Wharfedale has unveiled the Super Linton, a redesigned and upgraded version of its popular Linton loudspeaker, known for its strong heritage in British hi-fi culture. The Super Linton is the latest entry in Wharfedale’s Heritage series, a lineup that blends the brand’s mid-century legacy with modern audio engineering. 

Building upon the success of the Linton re-released in 2019, the Super Linton retains its predecessor’s classic aesthetic while incorporating new internal technologies aimed at enhancing sound clarity and depth.

Originally launched in the 1960s, the Linton became one of Britain’s top-selling loudspeakers. Wharfedale, recognizing its lasting appeal, reissued the Linton as part of its Heritage line in 2019. This line includes other reimagined classics such as the Denton and Dovedale, combining vintage styling with contemporary engineering. The introduction of the Super Linton marks a significant upgrade, with Wharfedale improving nearly every component, from the cabinet and drive units to the crossover network.

At first glance, the Super Linton closely resembles the 2019 Linton model, with its retro styling inspired by mid-century British design. However, the new cabinet is slightly larger, standing 4 centimeters taller, which increases its internal volume. This added space allows for improved bass response and more effective internal damping.

Wharfedale has used a dual-layered fiberboard construction, bonded with a latex-based damping glue that reduces unwanted panel resonance. Inside, long-hair fiber and strategically placed acoustic damping foam help to absorb internal reflections, aiming for a cleaner and more accurate sound output.

This cabinet modification supports a more robust low-frequency performance. By reducing resonance, Wharfedale engineers hope to deliver a sound experience that retains the original’s warmth while providing more precision and clarity across the frequency spectrum.

The Super Linton’s low-frequency driver, a 200mm Kevlar cone, has been fitted with an enhanced motor system. This design uses a more powerful magnet to deepen bass extension to 32Hz, while also delivering greater control over low frequencies. The goal is a more immersive bass experience with improved transient response, which may translate into a more realistic portrayal of instruments like drums and bass guitars.

For the high frequencies, Wharfedale has drawn on the design of the Dovedale’s tweeter, incorporating a 25mm dome made from a finely woven fabric coated in a damping material. This high-frequency driver includes a ceramic-based motor system and a rear chamber designed to absorb output, lowering the resonant frequency and allowing for smoother treble integration.

A redesigned front plate and short horn around the dome improve high-frequency dispersion and response, aiming for a detailed and wide-ranging treble that complements the other frequencies without overpowering them.

The midrange driver remains largely the same as in the Linton, using a 135mm Kevlar cone. However, it is now housed in its own cylindrical chamber lined with long-hair fibers, which helps to absorb unwanted back waves. This setup is intended to facilitate a more seamless integration of the bass, midrange, and treble, producing a cohesive and balanced sound.

To ensure that each driver receives a clear signal, Wharfedale has developed a new crossover network for the Super Linton. Unlike the traditional single-board configuration, the crossover has been split onto two separate circuit boards. This separation minimizes electromagnetic interference, especially between the bass and high-frequency signals.

Wharfedale has utilized specialized inductors and capacitors designed to improve audio quality, including air-core inductors for the midrange and treble and a silicon-iron core inductor for the bass to maintain low direct current resistance.

This approach is expected to deliver cleaner signal transmission and reduce distortion, offering a clearer distinction between each sound frequency. Wharfedale has also upgraded the internal cabling, using a Linear Crystal Oxygen Free Copper conductor with a polyethylene dielectric for optimal signal transfer.

Beyond the technical upgrades, Wharfedale has paid attention to practical design elements. The speaker grille has been revised to improve the power output of the midrange and treble units and ensure a smooth crossover transition. The Super Linton is compatible with amplifiers ranging from 25W to 200W per channel, making it versatile enough for a variety of setups. With a sensitivity of 90dB, the Super Linton can operate effectively even with moderately powered amplifiers.

In addition, Wharfedale offers matching stands designed to position the Super Linton at an optimal listening height while minimizing unwanted vibrations. These stands feature a rigid metal frame with veneered wood panels, complementing the speaker’s design.

Technical Specifications:

• Speaker type: Three-way standmount.
• Enclosure type: Bass reflex (2x rear ports).
• Treble driver: 25mm fabric dome.
• Midrange driver: 135mm woven Kevlar cone.
• Bass driver: 200mm woven Kevlar cone.
• Sensitivity (2.8V @ 1m): 90dB.
• Nominal impedance: 6Ω (8Ω compatible).
• Recommended amp power: 25 – 200W.
• Frequency response (+/-3dB): 39Hz – 20kHz.
• Bass extension (-6dB): 32Hz.
• Crossover frequencies: 550Hz; 2.5kHz
• Cabinet volume 6.6L; 33.4L.
• Speaker dimensions (HxWxD): 605 x 300 x 330mm.
• Weight (each speaker): 19.8kg.

The Super Linton is available for $2,799 per pair with stands, or $2,499 per pair without stands. Wharfedale has announced that it will be available starting in mid-November 2024 through authorized dealers and international distributors.