How Does Linn 360 Work with Exakt and Organik?
In 360 Exakt Integrated, Linn carries the digital signal into the loudspeaker before crossover, conversion and amplification are completed. Organik handles conversion for the upper array, while the bass system uses Linn's Power DAC architecture. Here is how those pieces fit together.
Linn 360 Exakt Integrated is unusual because the loudspeaker contains much of the technology that would traditionally occupy a rack of separate electronics.
Digital crossover processing, DACs and multiple channels of power amplification are all part of the speaker architecture.
This means understanding 360 requires following the signal rather than simply listing technologies.
How does Linn 360 Exakt work?
In a simplified 360 Exakt Integrated system, the signal travels broadly like this:
- the DSM or System Hub receives the music
- the digital signal travels through Exakt Link
- speaker-specific Exakt processing divides and manages the frequency bands
- conversion takes place inside the speaker
- dedicated amplification drives the appropriate units
- the lower-bass system uses Linn’s Power DAC architecture.
The critical difference from a conventional passive system is that the full-range signal is not first converted, power-amplified and then divided by a passive crossover inside the speaker.
Where does Organik DAC sit?
Linn Japan’s current 360 information states that the 360 Array uses three Organik DACs in the Exakt Integrated version.
Those conversion stages sit downstream of the Exakt processing.
This is why buying a flagship Linn System Hub does not mean analogue conversion necessarily occurs inside the hub.
In an Exakt system, the digital signal can travel further downstream before that happens.
Why keep the signal digital for longer?
Keeping the signal digital allows Linn to perform crossover and timing operations before digital-to-analogue conversion.
That is central to Exakt.
The loudspeaker-specific processing can therefore work independently on the relevant frequency channels rather than relying on a passive network operating on a high-level analogue signal.
For a more general explanation, see Rococo’s Linn technology content around Exakt and Organik.
What happens after the Organik DACs?
The upper array uses dedicated amplification incorporating Linn’s Adaptive Bias Control.
Current published specifications identify:
- 150 W tweeter amplification
- 150 W midrange amplification
- 300 W bridged upper-bass amplification.
The lower-bass section then uses two 500 W Power DAC amplifier channels per loudspeaker.
Why does the bass system use Power DAC instead?
Power DAC takes a different route from the upper-frequency conversion and Class A/B amplification.
Linn designed the bass architecture to combine conversion and high-power drive more directly.
Its official specification describes Power DAC as combining DAC and amplification into one stage for the bass system.
The result is a hybrid internal architecture tailored to the different requirements of the drive units rather than one amplifier design being repeated everywhere.
Where does Adaptive Bias Control fit?
Adaptive Bias Control applies to the amplifier technology used for the 360 Array.
Bias is a fundamental part of how an analogue output stage operates.
Linn’s system monitors and manages that operating condition dynamically rather than relying only on a fixed setting.
It is a separate technology from both Organik and Exakt:
| Technology | Role |
|---|---|
| Exakt | Digital crossover and speaker-specific processing |
| Organik | Digital-to-analogue conversion for the 360 Array |
| Adaptive Bias Control | Amplifier operating control for the upper array |
| Power DAC | Conversion and power delivery for lower bass |
| Space Optimisation+ | Speaker/room optimisation within the Exakt system |
Does the System Hub need an analogue output?
Not for the normal Exakt Integrated architecture.
The System Hub sends Exakt digital information onwards rather than feeding the loudspeakers with conventional analogue line-level outputs.
This is why the flagship Linn 360 system can appear physically minimalist despite the amount of signal processing and amplification involved.
What about Space Optimisation+?
Linn specifies Space Optimisation+ within 360 Exakt Integrated.
The distinction from standard Space Optimisation is relevant because Exakt gives the system control over individual loudspeaker channels.
The room still needs to be measured and the speakers positioned properly first.
A sophisticated digital system does not repeal acoustics.
Is PWAB also Organik and Exakt inside?
Not in the same way.
360 PWAB retains the internally powered lower-bass system, but the upper 360 Array is driven externally through a passive crossover in its normal configuration.
PWAB can then form part of an external Exakt system using products such as Klimax Exaktbox and separate amplification.
This moves the relevant digital processing and conversion outside the loudspeaker rather than integrating all of it internally.
Why offer both architectures?
Because flagship customers do not all want the same system.
One listener may want the cleanest integrated Linn architecture possible.
Another may already own exceptional amplification and specifically want to retain it.
360 Exakt Integrated serves the first buyer.
PWAB gives the second buyer a route into the same fundamental loudspeaker platform.
Which architecture is simpler?
Physically, Exakt Integrated can be much simpler.
A suitable hub plus two loudspeakers contains virtually the entire replay architecture.
PWAB can involve several external components depending on the chosen amplification.
That does not make Integrated universally better.
It means the two products prioritise different kinds of ownership.
How should a 360 Exakt system be installed?
Carefully.
The speakers are around 70 kg each and the system depends on:
- correct physical positioning
- mains power
- networked DSM/System Hub configuration
- Exakt Link connections
- correct speaker identification
- Space Optimisation setup.
This is a natural case for professional Linn installation and setup.
Why 360 demonstrates the point of Exakt
Linn 360 Exakt Integrated is perhaps the clearest illustration of what Linn’s digital system architecture is trying to achieve.
Exakt is not an accessory added to a conventional loudspeaker. It determines where crossover, DAC and amplification functions happen.
Organik is then one element inside that architecture rather than a standalone box.
Rococo Systems can help explain or demonstrate these architectures through our London Showroom and Epping Demonstration Facility.
Explore Linn technology, learn about complete Linn systems or speak to a specialist about the system you want to build.
Written by Rococo Systems
Our team shares expert Linn advice, product guidance and practical insight for getting more from your music system.
