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Linn Audio

Just curious why there’s not a single discussion on Audiogon forum regarding Linn. Linn makes outstanding gears and speakers as well. Especially their DS (digital streamer/DAC) such as the Linn Klimax DS or DSM, Linn Akurate DS or DSM, and Linn Majik DS or DSM. IMO Linn is very innovative and I have always loved their products, especially their digital source components (DS/DSM) and the famous Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with their own accompanying accessories.
Linn makes very musical sounding gears. Even their speakers are pretty awesome too esp when paired with all Linn electronics. Why no luv for Linn?

For my main two-channel setup in my dedicated two-channel room I used to have all Linn Klimax setup and system, from the Klimax DS, LP 12 Klimax version turntable all the way to the Linn Klimax 350 passive floorstanding speakers. But mine was a non-Exakt system. I used to be a Linnie. 

I also like the fact that all Linn gears (electronics) are compact and do not take much space, especially Linn Klimax gears. You will even have less components if you go with Linn Exakt system/setup.
caphill
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,979 posts
 

Linn was quite right in their "source-first" idea. Once lost, information can’t be recovered. But a loudspeaker can lose a lot too. A balanced system, no glaring weak link or bottle neck, is my philosophy. There’s no point in having any one component too much better than the others.

What the Linn Sondek did was remind everyone that a turntable is a mechanical device, not an electronic one. As soon as I discovered it (1974, I believe), I knew I had to get rid of my Thorens TD-125 Mk.2. I came to the conclusion, though, that it’s kind of a glorified AR XA without the cr*ppy arm.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
You could say something similar of Meridian--how many discussions here?  I think both of them lost their way a while back, at least w.r.t. the US market.
caphill OP
678 posts
 
Linn LP12 imo is considered a high end turntable or at least a very good quality turntable. I was told the Linn LP12 was the first high end turntable when it was first introduced in 1973. I wouldn't know myself cause I was only 2 yrs old in 1973. 

IMO the source is the most important component in the chain. What's lost early in the signal chain cannot be recovered. Speakers are also important too. Everything else in between are also equally important imo. 
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
I bought my new LP12 in 1977 c/w a Rega arm and can't remember the cartridge. it was a chunk of change as I was just starting college. I could not stretch to the Grace/Supex? combo. I still have the LP12 with the Ittok/Asak in the UK as well as the Isobarik DMS speakers. I dread to think how many changes/upgrades I would be behind If I ever chose to ship it over here.
caphill OP
678 posts
 
You should give a listen to the latest generation of the Linn Klimax DS/DSM with Katalyst DAC architecture. This new model just came out last year. Sounded quite a bit better than the previous generation of Klimax DS/DSM. It isn’t cheap I think it retails for $30k new.
But literally you will have to step up to something like the MSB Reference or Select ll DAC or something like the DCS Vivaldi full stacks or the Esoteric Grandioso stacks to better it.

I used to have the LP12 Klimax version turntable with Ekos SE titanium tonearm, Kandid mc cartridge, Trampolin baseboard, Keel sub chassis, Klimax Radikal PSU & Urika phonostage (previous model). IMO they sounded very good in my all Linn Klimax setup and system. Then when I upgraded to the Audio Research Ref 10 linestage preamp + D’Agostino Momentum M400 monoblock amps (2 pairs) + Wilson Audio Alexx speakers for a little while I was still using the Linn LP12 Klimax version turntable and they sounded great together until late last year when I upgraded to the Kronos Pro turntable with a 12" Black Beauty tonearm, PC-1 Air Tight Supreme mc cartridge, discrete class A linear PSU & Audio Research Ref 10 phonostage. These are indeed better than my previous Linn LP12 Klimax version turntable but are at completely different price points, thus not a fair comparison to begin with.

Recently my setup and system has changed and evolved again since then.
I got rid of the ARC Ref 10 linestage pre, D’Agostino Momentum M400 monoblock amps and the Wilson Audio Alexx about 4 months ago and decided to upgrade to something better and different.
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