Audio T Verdict
The Linn Klimax System combines a pair of 360 Exakt Integrated loudspeakers with the Klimax DSM System Hub to create Linn's flagship complete music system.
Digital crossover processing, Organik conversion and dedicated amplification are built into each loudspeaker, allowing the signal to remain digital from the System Hub until the final conversion stage for each individual drive unit.
The result is an unusually neat reference system requiring only one central source component and two loudspeakers, without separate DACs, crossovers or power amplifiers. Professional demonstration, installation and Space Optimisation+ configuration are essential.
Linn Klimax System with 360 Exakt Integrated Loudspeakers
The Linn Klimax System brings together the Klimax DSM System Hub and a pair of Linn 360 Exakt Integrated floorstanding loudspeakers.
The System Hub provides music streaming, source selection, volume control, network connectivity and audio and video inputs. It sends the music signal digitally to the loudspeakers using Linn's lossless Exakt Link connection.
Each 360 then carries out its own Exakt crossover processing, Organik digital-to-analogue conversion and dedicated amplification before the signal reaches the individual drive units.
This Listing Is for a Complete Linn Klimax System
The system consists of one Klimax DSM System Hub and a stereo pair of 360 Exakt Integrated loudspeakers.
It should not be confused with the separate 360 Passive with Aktiv Bass model, which requires external amplification for its upper bass, midrange and tweeter sections.
What Is Included?
Klimax DSM System Hub
- Reference Linn network music player and system controller
- Precision-machined solid aluminium enclosure
- Utopik power-supply technology
- Lossless Exakt Link outputs
- Network, digital, analogue and HDMI inputs
- Space Optimisation+ processing
- Black or silver anodised finish
Pair of 360 Exakt Integrated Speakers
- Four-way floorstanding loudspeaker design
- Exakt digital crossover processing
- Organik DAC conversion for each channel
- Dedicated amplification built into each speaker
- Adaptive Bias Control for the 360 Array
- Power DAC lower bass system
- Space Optimisation+ compatibility
A Complete Exakt System
Conventional systems normally send an analogue signal from a source or pre-amplifier to a power amplifier before passing the amplified signal through a passive crossover inside each loudspeaker.
The Klimax System takes a different approach. The music remains digital as it leaves the System Hub and travels over Exakt Link to the 360 loudspeakers.
Inside each speaker, an Exakt digital crossover separates the signal into the required frequency bands. The timing, phase and level of each band can be controlled before dedicated Organik DAC and amplifier stages feed the individual drive units.
This removes the need for conventional speaker cables, passive crossover components, separate power amplifiers and long analogue interconnects.
Klimax DSM System Hub
Klimax DSM System Hub is the central source and control component within the system.
It is designed specifically for Linn Exakt systems and does not provide conventional RCA or XLR analogue pre-amplifier outputs. Instead, volume-controlled digital audio is sent directly to the 360 loudspeakers over Exakt Link.
The enclosure is precision-machined from solid aluminium to provide mechanical stability and isolation for the internal power, processing and control circuitry.
The tactile upper control dial and front display provide direct access to volume, source selection and playback information, while the system can also be controlled through compatible Linn applications and network services.
Music Streaming and Network Playback
Klimax DSM System Hub can play locally stored music from a compatible network server and provides access to major music-streaming and internet-radio services.
- TIDAL
- Qobuz
- Spotify Connect
- AirPlay
- Roon integration
- airable
- TuneIn
- Calm Radio
Network playback is supported at resolutions up to 24-bit/384 kHz, with DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 compatibility.
The System Hub provides conventional Gigabit Ethernet, an optical Ethernet SFP connection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A wired network connection is normally recommended for the most stable installation.
Analogue and Digital Source Connections
Klimax DSM System Hub can also act as the control centre for external music and video sources.
Audio Inputs
- One optical Toslink input
- Two coaxial SPDIF connections
- One configurable SPDIF input or output
- One stereo balanced XLR analogue input
- Two stereo RCA analogue inputs
- Exakt Link for compatible Linn sources
Video Connections
- Four HDMI 2.0 inputs
- One HDMI 2.0 output
- ARC and eARC support
- 4K video at up to 60 Hz
- HDR, HDCP 2.2 and CEC support
- Surround-compatible system platform
Exakt Link Connection
Exakt Link carries the lossless digital music signal, timing information, volume setting and control data between the Klimax DSM System Hub and the loudspeakers.
Although Exakt Link uses familiar RJ45-style connections, it is not a conventional Ethernet network connection.
Do Not Connect Exakt Link Through a Network Switch
The Klimax DSM System Hub and 360 loudspeakers must be connected directly through their dedicated Exakt Link sockets using the correct cable arrangement.
Exakt Link must not be routed through a normal router, network switch, Ethernet isolator, mains network adaptor or wireless bridge.
Audio T will supply and install the appropriate Exakt Link cable arrangement for the room.
Organik DACs Inside Each Loudspeaker
In this system, digital-to-analogue conversion takes place within the 360 loudspeakers rather than inside the System Hub.
Linn Organik DAC architecture is used for the individual loudspeaker channels, allowing each frequency band to be converted close to its dedicated amplifier and drive unit.
Organik is Linn's entirely in-house digital conversion design, combining programmable digital processing with a discrete analogue conversion stage, precision clocking, carefully regulated power and a dedicated multi-layer circuit-board layout.
Keeping the signal digital until this late stage reduces the length of the low-level analogue signal path within the system.
Exakt Digital Crossover
Each 360 uses a linear-phase Exakt digital crossover rather than a conventional passive crossover positioned between a power amplifier and the drive units.
Exakt processing separates the signal into tweeter, midrange, upper bass and lower bass channels before digital-to-analogue conversion.
Linn can control the timing, phase and frequency response of each drive unit and compensate for measured variations between individual components.
The finished loudspeakers are therefore configured as complete measured systems rather than relying solely on nominal drive-unit specifications.
360 Array with Adaptive Bias Control
The tweeter, midrange and upper bass units form what Linn calls the 360 Array.
Each section is driven by a dedicated Linn Class A/B amplifier incorporating Adaptive Bias Control.
The technology continuously measures and adjusts the bias current used by the amplifier output devices. It is designed to reduce crossover distortion as temperature, volume and musical demand change.
The amplifier for each drive unit is tailored to the electrical and musical requirements of that particular frequency range.
Power DAC Lower Bass System
The two lower bass drivers in each 360 are powered by Linn's Power DAC technology.
Power DAC combines digital-to-analogue conversion and power amplification into one stage, extending the digital signal path and reducing the number of intermediate conversion and gain stages.
The highly efficient design is intended to provide the power and control required by the long-throw lower bass units while keeping noise and distortion low.
Each lower bass driver is individually measured so compensation filters can be created and applied within the digital processing.
Linn Pistonik Motor System
The current Linn 360 uses Linn-designed low-frequency drive units featuring the Pistonik motor system.
Pistonik is designed to generate a highly linear force as the bass diaphragm moves forwards and backwards, helping the driver retain control across a wide excursion range.
This allows the bass units to reproduce demanding low-frequency information at realistic listening levels while reducing unwanted changes in behaviour as their excursion increases.
Four-Way Drive-Unit Arrangement
Each Linn 360 contains five drive units operating across four frequency bands.
360 Array
- 19 mm thin-ply woven carbon dome tweeter
- 64 mm thin-ply woven carbon dome midrange
- 190 mm aluminium upper bass diaphragm
- Dedicated Adaptive Bias Control amplification
Lower Bass System
- Two 220 mm long-throw aluminium diaphragms
- Linn Pistonik motor technology
- Power DAC conversion and amplification
- Individual drive-unit measurement and correction
Curved Cabinet and Controlled Dispersion
The front of the Linn 360 curves around the sides of the enclosure and narrows towards the upper drive units.
The radii surrounding each drive unit are shaped for its particular operating range, helping sound move away from the cabinet with less obstruction from sharp baffle edges.
The drivers are mounted flush with the front surface and are not covered by a conventional fabric grille.
This approach is designed to produce consistent dispersion across a wide listening area and reduce the extent to which the cabinet itself influences the sound leaving the drive units.
3D-Laminated Cabinet Construction
The curved cabinet is formed from carefully shaped three-dimensional laminates rather than conventional flat cabinet panels.
Its structure is designed to be both extremely rigid and resistant to unwanted resonance while accommodating the substantial lower bass system and internal electronics.
The machined 360 Array trim is made from 5754-grade aluminium and incorporates waveguide elements around the drive units.
Concentric arcs machined into the trim reference the grooves of a record, while the electro-formed Linn emblem protects the tweeter dome.
Space Optimisation+
Space Optimisation+ models the interaction between the loudspeakers and the dimensions, shape and construction of the listening room.
Speaker position, listening position, wall construction, doors, windows and other room information are entered into Linn's configuration system.
The resulting filters are designed to reduce the unwanted influence of low-frequency room modes while retaining the natural character of the loudspeakers.
Space Optimisation+ is not intended to replace careful loudspeaker positioning. Audio T will first establish suitable physical positions before measuring the room and creating the optimisation profile.
Music, Television and Surround Sound
The Klimax DSM System Hub allows the 360 system to reproduce sound from televisions, streaming boxes, disc players and games consoles as well as music sources.
Its HDMI output supports ARC and eARC, allowing a compatible television to send sound back to the Linn system through the HDMI connection.
The platform is also surround compatible and can form the front left and right channels of a larger Linn system. Additional loudspeakers, subwoofers, amplification and professional configuration are required for multichannel use.
Connecting a Turntable
A conventional turntable requires an appropriate external phono stage before it can be connected to one of the System Hub's line-level analogue inputs.
A
Linn Klimax LP12
fitted with the digital Urika II phono stage can connect to a compatible Linn system through Exakt Link.
Audio T can advise on cartridge loading, phono-stage selection and the best connection for an existing turntable.
Finish Collections
Linn 360 is available in several standard and special finish collections, with a choice of black or silver anodised drive-unit trim.
Glasgow Collection
- Clyde Built
- Single Malt
- Linn Heritage
Signature Collection
- Triton
- Created with artist Ran Ortner
- Colour changes subtly with light and viewing angle
Classic Collection
- Piano Black
- Alpine White
- Walnut
Custom Finish
- Custom colour matching available
- Black or silver anodised trim
- Specification agreed before ordering
The Klimax DSM System Hub is available in black-anodised or silver-anodised aluminium.
Finish samples and photographs can vary under different lighting conditions, so we recommend discussing the final cabinet and trim combination with Audio T before ordering.
Exakt Integrated or Passive with Aktiv Bass?
360 Exakt Integrated
- This product page
- Organik DACs built into each loudspeaker
- Exakt digital crossover built in
- All amplification built in
- Connects directly to Klimax DSM System Hub
- No external power amplifiers required
360 Passive with Aktiv Bass
The
Linn 360 Passive with Aktiv Bass
uses an analogue passive crossover for the 360 Array while retaining powered lower bass.
- Requires external amplification
- Three pairs of speaker terminals
- Analogue XLR input for the bass system
- Can later form part of an external Exakt system
Professional Delivery and Installation
Each Linn 360 weighs approximately 66.4 kg and contains precision drive units, amplification, digital conversion and control electronics.
Access routes, flooring, speaker positions, mains sockets and cable paths should all be considered before delivery.
Installation by Audio T
Audio T staff can plan and carry out the complete Klimax System installation, including delivery, unpacking, positioning, levelling and connection of the loudspeakers and System Hub.
We will connect the network and Exakt Link cabling, configure streaming services and physical inputs, update the Linn software and create the Space Optimisation+ profile for your room.
The completed system can then be checked from the main listening position and adjusted to suit the room and your listening preferences.
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration, discuss finish options or plan a home installation.
Key Features
- Complete Linn flagship music system
- Klimax DSM System Hub included
- Stereo pair of 360 Exakt Integrated floorstanding loudspeakers
- Four-way loudspeaker design
- Five drive units in each cabinet
- Exakt linear-phase digital crossover processing
- Organik DAC conversion for each loudspeaker channel
- Dedicated amplification built into each speaker
- Adaptive Bias Control Class A/B amplification
- Power DAC lower bass technology
- Linn-designed Pistonik low-frequency drive-unit motors
- Thin-ply woven carbon tweeter and midrange domes
- Dedicated aluminium upper bass driver
- Two long-throw aluminium lower bass drivers per speaker
- Curved 3D-laminated cabinet construction
- Machined 5754-grade aluminium array trim
- Lossless direct Exakt Link connection
- Space Optimisation+ room configuration
- Network playback at up to 24-bit/384 kHz
- DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 support
- HDMI ARC and eARC television connectivity
- Surround-compatible system platform
- Wide choice of standard, signature and custom finishes
- Professional Audio T installation and configuration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete music system?
Yes. It includes a Klimax DSM System Hub and a stereo pair of 360 Exakt Integrated loudspeakers with built-in DACs, crossovers and amplification.
Do I need separate power amplifiers?
No. All amplification required by the drive units is built into the 360 Exakt Integrated loudspeakers.
Do I need conventional speaker cables?
No. The loudspeakers receive digital audio over Exakt Link and require their own mains connections. Audio T will specify the necessary Exakt Link and power arrangement.
Can Exakt Link be connected through my network switch?
No. Exakt Link uses dedicated direct connections between compatible Linn products and must not pass through a router, network switch or Ethernet isolator.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. A conventional turntable will need a suitable phono stage before one of the analogue line inputs. A Linn LP12 with Urika II can connect through Exakt Link.
Can the system connect to a television?
Yes. Klimax DSM System Hub provides HDMI inputs and an HDMI output with ARC and eARC support.
What is the difference between Exakt Integrated and PWAB?
Exakt Integrated includes all DACs, digital crossovers and amplification within the loudspeakers. The PWAB version powers only the lower bass internally and requires external amplification for the remaining drive units.
Can Audio T deliver and configure the system?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for demonstrations, finish advice, access planning, professional delivery, installation and Space Optimisation+ configuration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Linn Klimax and Exakt system specialists
- Private demonstrations with suitable source material
- Advice comparing Exakt Integrated and PWAB systems
- Help choosing cabinet, trim and System Hub finishes
- Room and access assessment before delivery
- Professional unpacking, positioning and levelling
- Correct mains, network and Exakt Link installation
- Streaming-service and source configuration
- Turntable, television and surround-system integration
- Space Optimisation+ measurement and setup
- Home demonstration and installation arrangements
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Linn software, system and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or begin planning a Linn Klimax System for your home.