Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Excellent value for money, performing above expectations
- Quality exudes in its design and construction, with attention to detail in the veneer, binding posts, and grilles
- Smooth and pleasant reproduction of music with surprising openness
- Cool, retro aesthetic blends in with furniture while making a bold statement
- High sensitivity due to its larger drivers and wide baffle
Product Considerations
- Bass can boom if not positioned correctly—requires distance from the wall
- Treble can sound overly 'crispy'
- Imaging can be a little blurry and not super-precise
- Mid area can sound pretty up-front
- Stands are essentially a must-have
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50: The KEF LS50 offers better imaging precision
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers are a well-made, retro-styled speaker that provides a lot of value and sounds great. They offer an enjoyable listening experience with a touch of fun, making them a solid choice for real-world listening.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Linton Heritage
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- General Description: 3-way vented-box/standmount
- Enclosure Type: Bass reflex
- Bass Driver: 8"(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone
- Midrange Driver: 5"(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone
- Treble Driver: 1" (25mm) soft dome
- AV Shield: No
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-200W
- Peak SPL: 110dB
- Nominal Impedance: 6Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 3.5Ω
- Frequency Response(+/-3dB): 40Hz ~ 20kHz
- Bass Extension(-6dB): 35Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 630Hz & 2.4kHz
- Height: 565mm
- Width: 300mm
- Depth: (330+30)mm
- Net Weight: 18.4kg
Description
To celebrate its history, Wharfedale has established the Heritage Series recreations of famous models from its past, entirely re-engineered using contemporary techniques and materials. The latest loudspeaker to join this collection is the Linton. The original Linton debuted in 1965 and the line continued in various iterations until the end of the 1970s. It was a classic model of its time, viewed as a serious hi-fi speaker but also relatively affordable. Its cabinet was substantial, big enough to hold three drive units including a good-sized bass unit, yet not overly unwieldy by the standards of the day.
To celebrate its history, Wharfedale has established the Heritage Series recreations of famous models from its past, entirely re-engineered using contemporary techniques and materials. The latest loudspeaker to join this collection is the Linton. The original Linton debuted in 1965 and the line continued in various iterations until the end of the 1970s. It was a classic model of its time, viewed as a serious hi-fi speaker but also relatively affordable. Its cabinet was substantial, big enough to hold three drive units including a good-sized bass unit, yet not overly unwieldy by the standards of the day.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Drawing from its flagship Elysian series, Wharfedale incorporates trickle-down technology such as AMT tweeters, heavily braced curved cabinets, and slot-loaded bottom ports to deliver a high-end experience at a more accessible price point.
- The brand's loudspeakers are designed with a focus on creating a seamless integration between all components and the surrounding system, allowing the strengths and weaknesses of the amplifier to be more easily discerned.
- Wharfedale speakers offer versatility by being voiced with the intention to be positioned relatively close to the wall, providing set-up flexibility that caters to a variety of listening environments, particularly smaller rooms.
- They provide excellent value by producing an easy-to-enjoy, musical sound in part due to their wide baffle design that captures warmth and delivers an immersive, full sound without being overly analytical.
Select products
Select product comparisons
D330:
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on high performance at a low cost. Features a 2.5-way design with black woven Kevlar cones, providing a robust sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Diamond 12.4, it is more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, making it ideal for those with limited room and budget.
Diamond 12.4:
- Positioning: Mid-range series, offering a balance of performance and value.
- Description: Praised for its room-filling sound and impactful bass, thanks to its Klarity cone material and advanced crossover design. Stands out with its 2.5-way configuration, delivering a more refined sound than the D330.
EVO4.4:
- Positioning: Upper mid-range, blending advanced technology with affordability.
- Description: Uses technology from the high-end Elysian series, such as the AMT tweeter and SLPP bass reflex system, offering detailed high frequencies and deep bass. Provides a more sophisticated soundstage than the Diamond 12.4.
Aura 4:
- Positioning: Premium series, designed for high performance and aesthetic appeal.
- Description: Features the AMT transducer for exceptional high-frequency detail and a proprietary woven glass fiber matrix for midrange and bass. Offers a more dynamic and detailed sound compared to the EVO4.4.
Dovedale:
- Positioning: Heritage series, combining classic design with modern performance.
- Description: A three-way standmount speaker with a vintage look and modern sound quality, featuring a large Kevlar bass driver for rich, controlled bass. Offers a more traditional aesthetic and sound compared to the Aura 4.
Elysian 4:
- Positioning: Flagship series, representing the pinnacle of Wharfedale's technology and luxury.
- Description: A luxury model with a piano-lacquer finish and advanced AMT transducers, delivering a wide bandwidth and low distortion. Surpasses the Dovedale in both design and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
63
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
49
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
65
Founding Year
1932
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
Wharfedale
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Wharfedale
Elysian 1
4495
4495
/
2
Reviews
ELYSIAN 1 is the latest addition to the flagship loudspeaker series from Wharfedale, pushing the boundaries of capability and performance. A genuine example of luxury audio, ELYSIAN offers indulgence in design, materials, aesthetics and performance, now in a more compact standmount format. Each component part is engineered to the very highest standard. The drivers, the crossover, the cabinet every aspect has been developed in harmony and without cost constraint to push the project to its performance limit. This thorough and no-compromise approach has led the Wharfedale engineers to create a benchmark in affordable, audiophile-grade luxury loudspeakers. Cutting-edge design and class-leading technology are combined to deliver musical reproduction that will proudly challenge the world’s finest loudspeakers.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The build quality is at a high level, and the lacquered walnut looks fabulous.
- The sound is overall tight, homogeneous, and extremely open.
- The interaction between the treble module and the bass-midrange unit is close to flawless, with a completely fluid transition.
- The treble module contributes a great wealth of detail and resolution.
- It handles rock, classical, or jazz without problems, and the details are reproduced nicely and cleanly.
Product Considerations
- There are limits to what can be done with a 7' bass-midrange unit.
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Elysian 1 is a good all-arounder, with a smooth transition between the treble and bass-midrange units. If looking for speakers in this budget, it should be on the short-list.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Sonus Faber
Duetto
3999
3999
/
19
Reviews
Powerful, rich sound in a compact design. Designed for both digital and analog sources, Duetto is a versatile combination of Italian style and contemporary function. Big sound in a compact design, Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
Double the sound, not the size. Inspired by a harmony produced by two instruments, Duetto sets a new standard for wireless high-fidelity sound in a compact design.
Ultra Wide Band Technology
Duetto employs Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, enabling communication between the two speakers. The wireless transmission avoids latency and interference by other home networks, while guaranteeing a wide frequency spectrum to send data signals at high speeds.
SENSO™ Technology by Sonus faber
The leather top panel allows the user to control and set up speaker functions — such as playback, volume, input selection, and connections — with a buttonless interface through simple fingertip gestures.
Sonus faber's iconic lute-shaped design takes inspiration from musical instruments. Crafted from wood, the cabinet ensures structural solidity, rich timbre, and musicality, while effectively eradicating internal resonances to shape the unmistakable Sonus faber Natural Sound.
Hear – and see – to believe. Duetto takes note of Sonus faber's most iconic design cues and natural materials.
Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
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Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Product Page
Product Page
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
3988
/
14
Reviews
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet. The A10 is something we are truly proud of, both in terms of sound, look and production values. It is a true celebration of our passion for amazing high-end sound, great engineering and high value products.
Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
Product Page
Product Page
MoFi
SourcePoint 10
2999
2999
/
12
Reviews
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
- Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
- Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
- It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
- The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.
Product Considerations
- The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
- The speaker can get bright at times.
- Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
- There's no stand included in the package.
- It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
- Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
- Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
- Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.
Takeaway:
The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Wharfedale
Super Denton
1399
/
Released
2024
Wharfedale's new SUPER DENTON is part of Wharfedale's Heritage series, based on classic designs from Wharfedale's past but brought right up to date with modern drive unit, cabinet and crossover technology.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a mature, balanced, open, detailed, and sophisticated sound, reproducing recordings as faithfully as possible
- Offers a spacious and involving presentation with excellent tonal reproduction and stereo imaging, creating a three-dimensional soundstage
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces without compromising on audio quality
- Combines vintage charm with contemporary performance, appealing to both traditionalists and tech-savvy audiophiles
- Features a three-way driver configuration that allows for a level of detail and separation that is rare in speakers of this size, with tight, punchy lows, silky smooth mids, and crystal-clear highs
Product Considerations
- The retro design might not appeal to everyone
- The Super Denton is not the most ballistic-sounding speaker, and there are other £1,000 models that can hit a little harder
- May require careful placement (minimum 20cm from the wall) for optimal performance due to rear-firing dual port arrangement
- Has a mild dip from about 200 to 800Hz, and an upper mid-range scoop
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Wharfedale Linton 85: The Linton is preferred overall, with a more linear on-axis response, but the Super Denton's estimated in-room response is more linear; the Linton has a noticeable scoop in the upper midrange, making it sound a bit more laid-back compared to the Super Denton
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Super Denton is a well-crafted speaker that delivers a detailed and balanced sound, making it a great fit for audiophiles and music lovers alike. Its compact size and retro aesthetic make it a unique option for those seeking a blend of classic design and modern audio technology.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Aura 2
1999
/
Released
2023
AURA is the latest innovation in the family of class-leading Wharfedale speakers. Taking inspiration from the flagship ELYSIAN series through fit, finish and technological derivatives, AURA is another boundary-breaking model that challenges the norms of value while delivering all the detail, energy and thrill of your music collection with a class-leading performance but with a class-defying price tag.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Aura 2 features an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter that delivers detailed and tonally accurate treble
- Reviewers praise the speaker's midrange clarity and the sense of space it provides
- The Aura 2 offers confident bass performance with plenty of reserve power
- Detail retrieval is impressive, surrounding the listener with many subtle details
- The speaker has a premium build quality with a gorgeous finish and a multi-layered lacquered cabinet
Product Considerations
- The Aura 2 speakers are relatively large and heavy, potentially dominating a room
- Careful positioning is required, specifically angling or toeing-in, to optimize the sound and avoid midrange beaming
- Quality amplification is recommended to fully realize the speakers' potential
- The 130-Millimeter-Basschassis pack a punch, but lose a little power at the very bottom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Leak Sandwich 150, the Aura 2 provides an extended suite of upper frequencies, a greater sense of space between instruments, and does not strain at all in the bass regions
- Vs Wharfedale EVO 4.2, the Aura 2 has more focused midrange, a broader and deeper soundstage, and offers more subtle detail
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, with that additional bottom-end oomph to it—that power coming out of that six and a half inch woofer—the music just had more physicality
Takeaway: The Wharfedale Aura 2 is a refined speaker with excellent sound quality and impressive bass for its size, making music sound lively. If the listener has the space and appreciates detailed sound, these speakers could be a great choice to make their listening room come alive.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Aura 1
1599
/
Released
AURA is the latest innovation in the family of class-leading Wharfedale speakers. Taking inspiration from the flagship ELYSIAN series through fit, finish and technological derivatives, AURA is another boundary-breaking model that challenges the norms of value while delivering all the detail, energy and thrill of your music collection with a class-leading performance but with a class-defying price tag.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional detail, clarity, and smooth highs are delivered via an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
- Multi-layered cabinet construction minimizes unwanted resonances and delivers accurate sound
- High-quality, controlled bass from a small cabinet is achieved with a SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) bass reflex design
- Pristine midrange and bass reproduction from a sophisticated driver configuration, with a custom-designed 5' glass fibre matrix cone
- A refined fit and finish is available in elegant Black, White, and Walnut, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship
Product Considerations
- A little power-hungry, requiring quality amplification to shine
- Proper positioning may be required for optimal bass response
- Physical limitations on total sound output because of its small size may render it unsuitable for very large rooms
- Limited bass extension due to the 5-inch bass driver
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Totem Bison has deeper bass due to its larger cabinet, but the AURA 1 doesn't have the same placement sensitivities
- The Polk Audio R200AE represents similar value at a lower price point with stronger bass, but perhaps less resolution
- The MartinLogan Foundation F2 has an AMT tweeter like the AURA 1, but lacks the same level of fit and finish
- It improves on the Wharfedale EVO 4.1
- The Aura 1 will not compete with the much more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4
Takeaway: The Wharfedale AURA 1 is a sophisticated bookshelf speaker that combines British audio heritage with modern technology for serious listening. It offers a balanced and detailed sound, a premium build quality, and elegant aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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KEF
R3 Meta
2430
/
Released
2023
Three-way bookshelf speaker R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker's performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5" hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
/
Released
2022
One system. One app. All the music. Just a left and right speaker and your smart phone is all that's needed to access your favourite tracks and albums from Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, internet radio, and more. Connect your TV, gaming console, or turntable for even more music listening options.
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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