Wharfedale - Linton (Red Mahogany, Matched Pair) Red Mahogany, Matched Pair

System: Marantz SA-8005 CD player, Marantz PM-8005 integrated amplifier, Nerve Audio Axon-ST-.5 half meter RCA terminal interconnects, Mission 760i stand speakers, 2 cm wide flat oxyacid-free speaker cable with chrome banana plugs. I've enjoyed this system since about 2013, though I've had the speakers and speaker cable since about 1990. The speakers are sweet, classic, and enjoyable at high or low volume. But not to belabor the point ....I've listened to many high-end systems over time, ranging in total value from 5K to 250K, set up in studios and homes, though I must say I've always enjoyed home audio environments the most. My personal systems have always been in the 5K-15K range, being a bit of an audiophile without a high-end budget. Thus, I consider myself an entry-level audiophile with a proclivity to enjoy pure analog sound, enjoying a wide variation of music, though I'm not a jazz fanatic. I'm also more invested in CD's nowadays rather than vinyl, though I once dearly loved reel-to-reel taped audio directly from source recordings. Each of the sound sources can obviously bias one's impression of any audio system.First upgrade was to change out my Mission 760i's (love these classic speakers) for a pair of Warfedale Linton Anniversary 85 speakers. I chose these for their classic design and cabinetry, history of appeal to nearly anyone who buys them, sensitivity, warmth, and handling with separate high-flux ferrite magnet tweeter, isolated midrange, and well-balanced bass. I was not disappointed, indeed elated, instantly recognizing the superb increase in depth and detailed delivery of well-staged sound, with the Marantz components delivering plenty of power to drive the speakers, providing excellent separation of sound level and instrumentation. I can honestly say that I've never enjoyed a pair of speakers more, in any environment. Yet, upon purchasing the speakers, I knew my speaker cabling required significant upgrade.At times, I lust after higher-end componentry, specifically speaker cables and interconnects, knowing that they can make or break any system. Without excellent cables and interconnects, any system can be fully drained of its potential for providing an immersive listening experience. However, I'm not wealthy by any means, though I don't mind pushing my budget to the limits for the best sound I can afford without sending my pocketbook into a death spiral. I'd once owned a pair of AudioQuest Rocket 33 speaker cables and enjoyed the full-range delivery of sound they provided in a modest system, so I chose to upgrade a bit to the AudioQuest Rocket 44 speaker cables, which arrived a couple of days after my Warfedale Lintons. I swapped out my old 2 cm flat cables and voila! Instantly, the sound became fully 3-dimensional, completely staged for instrumental position and precision timing, with far greater resolution of instrumentality. Instead of feeling as if I was listening through a barrier, I felt as if I was before a stage absorbing the continuous vibration of pure analog from multiple sources and throaty voices, instead of the bulletized haze of digitally produced CD sound. The overlay of sounds across the high-, mid-, and bass ranges was transformed from division to smooth blending, improving my listening experience much more than multifold, to nearly exponential. There is nothing like enjoying the full sensitivity of excellent speakers, without constraint (90 db for the Warfedale Lintons). The same CD's sounded like different recordings of the identical lovely session, with expanded dynamic range.I cannot recommend highly enough any of the componentry of my modest system, which should bring satisfaction to any discerning pair of ears and the heart of an audiophile or musician, especially one on a budget and interested in a soothing home environment. I'm fully pleased with the Marantz core (if you purchase new equivalents, the PM-8006 and SA-8006), AudioQuest 44 speaker cables, and Warfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speakers. Moreover, the Warfedale speakers are quite beautiful and meticulously crafted, adding aesthetic presence to any room. Next change: swapping out the Nerve Audio interconnects for AudioQuest interconnects, likely Water or Earth in keeping with the level of rest of the system. I would encourage anyone reading to take a similar journey. Really remarkable service from MusicDirect for delivery of the Warfedales and SoundApproach for delivery of the AudioQuest cables. Thanks for reading. ~Animasticus.

The speakers have the look of throwbacks to the 70's. May not be everyone's cup of tea. I personally love the look especially with matching stands but I'm old! However, they sound very modern. Finish looks very uniform and at a much higher level than you would expect for the price. The speakers have a sound that allows you to look into the performance without some of the crazy sound some consider high definition (eg; excessive brightness.) Very smooth and refined (balanced acoustic spectrum) So easy to sit and just listen without being or wanting to be analytical. I've been an audiophile for 55+ years and I've never been more satisfied with a purchase than these speakers and that's saying something.System reference:Rogue Sphinx V3Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cableRega P6 w/ Exact V2Audioquest Niagara interconnectApple Mac Mini running Pure Music (currently using an AQ Cobalt dac)External SSD drive for storage

Best three way speaker at thus price point.I used to sell very high end product,hifi.

Great new loudspeakers! Sound is stunning. Great buy.

Very pleased with the craftsmanship and of course the sound.

great construction, great sound. well worth the price. no complaints

I enjoy.

I got these from Crutchfield but thought I'd write a review here. These speakers are an absolute steal. Allow me to explain. I started off with Klipsch Rp 8000Fs, which have been all the rage. Besides the fact my wife hated the towers in the family room, they became fatiguing very quickly. They were great for movies and very clear for dialogue and certain older recordings that needed a little "bump" in the upper treble, but the midrange was missing. We felt they had a V shaped sonic signature. Although the bass was very impressive, we already had a subwoofer. Long story short, we exchanged them for the beautiful Lintons. They arrived very well packaged with the gorgeous and heavy stands, a must in my opinion. As I only listen to FLAC high Rez digital files on my Marantz NR 1200 amp/streamer, at 75w, this receiver was more than capable of driving the Lintons (6 Ohm). I feel a power amp with 150-200w will bring out even more magic from the Wharfedales. We have them paired with a SVS SB-2000Pro subwoofer, sealed enclosure. The sound is seamless, tight, and very musical. When switched off, however, the Lintons are more than capable of bringing out the lows, starting to roll off at around 45Hz, which is respectable for a stand mount, albeit a large one. The music is sweet, well controlled, the midrange magical (vocals especially shine), and one is unaware of any transition between the three drivers. There is no musical note overhang as the kevlar drivers are very stiff and light. The bass is tight and composed. For music, you never feel wanting more bass. If you prefer a boomier bottom end or listen to a lot of electronic or rap music, these may not be the speakers for you. The Klipsch were those speakers. In our hardwood floor older home, the Klipsch sound was overpowering, exhibiting lopsided bass, smearing the midrange. For movies, with a subwoofer, the Lintons are even more capable. They are doing double duty for us. Yes, the Klipsch horns provided clearer dialogue and special effects with movies, but not by much. The Lintons are gorgeous; we got the veneered walnut which is the equal of any Klipsch Heritage loudspeakers. These are also a lot less expensive; at $1500 with the stands, they are a steal. There is a lot on the internet about how "warm" they sound and some reviewers even complain of a rolled off treble; nothing could be further from the truth. It is a preference, but I enjoy listening to music for hours on end without fatigue and exaggerated highs. To me , music and both male and female vocals sound more natural. They are not as dynamic or in your face as horns but are still exciting while remaining neutral. In short, if you prefer the BBC sound, a la, Spendor or Harbeth, you will love these at a fraction of the cost.