Upgrading my Linn set up HELP advice please

Joolz,

My Linn Aktiv system (Keilidh's, 2-LK100's) cost less than $1500 used. I had a Genki for about a year but didn't use it much since I've been vinyl based for close to 40 years. It was a nice analog sounding player. I recently inserted a tube preamp into this modest system and I'll share the secret with you. It's killer. It will destroy systems costing multiples of it's price point. No kidding.

The vast majority of audiophiles don't like Linn gear so that works to your advantage on the used market. Linn dealers by and large are insufferable snobs.

luggnet
what tube preamp did u put into the system if u dont mind me asking
cheers
j

Supratek Syrah. This will be more than you need unless you spin vinyl. Actually, it's not mine but I'm saving my money for one. www.supratek.biz It's Austrailian.

I second the preamp advice. I sort of hate to, because I think the Pretek, Powertek and Intek were three of Linn's best value amplifiers, but your system looks fairly well balanced now. I don't think a Mimik would be any improvement at all over your Arcam. (I really think you should forget the Classik.) I thought the Genki was pretty good, but when I heard the Ikemi I forgot the Genki and started thinking about spending money I didn't have.

IMHO take as big a step up as you can on a preamp, like Lugnut says. If you must stay Linn you might get lucky on a Kairn in the next 6 months, but if Lugnut's right about the preamp being next, there's a good chance he's right about a Syrah too.

_Then_ look for a new CDP.

Be of good cheer, super preamps can be found. I can also recommend a Klyne SK-5A like mine. This would cost a respectable amount under a grand, used, if you could find one. However the real glory of the Klyne is its phono stage and there's not much point if you don't play vinyl.

The Syrah also has a phono stage. One without is about $500 less. One of the better attributes of Supratek is the bottom end. I simply could not believe the depth, detail and slam in the bottom end. It really lets the amps show just how good they are. The stage gets deep and wide beyond anything you would expect. Detail everywhere to die for. It's a great combination.

There are other tube preamps that would be nearly as good for much less money on the used market. The reason I like the Syrah so much is the quality of the phono section. You can use any cartridge and set it up right in no time. Rather maintenance free too.

I'm not telling you what to buy first but saying simply that going Aktiv is the real deal and affordable. The tube preamp just takes it several notches up from there. I could live with this sound for the rest of my life.