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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
smandlej
75 posts
 
After visiting many hi-fi shows here in the UK during the seventies and hearing the LP12 demonstrated by Linn personnel,  I was not convinced or persuaded to buy one (and the same applies to Naim gear). The LP12 was standard fair for many of the demo rooms often hidden away and balanced precariously on wash basins in hotel bathrooms !!. The best Linn demo I heard was a complete high end system wired throughout with Nordost Valhalla, when Nordost was "must have" cable. However, I was always impressed by the sound in the Michell rooms and having chatted with John Michell opted for the Gyrodec. This has been upgraded to Orbe status over the intervening years, and with an SME V tonearm complete with Koetsu Black cartridge. If I did upgrade, it would have to be the SME turntable 15 or 20, but sadly a windfall on the lottery will be needed.
Post removed 
caphill OP
680 posts
 
I am also skeptical when it comes to digitizing our phonostage. I don't have any Linn gear anymore. I have moved on and decided to upgrade and got better gears but I still have appreciation for Linn products. 
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
462 posts
 
I know this is an old thread, but I agree with the OP @caphill that the current Linn digital gear is among the best even though it can be hard to take the Linn system approach, similar to Naim.

The only piece of Linn gear I have long experience with is the Akurate DS.  My version is the ADS/1.  It has always been an easy to use, natural sounding, digital streamer and was better sounding to my ears than my older Theta Miles CD player and a squeezebox linked to a Bel Canto DAC3. I divide my listening equally between digital, turntable and FM (Marantz 10b).

A friend of mine recently updated his ADS/1 to an ADS/3.  This involves sending the unit back to Scotland through your Linn dealer and having the entire internal boards and power supply replaced with the latest Katalyst DACs. Cost is a little over $2000 for the ADS.  My friend was immediately impressed by the update and he is usually a skeptic. He never liked his ADSM as he felt the preamp section was missing lacking. With the updated unit, he can hear improved resolution and dynamics in tracks that he is familiar with that was not subtle.  
So I bit the bullet and sent in my ADS/1 unit today. Should receive the unit back in just a couple weeks. Will be fun to hear what 7 years of digital evolution sounds like.

-Karl 
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Like Harbeth speakers, Linn products make music.

Frank
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