Have a listen to the Gradient Fi loudspeakers.They have cardiord radiation from midrange up. I have the 1.3 and the early Revolution models for almost 30 years and they still sound great.
Do more of these! Love these kind of videos.. Honestly I’d love to see you break them up, “best floorstanding speakers”, “best bookshelf speaker”, “best desktop speaker” (that last one would prolly be a grand slam, more people are looking for a quality PC setup than you think).. Maybe even take into other pieces of kit you enjoy, DAC’s/amps etc!
“Best desktop PC Speakers under $500”= 💰! (Or insert whatever price point, u can even do more than one) I know there’s a lot of videos out there like this, but if you can get your video out in that algorithm it’ll be timeless.. College kids need them for their dorm, younger kids on their gaming setup, moms and pops who do work from home or spend time in front of their PC, everyone wants a good value speaker outside of the shit Logitech offerings for their desktop cuz not everyone is interested in a home theatre or have a full listening room, but everyone does listen to music at their desktop! Looking for this exact video is what brought me into the audiophile world which is turn eventually brought me to your channel
@@ErinsAudioCornerthis is a good idea for growing your channel too. And not that many (if any) out there that are not paid by the companies. Cool thing with bringing normie viewers is you get to also educate them with the rest of the content you do. Also price range rankings is a good idea i think. Top 5 under $2000 and so on.
I bought the Lintons after your review and I never listened to as much music as I do now. You can just listen all day long without any fatigue, love them.
Dutch & Dutch 8C's are my dream speakers. I was not surprised they were on your list. There are way too few cardioid speakers out there for some reason. Most people have to keep their speakers near walls, it makes no sense that most speakers are not designed to be used that way.
New band for me until he reviewed them. I would like to hear some good active speakers. I have only heard ones under $2000. They were all good for the money. But an all out assault would be cool.
I've used/mixed on countless actives. I own and currently use JBL, QSC, and Seaton actives. All absolute stand outs in their respective price level. All out assault actives would include ATC, Augsburger, Dynaudio, Genelec, etc. btw, there's no greater value in all of hifi than affordable active monitors. There's many quality offerings, but JBL's 8" two-way is phenomenal for what it does. $250, for the trickle down tech of JBL's several decades of research ... active, dsp contoured, with the killer waveguide. The active monitor segment is hugely competitive ... thus each mfr to continually elevating their game.
I’m a big fan of the Dutch & Dutch speakers. Nice that they’re from the Netherlands. It’s such a complete package, really full range, cardioid, dsp, digital inputs, room correction, roon endpoint and great looks. I have the 8m, the non cardioid version without the 2 woofers in the back, which is also still very very good. ❤
These really are the speakers I wish I could get for my living room. They're just way above what I'm willing to spend. I wish someone could make a speaker like this around $2,500/pair.
A great video, once again. I think this video will blow up, comparatively, because “top xyz” videos are so easily searched. I hope this one brings you a bunch more subscribers, you deserve it.
I've had the Lintones for about 6 months, and for the first 4 months I set them up the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward), the sound was good, but it was "located" between the speakers (it didn't spread outwards). Then I changed the position of the speakers, so I placed the tweeters towards the outside and immediately I got a much wider sound image that went outside the position of the speakers (expanding to the left and right, as if I had a wider room). I read in a couple of places that for narrower and longer rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the outside, and for wider and narrower rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the inside. I'm interested in your opinion on this, i.e. is it OK to keep the speakers positioned like that or maybe it's better the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward) ? The dimensions of the room are: - width 3.6m - length 7.3 m - height 2.5m THANK YOU
Not sure if this is in line with your content, but I'd be interested in a video discussing room acoustics for the consumer and what effects reflections cause such as the room modes and standing waves, comb filtering and other phase problems one might expect to find etc.
Fantastic video! Very good job at providing the objective and the subjective without getting too much in the weeds. I liked how you defined your criteria, and then pointed out strengths / weaknesses of these speakers according to your criteria. Very well done!
Hi Erin, had you already tested the R3 meta when you did this video? Do you still think that Lintons are a better value than R3 Metas? I encourage you to ask Kef a pair of R7 to test, should be even better
Erin great job as always. I would love to see you recommend speakers for home theater where dedicated subs are assumed. Personally I don’t care if a speaker extends much below 60-80hz because I have two massive subs to handle low bass. In my room these speakers are 100% home theater, I just don’t use the space for critical music listening (2 channel).
I have to mention a speaker that is really well designed. I had a choice between the jbl 4309 or the fyne audio f500sp. I chose the f500sp because i couldn't losten to the jbl prior to buying it. It might not have perfect response, but it is very sensive to the quality of input. It's taken about 150hours now and its has started to run in. I chose it because i wanted a coax with a compression driver. Also no ports on the back or front. I work in the industry, i can easily say this speaker is in a class of its own. It is fast, super clean and the stage is brilliant. It will blow the kef r3 out of the water in terms of point sorce, clarity and speed. When you get a chance, have a listen. Setting up is extremely important with them. When done right they dissapear compleatly. Cheers buddy. Keep up the good work and greetings from Croatia 👍🏻
I would love to hear your thoughts on Ascend Acoustics speakers given just how measurement-oriented that company is! I'm sure some of their speakers would suit your tastes rather well
Awesome! I love this type of video. I voted with my wallet and bought the Revel 228be and JBL 4367. I highpass subs at 60hz on both using a JL crossover. I really liked the Revel 228be and still do… but… with a direct A/B in my own room on a Mcintosh MC462 amp in direct A/B the 4367 smokes the Revel. More detailed in the bass and much more detailed in the highs. Mids are about the same. Then you add in dynamics, and the 4367 sounds much more real. It snaps harder on drums etc. hard to describe. But dynamics is where it is at and far more important than I realized before. As for soundstage. You know they are not that different. Yes the revel is wider I guess but sounds small due to lack of dynamics. Kind of odd. I would have never said the 228be is closed in or small sounding but next to the 4367 it is out classed. I sold the Revels and plan to by a few more JBLs for a 5.1.4 setup. I will do 4367s all around if I can swing it. If not maybe the 4349. Currently I have 590s in the rear which are ok but kind of harsh sounding in the treble for music.
Love this kind of list, so many liked the Linton's I got a pair. I'm not as happy as the reviewers, but I am happy with it. I think I need to mess with in my room to get best results. Thanks for sharing your lists and measurements!
Get an Umik and do some EQ. It will make a big difference. Or minidsp with dirac, that would be night and day. If you can also add a sub there's nothing else left. These speakers are really good
Hey Erin, I thought it was a fun video! I just saw the thread about it on ASR and I completely disagree with Amir on this. I don't think it's clickbait. This is like one of those topics that come up when people talk about any hobby they like. And even if they were reviewed earlier, it's not like I'm going to search for a review of the Dutch & Dutch 8c if I don't even know it exists. That's why 'top videos' are useful if they are done by someone who knows what they are talking about. If someone watches a 'top 5 under 500$/1000$/desktop/active monitor/etc.' video they get a quick comparison and maybe some new options so they can look up more detailed reviews if they are interested. Threads like that is the reason I don't like ASR, other than to look up some quick measurements if they have them.
ERIN. I know I’ve been tough on you a time or two. But THIS IS EXACTLY how to “review” speakers. But. Me being ,as you know (and I think will remember given the subtle overture that set the tone I’m sure you felt lol ) me being “ONE OF THOSE ADS GUYS” . I can’t argue with your list here for different reasons in where they shine & preferences. As you explained perfectly. And that’s exactly how these other “EXPERTS” should do this & what they should pay attention to. 👍.
The look of a speaker is very important to me and I have found that I like a little subtlety in appearance. So, even if price were no object here, I might go with the Lintons. Definitely not the JBL's! I think Sonus Faber does a great job with design. Elegant but subtle. I was very tempted to get the Sonetto IIIs. Unfortunately, I could only hear them at the store which is not set up for the best listening experience. Without a home trial, I passed. Would be great to see you review a pair. Probably don't measure all that well though from what I've read. 🤷🏻♂️
For me, my Sonus Faber sonettos sound thick warm in the mid to low range, soft on top yet still Sparkles and even though I use Dirac.. where measurements are concerned, I'd rather use those things on the side of my head!
@@Antibackgroundnoise Hmm. That does not sound like the flavor of sound I prefer. I like clarity and definition in the midrange. Thanks for your report!
Everyone in the @kef enthusiast group that has heard both will tell you that none of the R series get anywhere close to the reference series. The R11s don’t even get close to the Reference 1.
Heard the KEF Reference 1 Metas with a sub array, 3 subs per side, of REL S/510s…wow! Amazing full, rich sound! Sounded noticeably better with the subs on vs the KEFs alone, which were still outstanding
fwiw; JBL's 4367 isn't a three-way, its a two-way. The HF compression driver is a dual-opposed, annular polymer diaphragms. Two identical diaphragms firing towards one another and into a phasing plug collector combiner, turns the energy 90° and launches out the front. Big picture, it's no different than attic mounted IB, quad 18"s in dual opposed, firing toward one another and launching the energy out from there. JBL D2 cutaway ... will illustrate the clever driver.
Nice review! I have the Lintons and for me, the Audiolab DC block bring up the upper mid/hi and details perfectly. That would be Dac and amp dependent however. ( mojo 2 - SMSL VMV A1 in my case)
Outstanding synopsis video. I'd suggest dynamic capability, startle factor ... whatever, is a characteristic we weight more significantly than the other linearity tenets we look for. I believe that dynamic, low compression, less lossy transfer is the vital x factor in inability to discern live from pre-recorded playback ... around the corner, or out of sight. Savvy list!
Welcome back Mr Erin… Missing your reviews since quite sometime and happy that you are back. Pretty nice review. Top 4 are out of reach. I own Lintons and enjoining them well 😎😎😎
That was the one I was expecting to see but didn't as well. My guess: The KEF Reference 1s filled the "high end bookshelf that measures really well" for him and he wanted to get a more affordable option in there (the Lintons) instead.
I wish I'd discovered your channel and ASR before I discovered a certain "Inexpensive Sound Person" out there who got me to buy my first set of ELAC speakers, the Uni-Fi 2.0's. It was ASR (Audio Science Review) that led me to my second set of ELACs (Debut Reference 6.2, right in my sweet spot of budget / performance), and your comments there that led me to your channel. Thank you (and Amir) for explaining things in such a way that I can have a high confidence I'm going to like a set of speakers buying "blind" like we do in this on line shopping age.
Hi Erin: Can you point me towards a 7+4+1 design that I could either buy or kit build? I see that PKaudio and Troels Gravesen both have offerings in the kit format but I’m unaware of commercial offerings. You might ask why I would limit myself to this design? I would consider other designs but it seems that these 3-way designs address some shortcomings with my current 2-way revelator speaker that I currently own - which I like btw. Anyway, I would hate to make the DIY trip if it doesn’t buy me much more. Auditioning a commercial product would help with the decision.
Thank you for this very nice presentation! I think that the Linton in my country (Greece-Europe) are an absolute bargain for the price of 989 euros (1244 euros with the stands)! I will think of them as I was about to buy the Kali Audio IN8 2nd wave. I want quality and quantity of music in a room that I move around doing things.
Am wondering why the March Audio Sointuva WG didn’t make your cut? You seemed to speak extremely positively about it. And you mentioned it measured at the very top of the mountain. Thanks!
I love it! We share the same dream! I also would love to have three or four rooms in my house with multiple multichannel systems! Here are the 9.4.6 systems! - Using Genelec 8361A for three front channels and 8351 B for all surround speakers Next is a KEF system Using three Blades Meta for front channels and KEF Reference One for surround Next is a Revel system using - three Revel PerformaBe F328Be for front channels and Revel PerformaBe F228Be for surround Next time I win the lottery
I am surprised to find a 1000€ speaker (in the EU, rebated) in the company of such tecnological marvels as the D&D, the groundbreaking Kef Reference... I'll have to try the Lintons in my own listening room to be convinced one way or another. "Three way", drivers stacked in a big cabinet with old school vibes at that price point! 😂
Really interesting list! I may already know the answer, but where do the Genelec Ones stack up against these 5 for you? I'm guessing that they have a lot of the linearity that you look for, but more narrow dispersion than you enjoy? Or are there other things that aren't to your taste with them? Perhaps for another time, I'd love to hear if your list changes if you assume a sub is being used.
Erin, I love your videos and appreciate the work you do! I was wondering how you though the Revel 226be compared to the Kef Reference 1 since they are both similar price? Any thoughts? Thanks :)
Nice list, At the upper end of the price spectrum, my expectation is that they should perform well, since price constraints really are not holding you back. Like you said, the choice becomes preference based on what characteristics you personally value most in that high priced group. I really have to give kudos to the designers of speakers like the Linton. IMO, it takes more engineering skill to produce an excellent performer for a fraction of the price of the premium priced speakers.
Yes good point on making cheaper speakers sounds good from Linton. I would almost say the same for the JBLs. You could not trade me a pair of wilsons, B&Ws, or kefs for mine even though those bands cost a lot more.
What's the relationship between Linton Heritage and Linton 85th? Is there some deal breaker differences? The 85th is (I assume) a limited time and/or quantity deal.
@@ErinsAudioCorneryou should do it lol. Cry once and be done. I got a new in the box pair off of audio mart for $8250. Just have to keep an eye out. They are ugly though and I had to make my own stands which is lame.
I have heard 3 of the 5 speakers and personally I wouldn't own any of the ones I've heard. I'm not saying they are bad just not for me. I never look at measurements but use the best instrument for judging speakers, my ears. I buy what I like and have never been disappointed.
When you say "soundstage"? Are you referring to the how wide the image SOUNDS in my brain, or are you talking about the physical "projection" area of the sound waves coming from the speaker? Thanks. Love your channel.
HiFi World Measured Performance Linton 85th Anniversary: "Flat frequency response and lack of a mid-range dip at crossover will give the Linton 85 a modern sound balance, one that provides strong midband detail."
Erin, Do the Linton's have the definition of KLH Model 5's? I am looking for a speaker in the $2500 and under range and prefer one that is capable of providing a great listening experience, without lacking in detail. Thanks!
Have you considered JBL L82? I think they're around that price target and are very detailed. The MoFi Sourcepoint are very detailed, but you'd be looking at the 8's for that price and I've only heard the $3700 Sourcepoint 10s.
Hey Erin, quick thoughts on a project I'm thinking about. I'm toying with the idea of building/finishing nice HDF cabinets and dropping KEF Ci200RS-THX drivers for L-C-R. I like the idea of an 8"midrange / 1.5" tweeter combo for HT application(high SPL). Max SPL In Room on these should be in the 112-115 range which gives great headroom for reference levels. I'm honestly surprised KEF doesn't manufacture a bookshelf version of these for HT application.
My two favorites were first the JBL‘s, which are absolutely wonderful, but at this stage of the game (for me) too heavy to move lol From a more practical budget perspective, those Wharfedale Lintons w/ stands are $1800 well spent. If I needed or could afford another pair of speakers, I’d probably buy those. It’s as you say, Erin, different speakers have different strengths, so depending on what you’re going to do with a particular pair, that generally dictates their preference. Like you, if money and space is no object, I’d probably have several more pairs than I actually do! 👍
Erin, what frequency does you polar radiation pattern chart starts from? I am wondering why it doesn't show omnipolar radiation at low frequencies. In this video I've seen it only for the Revel speaker.
Hi Erin! I’m new to this world, enjoying your videos! I’m looking to put together a small home theater system setup and was thinking about Buchardt or Paradigm or maybe even a diy CSS Audio kit that I can also listen to music with. Hoping to get a McIntosh MX100 or Anthem AVM70 with McIntosh Amp. After watching this I’m curious about the WharfdaleS. Would you use the Wharfdale Linton for home theater audio with a center and sub? If so any center recommendations to use with the Lintons? Your opinion is much appreciated!
I suspected that the Linton's would be in this list before I watched the video. 😊 I'd suggest that it may be something to think about. They are actually cheaper here in Europe, but I'd say that all the others on the list make the law of diminishing returns kick in too soon. There's no real reason why all the others need to be so expensive, besides brand strategies. Sure, the customer has to pay for the development and better finish/build quality, but manufacturers often make lower priced products in their range sound much worse than they had to, just in order to justify the much higher prices. Unlike so many other technological products, we can't say that a newer entry-level product performs as good or better than a TOTL one, even 15 years later. Kef has been doing amazing TOTL loudspeakers for decades, but their best technologies only end up in lower priced products in the way it looks, not in the way they sound. There's no other reason why these Kefs aren't sold at the same price of the Linton's, even if in a downgraded finish option (using veneer, as an example). Like all products, it would be way cheaper to produce and dilute development costs if the loudspeaker was much more affordable, thus selling huge quantities of it. I understand that's how companies and the economy works, but paying that price for a small bookshelf is something that would be hard for me to do. I personally can't see the real "value" (in the context of price vs what I'd get). Sure, I would probably thing otherwise if I was rich, but if that was the case, I'd probably have larger rooms where bigger loudspeakers would be a best fit. But it's only my opinion, which only makes sense to me. While I don't spend that kind of money, I still have several different loudspeakers around the house. 😊 I believe that loudspeakers are the most fun thing in HiFi, since every loudspeaker sounds different from another model in a level of magnitude that electronics can't do these days (unless something's broken). They interact with every room, and with the taste of the listener (which also includes music genres that are mixed and mastered on very peculiar ways). Keep up the great work on this channel. 💪 And that's fun. 😊
Its worth pointing out that the Kefs are sold at around the same price as the Lintons, they're just called the Kef R3 Meta instead of the Reference 1 Meta. The R3 definitely aren't on the same level as the Reference 1, but they are way closer than the price would suggest and are obviously a better value. The extra $7k gets you a bit of a performance boost, along with a much nicer finish and overall build quality, as well as being made in England.
My kinda guy. "If money were no object, I wouldn't buy just one set of speakers, I'd buy 3-4". You can never have "too much" stereo equipment or speakers. lol I pick up stuff all time, usually not working properly and I can fix them. Because sadly money is an object for me. But my dream pair of speakers are the Klipsch LaScala.
Thanks for the realistic, informative and quantitative evaluations. I couldn't find info about the impedance of these speakers, which one of these speakers in your view could easily be powered even with a tube amp?
So Erin, you like the Linton over the new R3 Meta? I'm personally looking for something that is also wide vertically (I like to walk around watching TV, and work out to music) so concentric designs are on my shortlist. That, or Ohm Walsh... but never experienced anything like that so I don't even know how I would decide on one vs the other without trying.
Those damn Lintons were maid too good at their price point. I can't find anything that beats them $6k and under and my ego wants a more expensive speaker to pair with my gear. I have been trying a ton of speakers and send them back after A/Bing with other speakers. I even have friends over to see what their ears think and they love the Lintons. Thanks for another awesome review Erin!
How do you feel about controlled directivity horns (including the subcategory of tractrix) or oblate spheroid horns, or large round waveguides (like 12-15"+), where the horns can play down to 400-800hz?
Hello there .... thanks for such a nice video. Can you make a video on speakers for close sitting/desktop setup for speakers that dont mind the room much ???
Have you ever heard any of the MarkAudio full range stuff? I was shocked at the detail, my Fav speakers to date, though I don't think anybody sells complete/finished sets.
What would your judgement be on the Revel M106 versus these Wharfedales? I really like the looks of the Wharefale. The M106 sounds great, but it doesn't quite match the style of my interior.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Danley Synergy Horn designs, you were very impressed with the Danley Hyperions when you heard them at the Danley manufacturing site.
I am trying to understand how speaker placement affects depth and even that layering effect (borrowing from MECA). Hopefully you can get to this in one of your videos.
Best value speaker of all time is Magnepan LRS(+), true high-end sound on the budget. Specially now when D class power is affordable (XTZ A2 300). I had many speakers since 80' (first was Wharfedale , then Celestions, Bowers, Mission, Sonus Faber Concerto, Grand Pianos, Martin Logan, etc.. ) but Magnepan LRS is simply delightful. Don't measure well ? Because measurement equipment and methods are not develop for measuring planar speakers. When you put them in right sized room, they measure OK and they can sound better then 4000 $ dynamic speaker.
LRS are great, you need careful placement and good amp. If you lacking bass you probably got big room and you need bigger panell (model). Measurement junkies tend to ignore this (Amir/ASR), they like to measure little nuances, but they ignore basic physics laws and manufactures guidelines.
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Have a listen to the Gradient Fi loudspeakers.They have cardiord radiation from midrange up. I have the 1.3 and the early Revolution models for almost 30 years and they still sound great.
Any updates on this list Erin?
Do a review on Heco Celan Revolution 3
1:28 | Dutch & Dutch 8c | $14,000
4:28 | Revel F226Be | $7,500
5:23 | JBL 4367 | $16,000
6:21 | KEF Reference 1 Meta | $9,000
7:36 | Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary | $1,500
Thanks for saving time :)
Ductch 8c - 1:28
Revel F226B - 4:27
JBL 4367 - 5:23
Kef Reference 1 Meta - 6:21
Whatfedale Linton - 7:36
Thank you!!
Thank you!
Do more of these! Love these kind of videos.. Honestly I’d love to see you break them up, “best floorstanding speakers”, “best bookshelf speaker”, “best desktop speaker” (that last one would prolly be a grand slam, more people are looking for a quality PC setup than you think).. Maybe even take into other pieces of kit you enjoy, DAC’s/amps etc!
“Best desktop PC Speakers under $500”= 💰! (Or insert whatever price point, u can even do more than one)
I know there’s a lot of videos out there like this, but if you can get your video out in that algorithm it’ll be timeless.. College kids need them for their dorm, younger kids on their gaming setup, moms and pops who do work from home or spend time in front of their PC, everyone wants a good value speaker outside of the shit Logitech offerings for their desktop cuz not everyone is interested in a home theatre or have a full listening room, but everyone does listen to music at their desktop! Looking for this exact video is what brought me into the audiophile world which is turn eventually brought me to your channel
Noted!
@@ErinsAudioCornerthis is a good idea for growing your channel too. And not that many (if any) out there that are not paid by the companies. Cool thing with bringing normie viewers is you get to also educate them with the rest of the content you do.
Also price range rankings is a good idea i think. Top 5 under $2000 and so on.
I know many people doing exactly that (pc set ups). So yes. More than people thinks.
Best floorstander and best bookshelf: Linton wins both 😂😂
I bought the Lintons after your review and I never listened to as much music as I do now. You can just listen all day long without any fatigue, love them.
That’s good to hear. 😎
8C is also my end game speaker! Total technology tour de force! I love these masterpieces of design and innovation
Dutch & Dutch 8C's are my dream speakers. I was not surprised they were on your list. There are way too few cardioid speakers out there for some reason. Most people have to keep their speakers near walls, it makes no sense that most speakers are not designed to be used that way.
New band for me until he reviewed them. I would like to hear some good active speakers. I have only heard ones under $2000. They were all good for the money. But an all out assault would be cool.
@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm An example of "all out assault" on active speakers would be Grimm.
Mine too I don’t see why it hasn’t been copied yet…lol
I've used/mixed on countless actives. I own and currently use JBL, QSC, and Seaton actives.
All absolute stand outs in their respective price level.
All out assault actives would include ATC, Augsburger, Dynaudio, Genelec, etc.
btw, there's no greater value in all of hifi than affordable active monitors. There's many quality offerings, but JBL's 8" two-way is phenomenal for what it does.
$250, for the trickle down tech of JBL's several decades of research ... active, dsp contoured, with the killer waveguide.
The active monitor segment is hugely competitive ... thus each mfr to continually elevating their game.
Yeah I'd be very interested to see more cardioid speakers too. KEF have the LS60 and their Blade Meta series for example.
I’m a big fan of the Dutch & Dutch speakers. Nice that they’re from the Netherlands. It’s such a complete package, really full range, cardioid, dsp, digital inputs, room correction, roon endpoint and great looks. I have the 8m, the non cardioid version without the 2 woofers in the back, which is also still very very good. ❤
These really are the speakers I wish I could get for my living room. They're just way above what I'm willing to spend. I wish someone could make a speaker like this around $2,500/pair.
I can confirm they are fantastic speakers. Very curious about the new uBACCH plugin that would reportedly take them to a new level
This channel is insane for anything speakers related. Im glad I found it.
To my opinion; the best channel for Speakers Reviews. Well done Erin.
A great video, once again. I think this video will blow up, comparatively, because “top xyz” videos are so easily searched. I hope this one brings you a bunch more subscribers, you deserve it.
Thank you.
There’s no information more pertinent to owning multiple pairs of stereo speakers than what you said Erin in the first 40 seconds of this video! 👏
I've had the Lintones for about 6 months, and for the first 4 months I set them up the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward), the sound was good, but it was "located" between the speakers (it didn't spread outwards).
Then I changed the position of the speakers, so I placed the tweeters towards the outside and immediately I got a much wider sound image that went outside the position of the speakers (expanding to the left and right, as if I had a wider room).
I read in a couple of places that for narrower and longer rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the outside, and for wider and narrower rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the inside.
I'm interested in your opinion on this, i.e. is it OK to keep the speakers positioned like that or maybe it's better the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward) ?
The dimensions of the room are:
- width 3.6m
- length 7.3 m
- height 2.5m
THANK YOU
Not sure if this is in line with your content, but I'd be interested in a video discussing room acoustics for the consumer and what effects reflections cause such as the room modes and standing waves, comb filtering and other phase problems one might expect to find etc.
Fantastic video! Very good job at providing the objective and the subjective without getting too much in the weeds. I liked how you defined your criteria, and then pointed out strengths / weaknesses of these speakers according to your criteria. Very well done!
So glad the Linton made the list! Love mine. Great video. Here's to hoping I can afford some of the others on the list in the future.
You gotta try the Polk L800’s in an optimal setup! They are mind blowing
So happy you're back
Hi Erin, had you already tested the R3 meta when you did this video? Do you still think that Lintons are a better value than R3 Metas? I encourage you to ask Kef a pair of R7 to test, should be even better
Erin great job as always. I would love to see you recommend speakers for home theater where dedicated subs are assumed. Personally I don’t care if a speaker extends much below 60-80hz because I have two massive subs to handle low bass. In my room these speakers are 100% home theater, I just don’t use the space for critical music listening (2 channel).
Glad to hear F226Be is in your top 5, I’ve had my pair for about two years and they’ve been great. I pair them with 2x Rythmik F18 subs.
Nice pairing ... likely quite impressive.
My dream setup is in your house lol
I have to mention a speaker that is really well designed. I had a choice between the jbl 4309 or the fyne audio f500sp. I chose the f500sp because i couldn't losten to the jbl prior to buying it. It might not have perfect response, but it is very sensive to the quality of input. It's taken about 150hours now and its has started to run in. I chose it because i wanted a coax with a compression driver. Also no ports on the back or front. I work in the industry, i can easily say this speaker is in a class of its own. It is fast, super clean and the stage is brilliant. It will blow the kef r3 out of the water in terms of point sorce, clarity and speed. When you get a chance, have a listen. Setting up is extremely important with them. When done right they dissapear compleatly. Cheers buddy. Keep up the good work and greetings from Croatia 👍🏻
I would love to hear your thoughts on Ascend Acoustics speakers given just how measurement-oriented that company is! I'm sure some of their speakers would suit your tastes rather well
I just happened to be browsing the channel and noticed he uploaded an Ascend Acoustics review yesterday.
@@xentakis Yeees was so hyped when I saw that
Awesome! I love this type of video. I voted with my wallet and bought the Revel 228be and JBL 4367. I highpass subs at 60hz on both using a JL crossover.
I really liked the Revel 228be and still do… but… with a direct A/B in my own room on a Mcintosh MC462 amp in direct A/B the 4367 smokes the Revel. More detailed in the bass and much more detailed in the highs. Mids are about the same. Then you add in dynamics, and the 4367 sounds much more real. It snaps harder on drums etc. hard to describe. But dynamics is where it is at and far more important than I realized before.
As for soundstage. You know they are not that different. Yes the revel is wider I guess but sounds small due to lack of dynamics. Kind of odd. I would have never said the 228be is closed in or small sounding but next to the 4367 it is out classed.
I sold the Revels and plan to by a few more JBLs for a 5.1.4 setup. I will do 4367s all around if I can swing it. If not maybe the 4349. Currently I have 590s in the rear which are ok but kind of harsh sounding in the treble for music.
Love this kind of list, so many liked the Linton's I got a pair. I'm not as happy as the reviewers, but I am happy with it. I think I need to mess with in my room to get best results. Thanks for sharing your lists and measurements!
Get an Umik and do some EQ. It will make a big difference. Or minidsp with dirac, that would be night and day.
If you can also add a sub there's nothing else left. These speakers are really good
@@bokramubokramu8834 Thanks, yeah I have been thinking along similar lines, I am going to order the mic to start first.
Hey Erin, I thought it was a fun video! I just saw the thread about it on ASR and I completely disagree with Amir on this. I don't think it's clickbait. This is like one of those topics that come up when people talk about any hobby they like. And even if they were reviewed earlier, it's not like I'm going to search for a review of the Dutch & Dutch 8c if I don't even know it exists. That's why 'top videos' are useful if they are done by someone who knows what they are talking about. If someone watches a 'top 5 under 500$/1000$/desktop/active monitor/etc.' video they get a quick comparison and maybe some new options so they can look up more detailed reviews if they are interested. Threads like that is the reason I don't like ASR, other than to look up some quick measurements if they have them.
Love seeing you back in action.
ERIN. I know I’ve been tough on you a time or two.
But THIS IS EXACTLY how to “review” speakers.
But. Me being ,as you know (and I think will remember given the subtle overture that set the tone I’m sure you felt lol ) me being “ONE OF THOSE ADS GUYS” .
I can’t argue with your list here for different reasons in where they shine & preferences.
As you explained perfectly.
And that’s exactly how these other “EXPERTS” should do this & what they should pay attention to.
👍.
The look of a speaker is very important to me and I have found that I like a little subtlety in appearance. So, even if price were no object here, I might go with the Lintons. Definitely not the JBL's! I think Sonus Faber does a great job with design. Elegant but subtle. I was very tempted to get the Sonetto IIIs. Unfortunately, I could only hear them at the store which is not set up for the best listening experience. Without a home trial, I passed. Would be great to see you review a pair. Probably don't measure all that well though from what I've read. 🤷🏻♂️
For me, my Sonus Faber sonettos sound thick warm in the mid to low range, soft on top yet still Sparkles and even though I use Dirac.. where measurements are concerned, I'd rather use those things on the side of my head!
@@Antibackgroundnoise Hmm. That does not sound like the flavor of sound I prefer. I like clarity and definition in the midrange. Thanks for your report!
Can you speak to how close the R3 Metas get to the Reference 1 Meta with the 3D soundstage and imaging?
Everyone in the @kef enthusiast group that has heard both will tell you that none of the R series get anywhere close to the reference series. The R11s don’t even get close to the Reference 1.
@mathewward84 ya thats shat I'm afraid of... I had the opportunity to get the r3 meta.... but I'm just waiting to get reference 1
Erin, Wharfedale Linton or Kef R3 Meta?
Heard the KEF Reference 1 Metas with a sub array, 3 subs per side, of REL S/510s…wow! Amazing full, rich sound!
Sounded noticeably better with the subs on vs the KEFs alone, which were still outstanding
fwiw; JBL's 4367 isn't a three-way, its a two-way.
The HF compression driver is a dual-opposed, annular polymer diaphragms.
Two identical diaphragms firing towards one another and into a phasing plug collector combiner, turns the energy 90° and launches out the front.
Big picture, it's no different than attic mounted IB, quad 18"s in dual opposed, firing toward one another and launching the energy out from there.
JBL D2 cutaway ... will illustrate the clever driver.
Nice review! I have the Lintons and for me, the Audiolab DC block bring up the upper mid/hi and details perfectly. That would be Dac and amp dependent however. ( mojo 2 - SMSL VMV A1 in my case)
Outstanding synopsis video.
I'd suggest dynamic capability, startle factor ... whatever, is a characteristic we weight more significantly than the other linearity tenets we look for.
I believe that dynamic, low compression, less lossy transfer is the vital x factor in inability to discern live from pre-recorded playback ... around the corner, or out of sight.
Savvy list!
Wrapping up my Philharmonic BMR, was hoping it made the list.
Welcome back Mr Erin…
Missing your reviews since quite sometime and happy that you are back.
Pretty nice review. Top 4 are out of reach. I own Lintons and enjoining them well 😎😎😎
In terms of soundstage, would you rate the 8c better than the KEF Reference 1 Meta, or the other way around?
Damn you must Really like the Lintons! Great video as usual, keep it up!
I'm surprised that you didn't mention the Perlistens. What kept the Perlistens off the list?
That was the one I was expecting to see but didn't as well. My guess: The KEF Reference 1s filled the "high end bookshelf that measures really well" for him and he wanted to get a more affordable option in there (the Lintons) instead.
@davids2214 But he said "at any price", but you're probably right unless he can reply to explain.
Have you tested if your ~60° radiation width preference holds up to narrow rooms/longer listening distances?
I’ve found it holds up well in 3 different rooms which are all different from dimensions to furnishing.
Please try and get an audition with any of the Vivid Audio speakers. I think you might really enjoy them.
I wish I'd discovered your channel and ASR before I discovered a certain "Inexpensive Sound Person" out there who got me to buy my first set of ELAC speakers, the Uni-Fi 2.0's. It was ASR (Audio Science Review) that led me to my second set of ELACs (Debut Reference 6.2, right in my sweet spot of budget / performance), and your comments there that led me to your channel. Thank you (and Amir) for explaining things in such a way that I can have a high confidence I'm going to like a set of speakers buying "blind" like we do in this on line shopping age.
Hi Erin: Can you point me towards a 7+4+1 design that I could either buy or kit build? I see that PKaudio and Troels Gravesen both have offerings in the kit format but I’m unaware of commercial offerings.
You might ask why I would limit myself to this design? I would consider other designs but it seems that these 3-way designs address some shortcomings with my current 2-way revelator speaker that I currently own - which I like btw.
Anyway, I would hate to make the DIY trip if it doesn’t buy me much more. Auditioning a commercial product would help with the decision.
JBL 4367 over the top ❤ my favorite above the JBL is the Piega 811 and the Fyne Audio F 1.5 for a small speaker.🎉
why no genelec 8331 in the list? you loved it 😮
Thank you for this very nice presentation! I think that the Linton in my country (Greece-Europe) are an absolute bargain for the price of 989 euros (1244 euros with the stands)! I will think of them as I was about to buy the Kali Audio IN8 2nd wave. I want quality and quantity of music in a room that I move around doing things.
Can you maybe explain why you didn't put certain speakers on this list, like the Kii Three?
That would take too long to list every speaker.
@@ErinsAudioCornerHow about just the reasoning behind the Kii Three being beat by the Dutch and Dutch?
❤ I'd love to see you reviewing the Cabasse Rialto, coaxial & Cardiod design
Looking very promising, thanks for your work! 🎉
Am wondering why the March Audio Sointuva WG didn’t make your cut? You seemed to speak extremely positively about it. And you mentioned it measured at the very top of the mountain. Thanks!
I love it! We share the same dream! I also would love to have three or four rooms in my house with multiple multichannel systems!
Here are the 9.4.6 systems!
- Using Genelec 8361A for three front channels and 8351 B for all surround speakers
Next is a KEF system
Using three Blades Meta for front channels and KEF Reference One for surround
Next is a Revel system using
- three Revel PerformaBe F328Be for front channels and Revel PerformaBe F228Be for surround
Next time I win the lottery
Hey Erin, Great video as usual... Are you done with car audio? Do you plan to review any car audio related products?
The 4367s are tops, especially buying near new and getting a killer deal.
I am surprised to find a 1000€ speaker (in the EU, rebated) in the company of such tecnological marvels as the D&D, the groundbreaking Kef Reference...
I'll have to try the Lintons in my own listening room to be convinced one way or another. "Three way", drivers stacked in a big cabinet with old school vibes at that price point! 😂
Really interesting list! I may already know the answer, but where do the Genelec Ones stack up against these 5 for you? I'm guessing that they have a lot of the linearity that you look for, but more narrow dispersion than you enjoy? Or are there other things that aren't to your taste with them?
Perhaps for another time, I'd love to hear if your list changes if you assume a sub is being used.
The Wharfedale selection surprised me. Thanks!
Great work! I knew from the way you phrased it, there were going to be some heavy pricetags here! Glad to see a sub-2k/pair made it!
Erin, I love your videos and appreciate the work you do! I was wondering how you though the Revel 226be compared to the Kef Reference 1 since they are both similar price? Any thoughts? Thanks :)
Been loving your stuff man. I appreciate the fact you focus on measurements, not just opinion
Nice list, At the upper end of the price spectrum, my expectation is that they should perform well, since price constraints really are not holding you back.
Like you said, the choice becomes preference based on what characteristics you personally value most in that high priced group.
I really have to give kudos to the designers of speakers like the Linton. IMO, it takes more engineering skill to produce an excellent performer for a fraction of the price of the premium priced speakers.
I agree. The Linton really impressed me. It’s not the greatest speaker ever but I really like it.
Yes good point on making cheaper speakers sounds good from Linton.
I would almost say the same for the JBLs. You could not trade me a pair of wilsons, B&Ws, or kefs for mine even though those bands cost a lot more.
What's the relationship between Linton Heritage and Linton 85th? Is there some deal breaker differences? The 85th is (I assume) a limited time and/or quantity deal.
They are the same
Those JBL 4367's are magic!
They really are. I’ve been very tempted to buy them a few times but I just don’t have the space or the spare cash the make the jump right now.
@@ErinsAudioCorneryou should do it lol. Cry once and be done. I got a new in the box pair off of audio mart for $8250. Just have to keep an eye out.
They are ugly though and I had to make my own stands which is lame.
I want a pair. Maybe someday I’ll have enough to buy them. 😊
Your scientific approach is the reason I'm subscribed to your channel. 🙋
Erins! Thanks for your review. Based on your experience and taste, which speaker did you enjoy more, the Kef R3 or the Wharfedale Lintons?
What's your top 5 for near-field application (desktop computer, listening distance around 70 cm)?
I have heard 3 of the 5 speakers and personally I wouldn't own any of the ones I've heard. I'm not saying they are bad just not for me. I never look at measurements but use the best instrument for judging speakers, my ears. I buy what I like and have never been disappointed.
Sad not to see one of your recommendation. The BMR philaharmonics. Very, very, very happy with the BMR.
When you say "soundstage"? Are you referring to the how wide the image SOUNDS in my brain, or are you talking about the physical "projection" area of the sound waves coming from the speaker? Thanks. Love your channel.
Both. It varies from song to song, of course. But the maximum radiating width drives this as well.
Hi, he's talking about how it sounds in your mind , where the instruments,vocals are placed .
The 8c now has a Bacch module, so I hope you can do an updated review.
Another great video Erin! Thanks for the time you spent to put this together.
HiFi World Measured Performance Linton 85th Anniversary: "Flat frequency response and lack of a mid-range dip at crossover will give the Linton 85 a modern sound balance, one that provides strong midband detail."
Erin,
Do the Linton's have the definition of KLH Model 5's? I am looking for a speaker in the $2500 and under range and prefer one that is capable of providing a great listening experience, without lacking in detail.
Thanks!
Have you considered JBL L82? I think they're around that price target and are very detailed. The MoFi Sourcepoint are very detailed, but you'd be looking at the 8's for that price and I've only heard the $3700 Sourcepoint 10s.
@@erics.4113 No I haven't. Thanks for the quick response. I'll check them out!
Thanks Erin. I was hoping you'd make a video like this and you delivered.
Hey Erin, quick thoughts on a project I'm thinking about. I'm toying with the idea of building/finishing nice HDF cabinets and dropping KEF Ci200RS-THX drivers for L-C-R. I like the idea of an 8"midrange / 1.5" tweeter combo for HT application(high SPL). Max SPL In Room on these should be in the 112-115 range which gives great headroom for reference levels. I'm honestly surprised KEF doesn't manufacture a bookshelf version of these for HT application.
My two favorites were first the JBL‘s, which are absolutely wonderful, but at this stage of the game (for me) too heavy to move lol
From a more practical budget perspective, those Wharfedale Lintons w/ stands are $1800 well spent. If I needed or could afford another pair of speakers, I’d probably buy those. It’s as you say, Erin, different speakers have different strengths, so depending on what you’re going to do with a particular pair, that generally dictates their preference.
Like you, if money and space is no object, I’d probably have several more pairs than I actually do! 👍
Look for reports about driver with 2 coils. Not good. Every company. And 19.800€ a joke.
Do you ever tried a Spendor speaker?
I just bought JBL 580’s for $150…. Man they are awesome
Have you ever tried some of the High End PMC studio or Hifi speakers or ATC Speakers?
I’d like to see a review of the Ohm Walsh. Considering a pair for a large room that I can’t really treat.
I agree, speakers are like fine wine, all have different taste base on the mood you're in.
Erin, what frequency does you polar radiation pattern chart starts from? I am wondering why it doesn't show omnipolar radiation at low frequencies. In this video I've seen it only for the Revel speaker.
Hi Erin! I’m new to this world, enjoying your videos! I’m looking to put together a small home theater system setup and was thinking about Buchardt or Paradigm or maybe even a diy CSS Audio kit that I can also listen to music with. Hoping to get a McIntosh MX100 or Anthem AVM70 with McIntosh Amp. After watching this I’m curious about the WharfdaleS. Would you use the Wharfdale Linton for home theater audio with a center and sub? If so any center recommendations to use with the Lintons? Your opinion is much appreciated!
I suspected that the Linton's would be in this list before I watched the video. 😊
I'd suggest that it may be something to think about.
They are actually cheaper here in Europe, but I'd say that all the others on the list make the law of diminishing returns kick in too soon.
There's no real reason why all the others need to be so expensive, besides brand strategies.
Sure, the customer has to pay for the development and better finish/build quality, but manufacturers often make lower priced products in their range sound much worse than they had to, just in order to justify the much higher prices.
Unlike so many other technological products, we can't say that a newer entry-level product performs as good or better than a TOTL one, even 15 years later.
Kef has been doing amazing TOTL loudspeakers for decades, but their best technologies only end up in lower priced products in the way it looks, not in the way they sound.
There's no other reason why these Kefs aren't sold at the same price of the Linton's, even if in a downgraded finish option (using veneer, as an example).
Like all products, it would be way cheaper to produce and dilute development costs if the loudspeaker was much more affordable, thus selling huge quantities of it.
I understand that's how companies and the economy works, but paying that price for a small bookshelf is something that would be hard for me to do.
I personally can't see the real "value" (in the context of price vs what I'd get).
Sure, I would probably thing otherwise if I was rich, but if that was the case, I'd probably have larger rooms where bigger loudspeakers would be a best fit.
But it's only my opinion, which only makes sense to me.
While I don't spend that kind of money, I still have several different loudspeakers around the house. 😊
I believe that loudspeakers are the most fun thing in HiFi, since every loudspeaker sounds different from another model in a level of magnitude that electronics can't do these days (unless something's broken).
They interact with every room, and with the taste of the listener (which also includes music genres that are mixed and mastered on very peculiar ways).
Keep up the great work on this channel. 💪
And that's fun. 😊
Its worth pointing out that the Kefs are sold at around the same price as the Lintons, they're just called the Kef R3 Meta instead of the Reference 1 Meta.
The R3 definitely aren't on the same level as the Reference 1, but they are way closer than the price would suggest and are obviously a better value.
The extra $7k gets you a bit of a performance boost, along with a much nicer finish and overall build quality, as well as being made in England.
My kinda guy. "If money were no object, I wouldn't buy just one set of speakers, I'd buy 3-4". You can never have "too much" stereo equipment or speakers. lol I pick up stuff all time, usually not working properly and I can fix them. Because sadly money is an object for me. But my dream pair of speakers are the Klipsch LaScala.
Thanks for the realistic, informative and quantitative evaluations. I couldn't find info about the impedance of these speakers, which one of these speakers in your view could easily be powered even with a tube amp?
So Erin, you like the Linton over the new R3 Meta?
I'm personally looking for something that is also wide vertically (I like to walk around watching TV, and work out to music) so concentric designs are on my shortlist. That, or Ohm Walsh... but never experienced anything like that so I don't even know how I would decide on one vs the other without trying.
I already had the Kef Reference 1 Meta on the list. 💪
@@ErinsAudioCorner I guess this was the "any price" list after all - my mind was still comparing at a similar price point. Thanks!
If you're even contemplating the Ohm omnis, ... just get them.
Those damn Lintons were maid too good at their price point. I can't find anything that beats them $6k and under and my ego wants a more expensive speaker to pair with my gear. I have been trying a ton of speakers and send them back after A/Bing with other speakers. I even have friends over to see what their ears think and they love the Lintons. Thanks for another awesome review Erin!
How do you feel about controlled directivity horns (including the subcategory of tractrix) or oblate spheroid horns, or large round waveguides (like 12-15"+), where the horns can play down to 400-800hz?
Hello there .... thanks for such a nice video. Can you make a video on speakers for close sitting/desktop setup for speakers that dont mind the room much ???
Have you ever heard any of the MarkAudio full range stuff? I was shocked at the detail, my Fav speakers to date, though I don't think anybody sells complete/finished sets.
What would your judgement be on the Revel M106 versus these Wharfedales? I really like the looks of the Wharefale. The M106 sounds great, but it doesn't quite match the style of my interior.
for me, MBL 101E, Sonus Faber Amati, ATC SCM100, B&W 800, Martin Logan CLX
A tier list of everything you've reviewed so far would be nice
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Danley Synergy Horn designs, you were very impressed with the Danley Hyperions when you heard them at the Danley manufacturing site.
Have you thought about making your own speaker? You have good equipment, it could turn out something very good :)
Love the video. Your top three in different categories would be interesting such as Bookshelves; Value, Step up, Price no concern.
A little off topic but any chance of seeing an old Classic Speaker review. How would they hold up today?
I’ve done a few. Problem is materials breakdown/failure over decades may cause the results to be non-realistic.
What about the March Audio speakers from Australia? Also would be interesting to see your views on amplifiers as well.
I am trying to understand how speaker placement affects depth and even that layering effect (borrowing from MECA). Hopefully you can get to this in one of your videos.
Best value speaker of all time is Magnepan LRS(+), true high-end sound on the budget. Specially now when D class power is affordable (XTZ A2 300). I had many speakers since 80' (first was Wharfedale , then Celestions, Bowers, Mission, Sonus Faber Concerto, Grand Pianos, Martin Logan, etc.. ) but Magnepan LRS is simply delightful. Don't measure well ? Because measurement equipment and methods are not develop for measuring planar speakers. When you put them in right sized room, they measure OK and they can sound better then 4000 $ dynamic speaker.
LRS are great, you need careful placement and good amp. If you lacking bass you probably got big room and you need bigger panell (model). Measurement junkies tend to ignore this (Amir/ASR), they like to measure little nuances, but they ignore basic physics laws and manufactures guidelines.