👍👍👍✌🏻✌🏻

[@RainbowCharade]

The Ratata track sounds much airier and exciting with the Lintons. I wonder if the Evo will open up more with use...(?)

[@tone-369]

I definitely choose Linton, (evo sounds weird)

[@JPWinters]

Lintons sound much better, Evo's look much better.

[@bhadrapad]

Jeez man ,how can someone say smthing over...."4.4 lack bass and all" YES ,they have,Insane amount of bass,anyway ,need a good positioning are awesome for acoustic music deff no for electronics.thinking to change them for Transpulse 1000 ,cheers ;)

[@scottyo64]

In my year of ownership I thought the bass of the 4.4's was their strong point. Mids were very good by the high end was far too laid back for me

[@Dr.Ignazio]

Is it posible that Linton are best speakers SOUND-Price ever seen?

[@Bas1lio]

Nice idea to compare the sound through mobile phone…

[@FNGyoutube]

I prefer Mission 700/ 770 to Wharfedale Linton 85/ Evo 4.4

[@markrhodes5474]

Love the look of the Evo 4.4 but I think the Lintons sound better but look a little old fashioned

[@34332]

Lol, that retro look is the whole point and their vintage sound too. Instant classic, imo.

[@fusingkwok852]

85th👍

[@alrangele9915]

Stil go for e70 and e90 series! The best!

[@johnbancroft5242]

I regret giving my E70's away 20 years ago. I had them 20 years myself. they were great fun.

[@themarksmanABP]

Could you pair the lintons to a chord mojo 2 and drive them sufficiently as the DAC amp? Or could you use the mojo 2 as the DAC and then buy a seperate amp plus add a sub? Also, i'd need to stream my Tidal music to the speakers aswell. I wonder how these would sound using the mojo 2 DAC. Never looked into a HI-FI system but a new house now means a cinema room. These lintons appear to sound nice from my online research, I'd need to hear in person with my playlists though. Input anyone?

[@guystpierrecomposer]

I drive my Lintons with a 15 watts SMSL A1 using a mojo 2 as DAC. It is fantastic below 80/85 db. The mojo alone is not enough (yes it work, but not loud enough). The mojo 2 is a great dac and the Lintons can reveal the mojo 2 refinement. My SMSL A1 is powered true the Audiolab DC block filter and it make a noticeable difference in the hi's definition of the Linton.

[@johnfu5831]

EVO 4.4 has a clear stage and separation but lack deep bass in comparison. Linton sound more round and warm because of the bass but also muddier. EVO 4.4 would be great in a 2.1 environment or a home theatre setup. Linton is used in a small room standalone setup. So in my opinion they shouldn't directly compare because the different use scenario.

[@coreyrose69]

Nope .

[@michaeledwards5241]

Sounds like the Evo’s need a bigger amp.

[@victorquero6599]

Las Linton 85 tiene más ataqué las Evo con ese tweter de cinta son más suaves

[@mattroland5943]

Evo's sounded hollower, narrow......Linton , more wider

[@naveenthakur9303]

Linton 4 me

[@themastroiannis]

evo sounds 'clearer' , more definition of notes, but definitely, less fun... the lintons have a fuller more relaxed sound. for the classical music example i did prefer the Evos; the other examples, the lintons, no question. thanks

[@nellomarrazzo9601]

non riesco a capire come fate a dire che le Linton sono migliori. A un certo punto diventono assordanti e fastidiose. Le Evo sono sempre morbide, equilibrate e dettagliate. E se alzate il volume restano spenditamente bilanciate e si esalta anche il tweeter. mah

[@ruefelix5847]

linton speaker win

[@ukaszandrzejewski4888]

Lintony they sound fuller and warmer, definitely Linton wins!

[@Dr.Ignazio]

Evo is a terrible enginered disaster by wharfedale. Linton is a masterpiece of all time made in china! The crown goes to elysian as a premium speakers.

[@syavagor]

4.4 сравнить бы с S60e kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIfafH15opaWobM

[@theewok1444]

I had the 4.4 and didn't like them at all.

[@psysword]

Lintons all the way

[@natural12-c3c]

Lingtong from Xi´an/China

[@TriAmpMyFi]

DoveDale ! DoveDale ! DoveDale ! DoveDale ! ................lol 🔈🔉🔊

[@dulichion]

These comments are fucking hysterical, like you can honestly make a judgment from an audio recording on youtube? You call yourselves audiophiles to boot, that's grand! lol

[@RennieAsh]

You can get a decent idea from well recording, good room setups, with good headphones. I cross referenced with speakers I knew the sound signature of, and ended up buying based on research including listening samples. The speakers sound about as expected! This video, not the greatest, but you can still get a rough idea. When you can't listen in person, what have you got? Common brands like B&W, KEF, Polk, Monitor Audio and then the store doesn't even have the ones I may be interested in.

[@larrysmac]

You mean, considering dropping several K based on a KZbin codec is not a wise choice? 😜 Many self proclaimed "audiophiles" remind me of an article describing a self proclaimed wine 'aficionado' reciting a glossary of terms to a world renowned winemaker, who simply replied, "That's great, but do you like it?"

[@henryhymc2709]

4.4 was outclass by the Linton 85th which has more low end thump & wider soundstage.

[@meistereder7169]

Also entweder wurden die Boxen nicht 300 Stunden perfekt eingespielt oder die Elektronik und die Kabel sind Schrott.....das fehlt ja die hälfte von der Musik....das sind so sinnfreie Tests

[@Zoomerland]

I owned a pair of 4.4s, buying them based on a few online/youtube reviews. I hated them and sold them after 7 months. Cheaply made, does not pass the knock test. I won't buy anything from wharfedale, terrible workmanship and drivers.

[@notstandingwithukraine9478]

BS !

[@olegvayzmin5253]

Спасибо. ЗАШИБИСЬ.

[@tomwebb7091]

Sod them both...buy the equivalent priced Focal and hear what proper in house drivers and decent crossovers made by the actual designers themselves can do.

[@ElkTheHammer]

I demoed Focals at a similar price flabby base and shrill treble

[@tomwebb7091]

@@ElkTheHammer Check your head lol. Frankly, I feel sorry for your ears. I dont mind the older proper Wharfedales such as the 500 series from the 80's when they were made in house in Yorkshire, England. But these mass produced Chinese speakers sound mostly awful. Evo 4.1 is muddy with a suck out leading to harsh treble and the AMT sweet spot is so miniscule that the soundstage and coherence collapses if you dont keep your head still. But nothing is as bad as the muffled distorted mess of the Linton. Honestly buy £100 worth of classic model 507.2 and actually hear bass and treble properly and not this flat muffled grey sound with grainy uppers that the Lintons offer. As for Focal their speakers are in another league entirely for driver quality and sound. I can accept the Chinese Wharfedales are at least nicely veneered for the money but at their price points the drivers are low rent and especially the crossovers are a joke. Of course most audiphools buy with their eyes not their ears especially at the low end

[@tomwebb7091]

@@ElkTheHammer Flabby bass? Thx for confirming your full of BS. The Wharfedale signature sound is muddy, rolled off and devoid of reproducing transients properly ie UNMUSICAL. Focal the total opposite.

[@williamrobert4306]

Much better soundstage with the Lintons …not as sterile

[@СтепанФилипас]

85th with out bass

[@freemind279]

Evo 4.4 wins.

[@BumHunter]

They both greate, but not perfect, hard choice

[@-Cybin]

those "soundtests" make no sense lmao. what am I supposed to hear ? i hear your speaker... on my speaker. It demonstrates nothing

[@georgejones9059]

Headphones needed

[@Airavida]

Get monitors then

[@georgemakos5655]

Both of them, sound the same. No one different. / 🎵🤔 🎶🤔