First upgrade from Linn Classik?

I just made changes to a similar but lower ended system (the wife's). She had a NAD L40 (similar set-up to Classik) and a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 2's. I used the preamp outs and hooked in a new NAD C270 amp (120 w/ch) and it took everything to a new level of playback. While adding in subs will definately boost the bottom end its my opinion that you'd get more mileage out of a larger amp for the ML's. Leave the Classik as a source and get more power up front!

what about just adding the linn poweramps
they have all sizes--
and maybe just add a linn subwoofer

I'm judging from my experience with my father's Classik. It has just enough power. In a large room and with inefficient speakers, you can easily notice when it starts to run out of breath.

The Classik's CDP is not bad--much better than the NAD L40, which I use myself in a second system.

My advice to my father would be to trade the Classik in on a Genki and buy a new integrated amp with more power. Your situation may be different. My father listens to the radio a lot and for him I would suggest a Magnum Dynalab 208 : a receiver with SimAudio amplification built in.

Linn Products certainly have an upgrade path in mind for Classik owners and it might be worth your while to go to a Linn dealer and find out what that is. However if their idea is a Genki direct-linked to an LK85 amp I wouldn't go for it. Wait till you can afford a preamp too.

Add an LK 140. That's what I did to my Classik and it made a big difference. It added to the resolution and bass response while keeping the Linn PRAT. If you like the Linn sound it's a good way to go.

I've thought about your post some and a few missing data points would make all the difference. What are the dimensions of your listening room? What is your primary musical preference (rock, jazz, folk...)? Do you listen to your music mostly at what most would consider a reasonable level, or do you like to crank it up and rock da house? It's worth mentioning I've never been a Linn fan, but I do own two Classiks and enjoy them. I also own ML Aerius' (not driven by a Classik) but my room and musical tastes may very well be different than yours. The ML's perform well with most music, metal or organ music would require a sub to fill in the lowest notes. ML's also shine when they have plenty of juice, otherwise they tend to sound a bit shallow and lifeless. Without knowing too much about your specifics, if I was to use the Aerius' in a main system in a "typical" room and valued bottom end and slam required by most rock music the Classik probably does come up short. If I wanted to keep the system simple, cost effective, and musical while adding the "balls" you seem to lack in your current set up I'd probably consider using the Linn in a secondary system or selling it, and pick up a Magnum Dynalab 208. If you want to go the way of seperates (CDP, preamp, amps), that's a subject that would take lots of time to cover and end up with plenty of opinions.