The current iteration of the Wharfedale LINTON was launched in 2019 and has since become one of the company’s most successful loudspeakers… ever! Not only in the number of pairs sold but also in terms of awards, accolades and endorsements from enthusiasts and press alike.
As part of Wharfedale’s world-famous heritage series, LINTON can boldly but confidently claim to be one of the most astounding value loudspeakers of recent times.
Not only is LINTON an exception in design, build, and styling, but its industrial design and acoustic performance have been universally welcomed as a loudspeaker that brings musicality back to music and romance back to home hi-fi.
Still going strong and one of the most sought-after loudspeakers in the market, LINTON is going nowhere soon and remains a jewel in the crown of Wharfedale’s ever-popular Heritage series.
Unlike the SUPER LINTON of ’67, which was’ Super’ on the basis of mainly improved cabinet design, the new SUPER LINTON is genuinely SUPER in every way. Not detracting from its sister, the current LINTON, the SUPER LINTON takes one step further in engineering and performance in almost every aspect. The result is a moderately more expensive but extensively more capable loudspeaker that forms the perfect addition to the Heritage series, offering an upgrade path for existing LINTON owners but also bridging the gap between the flagship, made in the UK DOVEDALE model.
Super what and super how?
Like the original ‘Super’ concept, the new SUPER LINTON benefits from an enlarged cabinet and propriety Wharfedale sandwich cabinet design that features a resonance-reducing combination of two layers of MDF complemented with a layer of acoustic damping glue.
A new bass unit and a more powerful motor system enhance the low-frequency performance, extending down to 32Hz! This results in a more dramatic and impactful low-end.
For the treble output, SUPER LINTON features a lightweight fabric weave dome coated with special damp-ing material and supported by a ceramic magnet motor system, contributing to its sweet and detailed char-acter. The revised short horn profile ensures smooth response down to the upper midrange, and the new front plate design enhances high-frequency dispersion, matching the transient impact and detailing of the new bass unit.
A new revised chamber for the midrange drive unit works to cancel out mid-band specific back waves by multiple layers of long-hair fibre, resulting in a more natural prominence of the vocal and instrument frequencies.
Recognisable as having ‘LINTON DNA’, the SUPER LINTON’s appearance is a modest update. However, new considerations were made for the driver array and cabinet dimensions. SUPER LINTON sits a modest 50mm/2 ins taller than the current LINTON model. This modest increase in dimensions means the SUPER LINTON doesn’t require anything different in footprint or spacing – in fact, it is designed to use the same LINTON Stand for optimum positioning… the much-cherished benefit of LP storage remains!
Specifications:
| Model |
SUPER LINTON |
| General description |
3-way vented-box / standmount |
| Design philosophy and core technology |
|
| Enclosure type |
Bass Reflex |
| Transducer complement |
3-way |
| ABR |
- |
| Bass driver |
8"(200mm) Black Woven Kevlar Cone |
| Midrange driver |
5"(135mm) Black Woven Kevlar Cone |
| Treble driver |
1"(25mm) Soft Dome |
| Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) |
90dB |
| Recommended amplifier power |
25 - 200W |
| Peak SPL |
110dB |
| Nominal impedance |
6Ω (Compatible 8Ω) |
| Minimum impedance |
3.9Ω |
| Frequency response(+/-3dB) |
39Hz - 20kHz |
| Bass extension(-6dB) |
32Hz |
| Crossover frequency |
550Hz & 2.5kHz |
| Cabinet Volume (in litres) |
6.6L, 33.4L |
| Dimensions (mm) |
- |
| Height (on plinth) |
605mm |
| Width |
300mm |
| Depth (with terminals) |
(330+20)mm |
| Carton size |
465 x 435 x 740mm |
| Net weight |
19.8kg / pcs |
| Gross weight |
22kg / ctn |
Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier (Black)
9000A
As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the audiolab focus in being the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It’s more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any of the preceding models – the most advanced audiolab integrated amplifier yet. Versatility is key to audiolab’s integrated amplifier appeal, and the 9000A offers to cater for audiophiles of all creeds. Loaded with digital and analogue source connection, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage to cater for vinyl playback and the usual, class-leading amplification for loudspeakers and headphones.
Digital Face
Matching the modern hi-fi enthusiast’s requirements, the 9000A features a full-colour IPS LCD screen, offering clear and informative playback, source and file information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimum performance and user-defined settings. Various display options are provided, which also include two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of ‘display off’ settings, a discreet centrepiece of any audio system
Flexible and capable
Differentiating itself from rivals within its category, the audiolab 9000A blends digital capability with an analogue pedigree. Premium level D/A conversion, as one would always expect from audiolab, allows a range of digital sources (over four digital inputs) to be connected directly to this high-power integrated unit. Yet, based on over 40 years of amplifier design pedigree, not to mention a recent history of multi-award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also caters for analogue device integrations (via three AUX, balanced XLR and a dedicated phono input).
The world of modern audio enjoyment is not limited to wired playback devices though, hence the 9000A also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and digital audio via a PC USB connection.
The 9000A is the brainchild of lead designer, Jan Ertner. Famed for a plethora of class-leading and award-winning audio electronic models, Jan has pushed the 9000A to the highest levels of performance by evolving and redeveloping the principles that created the 8300A and uber-successful 6000A, to deliver the most exceptional performance ever seen in an audiolab integrated amplifier.
Flagship DAC
The 9000A features the latest ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip. Using the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038PRO delivers an unprecedented performance level that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding audio applications – fitting an amplifier of the 9000A’s calibre.
Years of experience and countless ESS-equipped models mean that audiolab is more than familiar with making the most of this technically excellent but challenging DAC technology. Great attention has been paid in developing a system that allows audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to offer the best in audiophile performance.
The amp’s four S/PDIF digital inputs – two coaxial and two optical – handle hi-res PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz and benefit from a host of user-selectable digital filters that allow the user to optimise the response to suit the source file and bandwidth of the partnering equipment.
PCM audio is supported to 32-bit/768kHz, alongside DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512). Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats.
MQA All the Way
The 9000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom engineered MQA certified DAC solution. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.
As expected for modern audio playback convenience, Bluetooth connectivity is featured as standard with the 9000A stepping up to the aptX HD protocol for sonically superior and easy wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. Bluetooth-paired devices also benefit from the quality of the amp’s DAC section and filter options.
The 9000A’s discrete Class AB power amp stage delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160w per channel into 4 ohms!). Unlike over-specified competitor models, the genuine 100W per channel will put the 9000A up against the best in its class. Referring to the standards set with the audiolab 6000A (rated at 50W per channel), the 9000A’s 100W per channel will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding of loudspeakers and their power-hungry masters.
A key to the audiolab performance is the world-famous CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the idle current is kept independent of the temperature of the output transistors. An all-new and custom specified 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacity (60,000uF in total), helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range.
In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage, the preamp section is kept as simple as possible. As with all of Jan Ertner’s designs, the circuity is a work of art in more than layout and architecture. The very design protects the sensitive preamp section from noise interference and colouration – a key cornerstone of the audiolab philosophy.
High-Performance Phono Stage
With every iteration of integrated amplifier design, audiolab works to improve on the bench-mark, built-in phono stage section. The 9000A is no different; pushing the boundaries of performance of an onboard phono pre-amp section. The all-new phono pre-amp for 9000A offers compatibility for moving magnet – a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation offers the best of both worlds for the turntable using audiolab fans.
Similarly, for the headphone output stage employing current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000A ensures a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.
The audiolab 9000A continues with the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is a staple to the audiolab integrated amplifier design, the 9000A offers three variations of operating mode, making it a versatile and essential component in any system.
Power to the People
The primary mode is ‘Integrated’ – this combines the pre and power amp stages, for the connection of digital and analogue sources to the amp’s inputs and a pair of speakers to its binding posts.
‘Pre-Power Mode’ disconnects the pre and power amp stages. The allows the 9000A to be used solely as a power amp – for example, connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables additional signal processing to be added, by connecting the 9000A’s ‘preamp out’ socket to an external processor, then returning the processor’s output to the amp’s ‘power amp in’ socket, making the most of its gargantuan 100W per channel performance and critical performance characteristic of the 9000A’s pre-section, regardless of what magic the users wants to implement in between!
Specifications:
| Model |
9000A |
| General Description |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology |
2 x 100W (8 ohms) / 2 x 160W (4 ohms) Class AB
ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
4.3" (800 x 480px) Large Size Full View IPS LCD
Built-in Certified MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax/Optical)
Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDAC) Support
Dedicated High-performance, Low-noise MM Phono Stage
Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone AMP
Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE Only Modes
USB Upgrade Support |
| Inputs |
3 x Analogue, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM), 1 x Power Amplifier,
2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B - Windows / mac OS only),
1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC), 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Outputs |
1 x PRE Amplifier,1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Sampling Frequency |
Optical / Coaxial: 44.1kHz-192kHz;
PC USB: 44.1kHz-768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 |
| Preamplifier Section |
|
| Gain (max.) |
+6dB (Line), +53dB (Phono MM) |
| Input Sensitivity |
1Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB);
2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB), 4.4mV (Phono MM, Volume=0dB) |
| Input Impedance |
10K (Line); 47K // 100pF (Phono MM) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) |
< 0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) |
| Frequency Response |
20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB) |
| Output Voltage |
2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) |
| Output Impedance |
120 ohms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
> 110dB (Line & XLR, A-weighted); > 80dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) |
| DAC |
|
| D to A Converter |
ES9038Pro |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) |
< 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS) |
| Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz) |
2.1Vrms |
| Max. Sampling Frequency |
Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz;
PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) |
> 117dB (A-weighted) |
| Power Amplifier Section |
|
| Gain |
+29dB |
| Rated Power Output |
2 x 100W (8 ohms, THD<1%);
2 x 160W (4 ohms, THD<1%) |
| Frequency Response |
20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) |
<0.002% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms) |
| Input Sensitivity |
1Vrms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) |
> 110dB (A-weighted) |
| Max. Output Current |
15A |
| Headphone Amplifier |
|
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) |
< 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW ) |
| Output Impedance |
2.35 ohms |
| Load Impedance |
20-600 ohms |
| General |
|
| Standby Power Consumption |
<0.5W |
| Net Weight |
9.4kg |
| Gross Weight |
11.2kg |
| Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D) |
444 x 89 x 342 |
| Carton Size (mm) (W x H x D) |
514 x 470 x 161 |
| Finish |
Black / Silver |
| Power Requirements |
220-240V ~ 50/60Hz; |
| (depending on region) |
100-120V ~ 50/60Hz |
| Standard Accessories |
Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, etc. |
