So what is all this Exakt-ly? (pardon the pun). First up both of these technologies - the Exakt & Space Optimisation - can and are designed to work in tandem. However, Space Optimisation can be used without Exakt and without even using Linn speakers. Let’s start with the EXAKT side of things before looking at Space Optimisation.

EXAKT?

Exakt technology is integrated into Linn’s Klimax and Akurate systems. Here I’m going to be a little cheeky and quote directly from Linn:

“…Exact eliminates magnitude and phase distortion in the crossover, corrects for drive unit variance and enables Space Optimisation+, meaning whichever system you choose, it’s personalised for you…”

Exakt is an ‘all digital’ chain. Linn claim the Exakt way of doing things eliminates sources of noise and distortion present in analogue systems. Component-wise it will often greatly simplify the box count too. In a current generation fully Linn Aktiv Exact system you simply have a DSM (digital music streamer - the Akurate Exakt DSM for example) and a pair or Exact Aktiv speakers - let’s say a pair of Akubariks. You plug the Akurate Exakt DSM and each speaker into the mains then link it all together using ethernet cables. Done. That was simple wasn’t it.

Here’s Linn’s next quote followed by a few bullet points explaining it:

“…The source is in the speaker…”

Each of Linn’s Exakt enabled speakers house many channels of amplification.

Each speaker gets its digital input from the ‘Exakt Link’ output on the back of the Akurate Exakt DSM.

The speaker then utilises its entirely digital crossover to process the signal (the ‘source’).

This processed signal is then handed off to each of the drive units through separate volume controls, DACs and power amplifiers.

In the most simple of nutshells that starts to explain how this system works. There’s much more to it though - for example how Linn’s Exakt technology compensates for minuscule variations in the manufacturing process of their own drive units. All very interesting stuff if you like that sort of thing but let’s leave it there for now…! On to Space Optimisation.

Space Optimisation

“Hear your music not your room…”

This is Linn’s opening statement when introducing what they have called “Space Optimisation”. If you think about it, any room you walk into has a ‘sound’. That is to say the room itself effects how sounds are heard within that space. So - when placing your new hi-fi into this room how is it going to sound?

The idea behind Space Optimisation is to allow you to ‘tell’ your new Linn hi-fi what this room is like, allowing it to attempt to…”remove the unwanted distorting effects of your room and reveal the true sound of the music - as originally intended by the artist…”

Linn has created a database of ‘Space Optimisation Compatible’ speakers here. That’s to say these are speakers that Linn has ‘profiled’ taking into account individual characteristics of the speakers and - for example - the relationship of the drive units to one-another. By telling your Linn Exakt DSM which speakers you are using you can benefit from Space Optimisation even when not using Linn speakers - which is nice!

Whatever speakers you use, and however you room may be shaped you should be able to use Linn’s expert research and development to further the enjoyment of your listening.

To talk through this in more detail or have some of your questions answered do get in contact or drop into the shop. We are here to help - come have a listen!