Audio T Verdict
The Linn 150 is a compact three-way floorstanding loudspeaker with the scale and bass extension required for larger rooms, while retaining the speed, refinement and relatively unobtrusive proportions of Linn's smaller 119.
Its dedicated bass driver, dual down-firing ports and 40-litre cabinet give music greater weight and authority, while the separate midrange and tweeter help preserve clarity and focus.
It is also a particularly flexible long-term choice. The 150 can begin in a conventional passive system before being converted for Linn Exakt operation using a suitably configured Selekt DSM or Exaktbox.
Linn 150 Passive Floorstanding Speakers
The Linn 150 is a modern three-way passive floorstanding loudspeaker designed to provide an entertaining and dynamic presentation without sacrificing neutrality or refinement.
Its relatively slim cabinet contains a 190 mm bass driver, 160 mm midrange unit and 19.55 mm soft-dome tweeter, each developed to provide excellent linearity and controlled excursion.
The 150 can be driven by a conventional Hi-Fi amplifier from Linn or another suitable manufacturer. Its internal passive crossover can also be bypassed for a future upgrade to Linn Exakt operation.
Three-Way Floorstanding Design
The three-way arrangement allows the low, middle and high frequencies to be handled by separate drive units.
The larger 190 mm driver concentrates on bass reproduction, while the 160 mm unit handles the midrange and the soft-dome tweeter reproduces the highest frequencies.
Dividing the frequency range in this way allows each driver to operate within a more focused part of the musical spectrum. It also gives the 150 greater low-frequency extension and playback scale than the compact two-way Linn 119.
190 mm Dedicated Bass Driver
Low frequencies are produced by a 190 mm driver with a Nextel-coated paper diaphragm.
The driver uses a large ferrite magnet system and is designed to provide high linear excursion. This allows the cone to move through a useful operating range while retaining control during demanding bass passages.
A dedicated bass driver also allows the midrange unit to concentrate on voices, instruments and other information through the centre of the frequency range rather than reproducing the deepest bass at the same time.
160 mm Midrange Driver
The 160 mm midrange unit also uses a Nextel-coated paper diaphragm and a large ferrite magnet motor system.
This driver shares technology with the bass and midrange unit used in the Linn 119 but is employed here within a dedicated midrange role.
The driver is mounted towards the front of the baffle without a conventional fabric grille directly in front of it. This minimises obstruction around the cone and allows it to move freely.
A magnetically attached trim surrounds the midrange and tweeter area, with fine concentric detailing inspired by the surface of a vinyl record.
Soft Sonomex Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by a 19.55 mm soft Sonomex dome tweeter.
The tweeter uses a large ferrite magnet and a ferrofluid-cooled voice coil, helping it reproduce high-frequency information cleanly while integrating with the dedicated midrange unit.
An electro-formed Linn logo sits in front of the dome, providing protection without covering the complete front of the loudspeaker with a conventional grille.
Lower-Order Passive Crossover
The standard Linn 150 contains an analogue passive crossover that divides the amplifier signal between its three drive units.
Linn uses a lower-order crossover design with an emphasis on component quality and signal purity. The intention is to preserve speed, dynamics and musical timing without introducing unnecessary complexity.
The crossover is also designed to be bypassed when the speakers are professionally converted for Exakt operation.
Dual Down-Firing Bass Ports
Two reflex ports vent through the underside of each loudspeaker rather than firing directly from the front or rear of the cabinet.
This arrangement allows bass energy to disperse around the base of the cabinet, helping produce a broad and even low-frequency contribution within the room.
The speakers are supplied with a rigid base that maintains the correct clearance beneath the cabinet so the ports can operate properly.
Keep the Area Beneath the Speakers Clear
The down-firing ports require the correct space between the underside of the cabinet and the supplied base.
Do not block this area with thick rugs, loose cables or other objects. The speakers should also be level and stable, with all spikes or floor protectors making secure contact.
Positioning the Linn 150
Down-firing ports can make the 150 more flexible around the wall behind it than some large rear-ported floorstanding speakers, but positioning still has a significant effect on tonal balance and stereo imaging.
Starting Position
- Place both speakers the same distance from the rear wall
- Keep the cabinets level and stable
- Begin with little or no toe-in
- Keep the speaker spacing symmetrical around the listening position
- Leave the space beneath each cabinet unobstructed
Fine Adjustment
- Move the pair further into the room if the bass is excessive
- Try gentle toe-in to sharpen the central stereo image
- Avoid placing one speaker significantly closer to a side wall
- Move both speakers by the same amount
- Change one aspect of the setup at a time
Linn recommends that the speakers are unpacked, installed and adjusted by an authorised retailer so their positioning, levelling and system configuration can be checked correctly.
Passive Operation
In their standard form, the Linn 150 speakers require a suitable external integrated amplifier or power amplifier.
They have a nominal impedance of 4 O and a sensitivity of 86 dB, so the current delivery and overall quality of the partnering amplifier should be considered alongside its headline power rating.
The
Linn Majik DSM
provides an all-in-one streaming amplifier option for a straightforward passive system.
More powerful separate amplification or a suitably configured
Linn Selekt DSM
may be considered for customers who want greater system flexibility or a future Exakt upgrade route.
Single-Wiring and Tri-Wiring
Each loudspeaker has three pairs of binding posts corresponding to the bass, midrange and high-frequency sections.
With the factory terminal links fitted, the speakers can be connected to one amplifier channel per cabinet using a conventional single-wired speaker cable.
The terminal arrangement also permits separate cable runs to the three crossover sections in a tri-wired system.
Check the Terminal Links
All terminal links must be fitted correctly for conventional single-wired use. Removing or incorrectly positioning them can prevent one or more drive units from operating.
Always switch off the amplifier before changing the speaker cables or terminal-link arrangement.
Upgrade to Linn Exakt
The Linn 150 can be converted from passive operation to an externally amplified Linn Exakt system.
In an Exakt configuration, the passive crossover is bypassed. Linn's digital crossover then separates and time-aligns the signal before an individual amplifier channel drives each bass, midrange and tweeter unit directly.
A stereo pair of three-way 150 loudspeakers requires six channels of amplification.
These channels can be provided by a suitably configured Selekt DSM containing three compatible amplifier and DAC cartridges, or by a Linn Exaktbox partnered with suitable external power amplifiers.
Traditional Linn Aktiv crossover cards designed for earlier Linn power amplifiers cannot be used with the 150.
Professional Exakt Conversion by Audio T
Converting the 150 for Exakt operation requires the internal passive crossover to be bypassed and the connected Linn electronics to be configured for the correct loudspeaker model.
Audio T staff can carry out the conversion, install the required Selekt DSM cartridges or Exaktbox, connect the six amplifier channels and configure the complete system.
Contact your local Audio T store
for Exakt system planning, installation and upgrade advice.
Space Optimisation
When used with a compatible Linn network music player, the 150 can benefit from Linn Space Optimisation.
The software models how the loudspeakers interact with the dimensions, construction and layout of the listening room.
It can then reduce the influence of problematic low-frequency room behaviour through digital processing, helping the system deliver a more balanced result from the available speaker positions.
Audio T can enter the room dimensions, wall construction, speaker positions and listening location before configuring and refining the optimisation profile.
Supplied Base and Optional Upgrade Stand
Every Linn 150 is supplied with a rigid base that provides stability and maintains the necessary clearance beneath the dual down-firing ports.
Linn also offers the optional 150 Upgrade Stand, a one-piece plinth milled from solid aluminium.
The additional mass and rigidity are designed to reduce unwanted vibration and improve accuracy throughout the frequency range.
The upgrade stand is finished in black and supplied with floor spikes. Suitable Linn Skeets or other appropriate protectors should be used on hard flooring.
Standard Base
- Supplied with the Linn 150
- Rigid supporting structure
- Maintains port clearance
- Compatible with the supplied levelling arrangement
150 Upgrade Stand
- Optional accessory sold separately
- One-piece milled aluminium construction
- Greater mass and rigidity
- Black finish
- Spikes included
Choice of Four Finishes
The Linn 150 is available in four cabinet finishes.
Walnut
A natural medium-to-dark wood finish with visible variations in colour and grain.
Oak
A lighter natural wood finish that clearly displays the grain of the cabinet veneer.
Satin Black
A discreet dark finish suited to a wide range of equipment and room styles.
Satin White
A clean contemporary finish that can help the slim cabinet blend into a lighter room.
Walnut and Oak use natural veneer, so shade, grain and pattern will vary between individual pairs.
Linn 119 or Linn 150?
Linn 119
The
Linn 119
is the compact two-way stand-mount model.
- Smaller 9-litre cabinet
- One 160 mm bass and midrange driver
- Rear-ported design
- Optional dedicated stands
- Well suited to smaller and medium-sized rooms
Linn 150
- Three-way floorstanding design
- Dedicated 190 mm bass driver
- Separate 160 mm midrange driver
- Dual down-firing ports
- Greater low-frequency extension and scale
- Well suited to medium and larger rooms
Room size is only part of the decision. Amplification, placement, listening distance and preferred volume should also be considered, making a comparative demonstration particularly valuable.
Key Features
- Three-way passive floorstanding loudspeaker
- Premium Linn drive units
- 190 mm Nextel-coated paper bass driver
- 160 mm Nextel-coated paper midrange driver
- High linear excursion bass and midrange motor systems
- 19.55 mm soft Sonomex dome tweeter
- Ferrofluid-cooled tweeter voice coil
- Electro-formed Linn logo tweeter guard
- Front-mounted drive units without a conventional fabric grille
- Lower-order analogue passive crossover
- Dual down-firing bass-reflex ports
- Three pairs of binding posts
- Single-wiring and tri-wiring support
- Passive crossover can be bypassed for Exakt operation
- Compatible with suitable Selekt DSM and Exaktbox systems
- Space Optimisation with compatible Linn electronics
- Rigid standard base included
- Optional solid aluminium 150 Upgrade Stand
- Available in Walnut, Oak, Satin Black and Satin White
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Linn 150 speakers passive?
Yes. They contain an analogue passive crossover and require a suitable external amplifier in their standard configuration.
Is the base included?
Yes. Each speaker is supplied with a rigid standard base. Linn's heavier solid aluminium 150 Upgrade Stand is an optional accessory.
Can the Linn 150 be placed close to a wall?
The down-firing ports provide useful positioning flexibility, but the final distance from the wall should still be adjusted according to the room and the amount of bass produced.
Can the Linn 150 be tri-wired?
Yes. Each speaker has three pairs of binding posts corresponding to the bass, midrange and treble crossover sections.
Can I use the Linn 150 with a non-Linn amplifier?
Yes. The passive version can be used with suitable amplification from Linn or another manufacturer. The amplifier should be comfortable driving a nominal 4 O load.
What is required for Exakt operation?
A stereo pair requires six amplifier channels and compatible Exakt processing, provided by a suitably configured Selekt DSM or an Exaktbox with external power amplification.
Can the speakers be converted to Exakt later?
Yes. The passive crossover can be bypassed as part of a professional conversion carried out by an authorised Linn specialist.
Can Audio T demonstrate and install the Linn 150?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for a demonstration, amplifier matching, positioning, Space Optimisation and Exakt system advice.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable Linn and non-Linn amplification
- Advice comparing the Linn 119 and Linn 150
- Help selecting the correct cabinet finish
- Amplifier matching for the nominal 4 O load
- Speaker cable and terminal-configuration advice
- Professional positioning and levelling
- Advice on the optional Linn 150 Upgrade Stand
- Authorised conversion from passive to Exakt operation
- Selekt DSM and Exaktbox system configuration
- Space Optimisation setup for your room
- Home demonstrations and installation may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Linn system and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the ideal Linn 150 system for your room.