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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
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
My Love affair with LInn was back in the day with an LP12/Ittok/Asak turntable and Isobarik DMS loudspeakers. Since they have long gone from my ears, I never give Linn products a thought, even to this day its not a name I look too.
caphill OP
496 posts
 
Why? 
Linn has progressed since then, especially when it comes to digital front end components : Linn DS (digital streamer/DAC). 
caphill OP
496 posts
 
I noticed that there aren’t that many Linn dealers here in North America (US & Canada), unlike in Europe especially in UK. One of my hifi dealer here in Seattle, WA happens to be an exclusive Linn dealer and is the one and only Linn dealer in the entire NW region. The next closest one will be in California (SF bay area).

No wonder Linnies have own discussion forum on Linn’s own website at Linn.co.uk.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I guess we shouldn’t tell caphill that Portland Oregon is a bit closer to Seattle than San Francisco is. Pearl Audio Video
https://pearlaudiovideo.com/collections/linn

I agree with him, Linn is great stuff. I just wish they made a phono stage that did not digitize the analog signal. But that’s the old dog in me wishing for the good old days.
caphill OP
496 posts
 
Hahaha.....I never thought about Pearl Audio in Portland, OR but they don’t carry the whole line like Definitive Audio here in Seattle.
Definitive Audio in Seattle is the biggest Linn dealer in the NW.

Speaking of the latest Linn Urika phonostage that digitizes the signal, they had a demo here at this year Music Matters high end audio show event at Definitive Audio in Seattle comparing it to the previous model Urika phonostage in the same setup using exact same LP12 Klimax version turntable with Ekos SE titanium tonearm, Kandid mc cartridge, Klimax Radikal PSU, Keel machined sub-chassis and arm board, Trampolin aluminum baseboard.
The new latest Urika sounded better than the previous one.

Viridian, you will have to give a listen to the latest generation of Linn Klimax DS/DSM with Katalyst DAC architecture. I had a chance to have a listen to it and comparing it to the previous Klimax DS with non Katalyst DAC architecture at last year’s Music Matters event here. Again, the shootout between the two Klimax DSs were done in the same non Exakt setup and system using the Klimax Solo 500 monoblock amps driving a pair of Linn Klimax 350 passive floorstanders. It was pretty obvious the Klimax DS w/ Katalyst DAC architecture was better it was more expressive. There was more emotions involved with the latest gen the one w/ Katalyst DAC architecture. The presentation of the piano piece was lot more dramatic.


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