The Scotland-based audio manufacturer Linn has developed and built the Linn Pistonik Motor System Drive Units over a period of three years around Linn's own Pistonik motor system. The new 6-inch midwoofer and 8-inch woofer mark a shift away from the previously used standard components.
According to Linn, the new drivers were developed to address low-frequency distortion, which Linn identified as a limiting factor in the 360 loudspeaker system. The development program focused on improving linearity, excursion control, and overall accuracy. The Pistonik motor system utilizes a magnet system with a long stroke and increased magnet spacing, intended to maintain a constant force over the entire range of motion of the driver cone.
Linn’s new Pistonik motor system utilizes a magnet assembly that is permanently kept in magnetic saturation to stabilize the magnetic field and reduce distortion caused by eddy currents. The company states that this approach improves response and reduces the load on the amplifier. A three-layer ventilation structure is also used to minimize acoustic compression and maintain airflow through the motor assembly.
Thermal and mechanical performance
Thermal management has been addressed by means of integrated cooling channels designed to dissipate heat from the voice coil to the surrounding materials, ensuring stable performance over extended listening periods. The suspension system was developed using simulation tools to guarantee controlled behavior at large excursions, where stiffness increases predictably near the operational limits.
Materials and construction
The two new loudspeaker units feature aluminium diaphragms, chosen for their stiffness and low mass. Linn states that this helps keep resonance outside the intended operating range while maintaining efficiency. The coupling between diaphragm, suspension, and motor system has also been optimized to reduce unwanted resonances.
Each loudspeaker unit is individually measured at the factory using laser analysis. The data obtained is used to generate a custom Exakt profile. This profile is then applied in Linn's digital Exakt crossover system to correct performance deviations, performing adjustments with very tight tolerances.
Mounting and integration with Linn 360 loudspeaker
The new speaker units are now fitted as standard in all newly produced Linn 360 speakers. They are also available as an upgrade for existing 360 systems . Installation reportedly takes a maximum of two hours and takes place at the customer's home. In addition to the update, Linn has added an option with a real walnut veneer finish to the 360 range.
