New Linn gear on the way

[Antonmb]

On Sunday my dealer spent about 6 hours at the house, first fine tuning speaker placement and subwoofer integration, then auditioning a Klimax DS streamer and Klimax Twin amp. We introduced the pieces one at a time, and I spent some time getting acquainted with each change with a set playlist. The Klimax DS was the biggest change, adding a level of detail, tonal accuracy, and body I had not heard before in my room. This morning I pulled the trigger and placed an order for a Klimax DSM (preamp and streamer combo) and the Twin power amp. Equipment should be in house in a couple of weeks.

While I had heard the ARC REF75 and SP20 and they sounded amazing, ultimately detail and accuracy of the Linn gear, the maintenance-free nature, the sleek, modern appearance and the ongoing upgrade support won me over. As we all know of course, personal taste plays such a huge role in these decisions. Still it will be hard to let my ARC amp go.

Does this make me AA's token Linnie, since I never see Linn electronics mentioned?

Better pictures when it arrives.

[Masterlu]

Tony... Congrats on your new aquisition, looking forward to your pics and listening impressions.

[scirica]

My Linn Mimik and Linn AV5140's were my first entry into "high end". Great company. Can't wait to hear more about your experience.

[Glisse]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

...

Does this make me AA's token Linnie, since I never see Linn electronics mentioned?
...

No, I have a Klimax DSM with Klimax Solo 500 mono blocks which I use with SF Guarneri Evolutions. The Klimax DSM has just gone back to Glasgow to be upgraded to Exakt specs. I won't use Exakt, but the DAC board and analogue output section has been improved.

I agree with your comments on the Klimax DS/M : it is extremely transparent and resolving. Works best with Linn amps. I am quite familiar with the Ref75/Ref5SE combo, and the difference in resolution is significant.

I played with SPACE optimisation just before I sent the DSM off - my speakers aren't in the current list, but I chose an alternative that were similar in size / driver location. After some adjustment (SPACE tends to be a bit too aggressive on bass cut), I found it very impressive. Not sure if your dealer was doing anything with SPACE when he set up your system - possibly not as it can be difficult to accommodate a subwoofer.

Linn isn't mentioned too much as it tends to be a polarising brand, and also one that promotes a total system approach. And if you are into the total system, then the Linn forum is the only one you would read. But as a brand agnostic, you might find some of the views proffered by both devotees and Linn engineers to be weird. They need to get out more

I think the Klimax source and amplification products are very good. Their work on digital streaming was pioneering - remarkable that the father built the company on vinyl, and the son has reinvented it with digital.

Don't like the rest of their range quite so much, and don't personally like their speakers although the Exakt system active design with full digital manipulation of each individual driver is very compelling from a technical viewpoint.

Enjoy your new Klimax system

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Glisse

No, I have a Klimax DSM with Klimax Solo 500 mono blocks which I use with SF Guarneri Evolutions. The Klimax DSM has just gone back to Glasgow to be upgraded to Exakt specs. I won't use Exakt, but the DAC board and analogue output section has been improved. I agree with your comments on the Klimax DS/M : it is extremely transparent and resolving. Works best with Linn amps. I am quite familiar with the Ref75/Ref5SE combo, and the difference in resolution is significant. I played with SPACE optimisation just before I sent the DSM off - my speakers aren't in the current list, but I chose an alternative that were similar in size / driver location. After some adjustment (SPACE tends to be a bit too aggressive on bass cut), I found it very impressive. Not sure if your dealer was doing anything with SPACE when he set up your system - possibly not as it can be difficult to accommodate a subwoofer. Linn isn't mentioned too much as it tends to be a polarising brand, and also one that promotes a total system approach. And if you are into the total system, then the Linn forum is the only one you would read. But as a brand agnostic, you might find some of the views proffered by both devotees and Linn engineers to be weird. They need to get out more I think the Klimax source and amplification products are very good. Their work on digital streaming was pioneering - remarkable that the father built the company on vinyl, and the son has reinvented it with digital. Don't like the rest of their range quite so much, and don't personally like their speakers although the Exakt system active design with full digital manipulation of each individual driver is very compelling from a technical viewpoint. Enjoy your new Klimax system

Glisse, thanks very much for the comments. I have Cremona Auditor Ms, also not in the system yet and I'm not familiar enough with any of the speakers listed to know if any are close to mine. What speakers did you select as close to your GEs? I understand several SF models will be added in the next few weeks. Like you, I'm not going Exakt, I don't find their speakers appealing and also struggle with the idea that even the analog feed from my turntable would be digitized to send to the powered speakers.

I read the forum and you're right, there are some pretty firm opinions there, especially on subjects like cable differences.

[Antonmb]

New Linn Klimax DSM and Twin arrive Wednesday - dealer will be delivering and setting up but unfortunately I can't be home, so I'll arrive home in the evening to a new system! Waiting patiently I'm not.

[Glisse]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Glisse, thanks very much for the comments. I have Cremona Auditor Ms, also not in the system yet and I'm not familiar enough with any of the speakers listed to know if any are close to mine. What speakers did you select as close to your GEs? I understand several SF models will be added in the next few weeks. Like you, I'm not going Exakt, I don't find their speakers appealing and also struggle with the idea that even the analog feed from my turntable would be digitized to send to the powered speakers.

I read the forum and you're right, there are some pretty firm opinions there, especially on subjects like cable differences.

From memory (as the Klimax DSM is still away), I used Klimax 320, which are fairly large stand mounts. SPACE works almost entirely in the bass area, although it can shelve down the treble. It also cuts, rather than boosts, so you cannot do any damage.

Cremonas are on the list for future measurement, and should be close enough in geometry and frequency response (I think) to be useful with the Cremona M.

Good luck for Wednesday