Linn 360 Passive with Aktiv Bass (PWAB) Speakers (Pair)

Linn 360 floorstanding speakers with the Aktiv bass (PWAB) are high-end loudspeakers with great transparency and a true-to-life scale. Vocals are suspended in space delivering a depth that belies the fact that you are listening to a speaker.

The tweeters are 19mm beryllium units for low distortion, matched with carbon fibre midrange units and two woofers per speaker that use the Activ bass system.

There are two versions of the Linn 360. This version of the 360 has a passive crossover that is point-to-point wired for the best performance. The flagship model (available separately) has the Exakt system upgrade built in, along with an Exakt digital crossover. However, the version described here can be upgraded with an Exakt module, later if required.

These speakers are available in a selection of beautiful finishes with black anodised or silver anodised driver rings.

Advanced material science for ‘invisible’ speakers

Linn uses advanced materials science to eliminate distortion as much as possible. It is used in both the bass system and the new 360 Array. These new innovations are paired with Linn’s established technologies, such as Space Optimisation to make the 360 effectively, audibly invisible.

Space age Tweeter and midrange

The tweeter for the Linn 360 is the first 19mm beryllium dome seen in the audio field. It was developed by Linn and has all of its inherent distortions pushed beyond the range of human hearing. The result is a clean and transparent sound. The midrange unit is made from thin-ply, woven, carbon fibre. This material was originally used for NASA’s Mars rovers. As a result, they have the perfect mix of stiffness and lightness. Both the tweeter and midrange units use an aluminium alloy for construction. This gives a precise piston-like motion without any deviation.

Digital power DAC, bass technology

The Linn 360 features bass drivers that have a greater range and more than double the excursion of previous designs. This is coupled with a powerful Class D, DAC / amplifier combination for realistic and distortion-free bass. The bass units can be pushed loud while remaining in control.

The bass efficiency and performance are enhanced, by using a combined DAC and amplifier. This was designed from the ground up and extends the digital path right up to the speaker. Linear amplifiers tend to introduce noise, and this becomes more obvious if the volume is turned up. However, with the 360 the digital signal path has no noise and actually gets better with volume.

Passive crossover

The version of the 360, Passive with Aktiv Bass 360 variant (PWAB), described here, has a passive crossover instead of the Exakt system as featured in the flagship version – however, this version can be upgraded to the flagship spec later. The crossover is a new, ultra-low-resonance design, passive type. There is no circuit board, with the components mounted using vibration-absorbing glue. Hence, the structure has integral damping and low resonance. The point-to-point wiring used ensures the shortest signal path for less distortion and interference.

Good frequency dispersion

All of the design elements of the 360 speakers combine to give great frequency dispersion and the front shape helps reduce refraction. The driver mounts have shaped radii that are specifically matched to each individual drive unit.

The drivers are perfectly flush with the baffle. The result is a speaker that produces precise sound in all directions. The cabinet's curvaceous design, allows the emotion of the music to flow, without colouration.

A beautiful design

The rounded form of the Linn 360 is formed from 3D laminates and is extremely robust. This advanced form reaches right around to either side of the speaker. Concentric grooves are machined into the tweeter protector, and are reminiscent of Linn’s Turntable heritage, resembling the grooves of a record.

The drive unit trim is manufactured in house, of 5754 grade aluminium. Moreover, they incorporate waveguides that help to provide optimum performance.