Have Linn Classik, upgrade to int amp & cd? Naim?

Hello Eastside, you didn't mention what speakers you'd be using, but the Cairn, Quad, and especially the Naim stuff appeal to me. I'd try to hear them with your speakers. I also love the simplicity of the classik especially w/fm so here are a couple more suggestions. With your budget, have you considered a high quality tube or hybrid amp new/used into the linn? Or what about a Naim nap 150 ahd flatcap2 new/used into the linn [i know it's sacreligious to mix Naim with other brands but it might sound great] , Then when finances allowed upgrade to cd5x/nac 112pre/flatcap[s] for a killer all Naim system. You could hide all but the cd/pre if space is a problem. Whatever you decide, keep the classik. I think it lives up to it's name/Naim/classic/classik/hee/hee/he!

An LK 140 or one of the new Chakra amps would be KILLER with the Classik till you could afford the stunning Linn Unidisk SC.

I started with the Linn Classik and ATC SCM7 speakers. Next upgrade was LK400 biwire and an LK140 power amp. That amp made an incredible difference. I recently purchased a Linn Kairn slimline pre-amp and WOW, it's like I hadn't had a hi-fi system until I put that in! I'm getting a Klout amplifier next week and will experiment with running that alone vs. the Klout with the LK140. I'm currently looking into upgrading CD players to a Naim CD5i (the CD5x is a little out of my price range with my recent upgrades). After that my classic will just be used as a tuner. I'll never regret stepping into this wonderful hobby with the Classik, but as time has gone by I just keep wanting more...the upgrade itch definitely needs scratching. I'm looking forward to finding a Naim dealer in my area and listening to the CD players as it's been years since I've heard one. I'll let you know how it sounds. I agree completely with Realhifi that a good amp is the perfect upgrade and I'm glad I didn't settle for an LK85 or an older LK100. Once my source is where I want it I'll look into where I'd like to go with my speakers. Best wishes.

With a budget of 3500 it's going to be difficult!

Some said the pre-amp section of Classik is the weakest link but then you cannot use it as power amp alone. Maybe spend that $ to buy a pre-power amp combination first.

It's better to upgrade one component at a time to get a better quality component than a whole set.

BTW - what is the speaker and room size? Any room treatment? Sometimes, the room could be the limiting factor not the gear.

Jeff