6 minute read
The Super Linton is not a replacement for the Linton. It is a more refined version of the same idea.
Choose the Linton if you want classic Wharfedale warmth, scale, and exceptional value. Choose the Super Linton if you want greater resolution, tighter bass, more precise imaging, and a higher level of overall refinement.
Limited-Time Offer: Matching Stands Included
Through August 23, matching Wharfedale stands are included at no additional cost with the purchase of a pair of Linton or Super Linton speakers.
The dedicated open-frame stands position the speakers at the intended listening height and complete the Heritage look, with a lower shelf many owners use for record storage. Visit here or contact your local authorized Wharfedale dealer for availability and complete promotion details.
Linton vs. Super Linton at a Glance
| Linton | Super Linton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Classic Heritage sound and value | Greater detail and refinement |
| Sound | Warm, full-bodied, relaxed | More open, controlled, and resolving |
| Bass | Generous and natural | Tighter and more articulate |
| Imaging | Spacious and engaging | More precise and layered |
| Ideal system | Serious but accessible hi-fi | Higher-end, more revealing system |
Specifications
Both are three-way, twin-rear-ported Heritage standmounts that share the same basic footprint. The differences below are small on paper but reflect a deeper redesign, explained in the next section.
| Spec | Linton | Super Linton |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 3-way standmount, bass reflex | 3-way standmount, bass reflex |
| Bass driver | 8" (200mm) woven Kevlar | 8" (200mm) woven Kevlar |
| Midrange driver | 5" (135mm) midrange driver | 5" (135mm) midrange driver |
| Treble driver | 1" (25mm) soft dome | 1" (25mm) fabric dome |
| Published sensitivity | 90 dB, measured at 2.0V/1m | 90 dB, measured at 2.83V/1m |
| Nominal impedance | 6Ω | 6Ω |
| Recommended amplifier power | 25–200 W | 25–200 W |
| Frequency response (±3 dB) | 40 Hz–20 kHz | 39 Hz–20 kHz |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 22.2 × 11.8 × 13 in | 23.8 × 11.8 × 13 in |
| Weight (each) | 40.5 lb | 43.7 lb |
Note: the two speakers quote sensitivity at different input voltages (2.0V vs. 2.83V), so the matching "90 dB" figures are not a direct efficiency comparison and should not be read as identical amplifier-matching requirements.
What Actually Changed?
The Super Linton began as an idea for a Linton upgrade kit and turned into a new loudspeaker. Designer Peter Comeau and the IAG team fitted new bass and treble drivers, then designed a new crossover to go with them, aimed at better phase integration between the drivers and improved directivity. The cabinet grew slightly taller for more bass output, and even the grille profile was reshaped to suit the new drivers.
Those changes are what produce the audible differences described below. The tighter imaging and cleaner control aren't voicing tricks; they come from the redesigned crossover and drive units working as a more integrated system.
What Does the Super Linton Improve?
The Super Linton retains the full-bodied, natural character of the original while substantially revising the drivers, crossover, cabinet proportions, and overall system integration. The result is not a different personality. It is a more controlled and revealing version of the same Heritage approach.
Greater Resolution
The Super Linton is designed to reveal more low-level detail without becoming bright or analytical. Vocals and acoustic instruments gain more texture, while complex recordings are easier to follow.
Better Bass Control
The original Linton is known for generous, satisfying bass. The Super Linton retains that weight while improving definition, speed, and articulation.
More Precise Imaging
The redesigned crossover and driver integration improve image focus and separation, creating a soundstage that feels more clearly organized.
Cleaner Dynamics
The Super Linton is engineered to stay composed as music becomes louder or more complex, holding clarity through dense passages and large dynamic swings.
Both models remain true to the Wharfedale Heritage formula: a three-way design, generous cabinet volume, classic proportions, furniture-grade finishes, and a natural balance intended for long listening sessions. The Super Linton changes the level of refinement, not the underlying character.
Should You Buy the Linton or Super Linton?
Choose the Linton if you:
- Want the strongest value
- Prefer a warm, relaxed presentation
- Want generous bass and scale
- Are building a serious but accessible two-channel system
- Value musical engagement over maximum detail retrieval
Choose the Super Linton if you:
- Want greater transparency
- Prefer tighter, more controlled bass
- Value precise imaging and instrument separation
- Have more revealing amplification and source components
- Want a higher level of performance without leaving the Heritage Series
Is the Super Linton Worth the Upgrade?
For listeners who already value the Linton sound, the Super Linton offers meaningful improvements rather than a different personality. It is more revealing, more controlled, and more precise. For a current Linton owner, the decision depends on whether the added resolution and control justify changing a speaker you already enjoy.
Neither model makes the other obsolete. The Linton remains one of the most compelling loudspeakers in its class and the better value. The Super Linton takes the same formula further for a more ambitious system.
Hear Them for Yourself
The differences between the Linton and Super Linton are easiest to understand through listening. Visit an authorized Wharfedale dealer to compare both models side by side and find the right fit for your room and system.