Linn Isobarik Sara Loudspeakers – Cherry & Stands

Here we have a pair of classic two-way Linn Isobarik Sara loudspeakers, complete with dedicated open frame stands. First introduced in 1978 the Sara was a staple in the Linn product range until 1990, undergoing various modifications and improvements during their twelve year production run. We believe our pair date from 1982 and therefore are showing signs of their age with a few cosmetic flaws. They are however in fully working condition and will be supplied professionally packaged along with grilles, a pair of connection adaptor cables plus our usual three month warranty.
Linn Said….
The Linn Isobarik SARA is a compact two-way loudspeaker incorporating Linn Products patented Isobarik bass loading system. The speaker has a specially-designed baffle assembly manufactured from foam-loaded structural plastic. The cabinet is manufactured from high-density board and finished with quality veneers.
This is essentially a two-way system with crossover point at 3,000 Hz. The 200 mm bass driver is of the Isobarik type, which gives low frequency performance not normally associated with moving coil transducers in a cabinet of such compact dimensions. The tweeter is a 19 mm soft dome unit manufactured specially for Linn Products.
The crossover is made from quality components and is capable of handling sustained high power levels without saturation or heating problems within the performance range of the loudspeaker.
Linn Products Limited make a version without internal crossovers suitable for bi-amplification, the Linn SARA Active loudspeaker. A number of UK electronics companies manufacture amplifier systems for the SARA which conform to ASIO standards.
The Linn SARA presents a fairly difficult load and care should be taken in selecting an amplifier. The amplifier should be capable of delivering its rated output into an impedance of 4 ohms. Any shortcomings in the amplifier will be clearly audible when driving the Linn Isobarik SARAS although this might not be the case with less revealing loudspeaker systems.
The SARAs measure 430 mm high x 340 mm wide x 240 mm deep and the foam grille protrudes approximately 5 mm from the front of the cabinet. Approximately 76 mm clearance is required at the back of the loudspeaker to accommodate the Cannon plug.
Stands are available for the SARAs and are adjustable in height from 350 mm – 510 mm. They are also capable of tilt adjustment. Because of their shallow depth, the SARAs are ideally suited to shelf mounting. Speaker weight 14.5 kilos.
In most rooms, the speakers should be close to the wall and at least 0.5 m – 1 m away from the nearest corner. The tweeters should be close to ear level when the listener-is seated in the room. The speakers may be angled inwards through an angle of less than 20 degrees.
The Linn Isobarik SARA loudspeakers owe much in their design to the experience gained in the design and manufacture of the Isobarik OMS and PMS loudspeakers. Similar techniques are employed for cabinet bracing, damping and several other mechanical aspects. The unique moulded baffle assembly allows for excellent sealing and efficient assembly and service.
It is impossible to evaluate a loudspeaker with any real precision in a demonstration room in which there are more than one pair of loudspeakers, as all loud­ speakers inter-react and will colour the sound unacceptably.
We realise that there are very few demonstration rooms where auditioning in this way is possible and we therefore recommend that, before finalizing your choice, you listen to the speakers in your own home.
The Linn Isobarik SARAs are designed for use in situations where high performance standards are required from a relatively small enclosure. Under certain circumstances, the results obtainable using this speaker are preferable to those obtained with the Isobarik OMS loudspeakers; for example, in apartment buildings where large levels of low frequency output would disturb neighbours, or in rooms with severe problems in the low frequency area.
There is no point in considering the SARA loudspeakers, or any other high-quality loudspeakers, unless the signal and amplification are of comparable quality. The better the loudspeaker is, the more clearly you will hear any shortcomings associated with other components in your system.
Specifications:
Type: 2-way infinite baffle incorporating patented Isobarik bass loading system
Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz +/- 2.5dB
Impedance: 4ohms nominal
Low frequency roll-off: 50Hz
Efficiency: 88dB for 1 watt at 1 metre (1 kHz)
Crossover Point: 2.5kHz
Power Handling: 75 watts
Drive Units: Treble : 1 x 19mm soft dome tweeter; Bass : 1 x 200mm carbon loaded poly-propylene bass unit
Cabinet Loading: Infinite baffle/Isobarik loading
Dimensions: H 425 (H) x 332 (W) x 244 (D) mm
Weight: 14.5 kg
Stand Height: 500 mm