Audio T Verdict
Linn K200 is a substantial yet flexible two-core speaker cable designed for high-quality stereo, multi-amplified and custom-installed Linn systems.
Each conductor uses 60 strands of copper with a total cross-sectional area of 4 mm², helping the cable maintain low electrical resistance while remaining practical to route behind equipment and around a listening room.
This listing is for unterminated K200 sold by the single metre. The total length, number of separate cable runs and required plugs should therefore be planned before ordering.
Linn K200 Speaker Cable
Linn K200 is the highest-quality speaker cable in Linn's current accessory range.
It is a two-core cable containing separate red and white copper conductors within a flexible silver outer sheath.
The cable is designed to carry the amplified signal between a Hi-Fi amplifier or power amplifier and a pair of passive loudspeakers.
K200 can be used as a conventional single-wired speaker cable or in multiple runs where a compatible loudspeaker system requires bi-wiring, multi-amplification, Linn Aktiv or external Linn Exakt connections.
Sold Unterminated by the Single Metre
The price shown on this product page is for one metre of unterminated Linn K200 speaker cable.
Unterminated means that plugs or connectors are not fitted to either end of the cable.
Select the total number of metres required for your installation. Where possible, cable ordered in multiple metres will normally be supplied as a continuous length for cutting and termination.
Example: Two 3 Metre Runs
- 3 metres required for the left speaker
- 3 metres required for the right speaker
- 6 metres required in total
- Select a quantity of six on this product page
- The cable can then be divided into two equal runs
Before Ordering
- Measure the complete route to each speaker
- Allow for equipment racks and furniture
- Include enough cable to reach the terminals comfortably
- Confirm whether plugs are required
- Check whether more than one run is needed per speaker
One Metre Is Not a Stereo Pair
A conventional stereo system requires a separate cable run from the amplifier to each loudspeaker.
Ordering one metre provides one continuous metre of unterminated cable. It does not provide two one-metre cables or a finished stereo pair.
Contact Audio T before ordering if you are unsure how much cable your system requires.
Two-Core Loudspeaker Cable
K200 contains two electrically separate conductors, allowing one cable run to carry the positive and negative connections for a single amplifier channel.
The internal conductors are identified by red and white insulation, making it easier to maintain the correct polarity during termination and installation.
Correct polarity must be maintained from the amplifier to the loudspeaker. Reversing the positive and negative connections on one speaker can place the stereo pair out of phase.
This may weaken central imaging and reduce bass output, even though sound continues to come from both speakers.
Red Conductor
The red internal conductor would normally be used for the positive amplifier and loudspeaker terminals.
White Conductor
The white internal conductor would normally be used for the corresponding negative amplifier and loudspeaker terminals.
The same convention should be followed at both ends of every cable run.
60-Strand Copper Conductors
Each conductor contains 60 strands of 0.3 mm copper wire.
Together, these strands provide a conductor cross-sectional area of 4 mm².
Using multiple fine strands allows the cable to remain more flexible than a solid conductor of a similar overall size.
This makes K200 easier to route through a system while providing the substantial copper area required for a low-resistance loudspeaker connection.
The internal cables are chalked during manufacture to make the outer insulation easier to strip when the cable is being prepared for termination.
Low Electrical Resistance
Linn specifies a maximum direct-current resistance of 0.00479 O per metre.
The resistance of a speaker cable increases with its total length. Longer cable runs therefore create more electrical resistance between the amplifier and loudspeaker.
Using an appropriately sized conductor helps reduce this loss, particularly where the cable route is relatively long or the loudspeaker presents a demanding electrical load.
Cable length should still be kept reasonably short where the system layout permits.
Twisted Cable Construction
The red and white conductors are arranged within a twisted cable structure.
Twisting helps maintain a consistent physical relationship between the positive and negative conductors along the length of the cable.
The geometry contributes to the electrical capacitance and inductance of the cable while helping reduce susceptibility to interference from surrounding equipment and wiring.
Linn specifies typical capacitance of 78 pF per metre at 1 kHz and typical inductance of 1.4902 µH per metre.
Flexible Silver Outer Sheath
The internal conductors are enclosed within a flexible silver-finished outer sheath.
The complete cable has an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm.
This gives K200 a substantial construction while allowing it to be routed behind an equipment rack, along a skirting board or through suitable cable-management systems.
The cable should not be folded sharply, crushed beneath furniture or forced around an excessively tight corner.
A gradual bend helps protect the internal conductors and reduces strain on the amplifier and loudspeaker terminals.
Allow Space Behind Your Equipment
K200 is flexible for a 4 mm² speaker cable, but its 8 mm outer diameter and substantial conductors still require suitable space behind the amplifier and loudspeakers.
Avoid forcing the cable against a wall or furniture in a way that places sideways pressure on the connected plugs or terminals.
Directional Cable Marking
Linn identifies its loudspeaker cables as directional.
Direction markings are printed along the cable sheath as part of the Linn logo. The triangle within the logo should point towards the loudspeaker.
Once the required lengths have been measured, check the printed direction before cutting and terminating each cable run.
Both the left and right cables should be installed in the same direction from the amplifier towards the speakers.
Check Direction Before Termination
Cutting the cable before checking the printed direction can leave the required markings facing the wrong way for the planned installation.
Mark the amplifier and speaker ends of each run before fitting plugs or stripping the conductors.
Unterminated Cable and Connector Options
K200 can be prepared for compatible banana plugs, BFA plugs, spade connectors or carefully secured bare-wire connections, depending on the terminals fitted to the amplifier and loudspeakers.
Not every plug can accept a 4 mm² conductor, so connector compatibility should be checked before the cable is stripped.
The termination must hold the conductor securely without leaving loose copper strands that could touch an adjacent terminal.
Poor termination can create an unreliable connection, increased resistance or an electrical short circuit.
Bare-Wire Connection
- Requires compatible binding posts
- Copper strands must be twisted together neatly
- No strands should remain exposed outside the terminal
- Connections should be checked periodically
- Oxidised or damaged ends may require re-termination
Plugged Connection
- Provides a convenient removable connection
- Plug must accept the 4 mm² conductor
- Banana, BFA or spade options may be suitable
- Termination should provide secure cable strain relief
- Amplifier and speaker compatibility must be checked
Switch Off the Amplifier Before Connecting
Always switch off the amplifier and disconnect it from the mains before fitting, removing or changing speaker cables.
Loose copper strands or plugs touching the wrong terminal may create a short circuit and could damage the amplifier.
Professional Cable Termination
Correctly preparing a multi-strand 4 mm² cable requires suitable stripping, cutting and termination tools.
Removing too much insulation can leave exposed copper close to the amplifier terminals, while cutting into the strands reduces the effective conductor area.
Audio T stores can advise on suitable cable lengths, connectors and professional termination for your amplifier and loudspeakers.
Discuss termination requirements before ordering if you would prefer a finished stereo pair rather than unterminated cable.
Single-Wired Stereo Systems
In a conventional single-wired stereo system, one K200 cable is used for the left speaker and another for the right speaker.
Each cable connects one amplifier output channel to the corresponding loudspeaker input.
Loudspeakers with more than one pair of terminals may require their factory terminal links to remain fitted for single-wired operation.
Check the loudspeaker instructions before removing or changing any terminal links.
Check Multi-Terminal Loudspeakers
If the loudspeaker has separate bass and treble terminals, the correct links must normally remain fitted when only one cable run is used.
Missing or incorrectly positioned links can prevent part of the loudspeaker from operating.
Bi-Wiring and Multi-Amplification
K200 is a two-core cable, so each run carries one positive and one negative amplifier connection.
A bi-wired stereo system normally requires two cable runs to each speaker, creating four separate K200 runs in total.
Systems using dedicated amplifier channels for different loudspeaker drive units or crossover sections may require additional runs.
The exact quantity depends on the loudspeaker design, amplifier arrangement and crossover configuration.
Single-Wired Stereo
- One cable run to the left speaker
- One cable run to the right speaker
- Two K200 runs in total
- Factory speaker links normally remain fitted
Bi-Wired Stereo
- Two cable runs to the left speaker
- Two cable runs to the right speaker
- Four K200 runs in total
- Speaker terminal links are normally removed
Do Not Link Separate Amplifier Outputs Together
In a bi-amplified or externally active system, separate amplifier channels must not be connected to loudspeaker terminals that remain electrically linked.
Incorrect wiring can connect two amplifier outputs together and may cause serious equipment damage.
Ask Audio T to check the proposed system configuration before making the connections.
Linn Aktiv and External Exakt Systems
Multiple runs of K200 can be used in suitable Linn Aktiv and externally amplified Exakt systems.
These systems use separate amplifier channels to drive individual loudspeaker units or crossover sections.
Each amplifier output therefore requires its own correctly identified cable connection to the corresponding loudspeaker terminal.
Cable runs should be measured, labelled and terminated carefully so that every amplifier channel reaches the correct loudspeaker input.
The amplifier assignment, crossover configuration and speaker wiring should be planned by an experienced Linn specialist.
Choosing the Correct Cable Length
Measure the practical route from the amplifier terminals to each loudspeaker rather than relying only on the straight-line distance across the room.
Allow for the height of equipment racks, routing around furniture and enough free cable to connect the equipment without placing strain on the terminals.
Avoid ordering excessive spare cable, as additional length increases resistance and creates more cable to manage behind the system.
Linn recommends keeping speaker cable runs reasonably short where the layout of the room and system permits.
Include
- The complete route around furniture
- Vertical distance to amplifier terminals
- Vertical distance to speaker terminals
- A small allowance for repositioning
- Enough space for safe gradual bends
Avoid
- Large coils of unnecessary spare cable
- Stretching the cable tightly between components
- Routing where the cable may be trapped
- Sharp bends behind equipment
- Lengths based only on straight-line measurements
Matching Left and Right Cable Runs
Using equal or closely matched cable lengths for the left and right speakers creates a symmetrical installation and makes future system changes easier to manage.
The required lengths should still be based on the practical position of the equipment rather than adding several metres of unnecessary cable simply to make both runs identical.
Audio T can help plan a sensible balance between matching the cable runs and keeping the total lengths reasonably short.
Cable Routing
Speaker cable should be routed where it will not be crushed, repeatedly stepped on or pulled by moving furniture.
Keep the cable away from sharp edges and high-temperature equipment.
Where speaker cables must cross mains leads, crossing at approximately a right angle can help reduce the distance over which the two cables run closely together.
Do not tightly bind K200 alongside mains cables for long distances.
Where the cable must pass through a wall, floor or permanent building structure, check that the product and installation method meet the relevant building and fire-safety requirements.
Not Automatically Approved for In-Wall Installation
A cable being suitable for use in a Hi-Fi system does not automatically mean that its outer sheath carries the required fire or building certification for concealed installation.
Check local requirements and consult a qualified installer before running K200 inside walls, ceilings or permanent building cavities.
K200 or K20?
Linn positions K200 above K20 within its speaker-cable range.
K200 uses a larger 4 mm² conductor area and is intended for higher-performance systems, longer practical cable routes and installations where a substantial but manageable two-core cable is required.
K20 provides a more affordable option for simpler systems and installations where its smaller conductor construction is appropriate.
Cable choice should take account of the amplifier, loudspeakers, required length, available termination space and overall value of the system.
Linn K20
- Entry point in Linn's two-core speaker-cable range
- Suitable for straightforward stereo systems
- Smaller and easier to accommodate in modest installations
- More affordable cable option
Linn K200
- Linn's highest-quality speaker cable
- 4 mm² conductors
- 60 copper strands per conductor
- Suitable for high-performance and multi-run systems
- Lower specified resistance per metre
Key Features
- Linn's highest-quality speaker cable
- Supplied unterminated by the single metre
- Suitable for custom cable lengths
- Two-core loudspeaker cable
- Twisted conductor construction
- 60 strands of copper in each conductor
- 0.3 mm individual copper strands
- 4 mm² cross-sectional area per conductor
- Class 5 flexible conductor construction
- Red and white internal conductor identification
- Flexible silver outer sheath
- 8 mm outer cable diameter
- Chalked internal cables for easier stripping
- Designed for straightforward soldering and handling
- Maximum resistance of 0.00479 O per metre
- Typical capacitance of 78 pF per metre at 1 kHz
- Typical inductance of 1.4902 µH per metre
- Directional Linn markings printed on the sheath
- Suitable for conventional single-wired systems
- Multiple runs can be used for bi-wiring
- Suitable for compatible multi-amplified systems
- Can be used in suitable Linn Aktiv and external Exakt systems
- Professional custom termination available through Audio T
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Unterminated loudspeaker cable
- Sales unit: Per single metre
- Cable construction: Two-core twisted loudspeaker cable
- Conductor material: Copper
- Strands per conductor: 60
- Individual strand diameter: 0.3 mm
- Conductor area: 4 mm² per core
- Conductor flexibility: Class 5 flexible to BS 6360
- Internal conductor colours: Red and white
- Maximum DC resistance: 0.00479 O per metre
- Typical capacitance: 78 pF per metre at 1 kHz
- Typical inductance: 1.4902 µH per metre
- Outer sheath: Flexible silver finish
- Outer diameter: 8 mm
- Direction marking: Linn triangle should point towards the loudspeaker
- Termination: Not included
- Available lengths: Custom lengths available through Linn specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price for one cable or one metre?
The price is for one continuous metre of unterminated K200 cable. It is not a finished stereo pair.
How much K200 do I need for two speakers?
Add together the cable length required for the left and right speakers. Two 3 metre runs require 6 metres of cable in total.
Does the cable include banana plugs?
No. This listing is for unterminated cable. Speak to Audio T if you require compatible plugs and professional termination.
Is Linn K200 directional?
Linn identifies K200 as directional. The triangle within the printed Linn logo should point from the amplifier towards the loudspeaker.
What do the red and white internal wires mean?
They identify the two separate conductors. Red would normally be connected to positive and white to negative, with the same arrangement used at both ends.
Can K200 be connected using bare wire?
Yes, where the amplifier and speaker binding posts support a secure bare-wire connection. No loose copper strands should remain exposed.
Can banana plugs be fitted?
Yes, subject to the terminals on the connected equipment. The plug must be capable of accepting a 4 mm² multi-strand conductor.
Can K200 be used for bi-wiring?
Yes. As K200 is a two-core cable, a bi-wired stereo system normally requires two separate cable runs to each speaker.
Can it be used with non-Linn amplifiers and speakers?
Yes. K200 can be used with compatible Hi-Fi amplifiers and passive loudspeakers from Linn or another manufacturer.
Should the left and right cables be the same length?
Equal or closely matched lengths provide a symmetrical installation, but unnecessarily long spare cable should be avoided. Audio T can help calculate sensible lengths for your room.
Can K200 be installed inside a wall?
Do not assume that K200 carries the required certification for concealed installation. Check the relevant building and fire-safety requirements with a qualified installer.
Can Audio T cut and terminate K200?
Audio T stores can advise on custom lengths and suitable terminations for your amplifier, loudspeakers and system configuration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help calculating the correct total cable length
- Advice on single-wired and bi-wired systems
- Linn Aktiv and external Exakt cable planning
- Amplifier and loudspeaker terminal compatibility checks
- Advice on banana, BFA and spade connectors
- Professional cutting and cable termination options
- Correct cable-direction guidance
- Speaker polarity and terminal-link advice
- Help planning neat cable routes
- Multi-channel cable identification and labelling
- Custom Linn system installation support
- Ongoing amplifier, speaker and Linn system advice
Contact your local Audio T store
to calculate the required length or discuss professional termination for your amplifier and loudspeakers.