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Linn Klimax DS. How good is it?

Hi all. My first post. Anyway, building up a system for last months since we moved to a new house.

Started with the digital source that I best liked and frmo there went to a right combo of speakers and pre-amp, that would sound well together. You can see in my system choices I made: Esoteric X01-d2, Classe CP-700 pre, Classe CAM-400 monoblocks, and B&W 802D.

From there went with speaker cables, interconnects, conditioner and power cords. After many alternatives and extensive listening, (plus a couple of what proved to be wrong purchases) went all Synergistic Research.

NOw that what I would call the core of the system is done, I want to add two more sources. First one streaming solution and later on will see if I get into analog or not.

So regarding Streaming I was wondering: anyone heard the Klimax DS from Linn? I've read nice reviews of it, for what they are worth, and some very positive opinions of "all Linn systems" owners. Have not read many from no Linn customers, like me, who added this piece into their systems.

To all of them. What do you think of this device? How would you describe the sound of it? How does the sound quality compare to the Esoteric, if anyone had the chance to listen to both? Do you think it will be a good fit into my system?

Any feedback to the above questions, or general info based on personla listening will be very welcomed.

Thanks in advance
Eli
eelii08
sarcher30
596 posts
 
I have a Akurate DS which is a step down from a Klimax DS. I love it. Its the only Linn piece of gear in my system. The rest of my system is an Aesthetix Callisto Partial Eclipse pre, Innersound DPR-500 reference amp, and Innersound Kaya loudspeakers. Although nothing like your setup it all works well together.

I have also done a short comparison between the new Ayre DB-9 usb dac and the Akurate DS at my dealers. In their system they where using the Ayre KX-R pre, MX-R amps, and Wilson Max 3 loudspeakers. In that setup I easily prefered the Akurate DS. It had more extention at the frequency extremes and also a more open sound. Since I already owned the Akurate at the time I may be a little biased.

Unfortunately or fortunately for my wallet my dealer does not have a Klimax to compare to.

In my experience the Linn sounds great in two systems that are not all Linn.

I don't have any experience with esoteric gear so I can't compare the Linn with that.

If you have a Linn dealer near by you could borrow one of their Akurate disc players to get an idea of the sound with your system. Thats what I did.

Cheers,

Sean
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Thanks for your feedback. That is what I intend to do. But before I try to convince a nearby dealer to lend me one for a weekend or so, I want to get as much educated feedback as possible. If this is good I will get into that stage.

Problem I see with Linn and digital palyback (only from reading and listening to other users, so limited validity) is that they felt behind digital reproduction big time with the CD12, compared to similar priced devices. That was making them loose loyal long time clients. Hence the move to the streaming devices and the decision of discontinuing CDPs. Makes sense to me. Agressive move backed by some good marketing, claiming DSs are just the best digital sources regardless of price out there, period.

Now I would love to hear as many opinions and feedback as possible here.

Best
Eli
riffer
362 posts
 
Killer on the Linn is the user interface. My understanding is that there is a hack available to enable users to use Squeezeserver with the Linn equipment. That being said, if I had a good enough system to take advantage of the Klimax DS, I would put it at the top of my audition list.

Definitely post your impressions once you take a listen.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Riffer, yes that's what I read. Also I think there is a number of programs now that would let you control it form the iphone or ipod touch. By the way, it you own a transporter or other slim devices gear, and an iphone or ipod touch, check out the iPeng program to control it over wifi. It is really cool. Better than the controller, which is very good already, actually, at a fraction of the cost.

Sarcher, how would you define dynamics and bass extension and punch of your DS? Compared to other digital sources you have hear? It think the Linn is probably very detailed and probably warm too, but do you fell the sound has a tendency of being a bit short regarding life-like performance?

THanks
Eli
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Eli, The bass response is very extended and detailed. No mushiness or bloat. As far as being life-like, in my system its as life-like as I have heard. It will depend on how resolving the rest of your system is.
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