This unit presents very well, with minimal signs of use. Please refer to our photographs for a full assessment of cosmetic condition.
The LK280’s internal construction is a point of genuine distinction. The amplifier is built around a true dual mono architecture, each channel occupying its own individual vertically mounted printed circuit board running the full depth of the chassis. Each board carries the complete channel signal path: diode bridge rectifier, twin reservoir capacitors, voltage regulators, output transistors, heatsink, and input circuitry. The only shared component between the two channels is the centrally mounted toroidal mains transformer — and even that features dual secondaries, one per channel. This degree of channel isolation is unusual at any price point and reflects Linn’s approach to minimising interchannel interference at a fundamental level.
Particularly noteworthy is the LK280’s use of fully regulated voltage supplies to the output stages — a design feature that, at the time of the amplifier’s introduction, was encountered in only a handful of domestic power amplifiers worldwide. Regulation of the output stage supply means the amplifier’s performance is less susceptible to mains fluctuations and the demands of dynamic programme material, maintaining more consistent operating conditions under varying load. A custom thick-film hybrid protection circuit monitors regulator current continuously and shuts down the supply if overload conditions are detected; the amplifier simply needs to be switched off and left for a few minutes before being restarted. All boards were subjected to Linn’s rigorous factory testing regime, which included two days of high-power soak testing and thermal cycling between extremes of temperature.
The front panel is deliberately minimal — a power switch and nothing else. Linn’s philosophy has always been that the signal path should be kept as simple and direct as possible, and the LK280’s front panel reflects this. Input connections are via Linn’s 3-pin XLR sockets, one per channel, mounted directly on the circuit boards at each end of the rear panel. This is visible clearly in our photographs. Speaker outputs are via 4mm binding posts accepting banana plugs. A mains outlet socket on the rear panel allows a preamplifier to be powered from the LK280, keeping the installation tidy.
XLR connector adaptors are available from us at additional cost for those wishing to use the LK280 with RCA-terminated source components or preamplifiers — please enquire.
Important Owner’s Notes
The LK280’s input impedance is low at approximately 3.8kΩ. This is an important compatibility consideration: not all preamplifiers are designed to drive low-impedance loads, and prospective buyers should verify that their chosen preamplifier is capable of doing so before purchase. Linn’s own LK1 preamplifier is designed specifically to partner the LK280 in this respect, and the combination works without issue. If in doubt, please contact us prior to purchase and we will do our best to advise.
Technical Specifications (Source: HiFi Engine; corroborated against Stereophile specifications and measurements, issue 1989. Gain figure of 28.5dB is as measured by Stereophile; manufacturer’s stated figure is 26dB.)
- Type: Stereo Power Amplifier (Dual Mono construction)
- Power Output: 80W per channel into 8Ω; 160W per channel into 4Ω
- Voltage Gain: 26dB (manufacturer); 28.5dB (Stereophile measured)
- Input Impedance: 3kΩ (nominal); approx. 3.8kΩ (Stereophile measured)
- Output Impedance: approx. 0.06–0.1Ω (20Hz–20kHz, Stereophile measured)
- Input Connectors: 3-pin XLR (one per channel, Linn proprietary configuration)
- Speaker Outputs: 4mm binding posts (banana plugs)
- Dimensions (W×D×H): 320 × 265 × 75 mm
- Weight: 8.1 kg
- Year of Production: 1988
- Country of Origin: Scotland, UK
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
The Linn LK280 is a well-engineered British power amplifier with a genuinely distinctive internal design — its fully regulated output stage and thorough dual mono construction set it apart from the majority of amplifiers at its original price point. It remains a capable performer and a logical choice for anyone building around Linn electronics. Please note that the unit is supplied without interconnect cables; XLR adaptors are available from us at additional cost. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
