What is Aktiv?
Most loudspeaker systems are ‘passive’ which means that they use devices called passive crossovers housed inside the loudspeaker to receive and pass on audio signals from power amplifiers.

Passive crossovers take the audio signal and divide it into the relevant signals needed by each of the loudspeaker’s drive-units. They ensure that low frequency bass signals are directed to low frequency bass drive-units, high frequency signals are directed to high frequency drive-units, and so on.

The power required by passive crossovers to divide and direct audio signals is derived from the music signal itself so it follows that even the most efficient passive loudspeaker will lose some of the music along the way.

To solve this problem, Linn developed an alternative to the traditional passive crossover which was far more accurate and could deliver more power to each loudspeaker drive-unit. In 1988, Linn’s first ‘Aktiv’ crossover was born.

The term ‘Aktiv’ has been derived by Linn to describe loudspeaker systems in which each drive-unit has its own dedicated crossover. Also, instead of these Aktiv crossovers being housed within the loudspeaker, they are installed inside the power amplifier where they divide the signal before it is amplified.

So with Aktiv crossovers handling lower energy signals, the burden on each crossover to filter frequencies is greatly reduced. This means they can be extremely accurate and highly efficient.

What’s more, with a separate power amplifier channel used for each drive-unit, each amplifier can focus on doing one job to a very high standard. The result is greatly improved audio performance and more accurate reproduction of your music.


How can I upgrade to Aktiv?

Linn offer two solutions for upgrading to Aktiv configuration - Klimax Aktiv crossovers, and Aktiv cards.


Klimax Aktiv Crossovers 


Klimax Aktiv crossovers are available for Komri, Artikulat and Akurate loudspeakers. They are housed in a machined-from-solid aluminium chassis to perfectly complement the Linn Klimax amplifier range.

Klimax Aktiv crossovers use advanced circuit designs and the highest available specification of electrical components to deliver the best possible audio signal to your loudspeakers.


Aktiv Cards 

Linn Aktiv crossover cards are small circuit boards which can be mounted inside Linn Chakra power amplifiers. Each Aktiv crossover card is designed to handle a specific signal type and maximise the performance of your loudspeaker system to help you get even more from your music collection.



For details of which Aktiv solution is best suited to your needs, contact your Linn retailer