Scottish audio specialist Linn has unveiled the 343, a new high-end loudspeaker designed to deliver reference-level sound without taking up too much space.

It’s the company’s first speaker to be built around its Pistonik drive unit technology from the ground up, bringing the engineering found in its flagship 360 speakers into a more compact design.

The 343 uses an 8-inch downfiring bass driver alongside a 6-inch upper bass driver, both of which feature Linn’s Pistonik motor system that first appeared in the flagship 360 earlier this year.

The technology is designed to deliver deeper, more controlled bass with lower distortion, while the downward-facing arrangement uses the floor beneath it to distribute low-frequency sound more efficiently around a room. According to Linn, the two drivers handle around 70% of the speaker’s acoustic workload, helping deliver a fuller sound without the need for a larger cabinet.

Despite the amount of technology packed inside, Linn has kept the design relatively understated. The 343 features a curved cabinet made from a glass-fibre-reinforced moulding compound, allowing for thinner walls while maintaining the stiffness needed for its bass system. The rounded edges also help reduce unwanted sound diffraction, which Linn claims improves stereo imaging and creates a wider listening area.

The speaker comes in two versions, with the Exakt Integrated model housing Linn’s Utopik power supply, Exakt digital crossover, Organik DACs and Adaptive Bias Control amplification within the cabinet. The more affordable Passive with Active Bass (PWAB) version retains the same Pistonik bass drivers and dedicated bass electronics but requires external amplification for the upper bass, midrange and tweeter units.

Linn has also paid attention to how the internal electronics are protected. A three-point spring mounting system isolates the electronics module from cabinet vibrations, while a specially designed aluminium heat sink uses natural airflow to keep components cool without fans or additional noise.

Both versions are available to order now, with the 343 Exakt Integrated priced at £65,000 and the PWAB model at £45,000. Buyers can choose from six finishes, including Piano Black, Alpine White, Triton, Single Malt, Clyde Built and Linn Heritage, all paired with black speaker trims.