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Linn Audio

Just curious why there’s not a single discussion on Audiogon forum regarding Linn. Linn makes outstanding gears and speakers as well. Especially their DS (digital streamer/DAC) such as the Linn Klimax DS or DSM, Linn Akurate DS or DSM, and Linn Majik DS or DSM. IMO Linn is very innovative and I have always loved their products, especially their digital source components (DS/DSM) and the famous Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with their own accompanying accessories.
Linn makes very musical sounding gears. Even their speakers are pretty awesome too esp when paired with all Linn electronics. Why no luv for Linn?

For my main two-channel setup in my dedicated two-channel room I used to have all Linn Klimax setup and system, from the Klimax DS, LP 12 Klimax version turntable all the way to the Linn Klimax 350 passive floorstanding speakers. But mine was a non-Exakt system. I used to be a Linnie. 

I also like the fact that all Linn gears (electronics) are compact and do not take much space, especially Linn Klimax gears. You will even have less components if you go with Linn Exakt system/setup.
caphill
chayro
1,801 posts
 
That's the polarizing part.  Owners of upgraded LP12s maintain that their tables compete with the best, while many knowledgeable turntable people disagree, usually very strongly.  Better off discussing religion or politics than the LP12.  One amazing fact is that even the oldest LP12 can be upgraded to the most modern version.  I don't think you could say that for anything else on the market.   
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

Linn was quite right in their "source-first" idea. Once lost, information can’t be recovered. But a loudspeaker can lose a lot too. A balanced system, no glaring weak link or bottle neck, is my philosophy. There’s no point in having any one component too much better than the others.

What the Linn Sondek did was remind everyone that a turntable is a mechanical device, not an electronic one. As soon as I discovered it (1974, I believe), I knew I had to get rid of my Thorens TD-125 Mk.2. I came to the conclusion, though, that it’s kind of a glorified AR XA without the cr*ppy arm.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 
You could say something similar of Meridian--how many discussions here?  I think both of them lost their way a while back, at least w.r.t. the US market.
caphill OP
496 posts
 
Linn LP12 imo is considered a high end turntable or at least a very good quality turntable. I was told the Linn LP12 was the first high end turntable when it was first introduced in 1973. I wouldn't know myself cause I was only 2 yrs old in 1973. 

IMO the source is the most important component in the chain. What's lost early in the signal chain cannot be recovered. Speakers are also important too. Everything else in between are also equally important imo. 
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
I bought my new LP12 in 1977 c/w a Rega arm and can't remember the cartridge. it was a chunk of change as I was just starting college. I could not stretch to the Grace/Supex? combo. I still have the LP12 with the Ittok/Asak in the UK as well as the Isobarik DMS speakers. I dread to think how many changes/upgrades I would be behind If I ever chose to ship it over here.
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