"But the klimax gear MUST be pared with highend source of same caliber as the klimaxes or it may have a completly different outcome."
Oh, how true. Without a quality source, a Klimax Kontrol preamp in particular can be your worst enemy. It is simply far too revealing of deficiencies upstream. But with a good source, say even an Ikemi, you have a ticket to audio nirvana. Especially with your Guarneri's.
I don't agree that Linn stuff is bright, but a little thin is a fair description. The gear gives you wonderful detail, refinement, and coherent musical expression, but the sound is definitely not fat. Not gear for the valve crowd.