Linn DS range, what are the limitations?

[SteveR750]

One for Cno perhaps, but I am still not 100% clear what the Linn DMS range actualy does, and more importantly doesn't do.

I'm assuming that the Majik for example would effectively replace the J River software part pof my PC as a source, though might use the PC as a the data source (how dos it connect?). It would also replace the Dacmagic and Caspian, but how good are the pre / power amp stages? I guess then it's a bit like a NAD C390DD with a built in streamer?

Is there a downside to having all of this stuffed into one box (as has been the case tradtionally with analogue equipment) apart from the difficulty of upgrading each section separately. And how does it work if you don't own a PC with which to rip tracks in the first instance?

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Steve, I'll do my best.

There are two options:

1. The DS
This is purely a source and doesn't have the flexibility of digital inputs. It's generally better to hard wire it, though wireless is possible.
The upside is, it leaves you free to choose your amp.

2. The DSM
This is a flexible wee beastie and is better described by Linn themselves:
http://www.linn.co.uk/systems#connect-your-living-room
I also hope some of the owners will be along to help. My (personal) problem with it is, I don't really like the sound of Linn amps (can be turned off) which makes it a little expensive (for me). It's a great solution if you like the sound of it.
There is a very small sound penalty for having the amp and DS in the same box.

I think the best way to run it, is connected to a NAS (like the Qnap). If you don't own a PC, then you need a ripping NAS.

Once set up, they can be operated with iThingys, PDAs, Laptops etc and there is continuous upgrading through the firmware (currently a version of Davaar).

You either see not having everything in a "do it all" box that rips, store and plays as an advantage or a disadvantage.....personally, I only want Linn doing what it does best.

 

[SteveR750]

So the DS is a streamer and DAC in a box? i.e an analogue output suitable for a preamp in?

 

[gregvet]

Yes thats right, although it cannot accept a digital signal from any other source, so although it has a Dac, it is not as flexible as a standalone Dac (or the DSM for eg).

IMO it is the logical entry point and the best value for money option. The Majik DS is better than any CD player I have heard in the same price category and then some. It is best thought of as a replacement for a CD player as the functionality is the same, it just takes the info from a hard drive instead of the CD itself.

Essentially music is sent to the DS device over the network (preferably ethernet although wireless works too) from any other device, be it PC, smartphone, tablet, or hard drive/NAS. The suggested way to use it is to have a storage device on the network on at all times, as that stops the need for a PC to be in the system, but ether is fine.

 

[gregvet]

Just realised it is the DSM you are really asking about.

The main differences are the inclusion of an amp, which can be bypassed if required to allow use of an external amp, and the inclusion of digital inputs including HDMI. This means that for some people it could replace an AV amp as long as they dont mind a stereo system rather than 5 channels (it will only take two channels of music info from the HDMI inputs). Its certainly more flexible, but I believe there is a slight sound quality penalty to pay for the extra flexibility. You pays your money and makes your choice, as they say.

 

[CnoEvil]

So the DS is a streamer and DAC in a box? i.e an analogue output suitable for a preamp in?

Greg has given a good overview, so I will just give a couple more links that may help:

The Majik DS can act as a digital volume for a power amp, and has a digital out (which is a little pointless in my view, as this makes it an expensive Transport only):
http://small.linncdn.com/product-catalogue/documents/Linn_Majik_DS_Product_Information.pdf

Here is more info on the DSM: http://www.linn.co.uk/all-products/network-music-players/majik-dsm
and: http://www.linn.co.uk/systems/see-the-range/majik

You can check out Linn Docs (under Technology), to find out how they go about upsampling etc here: http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Products

Sorry if this is a little OTT, but I'm not technical enough to do it justice.....all I know is that it all means nothing if you don't like the way it sounds, so you know what to do! :shifty:

 

[SteveR750]

The challenge is to figure out how to slice up the source so to speak. Currently, I could replace my PC and DAC with something lke the Linn DS, a DMS might replace the PC, DAC and the Caspian.

I could of course replace the Caspian and the DAC with an integated DAC amp (eg NAD C390DD), and retain the PC. The last option is to keep it as it is: as separates.

I'm not that fussed on Linn amps, so a DMS would be poor VFM for me, but I'd be interested to see how the akurate or majik would compare to the NAD.

 

[CnoEvil]

I'm not that fussed on Linn amps, so a DMS would be poor VFM for me, but I'd be interested to see how the akurate or majik would compare to the NAD.

Which Linn amps have you heard?

Don't let me put you off, as there are very few AB amps I like (and even fewer Class D).....and I haven't heard Linn + Proac, which might go rather well together.

If you do compare Nad vs Linn, I'd like to know what you think.

Cno

 

[SteveR750]

I'm not that fussed on Linn amps, so a DMS would be poor VFM for me, but I'd be interested to see how the akurate or majik would compare to the NAD.

Which Linn amps have you heard?

Don't let me put you off, as there are very few AB amps I like (and even fewer Class D).....and I haven't heard Linn + Proac, which might go rather well together.

If you do compare Nad vs Linn, I'd like to know what you think.

Cno

Going back a while now, Intek maybe? was back in the early 90s and was expecting to be blown away as the Linn/Naim/Linn Isobarik system was still relatively fresh in my sonic memory. From then on since I think I won't like it, I know I won't. Illogical I know, but since when did our ears abide by logic alone.

 

[CnoEvil]

Going back a while now, Intek maybe? was back in the early 90s and was expecting to be blown away as the Linn/Naim/Linn Isobarik system was still relatively fresh in my sonic memory. From then on since I think I won't like it, I know I won't. Illogical I know, but since when did our ears abide by logic alone.

IMO Linn have changed their sound.......I have a Kairn/LK100 from the early 90s which I like, so for me it's changed for the worse. It may be worth checking out it's current sound for yourself.

 

[Pedro2]

Hi SteveR750,

As a recent convert to Linn DS, I can vouch for the superb sound quality that the Majik DSM offers. I bought one in August although my intention was to upgrade an integrated amp to support my squeebox touch source. The shop demo included Naim comparisons but to my ears (as well as my to those of my better half), there was no competition. The Linn systems just sounded so much more involving and musical.

Cno and others have given clear explanations of what the DSM can offer. Like Cno, I am a little underwhelmed by the Linn amps, however; the power amp in particular. I have retained my Roksan Liii power amp which is fed by the pre out terminals of the Majik DSM. I have also switched the internal Majik power amp section off.

I am, however curious as to how a bi-amped Majik would sound like but my current speakers do not have the extra terminals.

Pedro

 

[SteveR750]

hi Pedro, what Naim kit did you compare it too?

The connection of the Linn was basically then the same as a CDP into an amp, using analogue phono connections into the preamp in?

 

[Pedro2]

Hi SteveR750,

I compared the Linn to the NaimUniti which retails for a similar price to the Majik, I believe. It was a very good sound too but I preferred the more 'fluid' musicality of the Linn. Others may prefer the Naim.

I have standard RCA leads from the 'pre out' of the Majik into my Roksan power amp. I found the Majik's own pre+power to be lacking in 'grunt' (for want of a better word).

Pedro