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all linn, or mix & match??

I am considering a pair of linn keilidhs. I currently have a receiver based theater system (sony 555es, snell type d mains). I want to upgrade the electronics as a 2 channel system looped into the theater, replacing all speakers with linns (except my sub) I was considering Linn's classik for its value and simplicity, but am wondering if there are any integrated amp/cd player recommendations that have a combined cost of about 2K that should also be considered. I do plan to add an outboard amp to the classik as soon as funds allow, probably an LK140 or thereabouts, to get a more dynamic result. I know that Linn products have always had a synergy about them, and I am cheifly interested in an involving and emotional system. I listen to mostly rock (classic to metal) and upbeat fusion type jazz. Any input is appreciated. Thanks
ehm3
joolz
64 posts
 
the linn pretek and powertek are hard to find--i've been looking for another poweramp for biamping and its been a long search but i aint givin up-- linn also done an intergrated amp in the same line called INTEK!!if you find one of these get it and you can add a powrtek when you find one! i was i london a couple of months ago and i saw an INTEK for 250 pounds/bout $330 u.s--there is an idea of how much you might spend// you might want to get LINN cables as well and they are not exspensive--i'm using nordost blue heavens that are slightly better but MORE exspensive// as for a cd player you might want to look for a used LINN MIMIK for $500 to get ya startd then upgrade as you feel like!! maybe a LINN GENKI
neubilder
129 posts
 
If you would rather listen than obsess over your hi-fi - to what will continue to be a very high standard for at least the next five years (IMO), the Classik is perfect. I am a bit obsessed so I sold the Classik and went to separates. I don't buy into the linn Philosophy of source first - mostly because sources seem to come and go - why spend 2 grand on a source that will be obsolete in a couple of years? Get a rock solid amp/pre and speakers and have fun plugging different stuff into it. If it happens to be a 2K Genki all the better - but I do think manufacureres are milking us for what the formats are worth.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
linn's obsession w/"source first" started ~25 years ago, w/the lp. i tink it's not out of line for vinyl, & the sondek is still a competitive player in the turntable biz. i'm happy w/my oracle, tho - looks *do* matter, if the sonics are still there! :>) i think the preamp is wery important. upgrading to a really nice tubed-unit has pretty much made irrelevant my choice of cd-player in the $3500 & less category - no need to investigate further, cuz even used, a $3.5k cd-player ain't in *my* budget! my $500 nad cd-changer is as good as i need w/my gnu preamp. doug
joolz
64 posts
 
i think we've got off the beaten trak a bit// i think we are all gona do his head in!!! instead of hrs of auditioning and headaches i think its worth it to get some used linn gear--i mean its exellent kit and will do ya keilidh's justice--and used wil be a bargain!!!remember the BUDGET!! dont cut my head off guys but if somthing is obsolete i dont think its a problem-if it sounds good and the company still in buisness NO PROBLEM! hell! i got a friend that has a 1960's garrard turntable in a great plinth and thats the best turntable i've heard beats cd hands down--he's still able to maintain his kit after its production of 35 yrs ago---just tryin to help--over n out
sedond
1,387 posts
 
i tink linn stuff is nice, but i wouldn't tie-down a nice amp-n-pre, or an integrated, w/a built-in cd-player when ya *know*, in a couple years, a few hundred bucks worth of digital-playback equipment will *kill* any ~$1k cd player being made today. this is my only take on the obsolescense thing. doug
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