The discussions of the Linn remind me of discussions surrounding Leica M series cameras. Particularly "The Leica Look". I have a full Nikon and Fuji stable and took the plunge a number of years ago and bought a Leica M10. Like high end audio, assessing the character of photos is a highly complex endeavor and because of the high cost of the body and lenses gets those that can’t afford them up in arms.
After a year or so of photography with my M10 I was slowly able to zero in on the differences... subtle but really important differences. The lenses are simply superb and designed to be used wide open... very different. But the foundation of the Leica Look is in the body and is very much similar to many really good audio systems. Leica, Instead of emphasizing the ends of the visual light... the light and dark... they perform exceptionally well in the mid-tones to dark tones... bring incredible nuance to the whole spectrum... bring out the emotion (if you know how to use the camera). It is the same kind emotional connection I get with a really good tube audio (/Linn) system ... which is often denied by folks that cannot afford them.
I was surprised to find once I learned to explain the difference how many Leica owners jumped on and agreed that I had successfully put my finger on the magic.