2. speakers
  3. 193483-47456

Dynaudio Special 40's vs Wharfedale Super Lintons

Need some input - Can't find either to Demo - Both  seem to have very good reviews [ generally speaking ] 

My take on the discussions - Dynaudio - High quality build & components , Neutral sounding , may be tricky finding room placement .

Super Lintons - Warmer , not as critical placement . 

My listening sessions tend to start out critical and if music is right goes into relaxed layed back listening .

Equipment - Cronos mag int amp , Exposure 2510 int amp [ current favorite ] due in - exposure 3510 mono blocks .

Speakers -Golden ear BRX , Magnepan LRS+ [ Mono blocks going to power these} 

Room is challenging as basement height just over 7 ft.  room is approx 13ft x 14ft * but open to similar size area on side 

Most often using LP's [ E.A.T Turntable  Ortophon Blue cart]   , Music 75% Jazz , rest is mixed Vocals , Classical , some 70"s Rock 

Seems like the Super Lintons may be safer all around , but the S40's may bring something " Special " to the set up 

 

mfm22

Showing 2 responses by lanx0003

lanx0003
942 posts
 

I like both, and I think categorizing them into two different tiers is biased. Wharfedale’s low-end products, such as the Diamond 225, are also highly rated. At $350, the Diamond 225 is no slouch when compared to the Evoke 20 at $2,400. Your perception is boxed in by price—but price doesn’t play the music.

By the way, I think Erin likes the Linton much better… It might be due to his biases, both in the 'objective' and 'subjective' dimensions.

lanx0003
942 posts
 

Based on the size of your room (13’ x 14’ x 7’), the Linton might be a bit too large for your space. The Linton is known for its expansive soundstage. In a larger area like my living room (21’ x 23’ x 10’), it projects a huge soundstage that extends beyond the speakers (which are 11 feet apart). However, when I move it to my master bedroom (14’ x 20’ x 10’), it pressurizes the space too much, even at an average listening level of 65 dBA. It really needs room to breathe and expand the soundstage optimally.

What I like about the Linton is its immersive soundstage and nimble bass, but it needs ample room to perform at its best. Some people may say that placing larger speakers in a smaller space is fine as long as you turn down the volume—wrong. Most speakers, including the Linton, produce the widest and most detailed soundstage at moderate listening levels (typically around 60-75 dB). This level allows the drivers to fully engage and present spatial cues without overwhelming the room. If you turn down the volume, the soundstage shrinks. This is physics—there’s no way around it. You cannot EQ the soundstage.

Go with Special 40.  Its red birch finish is collectible.  Or take a look at Contour 20 right around the similar price and Stereophile endorses it too.

More to discover