all linn, or mix & match??

I owned a Classik w/ tuner for about three months bfore upgrading(?) to linn separates. The sound of the Classik is very close - it is an excellent piece that holds its own amongst high end separates. It has enough power to satisfy most requirements - even moderate-volume intense listening. The great thing about the Classik is living with it. It is a pleasure to use and it exudes a sense of quality and sophistication. Setting the timer/alarm to wake up or fall asleep to a particular track on a CD - what a pleasure! The tuner is also excellent - with a decent signal it sounds as good as CD. As you noted if you crave more power you can add a second amp to bi-amp, or to use it as a source/pre with outboard amp. I also own Keilidh's and contrary to much of the bad press out there they sound great with electronic music and stuff like Radiohead and Pulp. Poorly recored rock sounds, well, poorly recorded. Jazz, Classical, and other acoustic sounds superb - but not in your face. To answer your innitial question, I wouldn't mix and match Linn components because they work so well and look so good together, why mess that up. (if LINN appeals to you, you must agree that aesthetics count!) As far as mixing LINN speakers with other electronics or vice-versa? Why not. I used a Majik with Castle Durham 900 speakers and it was a superb combination. If I were to go with any other brand it would be, without a doubt, - REGA. In mny opinion REGA is similar in quality to Linn, but at 60% of the price actually represents much better value.

Thanks Neubilder--I am leaning towards the Classik, and you have pushed me even closer. Unless I can find a $2K Int amp/CD that has more power without ruining the sound. Does rega make an Int amp??

whats up!!! hey man ! to start your linn rig on a budget try and find a used linn pretek preamp and powertek pwramp!! you can find this pair cheaply cause its a deleated line---i found these for $300 fro a guy that was closing down a studio--you may find these for $500 somewhere else!!! i'm telling you this combo kicks major ass--all the detail and pace and dynamics of LINN!!!!! AWSOME!! just cause the line has been deleated to make way for a new line-- dont mean squat!!! i would consider this and add new as you go along---every one sais match with linn and i think they are right!! i mean they test their stuff atthe workshop with all their own products and its made to match--i've tried other equiptment(with my rig) and it sounds good but the all linn rig just opens every thing up!!!! kelidihs are happening---i've heard that the tukans matched with a sub(rel) is better--better imaging and dynamics----check it out!!