DAC Shootout Starts This Weekend

I think the Linn supports fibre optic like the Lumin X1. If so, have you tried that input? I have heard this unit before in an all-Linn system. Maybe I am wrong about the fibre since I do not see it listed.
Next-generation Klimax DSM | Network Music Players | Linn USA

I think for a non-technical person having the DSP on the hardware (Space Optimization) is a simple choice than what I use, which is Convolution filters running on my ROON Core. Though I have turned this off in my current setups since the rooms have changed.

@yyzsantabarbara I am 99% certain you are correct that it has a fiber ethernet input like the Lumin.  I have not tested that as I don’t have a device to convert my signal to fiber and one I bought failed within two weeks.  If you have a suggestion I am open.

There is definitely something with an all Linn system.  They lent me the 360 Active speakers and the Exakt system is pretty cool tech.  That whole system with the Klimax is obscenely good.  It is $136,500 but is legitimately competitive in terms of quality at that level and has a higher WAF factor than anything I can put together in that price range with other gear.  My wife literally said I could put it in the living room assuming the line justifies what is a VERY chunky spend, even for a dealer. 
 

I also have since built my Selekt LP12 and with their cartridge into a modestly price phono (Uphorik is like $3450) and it is beating much more expensive setups.  The phono is excellent but doesn’t stand out as much with the Ortofon and Dynavector cartridges I have.  I also have the Moonriver 505 ($6k) and the Linn Kendo into Linn Uphorik beats Linn Kendo into Moonriver.  My Dynavector and Ortofon sound better through the Moonriver.  Synergy is magical when it saves money.  
 

More than anything, this is a brand that if you choose to buy it, plan on staying with it for a long time.  This is not a good product for equipment rollers. 

@verdantaudio I have 3 streamers that do fibre and I use 3 network switches ranging in price from $200, $75, $49. They all seem to sound the same to me.

What I do is use the Sonore SPF connections since it makes compatibility easy.

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/accessories

Get 2 of the SFP’s and a cable. Should be about $75 total. The cable can be 100's of feet long.

I use these switches to convert from RJ45 to Fibre. I find the special converters are flakey while the switches have not failed (knock on wood).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8Y4RWYS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PJPX47D?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

I have the older version of this (an excellent switch but I use all the connections in my office setup),

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeSwitch-Managed-Gigabit-ES-8-150W/dp/B01LHU98EK/ref=sr_1_3?crid=21URGMYS0TF7X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t9yPxjezTJNebqIMV0OTyfv0a8E4BYw40hbPL46ySPO8-V9shRgQxDZxQ5s40BKja2bpjY9m_CITWDkm4T4FCJXE-WI-pPg3CgDbr5VmdxjjW3bPNgH5dxtZrQEIpmuzGNajBZtMUt6sQ83ydZQwO8ZHDc1v9klwB-oGLDrPyDQ9CyrCqg9VZMIW9uZdlKSkRG-O--iXTHVdr1B29X-qCUDguk-B7Ri4zKm6Prdq652VK0pejb_kSHsczkIBpJ5kNvQo9yunlHNtoPVYFeEtx2fQQ9qDNnx_YBl62Y_IrBZv1eLoa0H-5kb74A43WTodZUSOl52yCJ67qgzYAUu7PbHtzUxUKYMIvajlUXqnByM.772y_keo9UxvKWWTUtLujeacVpSDFhlJjpHXPGwyWuQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=ubiquiti+switch&qid=1740341851&s=electronics&sprefix=Ubiquiti%2Celectronics%2C204&sr=1-3

@yyzsantabarbara   This is helpful.  I will pick up a device and see how it works when my new Klimax DSM arrives vs. ethernet straight from the wall and from the ethernet direct out from my Oladra.  My customer did not want to wait for a device to be built and since mine was very new...

@verdantaudio 

It is nice to see you posting on this thread again!

I'm a big fan of Accustic Arts. Their CD-Player 1 was my primary source for 20 years (until I got the MPS-8 and MPS-X from you) and I have always been interested in hearing their newer products.  Their components are beautifully built and my CDP-1 has been flawless, so I think they are worth checking out.