Linn 119 Bookshelf Speakers

The 119 is Linn's current compact bookshelf loudspeaker — a 2-way passive design with a rear-ported cabinet, engineered with clear lineage from the work that produced the 360. It is not a speaker that asks you to compromise on placement or future ambition. It works close to a wall, pairs with any capable amplifier today, and can be upgraded to full Exakt active operation without buying new speakers.

Drive Units and Cabinet

Linn equipped the 119 with a 19.55mm soft Sonomex dome tweeter and a 160mm Nextel-coated paper diaphragm bass driver. Both are mounted flush with the front baffle — no grille — to minimise obstruction of sound waves and improve driver movement. The approach mirrors what Linn developed for the 360: remove every unnecessary obstacle between the drive unit and the listener.

The tweeter is protected by an electro-formed Linn logo guard, and the drive unit trim is magnet-mounted — a detail borrowed directly from the 360 — featuring fine etched arcs evoking the surface of a vinyl record.

Passive Crossover

The passive crossover is a high-quality, lower-order design built for signal purity. Lower-order crossovers introduce less phase shift and fewer components in the signal path — the result is speed and dynamism that higher-order designs routinely sacrifice. The crossover can be bypassed in minutes when the time comes to move to Exakt operation.

Exakt Upgrade Path

The 119's 2-way layout makes it the most accessible entry point into Linn's Exakt technology. Bypassing the internal crossover takes a couple of minutes. The four channels of amplification, DAC modules and Exakt digital crossover required to complete an active system can all be housed within a Selekt DSM — making the upgrade neater and more affordable than it has ever been.

Bass performance benefits from the rear-ported design, and further bass augmentation is available when paired with a Linn Network Music Player. Room correction is also available with a Linn Network Music Player, giving the 119 a degree of acoustic adaptability that few passive speakers at this price can match.

Finishes and Stands

The 119 is available in Walnut, Oak, Satin Black and Satin White veneered finishes. Optional mild-steel pedestal stands are available in black or silver.

Who Is It For?

The 119 suits a listener who wants a compact, serious loudspeaker that will not limit their system's ceiling. It is the right choice if you are building towards Exakt — or if you simply want an honest, well-engineered passive standmount from a manufacturer with a long record of getting compact speaker design right. It is not the speaker for those who need a large-room floorstander or who prioritise scale over precision.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. You can hear the Linn 119 in our Norwich showroom, paired with Linn source and amplification so you can evaluate the passive presentation and understand exactly what the Exakt upgrade path adds. When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave and Chris — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system. Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.

Technical Specifications