Linn Pistonik Motor System Drive Units
LINN DRIVE UNITS WITH PISTONIK MOTOR SYSTEM INTRODUCED FOR 360 LOUDSPEAKER
Linn has introduced its first in-house designed loudspeaker drive units, now implemented in the flagship Linn 360 loudspeaker.
Developed over a three-year period, the new 6-inch upper bass and 8-inch woofer Linn Pistonik Motor System Drive Units are built around Linn’s proprietary Pistonik motor system and mark a shift away from previously used off-the-shelf components.
LINN PISTONIK MOTOR SYSTEM DRIVE UNITS
The new drive units were created to address low-frequency distortion, which Linn identified as a limiting factor in the 360 loudspeaker system. The development programme focused on improving linearity, excursion control, and overall accuracy. The Pistonik motor system employs a long-stroke motor design with an extended magnet gap, intended to maintain consistent force across the full range of driver movement.
PISTONIK MOTOR SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Linn’s Pistonik motor system incorporates a magnet assembly held in permanent magnetic saturation to stabilise the magnetic field and reduce distortion associated with eddy currents. The company states that this approach improves responsiveness and reduces strain on amplification. A triple-layer ventilation structure is also used to minimise acoustic compression and maintain airflow through the motor assembly.
THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE
Thermal management has been addressed through integrated cooling paths designed to dissipate heat from the voice coil into surrounding materials, maintaining stable performance over extended listening periods. The suspension system has been engineered using simulation tools to provide controlled behaviour at high excursion levels, with stiffness increasing predictably near operational limits.
MATERIALS AND DRIVER CONSTRUCTION
Both new drive units feature aluminium diaphragms, selected for rigidity and low mass. Linn states that this helps push resonant behaviour beyond the intended operating range while maintaining efficiency. The coupling between diaphragm, surround, and motor system has also been optimised to reduce unwanted resonances.
EXAKT OPTIMISATION OF LINN PISTONIK MOTOR SYSTEM DRIVE UNITS
Each drive unit is individually measured at the factory using laser analysis, with the data used to generate a tailored Exakt profile. This profile is applied within Linn’s Exakt digital crossover system to correct performance deviations, with adjustments made to a fine tolerance.
INTEGRATION WITH LINN 360 LOUDSPEAKER
The new drive units are now standard in all newly manufactured Linn 360 loudspeakers. They are also available as an upgrade for existing 360 systems, with installation stated to take up to two hours and carried out in the customer’s home. Alongside the update, Linn has added a walnut real-wood veneer finish option to the 360 range.
LINN 360 LOUDSPEAKER DRIVE UNITS PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The drive unit upgrade for existing 360 loudspeakers is priced at £16,500 (including tax). Complete 360 Exakt Integrated Loudspeakers are priced at £99,500, while the 360 Passive with Active Bass (PWAB) Loudspeakers are listed at £67,000. The new drive units are available immediately as part of new builds and upgrades.
HiFi PiG says: We can’t wait to hear the new Linn driver system in their speakers, watch this space!
