Linn Audio

I am shocked with how cheap Linn Majik DS has become, even with the Dynamik power supply. Just picked one up for $500 and it has blown me away with regard to bang for buck. I was concerned with setting up wifi before getting. Purchased Orbi Satellite to extend existing Orbi network and provide Ethernet port. Plugged in and good to go. Linn is still supporting the original DS and integrates perfectly with Kazoo and Kazoo integrates perfectly with Tidal. My fears were unfounded, this could be a current product if I did not know it was from 2009. Great job Linn.

My first ‘serious’ system included the LP12 and LK1/LK2, bought new from my local dealer in the uk. Now I think of them as having shifted their emphasis more towards ‘Lifestyle’ products, designed to look great and serve multi-room functions, rather than sit at the heart of a serious 2-channel system. I realize that isn’t exactly how it is, but it’s a strong perception. 

I remember listening to a Linn Naim system back in the mid 1980’s that was quite impressive. I liked it so much that I eventually put a system together based on some of their gear. However, I got caught up in gear cycling via the original Audiomart (Walt Bender’s invitation by recommendation only - used audio market place publication - RIP Walt 🙏) and ended up owning quite a bit of used hi-end audio equipment over the years.

I finally settled decades later with some older (now vintage) gear that I truly enjoy. Front ends are a Rega Planar 2, Systemdek IIX, Naim CDI, and a Nakamichi ZX7.

Amplification includes: Naim Nait 2, Naim Nac 42/Hicap/Nap 110, while speakers are Linn Kan I and Kef Reference Series Model 101. This gear was very affordable on the used market, and still offers a level of listening enjoyment that rivals if not exceeds that of many far more expensive new audio systems. The bottom line is that audio is about getting as close to the original performance as possible and finding audio equipment that gets you there at an affordable price. 😊

Looking at their website, Linn appears to have a product line that aims to provide a complete system at different price points with flexibility to offer one-box (wifi streamer, DAC, player and integrated amp) simplicity  to more traditional analog source and separate components. They offer active and passive speakers, the actives with multiple separate DACs and network connections. The  Linn product line invites comparison to Bang and Olufsen for their similar philosophy of offering complete integrated systems that emphasize both sound quality and style.

They don't do tubes or class-A. They apparently design and build their own DACs and their amplifiers are digital, similar to B&O and Devialet.

In the USA, there aren't many dealers, so finding a location to hear a system of their equipment might be difficult. They are a UK (Scotland) company and it seems most of their market is in the UK and Europe.