Scottish audio specialist Linn has unveiled the 343, a new premium speaker designed to deliver reference-level sound without taking up too much space.
It’s the company’s first speaker to be built from the ground up using Pistonik drive unit technology, bringing the engineering found in its flagship 360 speakers into a more compact design.
The 343 uses an 8-inch directional bass driver alongside a 6-inch upper bass driver, both featuring Linn’s Pistonik motor system that first appeared in the top-of-the-line 360 model earlier this year.
The technology is designed to deliver deeper, more controlled bass with lower distortion, while the downward-facing layout uses the floor beneath it to more efficiently distribute low-frequency sound around the room. According to Linn, the two drivers handle about 70% of the speaker’s acoustic load, helping to deliver a fuller sound without the need for a larger enclosure.
Despite the amount of technology packed inside, Linn has kept the design relatively modest. The 343 has a curved body made of fiberglass reinforced molding compound, which allows for thinner walls while maintaining the rigidity needed for a bass system. The rounded edges also help reduce unwanted sound diffraction, which Linn claims improves stereo imaging and creates a wider listening area.
The speaker comes in two versions, with the Exakt Integrated model featuring Linn’s Utopik power supply, Exakt digital crossover, Organik DAC and Adaptive Bias Control amplifier inside the cabinet. The more affordable Passive Active Bass (PWAB) version retains the same Pistonik bass drivers and dedicated bass electronics, but requires external amplification for the upper bass, midrange and treble.
Linn also paid attention to how the internal electronics are protected. A three-point spring mounting system isolates the electronic module from chassis vibration, while a specially designed aluminum heatsink uses natural airflow to keep components cool without fans or extra noise.
Both versions are available to order now, with the 343 Exakt Integrated priced at £65,000 and the PWAB model at £45,000. Customers can choose from six colors including Piano Black, Alpine White, Triton, Single Malt, Clyde Built and Linn Heritage, all paired with black speaker trim.
