Linn Tukan, Stand Mounted Speakers

TUKAN LOUDSPEAKER

Similar to the Majik Amplifier, the concept of a universal component with exceptional flexibility was also the spark behind the Linn Tukan loudspeaker. Small enough to suit any environment, the Tukan offers extraordinary performance and can be easily reconfigured for different modes of operation as your requirements change.

Applications
Offering clarity of reproduction that belies its small dimensions, the Tukan is ideal for any application where space is at a premium. It is suitable for use on stands, wall mounts (mounting points for optional wall-brackets are fitted as standard), or bookshelves.

When used as the primary speakers in a high-quality audio system the Tukans may be used much like any conventional loudspeakers; i.e. with single runs of speaker cable connecting them to the amplifier. Removing the external links on the rear of the speaker allows bi-wiring, a relatively inexpensive method of upgrading performance. As further performance improvements are desired a second power amplifier may be added to the system and the Tukan "passively bi- amplified". The final step, full active bi-amplification, replaces the Tukan's internal crossover with an external "active" electronic crossover. (For a full discussion of the benefits of bi-wired and multi-amped operation, our Bi-Wiring & Beyond technical paper is attached.)

The small size of the Tukan also makes it ideal for use in video applications or multi-room installations. Since the sonic characteristics of the Tukan are very similar to that of the rest of the Linn loudspeaker range, two models, for example Tukan and Keilidh, can be comfortably intermixed for home theatre applications in a variety of front and rear channel configurations.

Cabinet Construction
Obtaining the required high levels of performance from a speaker of this size places extreme demands on both cabinet and drive units. As is the case with all Linn speakers, extreme care has been taken to ensure the mechanical integrity of all components.

Ku-stone ceramic panels inside the cabinet provide additional mass and control cabinet resonances. Unlike conventional damping materials, Ku-stone remains stable over time and is not affected by changes in pressure or humidity.

The unusually thick front panel provides a mechanically sound mounting surface for the Linn designed drive units. Flush mounting of the drivers and Linn's unique, vibration-free frameless grille system ensure wide, even dispersion. Considerable attention was also applied to the design of the Tukan's rear bass port to ensure no spurious output.

Drive Units
The ceramic tweeter was originally developed for Linn's top-of-the-range Keltik Aktiv loudspeaker and provides smooth and detailed performance over the upper octaves.

The bass driver was designed specifically for use in the Tukan. It employs a die-cast chassis which provides strength advantages over a typical pressed steel design. The copper voice coil is wound on an aluminium former. This, coupled with a vented pole piece, provides high power handling capabilities. The cone is carbon-loaded polypropylene.

The bass unit's massive magnet was limited in size only by the need for it to fit through the hole in the front of the baffle! A second magnet mounted directly behind the primary unit focuses the magnetic field, increasing the strength of the field around the voice coil. This not only improves performance, it reduces extraneous magnetic emissions and allows the Tukan to be placed near a video monitor without causing colour distortions.

Crossover
Linn-developed, state-of-the-art computer techniques have been employed in the design of the Tukan's passive crossover network. Instead of acting as a simple high pass and low pass filter, the internal mounted Tukan crossover actually allows for the specific electrical and mechanical characteristics of the bass and treble units, in effect using them as part of the crossover network. The result is an unusually accurate frequency and phase response.