Upgrading my Linn set up HELP advice please

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.

lugnut
thanx for the feedback man! i appreciate it alot.
so a preamp may be the clearest audio upgrade next in line...hummmm???
so if i was to go active i will have to buy other pwramps like the lk85 or lk100 ect...
i cant make the powerteks active right?
thanx

tobias.....as the ikemi was that much better than the genki (and at a bigger cost also)....do u think something like a used naim cd player at the used genki cost would be better.
j

Joolz,
I'm not an expert in all things Linn but I know you can get a tunebox which the Aktiv cards go in and use any amplifiers you want. Might be hard to find one for the Tukans used. You may want to contact Linn helpline and ask if there are cards for your amps.