Linn 343 Loudspeaker
LINN 343 LOUDSPEAKER INTRODUCES PISTONIK BASS TECHNOLOGY
British HiFi brand Linn has introduced the Linn 343 loudspeaker, the first model designed around its Pistonik drive unit technology from the outset.
The new Linn 343 Loudspeaker combines Linn’s proprietary acoustic and electronic technologies in a compact cabinet design. It is available in two versions: Exakt Integrated and Passive with Active Bass (PWAB).
LINN 343 LOUDSPEAKER PISTONIK DRIVE UNITS
The Linn 343 uses an 8-inch Pistonik bass driver in a down-firing configuration, alongside a 6-inch Pistonik upper bass driver. Linn says the system is designed to deliver controlled low-frequency performance while maintaining low distortion and linearity through the lower and vocal frequencies. The down-firing bass driver uses the floor as an acoustic boundary to distribute bass energy into the room. Its orientation also allows the loudspeaker’s mass to work against the reactive forces generated by the driver. Together, the two lower-frequency drivers handle around 70% of the loudspeaker’s acoustic workload.
CABINET DESIGN
The 343’s cabinet is made from a glass-fibre-reinforced moulding compound, providing the stiffness and density required for the design while allowing thinner walls. This construction accommodates the bass system and electronics within a compact enclosure.
The cabinet has a continuous, curved shape without hard edges, which Linn says helps reduce diffraction effects and supports consistent sound dispersion. The curved lower section also provides the volume and geometry needed for the down-firing bass driver.
LINN 343 LOUDSPEAKER EXAKT INTEGRATED AND PWAB VERSIONS
The Linn 343 Exakt Integrated incorporates a Utopik power supply, Exakt digital crossover, Power DAC architecture, Organik DACs and Adaptive Bias Control amplification within its integrated electronics module.
The Linn 343 Passive with Active Bass (PWAB) shares the same 6-inch and 8-inch Pistonik drivers, with Utopik and Power DAC technology powering the bass system. The upper bass, midrange and tweeter array is instead driven by external amplification.
ELECTRONICS AND COOLING
Linn has mounted the electronics module on a three-point spring system to mechanically isolate it from the cabinet. The design is intended to reduce the transmission of vibration to the electronics. Cooling is passive, with a custom aluminium heat sink designed to draw air upwards through the module and release heat through a machined vent at the top of the loudspeaker. The system operates without a fan.
LINN 343 FINISHES
Both versions of the Linn 343 are available to order in six finishes: Triton, Single Malt, Clyde Built, Linn Heritage, Piano Black and Alpine White. All finishes are supplied exclusively with black array trims.
LINN 343 LOUDSPEAKER PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Linn 343 Exakt Integrated is priced at £65,000, including tax, while the Linn 343 Passive with Active Bass (PWAB) costs £45,000, including tax. Both versions are available to order now.
HiFi PiG says: The Linn 343 combines Pistonik bass technology with a compact cabinet, offering a choice of integrated or externally amplified configurations for high-end HiFi systems.
