Linn unveiled its new Series 5 powered systems for music in the home. Created in collaboration with some of the most respected names in fashion and design, the new Series 5 music systems combine Linn’s Exakt loudspeaker technology with a Linn Fabrik covered design to allow customizable aesthetics.
Linn launched its first range of innovative Exakt connected, software-upgradeable loudspeakers, in September 2013. The new Series 5 adds to the Exakt family, comprising an Akurate Exakt DSM and a choice of Linn 530 or Linn 520 floor-standing loudspeakers. The concept intends to achieve the performance of a much larger and more expensive music system within a compact and highly customizable aesthetic, using the new Linn Fabrik.
Linn Series 5 systems include the three-way 530 floor-stand speakers and the compact two-way 520 models, offering complete home music solutions when connected to any Exakt-enabled Linn networked music player via Exakt Link. The Akurate Exakt DSM network media player is the hub of a Series 5 system, and provides connections for all music sources, from online streaming services such as TIDAL and Qobuz to turntables.
According to the Scotish company, both systems feature custom-designed drive units, including a silk dome with anti-resonant chamber, mid-range doped 2-layer sliced woofer and double Isobarik bass system in the 530 Speakers or ported bass reflex for the 520.
The 530 speaker needed compact yet very long-throw, low-resonance units for use in the Isobarik bass system. The unique arrangement of tweeter and bass/mid driver on both models also required customized drive units. The bass/mid driver uses a unique doped, dual-layer, sliced cone design and an anti-resonant chamber on the back of the high quality tweeter improves high frequency performance when used in conjunction with the familiar Linn ‘skoop’, producing outstanding dispersion characteristics.
Linn’s Isobarik bass system uses two bass drive units working in tandem, positioned face-to-face at the foot of the speaker. Bass is directed downwards and radiates out from the speaker through a precisely engineered air gap above the base. The 530 produces incredible bass extension using this system in combination with dual bass ports located on the underside of the cabinet to enable additional airflow.
Both models also offer the company’s Space Optimisation+ technology that takes care of optimizing the sound for any room's characteristics and chosen speaker location. A specially designed module, suspension-mounted on the back of each speaker, houses the powerful amps and Exakt electronics that optimize performance. The Series 5 integrates Exakt electronics and, integrated amplification (3x 100 W amps on the 530 speaker, or 2x 100 W on the 520 model), with a dedicated digital crossover, volume control, digital-to-analogue converter, and amplifier for each drive unit.
For Series 5, Linn used a layered composite of 3 mm sheets to increase the tensile strength and rigidity of the material, while still preserving its acoustically dead properties. A cut glass stand and top plate are available in a choice of three finishes. Combined with the braced construction, the cabinet doesn’t add unwanted vibrations and doesn’t ring, and provide the drive units with a stable platform to work from.
Each speaker has a module suspension-mounted on the back to acoustically isolate it from the cabinet. Packed inside are all the Exakt electronics and powerful amps, while cooling is performed passively without any noisy fans, via the aluminium heat sink hidden behind the Linn Fabrik.But the main distinguishing feature of the new Series 5 are the textile speaker coverings – Linn Fabrik – which have been designed to provide an elegant, customizable look. According to Linn, “only now through the development of Linn Fabrik and the use of Linn’s intelligent Exakt technology that it has been possible to create a fabric covered music system that delivers exceptional sound.”
The first Linn Fabrik collection, consisting of three stylish weaves and eleven colors, offers the ability to change the cover whenever the user wants. Linn has also partnered fabric designers, Timorous Beasties and Harris Tweed Hebrides, to create new speaker cover collections - due for release in early 2016 and more to be launched in the future.
Systems are already available to audition at Linn resellers throughout the world. 530 System prices start from £12,000, while 520 System prices start from £9,250, with a choice from 11 Linn Fabrik covers and a grey, white or black top plate and stand. Collections from Timorous Beasties and Harris Tweed Hebrides will be available early 2016.
www.linn.co.uk/music-systems/series-5
