I think that final sentence says alot for the kind of people that will buy that speaker. I have the Denton 85. I bought it because I am in that bracket of liking the vintage look. And here lies the question of how your room is decorated. I like wood. So the speakers fit in perfectly. I would think that young people would be turned off by the design of the super Denton's. But fashion has a funny way of going full circle and wood will come back. Just a matter of when. design is ever so important. Why spend a fortune on the furniture you love, if the speakers you look at everday don't match the decor. I wanted the super Denton's to be more detailed, but the monitor audio's always seem to kick me in the teeth. I am undecided on my next purchase, but your videos are quite excellent and help me with the decision making process. Well done
If you intend to upgrade in the future Peter, I highly recommend the Criton-speakers by CSS Audio, they have a similar sound as the 85s (I used to own the Dentons too), but with more clarity, better imaging, resolution etc. ATB, Sven.
Thanks for inspiring me to play about with the 'toeing in' on my speakers. A slight adjustment made a significant improvement to my very modest system. Cheers.
I do enjoy your reviews even on equipment I'm not looking into simply for the artistry you bring in the descriptive detail. I find I learn a little bit of detail about an amp or a tip on placement with each review. Personally I find retro a short term enjoyment. It is pleasing to look and listen to, revisit some old memories but after a short bit you realize you've grown out that and maybe with age are bit more demanding. It is not something I see myself investing in. While I admit in my younger days I enjoyed my dirty and loud music, today's goals are more modest and definitely for more purity. Thanks for another great review!
@@CButti-x1s very funny. They were reviewed in the same video so images were stored in the same file. I can’t believe I didn’t notice that I selected the wrong image 🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314 To error is human. Great review as usual. Keep up the good work. I always look forward to your stereo equipment reviews. Thanks
I owned the Lintons and ran them with the Willsenton r 8. Sounded warm and pleasing. I went to a high end store in my town Las vegas and heard a 20k system with a pair of Revel tower speakers and heard what i was missing. I found a pair locally used Revel Concerto 12 a lower model hooked them up and the Lintons went up for sale. Its all about synergy and your own personal listening preference.
Now I have heard everything when it comes to sound description terms that are say a bit vague and politely less offensive: Enthusiasm in the top end as opposed to saying it was harsh.. 😜😂 ( Thank you for giving me a good laugh Tarun. I always enjoy your videos)
I bought the Mission 770 speakers a little over a year ago. I like the white front baffle and the walnut veneer sides. But what really matters is that they are extremly captivating to listen to. After a short while you forget all about critical listening and just flow away with the music. Which often leads to longer listening sessions. That part I really love about those speakers. And they are going to be the permanent part of my system fornthe next many years to come. Thanks for a good review 😊
I owned for a time the Denton 80s and paired them with a Rega Brio Integrated. Initially I liked them very much but over time their lack of transparency and detail resulted in a feeling of my music being 'homogenized'. That led me to sell them. I now have the Rega Brio in my bedroom system, matched with some Triangle bookshelves. That is a much more pleasing combination. Synergy!
Thanks Tarun. I bought the baby brother Denton 80’s a couple of years ago but they were not for me. The treble was too muted and they needed mid - high volumes to really shine. After trying several other models I decided to up my budget several levels and bought the Neat Motive SX3. These were way above my original budget but deliver exactly what I want.
I bought the Lintons with stands and really don't enjoy them. Too big for the bedroom and to small for the living room. Once I had them in the house I could not stand the looks either. They are in the master closet for over a year now. I have no idea how to get rid of them. I bought them because everyone said " Oh my gosh Lintons" I hate them.
Vintage speakers: I have owned a variety of Castle speakers, and currently have a pair of Castle Howard S2 transmission line speakers. Connected to a pair of Exposure 5000 series monoblocks, and a 3000 series integrated amp used purely as a pre amp, the sound is sublime for my listening, mainly classical. They have a proper wood veneer, and look beautiful as furniture as well. They must be 30 or more years old, and I am tempted to have them rebuilt by Wilmslow Audio, but am frightened of losing the intense musicality they currently provide. I'm 66, and don't hear anything above 12kHz these days, but still am acutely aware of timing and the like in recordings. The only speakers that would fit in our living room that I have enjoyed in recent years are PMC Prodigy 5 speakers, but they don't quite have the bass extension of my Howards. Maybe I should investigate other PMC transmission line speakers, and see if some are pleasing both to the ears and the eyes. But, I just don't see any other speakers, in my domestic setup, surpassing the musicality of the Howards. Any ideas, anyone?
@@keithpatterson8907 the Howard’s sound like keeps to me. You may want to check out Kerr Acoustics and well as PMC further up the range than the Prodigy’s 😊 PREMIUM TRANSMISSION LINE ! Kerr Acoustic K300 Mk3 Speakers Review ruclips.net/video/UK97zUxNRwM/видео.html
Tarun, I so enjoy your videos. Always clear, concise and you offer comparisons to similarly priced gear. I've heard, and a couple times owned some really great vintage amplification. It seems that "state of the art" was largely achieved there some time ago. Vintage speakers I would say less so. The great thing about this hobby is there' so many choices to suit one's taste. My definition of a good sounding system is one you look forward to listening to. Listen, breathe and disengage from the world.
I got a pair as soon as I could in Australia. I have had much the same experience as you found. Positioning is important. Ultimately, if you are interested in the look and know what you are getting with the sound of these they are an excellent offering for the price. I use mine in a smaller room (and Linton 85s in another bigger room).
How do you like the Lintons and Super Dentons? I’m not sure which to get, my living room is 6.7m x 3.6m so 25sq metres with a wooden floor. I’m in Tasmania so can’t get to see them locally. Thanks.
@@HAL-vu8ef I find both of the speakers to be excellent. They have a sound that I like - and particularly in our living room the look fits with our style (and has a reasonable acceptance factor for my wife - notwithstanding that the Lintons are pretty big). To me that room sounds big enough for Lintons - although there is a lot more to rooms as you'd know including how you can position the speakers, furnishings, windows, ceiling height etc etc. In my experience, if you need to, you can get the Lintons closer to the wall than the manufacturer recommends (I think Wharfedale say 12-18 inches and from memory I have had mine closer to 9 inches without much of a problem that I noticed in my room with bass response). But Lintons are themselves more imposing on the space than the Super Dentons will be. That said, the Lintons will fill a space with sound better, better soundstage - an all round better speaker in my experience. I'd get those (and without a doubt you want them with the matching stands).
@@stananthalus For a smaller room don't the lintons have a comparatively laid back and slightly rolled off trebel compared to the super dentons? Minus the bass do the super dentons sound more lively than the lintons?
@@agnelroshandsilva3929 They might be, just a little, but I have not really compared them against each other in the same room so it is hard for me to offer a firm opinion. They still very much have that Wharfedale sound and a soft dome tweeter so they are not what I would call bright or particularly lively speakers. Plenty of others do that kind of thing.
I might add that while I have seen others comment that they get Lintons to play just fine in a smaller room, I found otherwise in my space and the Lintons are just so big they do not physically fit well in my study. The Supers on the other hand fit the space well and produce a sound I enjoy in that smaller space. Of course YMMV.
I’ve just spotted a rel subwoofer in your set up Tarun , a subwoofer can make a huge difference to systems get it right they shine get it wrong and music sounds awful one of your great reviews are well overdue in this area
You have such a beautiful way of expressing sound qualities of a speakers. I really enjoy listening to your reviews. You are a pro at it! Cheers from Canada!
I've heard, and have, a fair amount of vintage hi-fi. While it can't always match the detail and incisiveness of contemporary equipment, everything else that makes you want to listen to music is there, so it often just becomes a question of how you want to hear something on a particular day. Also it's fun to mix and match old and new, so it''s not necessarily either or...
@@dylanemeraldgrey thank you. You can listen to the Super Dentons all day with no fatigue. This is what I suspect Peter Comeau wanted from the Heritage range 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have a set of vintage Advent Laureate speakers that are like that and are very easy on poor recordings. I know you didn't really get Advents in the UK, but I'm sure there are many analogues there, vintage that is... Vintage is fun to play with. Most of my life it was a very low cost way to chase good sound. The good stuff is going up fast, but there are still bargains to be found. I've been focused on new stuff lately. Got a pair of HECO Celan Revolution 3's that are pretty good all rounders. Might be an interesting review actually. Keep up the good work - Cheers
I recently rescued ( from a wet garage) a pair of Tannoy Eatons from the early 80s. The cabinets were rotted, but remarkably the drivers and electronics were in decent condition. I'm making (with help) new cabinets from Eucalyptus Ply and American Walnut veneer. I have some vintage Sansui gear and am really looking forward to how they sound, both with that and my valve amps. There is a sound signature of 70s amps which is hard to replicate these days, and is extremely beguiling.
Hi there, I recently purchased a pair and I'm absolutely loving them! I have a quick question: should the tweeters be placed facing outwards or inwards? I noticed that yours are positioned inwards, but I've placed mine facing outwards. Thank you in advance for your help!
As with the latest Linton, the new Super Denton has a look and name which are highly evocative of the mid-70s for me. I sold a lot more Linton 2s than Denton 2s for the greater bass response, however. These next went on to XP models with smarter plain charcoal grilles. I agree with your observation that PJC has retro-voiced the new ones but I do wonder why. Their sound is too old-fashioned and things have moved on in terms of bass tightn 14:29 ess and mid detail. I hope they do well in any case.
Regarding the Monitor Audio Silver 100 and their unforgiving nature, you should do a top 10 of poor recordings. Could be a fun video. Also, I want to know how they sound in my place. Superb recordings will make any system sound good or great but poor recordings can tell you a lot of interesting things as well.
Excellent review nice balanced and honest presentation Taran, well done. At my age +70 I have a history of vintage speakers, most memorable ones that come to mind being Toshiba SS33’s, Mission 782 floor standers and Peter design me thinks, KEF Q60, ah yes the original Wharfdale Lintons. There have been several others to many to remember. Currently running PMC TwentyFive.23’s and mulling over going active with them. Again great review, cheers.
I remember speakers from 80's I found in early 2000's throwen away by someone. They had brownish wood like veneer cabinet and single elipsoid driver made by Ei Niš. I use them in short period and then throw away again, but today as more mature audiophile, 20 years later I remember that they had more of emotion engage than many. So this look stay as reminder. Have I mention that my present speakers are Spendor classic? Prior I auditioned them I was already emotionally fulfilled. Seams like a dealer had easy job.😊
Built in china,one man bargain,is other man redundancy,I listened to a pair of spendor classic 4.5 and 3.1far superior, spendor cabinets are built in UK along with the mid bass , along with the cross over,I also remember wharfdale from the 70s nothing special
I have a pair of Yamaha NS-30a modded to ns-30 speakers from 1967 that sound fantastic with a SET 2a3 amp. They have a sensitivity of 102db. You don't see that today very often and if you do, it means big money. I bought these from an old fella 7 years ago for a very reasonable 250 Canadian for the pair. They were the but ugly Canadian style with horizontal cabs instead of the more elegant Japanese style cabinets. I rebuilt them to the Japanese spec, changed a few resistors and the 2 caps and they will never be sold as long as I'm alive (I think). Wonderful sounding and very interesting speakers that we will never see again.
I do think, regarding the costs involved that invest in a turntable, a good cartridge and the cost of vinyls nowadays it is pretty much a nostalgia sake. I listened to CDs mainly, only stream with headphones, and I am sure that with decent gear they produce the best sound possible with physical media, or not... Besides the maintenance cost of vinyls, say space, clean the dust every time you spin, even to turn the vinyl every 20 minutes on average are kind of cumbersome. And I love hi fi audio. Best regards.
Taran and others, how do you feel about manufacturers quoting -6 db base measurements. I don't like it. I don't think it's helpful. When are they going to tell us they get to 16Hz at - 120 db ?
@@abritishaudiophile7314I agree that the -3 decibels measurement is very important, especially the bass. Having both the -6 and - 3 decibels quoted really helps to understand how quickly the bass is rolling off. Probably more so than the -10 decibels measurement too. Excellent review these speakers have met the design criteria from your description. The fact that it was debatable with or without the grills is a win for Peter . They have a nice furniture appearance with the grills on and do blend into the decor . The fact that you had no real complaints about the sound quality would make them a good choice for the room that is used for entertaining guests as the sound quality will also blend well too. That leads me to a question...how did they sound as you moved about in the room and left the ideal listing spot as would be normal for guests ? I suspect that the driver placement that Peter used also helped achieve that goal.
@@stevengagnon4777 thank you Stephen. The distance between the speakers was more critical in my room. As I moved them out further into the there was some loss in bass depth and extension but no significant gain in agility so I preferred them set further back 😊👍
I'm a vintage/retro listener (child of the 50's). I recently joined up my original Denton XP2 (2 way) to my Garrard 401/SME3009/Ortofon VMS20EII using my not too old Roksan Kandy2. The results were impressive but not mind-blowing.
I never forget my old B&W dm1400 ...... vintage but sooo great for real tone.... my first hifi speakers in 1988 but i lose them cause an accident.... but i still have and love my old Counterpoint SA-12 hybrid amp.... sound better than my Musical-Fidelity M8 500S ( same like youve tested before ) but i never try his balanced input.... my "preamp" dont have the output .... ( a Yamaha Aventage A-3070 ) only rca 😫😖
I really enjoy your review style. No word salad to make the video longer. You are straight and to the point which is much appreciated. Keep up the great reviews, I'll keep watching.
I fully appreciate that speakers are a matter of personal preference. I particularly like speakers that can integrate the various instruments and vocal (if there is one), much as one would hear if attending a concert. Many modern speakers seem to concentrate too much on detail and separation , which does not sound natural to me.Just because a speaker may look retro does not mean that the components are not modern.
Wharedale speakers from the 1970s were not anything special, they had load of problems, they used a type of clue for there manufacturing which failed on many times
Hmm a closer look from your review pictures, I feel it does not worth to pay twice the price of Denton 80th, the grill not even looks as good, and most important they still reuse the same tweeter from Denton 85th which is not same as 80th, it must be by accident they design the 80th so right and by accident I found some gears matching it...
Thank you Tarun. Seems like a great budget speaker with great presence. My experience with vintage speakers was when they were not vintage. The worst were a pair of narcoleptic Pioneer three ways in the seventies. Fond memories of the Celestion SL700.
I auditioned the Super Dentons and I agree they lack at the presence region, I missed midrange body in spite of being three-way. Bass depth was surprising, almost subwoofer-like with a MF MS6i. And they paired surprisingly well with an Arcam A15! The Lintons were another story: maybe not as detailed but they open up nicely and have that grit with those same amps. Good job Tarun.
Well... I used to own the regular Dentons 85, I loved the overall sound, but in the end found it lacking in many departments. The thing with the IAG group is, they always go cheap on the parts in the crossover, and I hate to say, but this puts a cap on its performance, it lacks proper imaging, resolution, details etc. In the end I opted for a speaker with a similar sound, but without all the limitations, I purchased the Criton 1tdx by CSS Audio, I highly recommend these Critons..they have a hefty bass, a very rich and warm-ish midrange and a very gentle and smooth top end...atb
interesting review, them soft dome tweeters I'm not that fond of, probably the same ones as used in my Wharfedale Diamond 12.2s. Nice old style finish though with real wood.
Very helpful review, thanks! These little guys seem just right for my room, in which Lintons might be a bit too large. I hope that 14 inches from the front wall will work... Personally, I like a lot of vintage speakers: KEF 103.2, EPI 200C, AR-5, and Boston Acoustics A100 come to mind. I'd like to restore a nice pair of Dynaco A-25's. I certainly don't expect them to "measure up" completely in terms of general performance. Most of these were designed by "theory and ear" long before computers got involved (the exception being the KEF 103.2, which utilized KEF's earliest efforts at computer assisted engineering , at least according to their advertising). Anyway, I do think that many vintage speakers have something to offer, and it is pretty amazing just how good some can sound after a basic rebuild (just caps, resistors and surrounds if needed). When I was younger and new to this hobby, I thought that eventually, great speakers will all sound very much the same, because the pursuit of accuracy will lead to one perfect sound. That certainly hasn't happened! ; )
I do my own research, but since you reviewed the Cambridge Audio CXA61, I want to know if you think it would be good with the Super Dentons. Your comments on different amps not driving the Super Dentons well has me curious. I just got the CXA61 in April. Thanks so much! 👍🏼🎶
I say “ long live the vintage revival “ Folks back then knew what looks good. IMHO. Of course I have a few real vintage speakers but I bought the Heresy IV’s and love the look of em. And the sound
. I like the Heresy & the L100 equally for the same reason. The vintage sound of an efficient 3-way with a 12" or 15" paper woofer. However, I lived through the 70's and have seen more than my share of wood paneled walls & orange shag carpet. So I'm so tired of wood veneered loudspeakers I could spin my head & puke pea soup (that's Linda Blair). We also know now the effect of big baffles. Modern acoustics would separate out the 3 drivers, of both models, from a single cabinet into a different, tightly centered, configuration or some such beneficial arrangement. So, same sets of drivers in updated acoustic cabinetry, hardware and finishes. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
A very thoughtful review as ever. I've just ordered a Leak Stereo 230, and planning on either these or the Denton 85. I'm not sure these offer much in the way of advantage for nearly double the price, as the 85 also come in a beautiful wood veneer and are built to the same standard. The acoustician in me says the wide baffles and hard edges of vintage styled speakers can't help, but then much of what we hear is able to be tuned in or out by the designer anyway, and I can't get enough of the style. As an aside, I actually bought some Elipson XLS7 first, but I never set them up as the vinyl veneer and general feel wasn't anywhere near the quality of the IAG stuff. It matters when they are items of furniture as much as audio.
Hi, vintage speakers, I have Marantz 6g still in use in one room , been in family from new. The original grills decomposed many years ago. Which makes me wonder about the foam inside. About 20 years ago, the woofer cone glue on voice coil failed. The wood veneer is great. Cone tweeter does beam , but not concerned in that room with position of lounge suites. The bass is boomy even in middle of room and a blur compared to my Dali. Currently is used with a class D Have used with Marantz 1030 ( original partner ) Kenwood 3300 And Teac A30. Still have amps They are what they are 1970s American sound, I love the "Precision crafted in USA" label on the back and the cabinet work.
Great review Tarun!!Do you have in mind reviewing some Mission speakers like QX2 or Dynaudio's ones like Special 40 or Heritage??? thanks and cheers from Argentina
Hi Tarun. I really enjoyed this review. I haven’t seen the Denton’s up close but I have heard their retro big brother Linton’s and was surprised by how cheap their veneer looked, which is odd considering the quality veneer in these speakers! I love vintage HiFi but apart from the Quad ESL 57’s, I don’t think vintage speakers are all that compared to modern speakers. I think the modern technology improves the performance. Having said that, a vintage (or modern) valve amp and horn speakers or open baffle speakers can produce some real magic🎶 Thanks for a great review 👊🏻
Wolfdal 12in full range from late 60ts , 70ts no crossovers. Poor man's tannoy, but sound great. Nice sound with tubes. Thank you for your channel and the work plus information you give.
Another great review. I'd love to hear a review from you for the PMC prodigy 1 standmounters.... To compare with this Super Denton in the same price range and also following on from your review of the Prodigy 5 speakers previously.
Your erudite review confirms what I've been hearing with mine, which are wall mounted and toed in and down and paired with a Yamaha A-S 1200. Excellent presentation.
I got my JBL 100s for the looks, being voluminous but short and the 12” woofer. I listen to electronica so artist placement is less of a concern to me:)
Hello Mr. Tarun! So many reveiwers were praising the Denton and super Denton and I have my douts about theirs strenghts and weaknesses. Your review is more balanced than the competition on this subject. Sound is certainly more important to me than the esthetics of a component and I wouldn't buy a pair of speakers because they look fashionable. Vintage may look cool, but technology can bring something better and more beautiful than a rectangular box. BYE !
Hi Tarun, I remember the original Dentons and Lintons from my teenage years. Favourites among fellow audiophiles with only the income from working as an apprentice. I guess my speakers qualify as vintage. Lowther Acousta 115s were introduced in 1962 and ran until 1973. (Mine are later ones from 1970-73 so at least 50 years old.) I believe they are Lowther's best selling speaker ever - one "claim to fame" is that Jimi Hendrix owned a pair. After Lowther themselves discontinued this model, they have been in continuous production ever since. Small cabinet-making companies and advanced DIY-ers all over the world have been making them for decades as Lowther sold the plans for this very purpose. Particularly popular in the USA, Japan and Italy. A version of this speaker was re-introduced by Lowther fairly recently. In 1962 they cost £113 and ten shillings. In 2024 they are more like seven grand. Horn cabinets have never been cheap to build. Lowther Acoustas are compact for a horn-loaded speaker but still big by domestic standards. They sound best close to the floor and room corners but that's vintage horns for you. Mine have current production silver-coiled DX3 drivers. I would describe their sound as "unflatteringly transparent". If you want a stethoscope to tell you every mod you make to your system and still sound musical then these are the kiddies. They beam quite noticeably but sitting in the sweet spot they are hard to beat. The closest in sound character to these speakers I have heard are Quad Electrostatics - but the Quads need more power - the Lowthers are a completely practical proposition with my 4 watts of single triode power. 😀
Thanks for the review. I appreciate real wood veneers on speakers. They Look great in my opinion and don’t have the issues with light reflection and showing fingerprints which are an issue with gloss speakers. I think gloss speakers look great out of the box but are a challenge to keep clean especially with little fingers and hands. I like what Wharfdale is doing with 3-way speakers in great looking real-wood boxes. To answer your question, 50 years into listening to and buying stereo equipment I appreciate retro looks but find the advancements in acoustics especially with speaker technology make old speakers a fond memory instead of the best choice currently to listen to music. I looked at a pair of new JBL L100s because of the retro looks and the fact they were my dream speakers back in the day when I could only dream of having and spending the money required to buy the white-woofered JBLs. I found my currently designed Arendal 1723 towers blew them away at a similar price point listening to the classic rock music that was produced back when the JBLs first came out. I’m prioritizing the sound of music today vs. the looks of yesterday. Rock on!
thank you for the factual and imformative presentation, I'm a big fan of Wharfedale speakers, I'm thinking about upgrading my current Diamond 230 speakers, which are cheap and great, for something maybe a little more expensive and a little better, these Super Denton ones are on my radar, but I'm most interested in the new Wharfedale Aura speakers 4 or 3 . It would be great to hear your assessment of these speakers :). Best regards Suavic
Not a big fan of these heritage designs I'm afraid, but that does not stop me enjoying your coverage. Being just a couple of months away from being 60, these speakers are not so much 'retro' as 'historic' to me, and I remember most of the heritage speakers the first time round :) I also have a lot of time for Wharfdale, having chosen the Elysian 3's as my end game speakers (unless I win the lottery!), and being extremely happy with that choice. As always, I appreciate your clear discussion of where these speakers sit in the audio landscape and I fully expected them to sound a little warm (lush) and slightly less detailed, but I think that's a part of the sonic character that attracts people to them. I'm using a Mcintosh hybrid integrated with a tube pre-amp section and I'm not sure that would be a good match with these characteristics, but I'm not looking at making that match. Nice to hear your experiences as always!
I have b@w dm4 Goodmans xb45 and Mission 730 mki, love them all .. Something magical about the sound, maybe just my early impressions of music or perhaps they are just still relevant now..
Solid review with good info on placement & positioning. I typically like the overall sound of Wharfedale speakers. I would like to get the Lintons, but my space is too small. These Super Dentons might work. I’m 71 and have never owned a three-way speaker. I want to fix that. I’ve had 2.5-way. Thanks for this detailed & informative review. 👍🏼🎶😎
Hi Tarun, you are right that buyers of this speaker will also conciser the looks. And I am OK with that, it has all to do with the Golden Ratio of rectangular s that for instance Q Acoustics speakers so sourly miss. I was a bit surprised about how difficult these speakers are to match to an amp. I can see plenty of people thinking of the Super Denton / Cambridge Audio combo being a good idea. My thoughts about vintage, for me personal it is the only way to go. At any price point a well put together vintage stereo set up blows what ever you can get new, out of the water. I also love the hunting for gems. On the down side, be prepared to get some broken stuff. Specially turntables, I have bought more than 10 of them over time. They all need repair, regardless of what the seller says.
As far as vintage looking speakers go, I would love to hear your thoughts on The Mission 770’s. British speaker company. British Audiophile. Seems like a natural fit to me.
I love the vintage look and sound. However, I don't see the need need to put an edge on the front baffle. A smooth front with a magnetic grill would be better. It's a bit of a gimmick to say use the grills to correct something we could have prevented. Love the video as always. 👍🏻
Hi Tarun, that was a tough one, well done! My systems are a mix of old and new and my experience is that age is not a barrier to performance if the equipment is kept current with careful internal attention. Actually I think my E1 is not so much refreshed as completely gutted 😂. The speakers on the end of it are 20 years old and unlike the amp are bog standard. I’m not allowed to change them, however, because the bird’s eye maple veneer under seven coats of hand applied and polished lacquer is a particular favourite of my wife! Even my main system is fronted by a hybrid turntable. A 1990 vintage base with brand new components bringing it up to a modern standard for a fraction of the all new price. I’m a fan of Wharfedale’s latest offerings and I have a suspicion that those looking to tame the modern rush to uber crystalline digital sound will enjoy the lush overtones they provide. I wouldn’t be too hasty to assume that it’s oldies like me either. I recently built a turntable system for a twenty year old and the thing she cooed over most was the wood finish on the Pioneer PL112D turntable, even though no trees were harmed in making it. 😅
I tried many modern speaker designs most of which I disliked eventually I purchased a pair off spendor bc1 recapped and have never considered an upgrade since very happy with my speakers now
As an owner of several sets of vintage speakers, they do sound as you remember them sounding, warm, boomy, and directional. I’ve read reviews of new versions with interest, and some definitely sound like improvements. My favorite speaker is currently a Warfedale W-70E with its 15” woofer and Mylar tweeter supplemented with a 10” sub. I may be looking for stand-mounts in the future because I find imaging the most important feature, after bass.
As usual, a truly professional review. I think a lot of Wharfedale speakers. When I got back into audio in the mid teens, I bought some Diamond 230s. Fantastic return for the money. I’ve since “shifted” them to my daughter. Note the Brit speak 😂. Btw, I loved the pic of the vintage ADS L1230s. They were and still are exquisite speakers. Their mid range and smooth upper end is unsurpassed.
Hi Tarun, The Super Dentons are amazing!! You know, you are completely right about what you said about the speakers. This being said, however, the retro-Wharfedales use very modern materials in the drivers, and their crossovers are 21st Century (and not the producers of UFO and other classics on TV 😂😂😂) materials. As you know, I have the Lintons, and I have been very, very impressed with those speakers with the type of music I love. For rock, pop, and a little funk and disco, the speakers are an insane value. I have a feeling that the Super Denton is similar. Something I have noticed about the Lintons: They require a good bit of power for them to be controlled properly. My Adcom mono-blocs do a much better job of control, than any of then any of the other amps I have tried. I wonder if the Dentons are similar. What I would really love to see, and probably something that would get me to sell my Lintons, is a speaker that is between the Linton and Dovedale. The latter, as you know, are quite expensive. I don't know what they retail for in the UK, but here the Wharfedale Dovedale (if you can get them) are north of $5000 a pair.
@@AgentPepsi1 thank you Tasha. I certainly enjoyed my time with the Super Dentons. They may not be the last word in resolution or neutrality but they sound fun and look great. A little power definitely helps to wake them up. Glad to know your Linton’s are still rocking 😎👍
Tarun, thanks for the critical but fair review of these speakers. 🙂 I'm seeing a lot vintage( "Retro"...) on certain RUclips videos but good sound is not a siren's call.
I was excited to see a ATC type midrange in hope that it will have great midrange only to know that this speaker is not giving anything in buckets, basically average. Vintage looks are good especially considering amps like NAD etc but if speaker doesn’t sound good then it’s kinda pointless
Great review, Tarun. Really enjoyed the way you combined sound quality with partnering equipment and set up. The Super Denton's look beautiful. I almost bought the smaller Denton's (85) on looks alone last year but went for Chora's instead. I love the vintage look as they remind me of my early 80s childhood playing my dad's records on his 1970s all in one record player system. The next time I'm tempted to buy Wharfedale vintage speakers I might consider the audiolab amp as well. Thanks for the tip!
Interesting what you said at the beginning saying that you are not sure about this vintage revival and I have to agree. The issue I have is that it appears that brands have somewhat jumped onto the band wagon and that equals merely a trend. Then again there are some of the brands out their that have revived some real true classics and it says that they should have never stopped producing them in the fist place. So ether purchase the original in tip top condition or go for the higher priced classics and I do believe that is the way to go about it and that is coming from someone who uses a set of British vintage speakers in tip top condition.
I have both expensive sources in digital and analogue both deliver great sounds but I’m positive it’s the actual recording of the music at source that makes a massive difference to what you hear EG Years ago digital recordings were yuk but todays recordings shine
Hello Tarun. I would like to thank you very much for your mini tutorial on speaker positioning, especially for people that are just starting out in this great hobby of ours. I can remember trying to figure that out over 40 years ago without RUclips. Maybe you could do a in-depth video on speaker placement for us sooner than later. Your expertise is always invaluable to all of us, or at least those of us that enjoy audio beyond just being a hobby. Great review once more. Cheers from Canada!
@@Firebottleman thank you my friend. I did a video on speaker positioning when I started my channel. It is an early video shot on my iPad with dodgy mic, so you will have to excuse the poor production quality. I hope you find it useful 😊👍 Hifi Myths & Misconceptions - Speaker Setup ruclips.net/video/VHOYXjVJKKY/видео.html
Good old stuff probably means it’s got the magic tonality that comes close to an ideal in one’s head to always strive for when buying new stuff It’s not a competition it’s a parallel quest with the old informing the new
I think in general I prefer modern hifi over vintage. Some vintage gear can bring about a feeling of nostalgia, though. Some of those iconic objects like the Naim Nait 1 or the Linn Sondek.
Tarun, my friend this is a superb, detailed and well differentiated review covering a plethora of aspects, that the experienced enthusiast is curious about, nevertheless in language that the newbie understands. I found your amplifier pairing section especially valuable since I have recently also changed my power amplifier and am delighted by the results. As a Brit growing up in the 60's and 70's in UK, Wharfedale was one of my favourite brands along with Leak, Rogers, Quad, TDL, KEF, Radford, Garrard and many, many more. It is indeed very satisfying to see such a competent design from the house of Wharfedale by such a recognised name in the industry as Peter Comeau. As a longtime subscriber to HiFi News & Record Review (HFNRR) mmagazine, his name is probably unknowingly influential in half of British households with an interest in good hi-fi. Grsat video, Tarun - the channel is one of the best in this space! Another viewer said it better than me: EXQUISITE! All the best, Rob in Switzerland PS. Can I tell you about my new Power Amp solution?
@@abritishaudiophile7314 For a long time I have been frustrated by the bass shyness of my KEF Reference Three Twos paired with my excellent but older Exposure Stereo VIII power amplifier. I have been contemplating getting a subwoofer or a pair and considered REL and BK Electronics, another UK brand who used to manufacture for REL before they moved manufacturing in-house. But then it dawned on me that the KEFs are 4 Ohm speakers, my exposure VIII is set for 240V UK mains of the 1980's (here we have 220V) and deliver only 55Wpc into 8 Ohms, probably 70W into 4 Ohms. So I surmised that the KEFs were asking too much of the older Exposure. Indeed a quick look at the back panel of the KEFs says use with amplifiers up to 300W. So I started looking around for an alternative power amplifier. I was considering trying some Class D monoblocks (they are getting better and better) but happened across a few reviews of the Transaudio D5 Pro. In a major departure from my usual preference for European or the occasional Japanese component, I risked a Chinese manufacturer, buying from AliExpress. The D5 Pro uses ideas from the DartZeel NHB 108 circuitry whose patents have apparently now expired. Of course there is considerable cost-cutting (12 not 16 output transistors, 1 not 2 mains transformers but otherwise it is implemented with high quailty European, Japanese (and perhaps US) components and the build quality is top notch. The first stage runs in Class A and the power stage in Class AB as I understand. Treble is sweet and extended, bass powerful, mid full and natural and the preservation of low-level details even while reproducing stronger signals in the foreground excellent. As a consequence, the sound stage is wide and precise and the layers of depth surpass what my aging Exposure could muster. And into 4 Ohms it delivers about 225Wpc - the claim of 300W is optimistic. I am still running my Exposure XI and XII preamp with dedicated DC power supply as its musicality and detail are still hard to beat. The upshot is that the left hand on piano pieces is now every bit as present as the right hand and bass lines on tracks I thought I knew are now tunefully contributing more to the mix. So far I am thrilled at this upgrade to my system which cost an amount that even a retiree like me can choose to afford. The Transaudio D5 is only worth getting in the Pro version, since it incorporates soft start and protection circuitry that the cheaper non-Pro does not have. Using test discs I now get relatively flat in-room response to 30Hz which is an improvement on before. Greg of the VirtualHiFi channel did a review in English, and Frank of Frank's Werkstatt did a review, teardown and measurement torture test in German. I hope you found this interesting! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
Nice to see you again at the show last week end. I remember the Dentons very well, i never owned wharfedale speakers i loved Celestion Ditton at that time in the 70s. It was early 80s when i got a pair of AR 18s,a great little speaker and wow what a difference in sound! a great review as usual Tarun, but vintage they are not, only by name 👍
Another well considered and presented review. Thank you so very much. I notice the factory images of the speaker present the consumer friendly notion of placement that is opposite to what you recommend, which is usually close together and right up against the wall.
Hi, I think the vintage retro looking gear is in a fashion way of life nowadays. This means considering integrated amps, loudspeakers an so on. Although the interesting retro shape and feeling of revivalism, in my opinion, mostly of this kind of equipments don't bring us nothing quite new in terms of sound. Nothing realy bad but also nothing realy good. Bringing up once more my opinion this is only good for trading audio market, but isn't a step forward in the audio hobby development. Just marketing. Thanks for the review
I love my Lintons and like my Denton 85, but you say that I'm diluted and that opinions, emotions and judgement are formed by marketing? That's pretty harsh.
Can't imagine that the front baffle on these things doesn't crack up more parties than a SWAT team. Not really sure what all these wide-front-baffle guys are thinking with this stuff, unless it's purely an aesthetic choice designed to appeal to a super-super-super retro crowd, and one who doesn't much mind that things have moved on a bit.
There’s valid reasons why speaker design moved away from this shape of cabinet, I see little reason to move back. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
I think that final sentence says alot for the kind of people that will buy that speaker. I have the Denton 85. I bought it because I am in that bracket of liking the vintage look. And here lies the question of how your room is decorated. I like wood. So the speakers fit in perfectly. I would think that young people would be turned off by the design of the super Denton's. But fashion has a funny way of going full circle and wood will come back. Just a matter of when. design is ever so important. Why spend a fortune on the furniture you love, if the speakers you look at everday don't match the decor. I wanted the super Denton's to be more detailed, but the monitor audio's always seem to kick me in the teeth. I am undecided on my next purchase, but your videos are quite excellent and help me with the decision making process. Well done
If you intend to upgrade in the future Peter, I highly recommend the Criton-speakers by CSS Audio, they have a similar sound as the 85s (I used to own the Dentons too), but with more clarity, better imaging, resolution etc. ATB, Sven.
These speakers are small enough that they'll not be noticed in most rooms. Wood and black fits in most rooms easier than all black speakers.
Thanks for inspiring me to play about with the 'toeing in' on my speakers. A slight adjustment made a significant improvement to my very modest system. Cheers.
@@peterferrier5833 thank you 😊
I do enjoy your reviews even on equipment I'm not looking into simply for the artistry you bring in the descriptive detail. I find I learn a little bit of detail about an amp or a tip on placement with each review. Personally I find retro a short term enjoyment. It is pleasing to look and listen to, revisit some old memories but after a short bit you realize you've grown out that and maybe with age are bit more demanding. It is not something I see myself investing in. While I admit in my younger days I enjoyed my dirty and loud music, today's goals are more modest and definitely for more purity. Thanks for another great review!
That Dali must be masquerading as an Acoustic Energy!
@@CButti-x1s very funny. They were reviewed in the same video so images were stored in the same file. I can’t believe I didn’t notice that I selected the wrong image 🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314 To error is human. Great review as usual. Keep up the good work. I always look forward to your stereo equipment reviews. Thanks
I owned the Lintons and ran them with the Willsenton r 8. Sounded warm and pleasing. I went to a high end store in my town Las vegas and heard a 20k system with a pair of Revel tower speakers and heard what i was missing. I found a pair locally used Revel
Concerto 12 a lower model hooked them up and the Lintons went up for sale. Its all about synergy and your own personal listening preference.
@@ericschwartzberg5083 thx for sharing 😊
I tried the Linton 85th's for a couple months. I get their appeal, but to me they come off too polite and warm. I much prefer my Revel M106.
Now I have heard everything when it comes to sound description terms that are say a bit vague and politely less offensive: Enthusiasm in the top end as opposed to saying it was harsh.. 😜😂 ( Thank you for giving me a good laugh Tarun. I always enjoy your videos)
I bought the Mission 770 speakers a little over a year ago. I like the white front baffle and the walnut veneer sides.
But what really matters is that they are extremly captivating to listen to. After a short while you forget all about critical listening and just flow away with the music. Which often leads to longer listening sessions.
That part I really love about those speakers. And they are going to be the permanent part of my system fornthe next many years to come.
Thanks for a good review 😊
@@Struds89 thank you 😊
Love the retro style speakers. I have the lintons and am very happy.
@@jk330ci cool 😎 thx for sharing 😊
I am not sure what is more retro. These speakers or Tarun’s shirt?🕺😉
@@Theoriginalramjammer definitely my shirt 🤣
I owned for a time the Denton 80s and paired them with a Rega Brio Integrated. Initially I liked them very much but over time their lack of transparency and detail resulted in a feeling of my music being 'homogenized'. That led me to sell them. I now have the Rega Brio in my bedroom system, matched with some Triangle bookshelves. That is a much more pleasing combination. Synergy!
@@geoffreydebrito2653 thx for sharing 😊
Thanks Tarun. I bought the baby brother Denton 80’s a couple of years ago but they were not for me. The treble was too muted and they needed mid - high volumes to really shine.
After trying several other models I decided to up my budget several levels and bought the Neat Motive SX3. These were way above my original budget but deliver exactly what I want.
@@mrkitewine7700 Great. Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Since you suggested Evo last time I had my eyes on this to enjoy with Audiolab 6000a, Thank you Tarun excellent review
@@zindahoon thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
I bought the Lintons with stands and really don't enjoy them. Too big for the bedroom and to small for the living room. Once I had them in the house I could not stand the looks either. They are in the master closet for over a year now. I have no idea how to get rid of them. I bought them because everyone said " Oh my gosh Lintons" I hate them.
@@superdougie10 it may be worth trading them in for something else 😊
Send them to me please 🖐🏽
Vintage speakers: I have owned a variety of Castle speakers, and currently have a pair of Castle Howard S2 transmission line speakers. Connected to a pair of Exposure 5000 series monoblocks, and a 3000 series integrated amp used purely as a pre amp, the sound is sublime for my listening, mainly classical. They have a proper wood veneer, and look beautiful as furniture as well. They must be 30 or more years old, and I am tempted to have them rebuilt by Wilmslow Audio, but am frightened of losing the intense musicality they currently provide. I'm 66, and don't hear anything above 12kHz these days, but still am acutely aware of timing and the like in recordings. The only speakers that would fit in our living room that I have enjoyed in recent years are PMC Prodigy 5 speakers, but they don't quite have the bass extension of my Howards. Maybe I should investigate other PMC transmission line speakers, and see if some are pleasing both to the ears and the eyes. But, I just don't see any other speakers, in my domestic setup, surpassing the musicality of the Howards. Any ideas, anyone?
@@keithpatterson8907 the Howard’s sound like keeps to me. You may want to check out Kerr Acoustics and well as PMC further up the range than the Prodigy’s 😊
PREMIUM TRANSMISSION LINE ! Kerr Acoustic K300 Mk3 Speakers Review
ruclips.net/video/UK97zUxNRwM/видео.html
I had Castle Inversion speakers in my AV system for years. Lovely speakers in Yew veneer with a very warm sound.
Nice review thank you. I personally think the Elipson XLS11 are the best of the heritage speakers.
@@chrispike5773 thank you. Thx for sharing 😊
Tarun, I so enjoy your videos. Always clear, concise and you offer comparisons to similarly priced gear.
I've heard, and a couple times owned some really great vintage amplification. It seems that "state of the art" was largely achieved there some time ago. Vintage speakers I would say less so.
The great thing about this hobby is there' so many choices to suit one's taste. My definition of a good sounding system is one you look forward to listening to. Listen, breathe and disengage from the world.
@@brown-eyedman4040 thank you Gerald. Always great to have your perspective 😊👍
I've always been interested in Devore Fidelity speakers like the O/93. Similar old school look and kind of legendary
Devore with either Shindo or Air Tight is my dream setup.
@@richardramorino3319 cool 😎
I got a pair as soon as I could in Australia. I have had much the same experience as you found. Positioning is important. Ultimately, if you are interested in the look and know what you are getting with the sound of these they are an excellent offering for the price. I use mine in a smaller room (and Linton 85s in another bigger room).
How do you like the Lintons and Super Dentons? I’m not sure which to get, my living room is 6.7m x 3.6m so 25sq metres with a wooden floor. I’m in Tasmania so can’t get to see them locally. Thanks.
@@HAL-vu8ef I find both of the speakers to be excellent. They have a sound that I like - and particularly in our living room the look fits with our style (and has a reasonable acceptance factor for my wife - notwithstanding that the Lintons are pretty big). To me that room sounds big enough for Lintons - although there is a lot more to rooms as you'd know including how you can position the speakers, furnishings, windows, ceiling height etc etc. In my experience, if you need to, you can get the Lintons closer to the wall than the manufacturer recommends (I think Wharfedale say 12-18 inches and from memory I have had mine closer to 9 inches without much of a problem that I noticed in my room with bass response). But Lintons are themselves more imposing on the space than the Super Dentons will be. That said, the Lintons will fill a space with sound better, better soundstage - an all round better speaker in my experience. I'd get those (and without a doubt you want them with the matching stands).
@@stananthalus
For a smaller room don't the lintons have a comparatively laid back and slightly rolled off trebel compared to the super dentons? Minus the bass do the super dentons sound more lively than the lintons?
@@agnelroshandsilva3929 They might be, just a little, but I have not really compared them against each other in the same room so it is hard for me to offer a firm opinion. They still very much have that Wharfedale sound and a soft dome tweeter so they are not what I would call bright or particularly lively speakers. Plenty of others do that kind of thing.
I might add that while I have seen others comment that they get Lintons to play just fine in a smaller room, I found otherwise in my space and the Lintons are just so big they do not physically fit well in my study. The Supers on the other hand fit the space well and produce a sound I enjoy in that smaller space. Of course YMMV.
I’ve just spotted a rel subwoofer in your set up Tarun , a subwoofer can make a huge difference to systems get it right they shine get it wrong and music sounds awful one of your great reviews are well overdue in this area
@@bryanbeaumont2352 thank you 👍
You have such a beautiful way of expressing sound qualities of a speakers. I really enjoy listening to your reviews. You are a pro at it! Cheers from Canada!
@@daledrolet1332 thank you Dale. That is very kind 😊👍
I've heard, and have, a fair amount of vintage hi-fi. While it can't always match the detail and incisiveness of contemporary equipment, everything else that makes you want to listen to music is there, so it often just becomes a question of how you want to hear something on a particular day.
Also it's fun to mix and match old and new, so it''s not necessarily either or...
@@dylanemeraldgrey thank you. You can listen to the Super Dentons all day with no fatigue. This is what I suspect Peter Comeau wanted from the Heritage range 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have a set of vintage Advent Laureate speakers that are like that and are very easy on poor recordings. I know you didn't really get Advents in the UK, but I'm sure there are many analogues there, vintage that is...
Vintage is fun to play with. Most of my life it was a very low cost way to chase good sound. The good stuff is going up fast, but there are still bargains to be found. I've been focused on new stuff lately. Got a pair of HECO Celan Revolution 3's that are pretty good all rounders. Might be an interesting review actually. Keep up the good work - Cheers
I recently rescued ( from a wet garage) a pair of Tannoy Eatons from the early 80s. The cabinets were rotted, but remarkably the drivers and electronics were in decent condition. I'm making (with help) new cabinets from Eucalyptus Ply and American Walnut veneer. I have some vintage Sansui gear and am really looking forward to how they sound, both with that and my valve amps.
There is a sound signature of 70s amps which is hard to replicate these days, and is extremely beguiling.
@@jimfarrell4635 that is great. Please let me know how you get on 👍
Hi there,
I recently purchased a pair and I'm absolutely loving them! I have a quick question: should the tweeters be placed facing outwards or inwards? I noticed that yours are positioned inwards, but I've placed mine facing outwards.
Thank you in advance for your help!
@@TCASCATA thank you. Imaging is a little better inwards but the soundstage will be a little wider outwards 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you so much for the feedback and help. Your insight will definitely be put into use 😄
I have sooo waited for an expert to review this, thank you!
@@rofgabor thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
I have sone Snell Ci from 1986 i woud take a pepsi challenge on any current speaker with a retail of 4k or under.
@@leethornley3575 cool 😎
As with the latest Linton, the new Super Denton has a look and name which are highly evocative of the mid-70s for me. I sold a lot more Linton 2s than Denton 2s for the greater bass response, however. These next went on to XP models with smarter plain charcoal grilles. I agree with your observation that PJC has retro-voiced the new ones but I do wonder why. Their sound is too old-fashioned and things have moved on in terms of bass tightn 14:29 ess and mid detail. I hope they do well in any case.
@@mikeuk4130 thx for sharing 😊
Speaker positioning is a great help ,
@@Lovelacewatkins139 thank you 😊
I should also say your review was very helpful.
Great work as always.
@@RichardMann-t8h much appreciated 😊👍
Regarding the Monitor Audio Silver 100 and their unforgiving nature, you should do a top 10 of poor recordings. Could be a fun video. Also, I want to know how they sound in my place. Superb recordings will make any system sound good or great but poor recordings can tell you a lot of interesting things as well.
@@cremersalex I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Excellent review nice balanced and honest presentation Taran, well done. At my age +70 I have a history of vintage speakers, most memorable ones that come to mind being Toshiba SS33’s, Mission 782 floor standers and Peter design me thinks, KEF Q60, ah yes the original Wharfdale Lintons. There have been several others to many to remember. Currently running PMC TwentyFive.23’s and mulling over going active with them. Again great review, cheers.
@@stevehollingbery9744 thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Great review spot on 😊
@@Ricky-cl5bu thank you kindly 😊👍
I remember speakers from 80's I found in early 2000's throwen away by someone. They had brownish wood like veneer cabinet and single elipsoid driver made by Ei Niš. I use them in short period and then throw away again, but today as more mature audiophile, 20 years later I remember that they had more of emotion engage than many. So this look stay as reminder. Have I mention that my present speakers are Spendor classic? Prior I auditioned them I was already emotionally fulfilled. Seams like a dealer had easy job.😊
@@DamirPusic thx for sharing 😊
Why not look at Spendor classic range, built in the UK,not China
With £1000 you can barely buy Spendor's grills. Wharfadale value for money is unbeatable.
@alchferro3149
Built in china,one man bargain,is other man redundancy,I listened to a pair of spendor classic 4.5 and 3.1far superior, spendor cabinets are built in UK along with the mid bass , along with the cross over,I also remember wharfdale from the 70s nothing special
I have a pair of Yamaha NS-30a modded to ns-30 speakers from 1967 that sound fantastic with a SET 2a3 amp. They have a sensitivity of 102db. You don't see that today very often and if you do, it means big money. I bought these from an old fella 7 years ago for a very reasonable 250 Canadian for the pair. They were the but ugly Canadian style with horizontal cabs instead of the more elegant Japanese style cabinets. I rebuilt them to the Japanese spec, changed a few resistors and the 2 caps and they will never be sold as long as I'm alive (I think). Wonderful sounding and very interesting speakers that we will never see again.
@@swingarmercool 😎 thx for sharing 👍
Love my Sansui ES-200's for the vintage vibe. Similar driver set up as these but twice the size. No need for a subwoofer.
@@D1N02 great 👍 thx for sharing 😊
I do think, regarding the costs involved that invest in a turntable, a good cartridge and the cost of vinyls nowadays it is pretty much a nostalgia sake. I listened to CDs mainly, only stream with headphones, and I am sure that with decent gear they produce the best sound possible with physical media, or not... Besides the maintenance cost of vinyls, say space, clean the dust every time you spin, even to turn the vinyl every 20 minutes on average are kind of cumbersome. And I love hi fi audio. Best regards.
@@osvaldoomarjorge thx for sharing 😊
I like how this channel is straight to the point information. Not a lot of unnecessary fluff talk like so many other channels. 👌🏽
@@Habitual_Liar thank you 😊
My B&W 706 bookshelf speakers need to be heard towed in directly to the listener too. A dip in the presence region.
@@Justwantahover thx for sharing 😊
Usually, there is nothing to be added or taken from your videos. For my taste, your channel is exquisite...
Absolutely! A delight! Best, Rob in Switzerland
@@AlexanderG-mi7ip thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Taran and others, how do you feel about manufacturers quoting -6 db base measurements.
I don't like it. I don't think it's helpful.
When are they going to tell us they get to 16Hz at - 120 db ?
@@RichardMann-t8h specs should be standardised across the industry and manufacturers should stick to them 😊
I really think -3dB, considered the low end capability of the speaker, and -10dB, the "in room" low end capability should be the industry standard!
@@abritishaudiophile7314I agree that the -3 decibels measurement is very important, especially the bass. Having both the -6 and - 3 decibels quoted really helps to understand how quickly the bass is rolling off. Probably more so than the -10 decibels measurement too. Excellent review these speakers have met the design criteria from your description. The fact that it was debatable with or without the grills is a win for Peter . They have a nice furniture appearance with the grills on and do blend into the decor . The fact that you had no real complaints about the sound quality would make them a good choice for the room that is used for entertaining guests as the sound quality will also blend well too. That leads me to a question...how did they sound as you moved about in the room and left the ideal listing spot as would be normal for guests ? I suspect that the driver placement that Peter used also helped achieve that goal.
@@stevengagnon4777 thank you Stephen. The distance between the speakers was more critical in my room. As I moved them out further into the there was some loss in bass depth and extension but no significant gain in agility so I preferred them set further back 😊👍
Any chance of reviewing the Spendor D7.2 speakers?
@@JamesH1973 I appreciate the suggestion 😊
I'm a vintage/retro listener (child of the 50's). I recently joined up my original Denton XP2 (2 way) to my Garrard 401/SME3009/Ortofon VMS20EII using my not too old Roksan Kandy2. The results were impressive but not mind-blowing.
@@wilfarnold6747 thank you for sharing 😊
I never forget my old B&W dm1400 ...... vintage but sooo great for real tone.... my first hifi speakers in 1988 but i lose them cause an accident.... but i still have and love my old Counterpoint SA-12 hybrid amp.... sound better than my Musical-Fidelity M8 500S ( same like youve tested before ) but i never try his balanced input.... my "preamp" dont have the output .... ( a Yamaha Aventage A-3070 ) only rca 😫😖
@@KillerKojak thank you for sharing 😊
I really enjoy your review style. No word salad to make the video longer. You are straight and to the point which is much appreciated. Keep up the great reviews, I'll keep watching.
@@kenp9073 thank you 😊
I fully appreciate that speakers are a matter of personal preference. I particularly like speakers that can integrate the various instruments and vocal (if there is one), much as one would hear if attending a concert. Many modern speakers seem to concentrate too much on detail and separation , which does not sound natural to me.Just because a speaker may look retro does not mean that the components are not modern.
@@Mike-ek4qu well said Mike 😊
Wharedale speakers from the 1970s were not anything special, they had load of problems, they used a type of clue for there manufacturing which failed on many times
Hmm a closer look from your review pictures, I feel it does not worth to pay twice the price of Denton 80th, the grill not even looks as good, and most important they still reuse the same tweeter from Denton 85th which is not same as 80th, it must be by accident they design the 80th so right and by accident I found some gears matching it...
I like the looks of them but I can’t part with my KLH Model 3’s (new production)
@@Alamo-cz5xc cool 😎
The speakers you pictured as an example of old, wide baffle speakers are ADS L1230. I have a pair and must say I think they're quite remarkable.
I noted the same thing!
@@jamester1ful cool 😎
Thank you Tarun. Seems like a great budget speaker with great presence. My experience with vintage speakers was when they were not vintage. The worst were a pair of narcoleptic Pioneer three ways in the seventies. Fond memories of the Celestion SL700.
@@fletchermunson6225 thx Jim 😊
I auditioned the Super Dentons and I agree they lack at the presence region, I missed midrange body in spite of being three-way. Bass depth was surprising, almost subwoofer-like with a MF MS6i. And they paired surprisingly well with an Arcam A15! The Lintons were another story: maybe not as detailed but they open up nicely and have that grit with those same amps. Good job Tarun.
@@wyup thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Well... I used to own the regular Dentons 85, I loved the overall sound, but in the end found it lacking in many departments. The thing with the IAG group is, they always go cheap on the parts in the crossover, and I hate to say, but this puts a cap on its performance, it lacks proper imaging, resolution, details etc. In the end I opted for a speaker with a similar sound, but without all the limitations, I purchased the Criton 1tdx by CSS Audio, I highly recommend these Critons..they have a hefty bass, a very rich and warm-ish midrange and a very gentle and smooth top end...atb
@@gerlachsieders4578 thanks for sharing your experiences 😊
loved the vid sir, love all gear that's retro, much better sound quality to my ears, i know that's controversial but hey ho.
@@MichaelIrons-d5v thank you. Your ear are the ultimate guide. Variety in taste is what makes this hobby fun 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks si, oh yes that is so true m.
interesting review, them soft dome tweeters I'm not that fond of, probably the same ones as used in my Wharfedale Diamond 12.2s. Nice old style finish though with real wood.
@@myk6694 thank you 😊
Did you try your Hegel H190 with the Super Dentons?
@@jadoube3132 I did, is was bit overkill for the Super Dentons 😊
Thank you, Taran, for a helpful review.
@@yewlunchan9263 thank you 👍
Very helpful review, thanks! These little guys seem just right for my room, in which Lintons might be a bit too large. I hope that 14 inches from the front wall will work...
Personally, I like a lot of vintage speakers: KEF 103.2, EPI 200C, AR-5, and Boston Acoustics A100 come to mind. I'd like to restore a nice pair of Dynaco A-25's. I certainly don't expect them to "measure up" completely in terms of general performance. Most of these were designed by "theory and ear" long before computers got involved (the exception being the KEF 103.2, which utilized KEF's earliest efforts at computer assisted engineering , at least according to their advertising). Anyway, I do think that many vintage speakers have something to offer, and it is pretty amazing just how good some can sound after a basic rebuild (just caps, resistors and surrounds if needed).
When I was younger and new to this hobby, I thought that eventually, great speakers will all sound very much the same, because the pursuit of accuracy will lead to one perfect sound. That certainly hasn't happened! ; )
@@richardlloyd5519 great to learn about your experiences 👍
Great review of the Super Dentons. I can see a very nice hifi rack in your room. Can you say what make it is please Tarun.
@@Justin-fy7xk thank you. Ophidian Premier rack now discontinued 😊
I do my own research, but since you reviewed the Cambridge Audio CXA61, I want to know if you think it would be good with the Super Dentons. Your comments on different amps not driving the Super Dentons well has me curious. I just got the CXA61 in April. Thanks so much! 👍🏼🎶
@@Norman-bone13 cool 😎
I say “ long live the vintage revival “
Folks back then knew what looks good. IMHO. Of course I have a few real vintage speakers but I bought the Heresy IV’s and love the look of em. And the sound
. I like the Heresy & the L100 equally for the same reason. The vintage sound of an efficient 3-way with a 12" or 15" paper woofer.
However, I lived through the 70's and have seen more than my share of wood paneled walls & orange shag carpet. So I'm so tired of wood veneered loudspeakers I could spin my head & puke pea soup (that's Linda Blair).
We also know now the effect of big baffles. Modern acoustics would separate out the 3 drivers, of both models, from a single cabinet into a different, tightly centered, configuration or some such beneficial arrangement.
So, same sets of drivers in updated acoustic cabinetry, hardware and finishes.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
A very thoughtful review as ever. I've just ordered a Leak Stereo 230, and planning on either these or the Denton 85. I'm not sure these offer much in the way of advantage for nearly double the price, as the 85 also come in a beautiful wood veneer and are built to the same standard. The acoustician in me says the wide baffles and hard edges of vintage styled speakers can't help, but then much of what we hear is able to be tuned in or out by the designer anyway, and I can't get enough of the style. As an aside, I actually bought some Elipson XLS7 first, but I never set them up as the vinyl veneer and general feel wasn't anywhere near the quality of the IAG stuff. It matters when they are items of furniture as much as audio.
@@chrisburn7178 thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊
Hi, vintage speakers, I have Marantz 6g still in use in one room , been in family from new.
The original grills decomposed many years ago. Which makes me wonder about the foam inside.
About 20 years ago, the woofer cone glue on voice coil failed.
The wood veneer is great.
Cone tweeter does beam , but not concerned in that room with position of lounge suites.
The bass is boomy even in middle of room and a blur compared to my Dali.
Currently is used with a class D
Have used with Marantz 1030 ( original partner )
Kenwood 3300
And Teac A30.
Still have amps
They are what they are 1970s American sound, I love the "Precision crafted in USA" label on the back and the cabinet work.
@@chuckmaddison2924 cool 😎
Great review Tarun!!Do you have in mind reviewing some Mission speakers like QX2 or Dynaudio's ones like Special 40 or Heritage??? thanks and cheers from Argentina
@@milagroscaviglia5034 thank you. I appreciate the suggestions 😊
Hi Tarun. I really enjoyed this review. I haven’t seen the Denton’s up close but I have heard their retro big brother Linton’s and was surprised by how cheap their veneer looked, which is odd considering the quality veneer in these speakers! I love vintage HiFi but apart from the Quad ESL 57’s, I don’t think vintage speakers are all that compared to modern speakers. I think the modern technology improves the performance. Having said that, a vintage (or modern) valve amp and horn speakers or open baffle speakers can produce some real magic🎶 Thanks for a great review 👊🏻
@@kobihughes thank you Kobi 👍
Wolfdal 12in full range from late 60ts , 70ts no crossovers. Poor man's tannoy, but sound great. Nice sound with tubes. Thank you for your channel and the work plus information you give.
@@rolandpritchard1731 thank you 😊
Another great review.
I'd love to hear a review from you for the PMC prodigy 1 standmounters.... To compare with this Super Denton in the same price range and also following on from your review of the Prodigy 5 speakers previously.
@@mauricecanham687 thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Your erudite review confirms what I've been hearing with mine, which are wall mounted and toed in and down and paired with a Yamaha A-S 1200. Excellent presentation.
@@broederbond60 thank you 😊
I got my JBL 100s for the looks, being voluminous but short and the 12” woofer. I listen to electronica so artist placement is less of a concern to me:)
@@cenkisil574 thank you for sharing 😊
Hello Mr. Tarun! So many reveiwers were praising the Denton and super Denton and I have my douts about theirs strenghts and weaknesses. Your review is more balanced than the competition on this subject. Sound is certainly more important to me than the esthetics of a component and I wouldn't buy a pair of speakers because they look fashionable. Vintage may look cool, but technology can bring something better and more beautiful than a rectangular box. BYE !
@@yvesboutin5604 thank you Eves 😊
Hi Tarun, I remember the original Dentons and Lintons from my teenage years. Favourites among fellow audiophiles with only the income from working as an apprentice.
I guess my speakers qualify as vintage. Lowther Acousta 115s were introduced in 1962 and ran until 1973. (Mine are later ones from 1970-73 so at least 50 years old.) I believe they are Lowther's best selling speaker ever - one "claim to fame" is that Jimi Hendrix owned a pair. After Lowther themselves discontinued this model, they have been in continuous production ever since. Small cabinet-making companies and advanced DIY-ers all over the world have been making them for decades as Lowther sold the plans for this very purpose. Particularly popular in the USA, Japan and Italy. A version of this speaker was re-introduced by Lowther fairly recently. In 1962 they cost £113 and ten shillings. In 2024 they are more like seven grand. Horn cabinets have never been cheap to build.
Lowther Acoustas are compact for a horn-loaded speaker but still big by domestic standards. They sound best close to the floor and room corners but that's vintage horns for you. Mine have current production silver-coiled DX3 drivers. I would describe their sound as "unflatteringly transparent". If you want a stethoscope to tell you every mod you make to your system and still sound musical then these are the kiddies. They beam quite noticeably but sitting in the sweet spot they are hard to beat. The closest in sound character to these speakers I have heard are Quad Electrostatics - but the Quads need more power - the Lowthers are a completely practical proposition with my 4 watts of single triode power. 😀
@@TheRealWindlePoons Fascinating stuff. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks for the review. I appreciate real wood veneers on speakers. They Look great in my opinion and don’t have the issues with light reflection and showing fingerprints which are an issue with gloss speakers. I think gloss speakers look great out of the box but are a challenge to keep clean especially with little fingers and hands. I like what Wharfdale is doing with 3-way speakers in great looking real-wood boxes. To answer your question, 50 years into listening to and buying stereo equipment I appreciate retro looks but find the advancements in acoustics especially with speaker technology make old speakers a fond memory instead of the best choice currently to listen to music. I looked at a pair of new JBL L100s because of the retro looks and the fact they were my dream speakers back in the day when I could only dream of having and spending the money required to buy the white-woofered JBLs. I found my currently designed Arendal 1723 towers blew them away at a similar price point listening to the classic rock music that was produced back when the JBLs first came out. I’m prioritizing the sound of music today vs. the looks of yesterday. Rock on!
@@BobbyBass-x6i thank you for sharing 😊
thank you for the factual and imformative presentation, I'm a big fan of Wharfedale speakers, I'm thinking about upgrading my current Diamond 230 speakers, which are cheap and great, for something maybe a little more expensive and a little better, these Super Denton ones are on my radar, but I'm most interested in the new Wharfedale Aura speakers 4 or 3 . It would be great to hear your assessment of these speakers :). Best regards Suavic
@@masterzippo121 thx. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
I have paired Wharfedale Lintons with Willsenton R8 and I love the way they pair. I can imagine how they would sound with Dentons.
@@HiFi_Paradise cool 😎
Not a big fan of these heritage designs I'm afraid, but that does not stop me enjoying your coverage. Being just a couple of months away from being 60, these speakers are not so much 'retro' as 'historic' to me, and I remember most of the heritage speakers the first time round :) I also have a lot of time for Wharfdale, having chosen the Elysian 3's as my end game speakers (unless I win the lottery!), and being extremely happy with that choice.
As always, I appreciate your clear discussion of where these speakers sit in the audio landscape and I fully expected them to sound a little warm (lush) and slightly less detailed, but I think that's a part of the sonic character that attracts people to them. I'm using a Mcintosh hybrid integrated with a tube pre-amp section and I'm not sure that would be a good match with these characteristics, but I'm not looking at making that match. Nice to hear your experiences as always!
@@titntin5178 great to have your perspective my friend 😊👍
Maybe if you auditioned the PureAudioProject Duet 15’s the way you say boxy may carry some credence. Still like your input and depth.
@@rodm1949 thank you 😊
I have b@w dm4 Goodmans xb45 and Mission 730 mki, love them all .. Something magical about the sound, maybe just my early impressions of music or perhaps they are just still relevant now..
@@Evolved_ue7 great 👍
Solid review with good info on placement & positioning. I typically like the overall sound of Wharfedale speakers. I would like to get the Lintons, but my space is too small. These Super Dentons might work. I’m 71 and have never owned a three-way speaker. I want to fix that. I’ve had 2.5-way. Thanks for this detailed & informative review. 👍🏼🎶😎
@@Norman-bone13 thank you. The Super Dentons would be worth checking out 😊
With el34s (eg vintage Fisher ,Scott amps)these would recreate the classic 60s style sound per Tarun.
@@toddhupp cool 😎
Hi Tarun, you are right that buyers of this speaker will also conciser the looks. And I am OK with that, it has all to do with the Golden Ratio of rectangular s that for instance Q Acoustics speakers so sourly miss. I was a bit surprised about how difficult these speakers are to match to an amp. I can see plenty of people thinking of the Super Denton / Cambridge Audio combo being a good idea.
My thoughts about vintage, for me personal it is the only way to go. At any price point a well put together vintage stereo set up blows what ever you can get new, out of the water. I also love the hunting for gems. On the down side, be prepared to get some broken stuff. Specially turntables, I have bought more than 10 of them over time. They all need repair, regardless of what the seller says.
@@hugobloemers4425 thx Hugo 😊
As far as vintage looking speakers go, I would love to hear your thoughts on The Mission 770’s. British speaker company. British Audiophile. Seems like a natural fit to me.
@@TheIpadfanatic I appreciate the suggestion. They are also from the IAG group 😊
I love the vintage look and sound. However, I don't see the need need to put an edge on the front baffle. A smooth front with a magnetic grill would be better. It's a bit of a gimmick to say use the grills to correct something we could have prevented. Love the video as always. 👍🏻
@@adamcfada5071 thank you. That is a good point 👍
Hi Tarun, that was a tough one, well done! My systems are a mix of old and new and my experience is that age is not a barrier to performance if the equipment is kept current with careful internal attention. Actually I think my E1 is not so much refreshed as completely gutted 😂.
The speakers on the end of it are 20 years old and unlike the amp are bog standard. I’m not allowed to change them, however, because the bird’s eye maple veneer under seven coats of hand applied and polished lacquer is a particular favourite of my wife!
Even my main system is fronted by a hybrid turntable. A 1990 vintage base with brand new components bringing it up to a modern standard for a fraction of the all new price.
I’m a fan of Wharfedale’s latest offerings and I have a suspicion that those looking to tame the modern rush to uber crystalline digital sound will enjoy the lush overtones they provide. I wouldn’t be too hasty to assume that it’s oldies like me either. I recently built a turntable system for a twenty year old and the thing she cooed over most was the wood finish on the Pioneer PL112D turntable, even though no trees were harmed in making it. 😅
@@markcarrington8565 thx Mark. Always great to have your perspective 👍
I tried many modern speaker designs most of which I disliked eventually I purchased a pair off spendor bc1 recapped and have never considered an upgrade since very happy with my speakers now
@@michaelvincent8306 that is great 👍
As an owner of several sets of vintage speakers, they do sound as you remember them sounding, warm, boomy, and directional. I’ve read reviews of new versions with interest, and some definitely sound like improvements. My favorite speaker is currently a Warfedale W-70E with its 15” woofer and Mylar tweeter supplemented with a 10” sub. I may be looking for stand-mounts in the future because I find imaging the most important feature, after bass.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 thx Jeremiah 😊
As usual, a truly professional review. I think a lot of Wharfedale speakers. When I got back into audio in the mid teens, I bought some Diamond 230s. Fantastic return for the money. I’ve since “shifted” them to my daughter. Note the Brit speak 😂. Btw, I loved the pic of the vintage ADS L1230s. They were and still are exquisite speakers. Their mid range and smooth upper end is unsurpassed.
@@stevezeidman7224 thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Hi Tarun,
The Super Dentons are amazing!! You know, you are completely right about what you said about the speakers. This being said, however, the retro-Wharfedales use very modern materials in the drivers, and their crossovers are 21st Century (and not the producers of UFO and other classics on TV 😂😂😂) materials. As you know, I have the Lintons, and I have been very, very impressed with those speakers with the type of music I love. For rock, pop, and a little funk and disco, the speakers are an insane value. I have a feeling that the Super Denton is similar.
Something I have noticed about the Lintons: They require a good bit of power for them to be controlled properly. My Adcom mono-blocs do a much better job of control, than any of then any of the other amps I have tried. I wonder if the Dentons are similar. What I would really love to see, and probably something that would get me to sell my Lintons, is a speaker that is between the Linton and Dovedale. The latter, as you know, are quite expensive. I don't know what they retail for in the UK, but here the Wharfedale Dovedale (if you can get them) are north of $5000 a pair.
@@AgentPepsi1 thank you Tasha. I certainly enjoyed my time with the Super Dentons. They may not be the last word in resolution or neutrality but they sound fun and look great. A little power definitely helps to wake them up. Glad to know your Linton’s are still rocking 😎👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 😘🤗😍🥰
Tarun, thanks for the critical but fair review of these speakers. 🙂 I'm seeing a lot vintage( "Retro"...) on certain RUclips videos but good sound is not a siren's call.
@@michaelrossmaessler200 thank you 😊
I was excited to see a ATC type midrange in hope that it will have great midrange only to know that this speaker is not giving anything in buckets, basically average. Vintage looks are good especially considering amps like NAD etc but if speaker doesn’t sound good then it’s kinda pointless
@@GautamChatterji it is a good sounding speaker but the best two-ways at this price have a bit more resolution and neutrality 😊
Pioneer SX 780 and the original Dentons ,had the, since 1974 ….never an issue
@@welshrarebit9238 thx for sharing 😊
Great review, Tarun. Really enjoyed the way you combined sound quality with partnering equipment and set up. The Super Denton's look beautiful. I almost bought the smaller Denton's (85) on looks alone last year but went for Chora's instead.
I love the vintage look as they remind me of my early 80s childhood playing my dad's records on his 1970s all in one record player system.
The next time I'm tempted to buy Wharfedale vintage speakers I might consider the audiolab amp as well. Thanks for the tip!
@@Cousins08 thank you. I suspect they will work great with an Audiolab 6000A or 7000A 😊
Interesting what you said at the beginning saying that you
are not sure about this vintage revival and I have to agree.
The issue I have is that it appears that brands have
somewhat jumped onto the band wagon and that equals
merely a trend. Then again there are some of the brands
out their that have revived some real true classics and it
says that they should have never stopped producing them
in the fist place. So ether purchase the original in tip top
condition or go for the higher priced classics and I do
believe that is the way to go about it and that is coming
from someone who uses a set of British vintage speakers
in tip top condition.
@@themetatron0000 thank you Simon 😊
I have both expensive sources in digital and analogue both deliver great sounds but I’m positive it’s the actual recording of the music at source that makes a massive difference to what you hear EG Years ago digital recordings were yuk but todays recordings shine
@@bryanbeaumont2352 thx for sharing 😊
Hello Tarun. I would like to thank you very much for your mini tutorial on speaker positioning, especially for people that are just starting out in this great hobby of ours. I can remember trying to figure that out over 40 years ago without RUclips. Maybe you could do a in-depth video on speaker placement for us sooner than later. Your expertise is always invaluable to all of us, or at least those of us that enjoy audio beyond just being a hobby. Great review once more. Cheers from Canada!
@@Firebottleman thank you my friend. I did a video on speaker positioning when I started my channel. It is an early video shot on my iPad with dodgy mic, so you will have to excuse the poor production quality. I hope you find it useful 😊👍
Hifi Myths & Misconceptions - Speaker Setup
ruclips.net/video/VHOYXjVJKKY/видео.html
Good old stuff probably means it’s got the magic tonality that comes close to an ideal in one’s head to always strive for when buying new stuff
It’s not a competition it’s a parallel quest with the old informing the new
@@albiepalbie5040 thx for sharing 😊
I think in general I prefer modern hifi over vintage. Some vintage gear can bring about a feeling of nostalgia, though. Some of those iconic objects like the Naim Nait 1 or the Linn Sondek.
@@OgamJan thank you for sharing. There is some great vintage gear. Each has to be judged on it’s individual merits 😊
Tarun, my friend this is a superb, detailed and well differentiated review covering a plethora of aspects, that the experienced enthusiast is curious about, nevertheless in language that the newbie understands. I found your amplifier pairing section especially valuable since I have recently also changed my power amplifier and am delighted by the results.
As a Brit growing up in the 60's and 70's in UK, Wharfedale was one of my favourite brands along with Leak, Rogers, Quad, TDL, KEF, Radford, Garrard and many, many more.
It is indeed very satisfying to see such a competent design from the house of Wharfedale by such a recognised name in the industry as Peter Comeau. As a longtime subscriber to HiFi News & Record Review (HFNRR) mmagazine, his name is probably unknowingly influential in half of British households with an interest in good hi-fi.
Grsat video, Tarun - the channel is one of the best in this space! Another viewer said it better than me: EXQUISITE!
All the best, Rob in Switzerland
PS. Can I tell you about my new Power Amp solution?
@@RobWhittlestone thank you Rob. Great to hear from you. I would love to know about what has replaced the Exposure amps in your system 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 For a long time I have been frustrated by the bass shyness of my KEF Reference Three Twos paired with my excellent but older Exposure Stereo VIII power amplifier. I have been contemplating getting a subwoofer or a pair and considered REL and BK Electronics, another UK brand who used to manufacture for REL before they moved manufacturing in-house.
But then it dawned on me that the KEFs are 4 Ohm speakers, my exposure VIII is set for 240V UK mains of the 1980's (here we have 220V) and deliver only 55Wpc into 8 Ohms, probably 70W into 4 Ohms. So I surmised that the KEFs were asking too much of the older Exposure. Indeed a quick look at the back panel of the KEFs says use with amplifiers up to 300W. So I started looking around for an alternative power amplifier. I was considering trying some Class D monoblocks (they are getting better and better) but happened across a few reviews of the Transaudio D5 Pro.
In a major departure from my usual preference for European or the occasional Japanese component, I risked a Chinese manufacturer, buying from AliExpress.
The D5 Pro uses ideas from the DartZeel NHB 108 circuitry whose patents have apparently now expired. Of course there is considerable cost-cutting (12 not 16 output transistors, 1 not 2 mains transformers but otherwise it is implemented with high quailty European, Japanese (and perhaps US) components and the build quality is top notch. The first stage runs in Class A and the power stage in Class AB as I understand. Treble is sweet and extended, bass powerful, mid full and natural and the preservation of low-level details even while reproducing stronger signals in the foreground excellent. As a consequence, the sound stage is wide and precise and the layers of depth surpass what my aging Exposure could muster. And into 4 Ohms it delivers about 225Wpc - the claim of 300W is optimistic. I am still running my Exposure XI and XII preamp with dedicated DC power supply as its musicality and detail are still hard to beat. The upshot is that the left hand on piano pieces is now every bit as present as the right hand and bass lines on tracks I thought I knew are now tunefully contributing more to the mix. So far I am thrilled at this upgrade to my system which cost an amount that even a retiree like me can choose to afford. The Transaudio D5 is only worth getting in the Pro version, since it incorporates soft start and protection circuitry that the cheaper non-Pro does not have. Using test discs I now get relatively flat in-room response to 30Hz which is an improvement on before. Greg of the VirtualHiFi channel did a review in English, and Frank of Frank's Werkstatt did a review, teardown and measurement torture test in German.
I hope you found this interesting! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
Eeek! Tarun, wrong speaker pictured when discussing Dali
@@jdekong3945 sorry. I missed that 😢🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314 sorry I had to be "that guy" 😹have a great weekend!
Nice to see you again at the show last week end. I remember the Dentons very well, i never owned wharfedale speakers i loved Celestion Ditton at that time in the 70s. It was early 80s when i got a pair of AR 18s,a great little speaker and wow what a difference in sound! a great review as usual Tarun, but vintage they are not, only by name 👍
@@garypoole716 thank you Gary. It was great to see you too 😊👍
Another well considered and presented review. Thank you so very much. I notice the factory images of the speaker present the consumer friendly notion of placement that is opposite to what you recommend, which is usually close together and right up against the wall.
@@neilcoligan8621 thank you. In press images the speakers tend to be placed where they look the best and not necessarily sound the best 😊
Hi, I think the vintage retro looking gear is in a fashion way of life nowadays. This means considering integrated amps, loudspeakers an so on. Although the interesting retro shape and feeling of revivalism, in my opinion, mostly of this kind of equipments don't bring us nothing quite new in terms of sound. Nothing realy bad but also nothing realy good. Bringing up once more my opinion this is only good for trading audio market, but isn't a step forward in the audio hobby development. Just marketing. Thanks for the review
I love my Lintons and like my Denton 85, but you say that I'm diluted and that opinions, emotions and judgement are formed by marketing? That's pretty harsh.
Can't imagine that the front baffle on these things doesn't crack up more parties than a SWAT team. Not really sure what all these wide-front-baffle guys are thinking with this stuff, unless it's purely an aesthetic choice designed to appeal to a super-super-super retro crowd, and one who doesn't much mind that things have moved on a bit.
There’s valid reasons why speaker design moved away from this shape of cabinet, I see little reason to move back. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
@@rongreen1538 thank you 😊