A Rediscovery Article
LINN Index Speakers:
More rewarding than their cost could imply
A Rediscovery Article
LINN Index Speakers:
More rewarding than their cost could imply
The Absolute Sound (TAS) was in the thick of things. The publication judged the Linn better. (This situation reminds me of the time when TAS was the single voice against the compact disc. All had practically embraced the technology as state of the art. TAS too emerged victorious with the acceptance by CD manufacturers that records are more musical than CDs.) Thus started the turning of the tide against the direct drive turntable.
Linn extended outside its initial field of recognized expertise with its own line of loudspeakers. This brings us to the present point of listening inquiry, to the Index speakers, the least expensive speakers produced by Linn.
Packaging
Index speakers are infinite baffle and two-way systems, each utilizing a 1" dome tweeter and an 8" woofer, a KEF unit if I am not mistaken. The speakers are intended for stand-mounting, and designed to work best within 2 - 4" from the back wall and at least 18" from any corner.
The speaker's specified frequency is 60Hz-20KHz+/-3dB. Sensitivity is 86SPL, 1w/1m and impedance is 8 Ohms nominal, 6 Ohms minimum. Indexes come in black wood grain finish with black grill cloth. Each speaker is 17x11x18" and weighs 17 lbs. In typical British fashion, the speakers require banana plug connectors. I find this type of connection convenient but certainly not optimal.
The package looks understated but definitely not cheap. Linn eschews even a hint of this denigration through smart use of economy in presentation. The enclosure is finely finished with no rough edges. The black grille extends from the top to about 1.5" from the bottom. The Linn logo is situated at the middle of this ungrilled portion.
Indexes are no longer produced by Linn. During their ten-year tenure, Linn produced a series II version in 1991 with a 6" woofer and biwire connection. The Index speakers retailed from $325 (1985 Audio) to $595 (1994 Stereo Review).
The Index units under review with 8" woofers are of the original version with SN#8695/6.
Listening Experience
Our Index speakers were purchased by the Audio Shopper from a North Dallasite who had decided to put his audio hobby on hold. I have had the unit for about six months. During that time I have had the opportunity to listen to them with the original Index stands using many different setups. Most of the time, however, I used them with the Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp, Conrad-Johnson PV-10A preamp, VTL Stereo 120/50 amp, Quicksilver KT88 mono amps, the JVC XL-Z1050 cd player, Pink Triangle turntable with MMT arm and Promethean cartridge, Promethean Bandpass interconnect, Inouye power conditioner, Kimber 8TC speaker cables. I compared the Indexes with my in-house references, the Sound Dynamics 300Ti and Rogers LS3/5A speakers
Smooth and spellbinding
If the speakers are inexpensive, especially if they happen to be the least expensive in the manufacturer's product line, then they must not be hi-end good, right? I admit this thought crossed my mind, and soon realized my rashness. The Index speakers deserve to be taken seriously, very seriously...far more so than the economy of acquiring them would imply.
Foremostly, the Indexes are involving. In my opinion, this must be the hallmark of a great loudspeaker. Listening goes beyond passive enjoyment...into active discovery, understanding, participation and pleasure. Whoa, this is heavy. In a way it is and in a way it is not. How is that for equivocating? I am humoring you. In simple terms, the speakers must let the music through and touch you. While this is a subjective criterion there seems to be enough consensus on what this innately means that we have been able to independently agree on exceptionally musical components such as the LS3/5A, the Quad ESL-57 & 63, Linn Sondek LP12, Marantz 9, and a select few others.
The Indexes perform without ostentation and brashness. They are self-effacing. When I listen through them, I am drawn not so much on the differences between these speakers and another or on how this passage was presented. On the contrary, I am captivated, and elevated by the musical coherence and unity. They temporarily bewitch and fool the mind.
The Indexes cast a wide and multi-layered soundstage. What they lack in depth, they compensate in upfront presentation, which in turn helps to bring one closer to the music. Always smooth and in control, the music emanating from the Indexes is both refined and supple. The strings are silky not grainy; bass is tight and controlled; cymbals and wind instruments retain their shimmering metallic edge. Listen to the Living Stereo recording of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony (BMG 09026-68168-1). It is sensuous, stunning, and climactic. Imagine how a little box like the Index can convey the intensity, variety, and fascination that makes Scheherazade magical despite its familiarity. Wonder of wonders, the Indexes are up to the challenge. (By the way, this cd release of Scheherazade by Reiner is truly magnificent. It's the best recording I have heard so far.)
Are These the Best Speakers Then?
Certainly not. The SoundLab A-2X's are more true-to-life, revealing, and nimble. The LS3/5A's are unapproachable when it comes to vocal authenticity and placement. And the Sound Dynamics 300Ti's provide the bottom end that is missing from the Indexes, and more so from the LS3/5A's. I've been in audio long enough to know that economics and size present limitations that cannot be overcome. What makes a speaker rise above the rest is the synchronicity between of its design and the real world application.
Conclusion
Sometimes I wonder why some speakers never attain the prominence, accolade and success that they would seem to deserve. Frankly, I do not have a pat answer. The Indexes were not runaway best sellers...not by a very long shot. Rest assured however that given the proper application and upstream amplification, the Indexes will perform like musical instruments worth many times more than their meager cost would justify. They will continue to make sense even when you upgrade to better equipment. They will also play for many years to come. There won't be a lot of them around so go get them when you can. The Indexes are for keeping.
by Rome Castellanes
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