Akubariks vs 360s: aesthetic considerations

[vincent]

Following @wildwildWes generous congratulations on the '360s have arrived' thread, I should make clear that I've not actually bought the 360s - rather photoshopped a virtual pair in place of current Akubariks to give us an idea whether they might fit aesthetically in our living room.

I really like the look of the Akubariks, and initially thought the 360s would be too obtrusive. But they are growing on me, and more importantly, my partner is not horrified (though price has not been mentioned ).

(Not actually seen Akubariks and 360s side-by-side, so have had to guess relative proportions - does this look about right @akamatsu) ?

2.JPG

[vincent]

The current set up.

1.JPG

[dol]

Baba Yoga it seems the OP has added some heft to the 360. Compare the height of speakers compared to the TV and turntable.
Seems plausible to me. Although they might have to "come out" a bit more into the room.

[akamatsu]

It took me a few days to get used to the new bigger look. The height difference isn't really noticeable. It's the girth that stands out. The speakers are big. I do prefer the more compact look of the Akubariks. But overall, I now find the 360s to be more attractive. The Akubariks now look dated with the 3K array and the flat front.

[vincent]

It took me a few days to get used to the new bigger look. The height difference isn't really noticeable. It's the girth that stands out. The speakers are big. I do prefer the more compact look of the Akubariks. But overall, I now find the 360s to be more attractive. The Akubariks now look dated with the 3K array and the flat front.

I also look dated, so we're well matched I know what you mean though.

Not sure whether 360s are available in the same finish (American ash from my recollection) which I would like to keep.

[Moomintroll]

It took me a few days to get used to the new bigger look. The height difference isn't really noticeable. It's the girth that stands out. The speakers are big. I do prefer the more compact look of the Akubariks. But overall, I now find the 360s to be more attractive. The Akubariks now look dated with the 3K array and the flat front.

I also look dated, so we're well matched I know what you mean though.

Not sure whether 360s are available in the same finish (American ash from my recollection) which I would like to keep.

360 is only available in painted finishes, No wood finishes - apparently not possible to form the veneer over the variable curved surfaces without splitting.

Dave

[vincent]

360 is only available in painted finishes, No wood finishes - apparently not possible to form the veneer over the variable curved surfaces without splitting.

Dave

Well that's it then, they shall never darken our doorway ... what a saving

[akamatsu]

It took me a few days to get used to the new bigger look. The height difference isn't really noticeable. It's the girth that stands out. The speakers are big. I do prefer the more compact look of the Akubariks. But overall, I now find the 360s to be more attractive. The Akubariks now look dated with the 3K array and the flat front.

I also look dated, so we're well matched I know what you mean though.

Not sure whether 360s are available in the same finish (American ash from my recollection) which I would like to keep.

I think "dated" only by comparison. I also think that the 360s are so much better than the Akubariks (haven't heard Organik) that color shouldn't be a deal breaker. Can you get a home demo?

[123abc]

I think the Akubarik, in walnut, with a black 3K-Array, is one the best looking speakers Linn has designed...

Does the 360 speaker produce omni-directional bass, as produced by the down-firing ported bass drivers in Akubarik and Majik Isobarik speakers? The Isobarik configuration produces a 3D-like bass sound.

[dol]

The 360 delivers a very capable music reproduction, as they should for the price.
In my experience, they excite the room less than 350, which makes them sound better, even usable with SO off.
Ie in a terrible room at a dealer, that requires a lot of SO for acceptable sound with 350, they sound great with SO off.

When we listened to Indian Sunset from Madman across the water (24 bit) it was like Sr Elton was with us in the room. It was surreal. We played extremely loud, but it never got tiring. Never heard anything quite like it with any prior Linn speaker. I am not in favour of the aesthetics of either Akubarik nor 360. However akamatsus silver is really really sweet.

[vincent]

I think "dated" only by comparison. I also think that the 360s are so much better than the Akubariks (haven't heard Organik) that color shouldn't be a deal breaker. Can you get a home demo?

I don't think home demo is possible at the moment in the UK, and I wouldn't even enquire about this unless I was seriously considering buying, which I'm not at the moment - but we shall see!

Anyone out there had a home dem?

[Moomintroll]

I would think if you show a good dealer that you are serious and not tyre kicking, you’ll get a home dem. I’ve never needed a home dem, but I’m sure my dealer would oblige me, especially fora pair of £90k speakers.

[Skrotis]

I think "dated" only by comparison. I also think that the 360s are so much better than the Akubariks (haven't heard Organik) that color shouldn't be a deal breaker. Can you get a home demo?

I don't think home demo is possible at the moment in the UK, and I wouldn't even enquire about this unless I was seriously considering buying, which I'm not at the moment - but we shall see!

Anyone out there had a home dem?

I am planning a 360 home demo with my Linn dealer, sometime during August.

Will return with report of home demo.

[Coyote Jim]

Shouldn’t need home speaker dems now as all the digital gubbins can fix anything.

[akamatsu]

I think "dated" only by comparison. I also think that the 360s are so much better than the Akubariks (haven't heard Organik) that color shouldn't be a deal breaker. Can you get a home demo?

I don't think home demo is possible at the moment in the UK, and I wouldn't even enquire about this unless I was seriously considering buying, which I'm not at the moment - but we shall see!

Anyone out there had a home dem?

I am planning a 360 home demo with my Linn dealer, sometime during August.

Will return with report of home demo.

What I'm hearing at home blows away what I heard at the store. But isn't that always the case? I'm thinking that my front end is set up better than that at the store.

[wildwildWes]

Following @wildwildWes generous congratulations on the '360s have arrived' thread, I should make clear that I've not actually bought the 360s - rather photoshopped a virtual pair in place of current Akubariks to give us an idea whether they might fit aesthetically in our living room.

I really like the look of the Akubariks, and initially thought the 360s would be too obtrusive. But they are growing on me, and more importantly, my partner is not horrified (though price has not been mentioned ).

(Not actually seen Akubariks and 360s side-by-side, so have had to guess relative proportions - does this look about right @akamatsu) ?

haha you got me!