FAQ - Loudspeakers
What drive units will fit my loudspeakers?
Linn will endeavour to keep supplies of replacement drive units for our loudspeakers for as long as this is possible or viable. In cases where we can no longer supply a replacement, there may be an alternative part which will function to some degree; however, Linn Products Ltd does not offer any opinion on the comparative performance of drive units when they are used in loudspeakers other than those for which they were originally intended. While the use of alternative drive units may be an authorised procedure, Linn does not make any recommendations or otherwise as to whether or not the performance of the speaker will be improved as a result. Where a loudspeaker has been directly replaced by a newer model, it is not possible to fully convert an old version to new – drive unit replacement is the only aspect that may be suggested.
We recommend that the replacement of drive units should only ever be carried out by an authorised Linn retailer. Any customer who wishes to replace the drive units in their loudspeakers in this manner, does so at their own risk, accepting all the above conditions.
What is Aktiv?
An Aktiv system refers to a Linn audio system where the loudspeaker’s internal passive crossover is bypassed and an active crossover is used. In a Linn system, these active crossovers take the form of modules which are fitted to the amplifiers internally and allow the signal to be filtered immediately prior to the amplification stage. An Aktiv system is significantly more efficient than a passive system and results in more accurate amplitude, phase, and time response. The flexibility of an Aktiv system also enables the system to be tuned to suit the room. The end result of an upgrade to Aktiv will be, quite simply, a breathtaking improvement in sound quality.
Please note – only an authorised Linn retailer should convert your system to Aktiv - inexpert conversion could result in damage to the amplifiers and/or loudspeakers.
What difference will bi-wiring my loudspeakers make?
Bi-wiring is, quite simply, connecting two sets of speaker cables between the power amplifier and the loudspeaker instead of one – i.e. one set for the woofer and one for the tweeter. Bi-wiring is used for two-way speakers and tri-wiring is used for three-way speakers – one set of cables each for bass, midrange and treble. It is important to remember that not all loudspeakers can be bi-wired/tri-wired. A loudspeaker must have been designed to incorporate this facility. Most, but not all, Linn loudspeakers can be multi-wired – check the Owner's Manual or consult your Linn retailer to see if your loudspeakers include this facility.
When multi-wired, the loudspeaker’s crossover network is divided into electrically separate sections (usually by the removal of jumpers or links on the rear of the loudspeaker). Separate speaker cables are then run from the amplifier to each of the loudspeakers. One of these wires connects to the treble section of the loudspeaker’s crossover, and the other connects to the bass section of the crossover and for three-way loudspeakers, another is run to the midrange.
A Tune Dem™ of the same speaker conventionally wired, and then multi-wired, will reveal an improvement in performance. This performance gain can be quite startling and often seems to be totally out of proportion with the apparently small change that was made in the wiring of the speaker.
