Linn's new 119 is a modern, high-performance, compact loudspeaker, while the 150 is its larger floorstanding sibling. Both are described as being energetic, conspicuously refined and loads of fun!
We are told that Linn's aim for the 119 and 150 speakers was to create fundamentally entertaining loudspeakers with refinement, sophistication, and neutrality so that they would play any source material equally well – and equally enjoyably.
Both models boast “premium drive units” that promise excellent linear performance and excursion capability. Drawing from what Linn learned during the development of their flagship 360 loudspeakers, drive units are mounted at the very front of the baffle, with no grille, to minimise occlusion and improve excursion.
Component quality is high throughout. The lower-order crossovers in 119 and 150 are designed for signal purity and, as a result, lend the speakers speed and dynamism, so says the Scottish brand.
119 is rear-ported for enhanced bass performance. When paired with a Linn DSM network music player, this port can be bypassed, and a bass augmentation filter can be digitally applied to the speaker for even faster, tighter bass.
Meanwhile, 150 features downwards-firing ports for more omnidirectional bass performance and to minimise interaction with walls.
With 119 and 150 being 2- and 3-way designs, respectively, they can be upgraded using Linn's proprietary Exakt technology as both speaker models can be converted to Exakt configuration in minutes, whilst all requisite amplification, DACs and Exakt digital crossover can be installed within a Linn Selekt DSM.
119 and 150 are currently available in Satin Black, White, Walnut, or Oak veneered finish. Inspired by their flagship 360 speaker is a magnet-mounted trim piece featuring fine concentric grooves redolent of the surface of a vinyl record and an electro-formed Linn logo, which serves as a tweeter guard. Optional black or silver, mild-steel pedestal stands are available for mounting 119 speakers.
The new Selekt DSM: Classic Hub is said to offer enhanced quality over the Selekt DSM range whilst maintaining the same cartridge-based modularity and compatibility as its predecessor.
Classic Hub features an integrated headphone amp with a 1/4-inch jack output, enabling personal listening sessions at home. Classic Hub also has RCA outputs dedicated to providing bass reinforcement to a subwoofer.
The new design features steel feet and smart buttons, while the fascia houses a large-format display. This is topped off with a UV-printed Linn logo on the chassis sleeve for a sharp finish.
The chassis is rigid in design, with clean edges and chamfered transitions, resulting in an elegant and luxurious appearance.
Classic Hub is offered in a subtly textured black or flat silver finish. The powder-paint coat is enhanced by the array of stainless-steel smart buttons and an eye-catching central control dial with hidden LEDs that shine through to indicate volume.
A broad range of connectivity ensures that Classic Hub can receive and deliver audio from any source imaginable, with a high-performance, integrated, analogue-to-digital conversion stage accepting anything from turntables to CD players, and a host of digital connections allowing connection to video streaming devices, games consoles, and Blu-ray players.
It comes as no surprise that the Classic Hub has been released at the same time as the 119 and 150 loudspeakers, with Linn underlining that you can begin your Selekt System journey with a simple, high-performance passive configuration and work towards a fully active, all-Linn system featuring their flagship Exakt technology.
Add more amplifier cartridges and DAC modules to the available bays within Selekt DSM to take advantage of each of Linn's flagship technologies – Organik DAC, Exakt, and Space Optimisation – all from a single, stylish unit plus either 119 or 150 loudspeakers.
Linn's Selekt DSM: Classic Hub is available to order today in either black or silver finish.
Linn can be found at the following Audio-T stores