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Linn 119
Energetic. Refined. Fun.
119 is a modern and compact bookshelf loudspeaker. It delivers an engaging performance – with energy, refinement, neutrality, and fun.
Passive Pedigree
Linn has a reputation for creating compact loudspeakers with excellent performance characteristics, even when positioned close to a wall. 119 is the latest Linn speaker to accomplish this feat, with a new performance benchmark and fundamentally entertaining presentation.
119 Selekt System
Pair your 119 loudspeakers with a Selekt DSM: Classic Hub, and you are investing in a complete system that can get better with age. Go from passive to Exakt by adding more internal amplification, upgrade your DAC modules, and benefit from free over-the-air software updates – all in one go, or incrementally as you desire.
Passive bookshelf loudspeaker
119 features top-quality drive units which deliver superb linear performance. Drawing from what we learned during development of our 360 loudspeaker, drive units are mounted flush with the front of the cabinet, with no grille, to minimise obstruction of sound waves and improve movement.
Focus has been placed upon component quality throughout the speaker. The passive crossover in 119 is created for signal purity, lending the speakers speed and dynamism.
Inspired by our reference 360 loudspeaker is a magnet-mounted drive unit trim, featuring a series of fine, etched arcs evoking the surface of a vinyl record, and an electro-formed Linn logo tweeter guard.
Optional black or silver, mild-steel pedestal stands are available for mounting 119 speakers.
Exakt
119’s 2-way layout makes it is easier and more affordable than ever to upgrade your system to Linn’s groundbreaking Exakt technology.
Internal crossovers can be bypassed in just a couple of minutes, and the four channels of amplification, DAC modules and Exakt digital crossover required to complete this neat yet extraordinary system can be contained within Selekt DSM. Just add speaker cables!
Dealers selling Linn near you
Surprisingly big and articulate for its size, the Linn 119 combines punchy, controlled deep bass with exceptionally open, highly detailed mid/tops and a wide soundstage. Reviewers praise its energetic yet refined delivery and the upgrade path to Exakt and Space Optimisation for tighter timing and room performance, making the 119 sound far larger than its 9‑litre cabinet. Alan Sircom
Pros
- Exceptional low-frequency extension and authority for a compact 9‑litre cabinet, delivering punch and control beyond its size.
- Open, highly detailed midrange and treble that reveal fine musical detail and emotional presence without harshness.
- Surprisingly large, well-focused soundstage and imaging that make the speakers "disappear" and sound like a much bigger design.
- Flexible upgrade path to Exakt and Space Optimisation delivers tighter timing, improved room performance and a notable sonic step-up.
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Cons
- Premium positioning—excellent performance but priced in the luxury bracket, which may limit value-for-money for some buyers.
- Active/Exakt upgrades tend to lock you into Linn’s Selekt/Exakt ecosystem, reducing flexibility with third‑party electronics.
Sound Quality
91/100
Bass
92/100
Rear-ported 160 mm driver in a 9 L cabinet; reviewer calls the bass 'excellent' and 'exceptionally deep' and repeatedly notes bass extension and authority. Exceptional for its size (6.3" driver), with Space Optimisation/Exakt further tightening room bass issues.
Mid
90/100
Review highlights precise, transparent mids that 'bring out the emotion and juiciness' and fine detail on string quartets, indicating highly accurate timbre and vocal/ensemble presence.
Treble
90/100
Described as extremely detailed, open and transparent with strong detail retrieval and no reviewer-noted harshness or sibilance; treble is refined and revealing.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
Reviewer reports a 'surprisingly big and articulate' soundstage and that the speaker 'effectively disappears', often sounding like a much larger three-way—excellent width, depth and image focus for a stand-mount.
Dynamics
90/100
Called 'energetic yet not over-enthusiastic' with strong snap and focus; Exakt configuration further increases perceived headroom and dynamic control.
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Build Quality
88/100
Solid 7.15 kg enclosure with high-quality finish options (Walnut, Oak, Satin Black/White). No reviewer complaints about cabinet resonance or finish; Linn's engineering and supplied finishes imply strong craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80). Two pairs of binding posts (bi-wire capable) add +2. Exakt compatibility noted (works with Selekt DSM/Exaktbox) but as a passive product, lack of DSP/app is not penalized.
Value for Money
72/100
At price ~3550 the 119 is a premium offering. Review praise for performance (sometimes rivaling larger three-ways) supports strong value relative to high-end peers, but price places it firmly in the luxury bracket rather than 'best value'.
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