The Linn DS / DSM thread

[Neuphonix]

OK, so you should install Songcast on your PC. You can find it for free in the software download section on the Linn site.

It is basically a plug-in that allows you to send music from your PC to the DS. I'd say that this should fix your PC to DS problem, as long as the DS is actually being picked up on the network. Did you say you could see it via Konfig on the PC?

There is also a set-up wizard there which might help. I didn't need to use it so can't say what features it offers, but could be worth exploring.

Once you get your NAS back you will have to have some sort of media server software on it. Twonky is probably the most well known and possibly will already be installed. This allows Kinsky to interface with your music collection.

I recently swapped over to Minimserv (had to install it on the NAS myself) & find it to be quite a bit better. This is also available in the software section on Linn. Again there's stacks of info over on the linn forums, the guy who wrote is Simon is on there all the time answering questions.

Thats interesting about the gain on the line output. You say that having the DS volume control enabled has a detrimental impact on SQ? Can youthink of any way around this issue?

As I said initially I was controlling volume via the amp only. But as Ive started accessing mymusic via the ipad having the ability to control/mute via kinsky is very helpful.

 

[linleyw]

yes, I have songcast installed already, although as to functionality, nossosure...

Konfig and Wizard cannot yet see my devices, so assetupnp and radio are via iPad only for now - whixh i find acceptable - I'm not bothered (atm) about queueing music/source in another room from my PC when I can do that from my tablet/phone

When I first set up the DS on the test files I was v impressed by the quality and FELT there was a SQ compromise using internal volume. I suspect that this (perceived, perhaps real) compromise will become acceptable in time - as you say, it is very convenient to be able to adjust the local/remote volume by tablet/phone.

Overall I'm pleased with the potential I'm seeing...

 

[Neuphonix]

Are you able to try plugging your DS directly into the router or PC with a long RJ45 Cat6 patch lead? Just to see if you can by-pass the network entirely. Would be nice to narrow it down & see if the ethernet over power is causing the problem.

You would think that possible the impact on SQ might have been more to do with your amp driving the speakers too hard?

 

[linleyw]

not the amp - was keeping that down! Linn expressed that line out gain is set at +80, or in other words everything is optimised at vol 80. They were not surprised that at 95+ things started to break up. I still don;t understand, but hey ho, that's the explanation.

after many hours of fiddling and checking (thanks to Jon Nelson of Ripcaster, the Majiks supplier, went above and beyond) we did indeed trace ALL the issues back to Devolo homeplugs. To be fair to Devolo, I'm led to believe that their 200 products are bullet proof and absolutely stable, even when connected through extension blocks. Trying to stay one step ahead I bought the 500AV+ model, which is (I'm told) slightly ahead of the rest of the market (and possibly a few firmware updates yet from perfect).

Anyway, I installed the latest firmware, rebooted each homeplug in distance order from the home hub, making sure each critical device (ie hub, NAS, Majik, PC etc.) is plugged through the homeplug straight into a wallsocket (not extension) and all is now well!

Must say, very happy with the quality and reproduction.

Sold my Naim n-SATS speakers on the bay yesterday - chap who collected them was green with envy when he saw the set up - he had chosen the unitiqute instead

Hope my learning curve (esp. homeplugs) might save someone else a few hours!

 

[CnoEvil]

after many hours of fiddling and checking (thanks to Jon Nelson of Ripcaster), the Majiks supplier, went above and beyond) we did indeed trace ALL the issues back to Devolo homeplugs. To be fair to Devolo, I'm led to believe that their 200 products are bullet proof and absolutely stable, even when connected through extension blocks. Trying to stay one step ahead I bought the 500AV+ model, which is (I'm told) slightly ahead of the rest of the market (and possibly a few firmware updates yet from perfect).

Anyway, I installed the latest firmware, rebooted each homeplug in distance order from the home hub, making sure each critical device (ie hub, NAS, Majik, PC etc.) is plugged through the homeplug straight into a wallsocket (not extension) and all is now well!

Must say, very happy with the quality and reproduction.

Sold my Naim n-SATS speakers on the bay yesterday - chap who collected them was green with envy when he saw the set up - he had chosen the unitiqute instead

Hope my learning curve (esp. homeplugs) might save someone else a few hours!

I'm glad you are on the home straight...........and Ripcaster are great.

 

[Neuphonix]

not the amp - was keeping that down! Linn expressed that line out gain is set at +80, or in other words everything is optimised at vol 80. They were not surprised that at 95+ things started to break up. I still don;t understand, but hey ho, that's the explanation.

after many hours of fiddling and checking (thanks to Jon Nelson of Ripcaster, the Majiks supplier, went above and beyond) we did indeed trace ALL the issues back to Devolo homeplugs. To be fair to Devolo, I'm led to believe that their 200 products are bullet proof and absolutely stable, even when connected through extension blocks. Trying to stay one step ahead I bought the 500AV+ model, which is (I'm told) slightly ahead of the rest of the market (and possibly a few firmware updates yet from perfect).

Anyway, I installed the latest firmware, rebooted each homeplug in distance order from the home hub, making sure each critical device (ie hub, NAS, Majik, PC etc.) is plugged through the homeplug straight into a wallsocket (not extension) and all is now well!

Must say, very happy with the quality and reproduction.

Sold my Naim n-SATS speakers on the bay yesterday - chap who collected them was green with envy when he saw the set up - he had chosen the unitiqute instead

Hope my learning curve (esp. homeplugs) might save someone else a few hours!

Congratulations, welcome to the club.

Cno will outline the secret induction process :cheers:

Enjoy

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno will outline the secret induction process........

......for a fee, of course. :roll:

 

[linleyw]

lol - a fee?

of course, as a Linn owner I should've seen that coming!

 

[linleyw]

quick update...

everything settled down as it should

delighted with the output.....to the degree I've extended my Zappa catalogue now I can REALLY hear what he had in mind... (I'm not QUITE as old as that makes me sound)

...and oredered a second pair of ProAc Response D2s.

beginning to think my arcam (P90/A90 Diva) based system with 5-way ELAC speakers is now redundant. I'll have to hang on to it for vinyl i guess....

Props to Jon Nelson at RipCaster, helped me to this point.

Another v. happy Linn customer (over 10yrs now - my Classik has exceeded its reserve on FleaBay, so it's going )

 

[CnoEvil]

quick update...

everything settled down as it should

delighted with the output.....to the degree I've extended my Zappa catalogue now I can REALLY hear what he had in mind... (I'm not QUITE as old as that makes me sound)

...and oredered a second pair of ProAc Response D2s.

beginning to think my arcam (P90/A90 Diva) based system with 5-way ELAC speakers is now redundant. I'll have to hang on to it for vinyl i guess....

Props to Jon Nelson at RipCaster, helped me to this point.

Another v. happy Linn customer (over 10yrs now - my Classik has exceeded its reserve on FleaBay, so it's going )

It's good to see another happy owner. :dance:

 

[linleyw]

i hope i didn't speak too soon

now here's the thing, difficult to be sure because (DS) there is no way of hooking them direct to speakers.....

Both DSs sound "thin" all of a sudden. The first one (Kitchen/Diner) I noticed wasn't driving the (bookshelf) speakers as hard (at the same volume as prior experience) as I recalled, but I figured must just be subjective.

Then yesterday afternoon I was listening to the other (Study) at about 60 on internal DS volume and 12noon on my power amp volume knob and all of a sudden some "body" dropped out of the music as well as (i guess) 5-10dB of volume. It was instantly noticeable.

Of course it's tempting to blame the amps as they are driving the speakers, but given both amps are identical, good quality and have just been thoroughly serviced, I can't help wonder if it's the DSs sending a weaker signal for some reason.

Anyone experienced similar symptoms or able to offer a theory?

Other niggles - Asset UPnP keeps "losing" 8000 or so tracks and needs to be refreshed every couple of days accordingly and Kinsky/Asset will pause mid-track a couple of times a day (as if buffering - but it's hardwired), sometimes picking up where it left off after 10secs./30secs/1 minute but sometimes not at all. Any ideas?

Oh, apologies for my made up tech. terminology. At least I haven't resorted to abuse of the word "clinical" yet

 

[Joe Cox]

Another one for the family... Linn Sneaky DSM now on sale.

 

[CnoEvil]

Another one for the family... Linn Sneaky DSM now on sale.

Thank you for the link.

The main downside that I can see, is that it doesn't have "Surround Mode"......so can't be incorporated into an AV system through HDMI, like it's costlier siblings. Shame really.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Hi Cno!

I've stated my chase (demos) for a new amp/streamer for my system!

Today I went to my Rega Dealer to hear for the first time the New Elicit R, it had connectet to him a RP6 through a Rega Aria and XTZ speakers.

Asked to connect a RP3 directly to the Elicit R and yes has a more space between instruments, a diferent sound stage than the Brio R but some how I didn't felt that it worth £1500 diference... :? It is scheduled a demo in my home with my Dynaudios X12...

The other day I've demo the Linn Majik DSM with the Majik 109 loudspeakers, but I didn't like the Majik speakers as well, it seams is has a vail in front of them, the same as the Rega's RS3 and 5!

I do like the uper treable in the Dynaudios, they have a sparkle that the Majiks 109 don't have! And tomorow my Linn dealer is going to come over for a demo with my Dyns!

I'll demo the Naim UniQute 2 and Musical Fidelity M6 in my place as well i a few days time as well... Good times coming my way... :dance:

Regardering Linn Majik DSM is there some point that you want to hight light for me? And for that matter for the MF M6 as well?

Sorry to hijack your thread... :shifty:

:cheers:

 

[Neuphonix]

Hi Cno!

I've stated my chase (demos) for a new amp/streamer for my system!

Today I went to my Rega Dealer to hear for the first time the New Elicit R, it had connectet to him a RP6 through a Rega Aria and XTZ speakers.

Asked to connect a RP3 directly to the Elicit R and yes has a more space between instruments, a diferent sound stage than the Brio R but some how I didn't felt that it worth £1500 diference... :? It is scheduled a demo in my home with my Dynaudios X12...

The other day I've demo the Linn Majik DSM with the Majik 109 loudspeakers, but I didn't like the Majik speakers as well, it seams is has a vail in front of them, the same as the Rega's RS3 and 5!

I do like the uper treable in the Dynaudios, they have a sparkle that the Majiks 109 don't have! And tomorow my Linn dealer is going to come over for a demo with my Dyns!

I'll demo the Naim UniQute 2 and Musical Fidelity M6 in my place as well i a few days time as well... Good times coming my way... :dance:

Regardering Linn Majik DSM is there some point that you want to hight light for me? And for that matter for the MF M6 as well?

Sorry to hijack your thread... :shifty:

:cheers:

Hi outlaw,

just out of interest, if you are looking at buying a good integrated amp, why do you need the DSM? Couldn't you just use the DS instead & save some money? Or do you want the additional inputs for a reason?

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Hi Cno!

I've stated my chase (demos) for a new amp/streamer for my system!

Today I went to my Rega Dealer to hear for the first time the New Elicit R, it had connectet to him a RP6 through a Rega Aria and XTZ speakers.

Asked to connect a RP3 directly to the Elicit R and yes has a more space between instruments, a diferent sound stage than the Brio R but some how I didn't felt that it worth £1500 diference... :? It is scheduled a demo in my home with my Dynaudios X12...

The other day I've demo the Linn Majik DSM with the Majik 109 loudspeakers, but I didn't like the Majik speakers as well, it seams is has a vail in front of them, the same as the Rega's RS3 and 5!

I do like the uper treable in the Dynaudios, they have a sparkle that the Majiks 109 don't have! And tomorow my Linn dealer is going to come over for a demo with my Dyns!

I'll demo the Naim UniQute 2 and Musical Fidelity M6 in my place as well i a few days time as well... Good times coming my way... :dance:

Regardering Linn Majik DSM is there some point that you want to hight light for me? And for that matter for the MF M6 as well?

Sorry to hijack your thread... :shifty:

:cheers:

Hi outlaw,

just out of interest, if you are looking at buying a good integrated amp, why do you need the DSM? Couldn't you just use the DS instead & save some money? Or do you want the additional inputs for a reason?

i've been in circle in my head, i do want a phono stage built in and a streamer at the same time! The DSM offers me three things, Amp, phono and streamer. Yes it is expensive!

The other option I do have is to buy just a streamer (Naim UniQute, yes it has a amp built in) but in that case i' ll buy a power amp or a integrated amp that will work as a power when i'm listening to streamed music, and have a amp with a phono stage to connect my TT and pass through for my AV...

Like i've said, i'm in circles in my head... oke:

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Cno!

I've stated my chase (demos) for a new amp/streamer for my system!

Today I went to my Rega Dealer to hear for the first time the New Elicit R, it had connectet to him a RP6 through a Rega Aria and XTZ speakers.

Asked to connect a RP3 directly to the Elicit R and yes has a more space between instruments, a diferent sound stage than the Brio R but some how I didn't felt that it worth £1500 diference... :? It is scheduled a demo in my home with my Dynaudios X12...

The other day I've demo the Linn Majik DSM with the Majik 109 loudspeakers, but I didn't like the Majik speakers as well, it seams is has a vail in front of them, the same as the Rega's RS3 and 5!

I do like the uper treable in the Dynaudios, they have a sparkle that the Majiks 109 don't have! And tomorow my Linn dealer is going to come over for a demo with my Dyns!

I'll demo the Naim UniQute 2 and Musical Fidelity M6 in my place as well i a few days time as well... Good times coming my way... :dance:

Regardering Linn Majik DSM is there some point that you want to hight light for me? And for that matter for the MF M6 as well?

Sorry to hijack your thread... :shifty:

:cheers:

You have not hijacked my thread........it was started to for this reason.

Here are my thoughts:

- The Rega stuff sounds great.....heard a lot of it on Sunday: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/shows/belfast-show

- I agree with you regarding Linn Majik 109s. I have been very impressed with Majik DSM + R Series / LS50.......it is the first time I have enjoyed Linn amps. This is a magic (sorry) combination, which I recommend you try. Here is some insight: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/linn-kef-regaand-a-friend

Can you elaborate on your last sentence a little more ie. the one in bold....as I'm not sure what info you want.

 

[plastic penguin]

The amount of ar**** about with the Naim (still haven't got it back) the possible idea of adapting to a streamer seems little more appealing.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Hi Cno!

I've stated my chase (demos) for a new amp/streamer for my system!

Today I went to my Rega Dealer to hear for the first time the New Elicit R, it had connectet to him a RP6 through a Rega Aria and XTZ speakers.

Asked to connect a RP3 directly to the Elicit R and yes has a more space between instruments, a diferent sound stage than the Brio R but some how I didn't felt that it worth £1500 diference... :? It is scheduled a demo in my home with my Dynaudios X12...

The other day I've demo the Linn Majik DSM with the Majik 109 loudspeakers, but I didn't like the Majik speakers as well, it seams is has a vail in front of them, the same as the Rega's RS3 and 5!

I do like the uper treable in the Dynaudios, they have a sparkle that the Majiks 109 don't have! And tomorow my Linn dealer is going to come over for a demo with my Dyns!

I'll demo the Naim UniQute 2 and Musical Fidelity M6 in my place as well i a few days time as well... Good times coming my way... :dance:

Regardering Linn Majik DSM is there some point that you want to hight light for me? And for that matter for the MF M6 as well?

Sorry to hijack your thread... :shifty:

:cheers:

You have not hijacked my thread........it was started to for this reason.

Here are my thoughts:

- The Rega stuff sounds great.....heard a lot of it on Sunday: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/shows/belfast-show

- I agree with you regarding Linn Majik 109s. I have been very impressed with Majik DSM + R Series / LS50.......it is the first time I have enjoyed Linn amps. This is a magic (sorry) combination, which I recommend you try. Here is some insight: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/linn-kef-regaand-a-friend

Can you elaborate on your last sentence a little more ie. the one in bold....as I'm not sure what info you want.

I've read the second thread at the time.

I do want a step up from my system, I want to put it in a place that the weak link will be the Dynaudios Excite X12... :twisted:

In two years time i want to upgrade to Dynaudios Contour s1.4 or similar at the time! But the one think that I don't want to have is lack of power. And the MF M6 look very nice in that department...

And if I go with the Majik DS or DSM i can always through at the system a power amp... :?

Please lets have a brain storm... I do need some input in this subject...

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

The amount of ar**** about with the Naim (still haven't got it back) the possible idea of adapting to a streamer seems little more appealing.

I know that you send your Naim CD player to the factory, but Sorry didn't get you here... :?

 

[plastic penguin]

The amount of ar**** about with the Naim (still haven't got it back) the possible idea of adapting to a streamer seems little more appealing.

I know that you send your Naim CD player to the factory, but Sorry didn't get you here... :?

It was sent by the dealer....

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

When the time comes to a speaker upgrade I'll be looking also at ATC, ProAC, Sonus Faber and definitely Dynaudio.

I'll be looking as well for standmount speakers, there is something to their presentation that I like so much!

I've thought as well at Linn Sneaky+Rega Elicit R, but the final price tag will be of the Majik DSM alone... :?

Lets see tomorow how things work out between Majik DSM and my X12, i think they will give a special shine to it!

The Dyns have a cristal clear sound that I love SO MUCH and the Majik will beneficiate from it.

Dynaudios Excite X12 made me listenig to music in a diferent way, the more I listen the more I like my music, of couse that Rega amplification plays a role into it as well!

 

[CnoEvil]

Linn Amps are temperamental beasties when it comes to matching.......due to their slightly Class D sounding nature, I like them with speakers that have a richness to them.

I'm greatly looking forward to hear how they go with Dynaudio., which is a pairing I haven't heard.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Linn Amps are temperamental beasties when it comes to matching.......due to their slightly Class D sounding nature, I like them with speakers that have a richness to them.

I'm greatly looking forward to hear how they go with Dynaudio., which is a pairing I haven't heard.

Will do Cno, the one box solution is very appealing to me, i like to keep it simple and tidy, but the Majik DSM is a big investment on my end.

I'll have to sale the solution to the wife as well... :read:

 

[Neuphonix]

I'd have to think that the integrated amp with the extra power would be better for driving the Dyns, particularly if you're thinking about going to the contours eventually. They have a fairly low sensitivity so are going to appreciate the extra power are they not?

Apart from the phono stage, if you're not going to use the additional inputs you'd have to think buying a sneaky and a separate phono stage with one of the integrated amps CNO listed would be the better option.

Not the minimal one box solution, but if you're going to look at a wicked set of speakers like that you want to be able to get the most out of them.