The impressive Wharfedale Super Linton speakers could have a prominent place in the hi-fi room of my dreams.
"Look at those out-of-sync tweets, just see how they are..."
Hi-fi enthusiasts have reason to celebrate, as Wharfedale has announced that its most popular speaker, the Linton, has been upgraded to the 'Super' category. This model, which joins the recently introduced Denton 85 showcased at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2024, celebrates the brand's 85th anniversary. The new Linton Super includes improvements in the drivers, crossover, and cabinet, while retaining the appealing wooden design and eccentric tweeter placement.
To provide some context, the original Linton was one of the standout speakers in the UK from 1965 until the late 1970s. Wharfedale resurrected this model in 2019 as part of its Heritage line. Now, five years later, the brand's engineers, led by Acoustic Design Director Peter Comeau, have decided to take the design to a new level.
The team reviewed every component of the speaker, from the cabinet to the drivers and crossover, resulting in the Super Linton. Although it is part of the Heritage series, it has been adapted to meet current needs.
Among the key enhancements, while the size of the Super Linton remains the same as the previous model, its cabinet is 4 cm taller, which increases the internal volume—an advantageous aspect for speakers. Its construction now features layers of wood fiber bonded with a latex-based adhesive. While the 200 mm woven Kevlar bass driver cone remains, the design now incorporates a more robust motor system thanks to increased volume and magnet strength. The tweeter component has also been upgraded, inheriting features from the one used in the Dovedale, which is larger and more expensive.
Additionally, the new Linton Super comes with a completely redesigned crossover network, divided into two independent circuit boards. The speaker grille design has also been improved, incorporating an internal shape that promises superior acoustic performance.
This new speaker will be available starting mid-November in walnut, mahogany, or black oak veneer finishes, priced at $2,499 / £1,999 / AU$5,199, including matching stands. However, it can also be purchased without the stands for $2,299 / £1,849 / AU$4,599. For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the 2019 edition of the Linton remains available at a cost of £1,249 per pair, which is around $1,800 or AU$2,450, also with stand options.
