Hifi

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-07T09:22:05+00:00

I know we’ve got a few people here into that other man-hobby that you can pour your money into and watch your Wife’s eyes roll regularly - home hifi.

We moved to a detached house about a year ago for the first time which means I can finally upgrade my modest setup (B&W 6 series) to something bigger now the neighbours don’t automatically have to enjoy our music too.

It’s not a world I’ve kept up to date with for probably 10 years. I’ve had my interest piqued by some of these ‘heritage’ reissues that some of the manufacturers appear to be doing. Vintage must be en vogue but I have to say I do think they look brilliant.

Has anyone had any experience with them? Specifically the Wharfedale Super Linton or JBL L100? We listen to a range of music but largely jazz, soul and 60s/70s rock along with newer acts that fit those genres. Mostly the sort of thing Gilles Peterson would play. Some classical, although I’d generally favor warmth over clarity.

They’ll be used almost exclusively for vinyl. Perhaps very occasional digital playback.

Alternatively, any speakers in that sort of range that you have heard and recommend checking out I’d be keen to hear about!

Rob666 · 2025-03-07T18:23:42+00:00

Dynaudio all the way! Check out their pro monitors as well as the domestic models. Neutral balance but unlike many so-called hi-fi speakers they actually have proper bass.

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-07T19:28:05+00:00

Rob666

Great, thanks @Rob666 !

That’s ticked another box actually as I’m also looking for monitors for music production so will check out Dynaudio.

JammyDodger · 2025-03-08T15:41:00+00:00

I really like focal as a speaker manufacturer. They are beautifully holographic at the top end and pair very well with Naim, Densen, and other amplifiers with a bit of breathing room at the top. It probably depends how much you have to spend and what you’re pairing them with to be honest.

JJason1wood · 2025-03-08T16:14:34+00:00

Not so much music but my other hobby is home a/v. My choice of speakers are M&K, ideal for movies but not so good for music.

Running a 7.2.2 system.

Partner loves music but she has an echo for that 🤣🤣🤣

Adrianmsmith · 2025-03-08T17:58:32+00:00

Jason1wood

Jason1wood Partner loves music but she has an echo for tha

You tight sod 😋🤭😘

Just think gow impressed she would be if you got her something great to listen to. Echo 😭😭😭😭😭 does the record deck have a big metal cone sticking out of the side as well?!! 😘

JahLaza · 2025-03-08T20:38:43+00:00

HarveyMushman have you checked monitor audio? I have a pair of BX2 bronze from a few years back paired with a maranta amp, I think they’re great. Not sure one speaker set would serve dually for music production and for listening though - depends how particular you want to get!! I was into pro tools for a few years and had a pair of active jbls at home they were really good and not expensive

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-08T21:14:09+00:00

JahLaza

Sorry to clarify the speakers for production will be a separate set. The hifi ones will just be for listening, mainly from a turntable source.

JammyDodger · 2025-03-09T09:59:36+00:00

Project make a lovely little valve-driven phono stage that isn’t too expensive in the grand scheme of things (https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/tube-box-s2/) which sounds lovely if you’re listening to jazz. It brings a real warmth to the source that I never manage to replicate without valves.

Something else to consider!

Adrianmsmith · 2025-03-09T10:13:42+00:00

This is an entry level system i believe?….

(Not mine!!)

Just right @Jason1wood to say sorry to your dearest 🤭

Adrianmsmith · 2025-03-09T10:21:53+00:00

Anyone fancy trying my Old (not really vintage) speakers still going strong guess circa 1995

I keep being asked when they are going!!

2 x mission 765i

2 x meridian a500

Recently replaced with 4 x fyne f501 as “they need to look the same at the front and back”.

LMSC · 2025-03-09T10:23:17+00:00

Adrianmsmith (Not mine!!

I assume this is a part of “My List”! Looks awesome, though 😍

Cuprajake · 2025-03-09T10:35:11+00:00

I have a 7.1 system made up of a warfdale setup for satellite and then q acoustic for the mains with a denon amp, i never get to crank it

For all my audi i have a pair of open and a pair of closed audeze headphones with a fiio amp.

Adrianmsmith · 2025-03-09T10:42:32+00:00

Cuprajake i never get to crank it

I look forward to the evenings my wife goes babysitting 😋☺️🤗

Im allowed to have top gun and maverick at the “correct” volume.

I ask her to turn it down during some films ☺️🤭

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-09T11:51:44+00:00

Cheers all.

I haven’t really got the ideal room setup for surround and tbh probably don’t watch enough film to make it worthwhile. We’ve got a Sonos Beam which does an adequate job.

I found a couple of shops local to me that had the Wharfedale Super Linton’s and I think I’m decided. They sound fantastic, exactly the kind of character I was looking for and they look really nice in the walnut.

Not a fan of the stands they come with as part of a deal but will sort that separately.

JammyDodger that looks brilliant. I’ve been curious about tube amps but haven’t wanted to go the whole hog there so the phono state could be worth checking out.

JahLaza · 2025-03-09T14:28:23+00:00

HarveyMushman Wharfedale Super Linton’s

They look serious, interested to hear your thoughts on them

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-09T15:55:10+00:00

JahLaza

They’re sort of exactly what I was looking for which was fortunate. Last time I bought speakers (over a decade ago) I remember auditioning quite a few pairs.

They definitely have a colour to the sound and they probably wouldn’t suit all music types or tastes. A warm sound, very much suited to the type of stuff we listen to.

MattH · 2025-03-10T19:11:50+00:00

Hi,

I have the lintons (not the new super?) in my dining room with goldnote amplification. Wow I love these speakers - large warm sound - perfect for my jazz/soul/hiphop….

Also have the jbl classics in the front room. I admit they sound good (smaller than the lintons) but the orange waffle fronts are so retro they are great !!

HHarveyMushman · 2025-03-10T20:36:15+00:00

MattH

Nice!

I got confused and it’s the Lintons I’ve gone for. It was the ‘Super Denton’ I was comparing them with but they’re smaller.

Great to hear you’re happy with them, I’m excited to get mine set up. Sounds like we’ve got similar music tastes. I notice you didn’t go with the stands. I can’t decide if I like the stands or not but I’m struggling to find anything nicer and they’re only £100 extra if you buy them with the speakers.

Side note, I’ve also got that Tokyo Jazz Joints book next to my hifi! Great little book!

MattH · 2025-03-10T21:08:45+00:00

HarveyMushman wow eagle eyes - there are updated versions of the lintons just out but they are a chunk more change.

I have the stands they are upstairs as a inpromptu pc stand in my sons room - i would have used them but not much space in the room for them.

Love the japan based jazz/bar cafes - i have a bunch of the magazines which are the same great shots of various places round Japan - i am not a huge jazz fan (least not hard bepop etc) but would love to visit some of them !