The Linn DS / DSM thread

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

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.

I get you there, but speaker upgrade will be only in two years time, and thats a fact!

And when the time comes i'll be looking as well for a power amp.

My AV is a old ( 2004) Yamaha RX V750 with no HDMI, at the moment I've a 2.1 configuration, i really don't care to much for suround at the present, the DTS and Dolby will be decoded in BRP.

So with the Majik DSM i'll be killing 4 birds with one stone, phono, streamer, amp and AV.

 

[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.

I get you there, but speaker upgrade will be only in two years time, and thats a fact!

And when the time comes i'll be looking as well for a power amp.

My AV is a old ( 2004) Yamaha RX V750 with no HDMI, at the moment I've a 2.1 configuration, i really don't care to much for suround at the present, the DTS and Dolby will be decoded in BRP.

So with the Majik DSM i'll be killing 4 birds with one stone, phono, streamer, amp and AV.

Well definitely the DSM is appealing if you're actually going to make use of the HDMI inputs for sure, sorry I didn't pick up on that aspect.

Sounds like it could be a pretty good solution for you then, absolutley.

 

[CnoEvil]

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...

The Majik DSM is a hugely versatile bit of kit, is reasonably powerful and sounds wonderful with the right speakers (R500 / R700).

The M6i, the Electro ECI 3 and 5, and the Elicit R would be my picks for a good amp.

Speakers I'd look at would be SF, Spendor, Harbeth, Vienna Acoustics, Taga Harmony Platinum SE and Proac

ATM. My favorite combination has been DSM + R700.

Linn Sneaky + Elicet R + LS50 would also be very interesting.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

After a LOOOONG demo at my home of the Linn Majik DSM here are some of my findings, sorry for the lack of vocabulary, as English is not my language of birth.

Linn Majik DSM it is not easy to set up, even with my Synology NAS, Majik DSM requires a personal PC to do all the tunnings and did not played some of my Hi-Res content...

He IOS App did work like a charm, as my DS Audio app, so no big news here...

Regardering SQ and pairing with my Dynaudios Excite X12:

- My suspicions were rigth on!

Linn Majik DSM did beneficiate from the sparkle of the X12, and they did apreciate the extra power, expecialy in the low frequences, showing a more controled bass and not so extended in some tracks. Upper treble were sooth and enjoyable. I was really happy to ear the dyns playing with such poise and refinement.

The sound stage is more present, intruments are placed differently that Rega Brio/DAC combo and played with more accuracy. Ok Rega Brio R and DAC costs 1200€ give or take, so no miracles are expected!

- Vinyl:

Phono stage is very good, Linn background was showed here! Compared with the built in phono stage in the Brio R the Majik's phono input revealed more detail, control and accurancy.

- HDMI pass through

it was tested with cable HD TV and BRP in 2.1 configuration.

 

[matt49]

Hi Outlaw,

It sounds like you had a good day. I'm not surprised the Linn/Dynaudio combo worked well. From memory, the Majik DSM is fairly analytical in presentation, but can also give a big soundstage. Again from memory, the Dynaudios would have some good airiness at the top and a nice rich bottom end.

Are you able to demo Cyrus? I heard a Cyrus/Dynaudio combo a few months ago and thought it rather fine.

:cheers:

Matt

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Hi Outlaw,

It sounds like you had a good day. I'm not surprised the Linn/Dynaudio combo worked well. From memory, the Majik DSM is fairly analytical in presentation, but can also give a big soundstage. Again from memory, the Dynaudios would have some good airiness at the top and a nice rich bottom end.

Are you able to demo Cyrus? I heard a Cyrus/Dynaudio combo a few months ago and thought it rather fine.

:cheers:

Matt

Hi Matt

Linn Majik DSM presentation is very similar to Rega, music first, and I did felt Linn Majik DSM like an extention of my Rega System but with more control, thats why I want so much to ear Rega Elicit R.

Cyrus is dificult to demo in Portugal, and to be honest don't like the look of Cyrus gear... :shifty:

Bottom line in Linn Majik deparment I was expeting a bit more...

I now that my Rega/Dynaudio combo is not the last botle of water in the desert, but offers me every day pure pleasure when I listen to music!

Lets move down the list, still to come Naim UnitiQute 2, Musical Fidelity M6i and Rega Elicit R.

I now what i'm after, and I'll now when I ear it... 8)

:cheers:

 

[CnoEvil]

From memory, the Majik DSM is fairly analytical in presentation, but can also give a big soundstage. Again from memory, the Dynaudios would have some good airiness at the top and a nice rich bottom end.

I had previously found the same as you with Linn amps in general (and said so many times on here), but have recently had to eat my words having heard them paired with most of the R Series and Blades.

Just goes to show that nothing should be ruled out, as the right synergy is often out there waiting to be discovered.

 

[matt49]

From memory, the Majik DSM is fairly analytical in presentation, but can also give a big soundstage. Again from memory, the Dynaudios would have some good airiness at the top and a nice rich bottom end.

I had previously found the same as you with Linn amps in general (and said so many times on here), but have recently had to eat my words having heard them paired with most of the R Series and Blades.

Just goes to show that nothing should be ruled out, as the right synergy is often out there waiting to be discovered.

Yes, and I noticed you were even positive about a system including a Cyrus amp in a recent post. :O

It'll be Naim next, followed by Class D amplification and Focal speakers. :jawdrop:

Frankly this is doing my head in. Please can we have the old Cno back! ray:

 

[CnoEvil]

Yes, and I noticed you were even positive about a system including a Cyrus amp in a recent post. :O

It'll be Naim next, followed by Class D amplification and Focal speakers. :jawdrop:

Frankly this is doing my head in. Please can we have the old Cno back! ray:

It's always good to challenge one's own prejudices.....and somewhat cathartic.

 

[Neuphonix]

Yes, and I noticed you were even positive about a system including a Cyrus amp in a recent post. :O

It'll be Naim next, followed by Class D amplification and Focal speakers. :jawdrop:

Frankly this is doing my head in. Please can we have the old Cno back! ray:

It's always good to challenge one's own prejudices.....and somewhat cathartic.

Even better when you can break down these habbits with some one else's money!!! :rofl:

 

[CnoEvil]

Even better when you can break down these habbits with some one else's money!!! :rofl:

You're on form tonight.

 

[Neuphonix]

Even better when you can break down these habbits with some one else's money!!! :rofl:

You're on form tonight.

Sorry mate, you know I have nothing but the utmost respect for you opinions and the balanced advice you give

I'm just floating along on a happy cloud of new hifi goodness at the moment & the odd bit of cheek just pops out

Been checking out the pics of your system on the other section, very nice. I didn't realise that you had the big centre speaker. I might have to get off my a** and post some pics myself.

Have you heard the new OTT single yet: http://www.theuntz.com/ott-baby-robot-ep-exclusive-premiere

Not bad

 

[CnoEvil]

Even better when you can break down these habbits with some one else's money!!! :rofl:

You're on form tonight.

Sorry mate, you know I have nothing but the utmost respect for you opinions and the balanced advice you give

I'm just floating along on a happy cloud of new hifi goodness at the moment & the odd bit of cheek just pops out

Been checking out the pics of your system on the other section, very nice. I didn't realise that you had the big centre speaker. I might have to get off my a** and post some pics myself.

Have you heard the new OTT single yet: http://www.theuntz.com/ott-baby-robot-ep-exclusive-premiere

Not bad

I'm not in the least put out..........If you give it, you have to take it.......and I do my fair share of taking the Mick.

I'm delighted that you are enjoying your system so much......it really is a good mix.

Now you have the same (only better) system to me, try "Take Five" from the "Time Out" album, with a bit of volume......fantastic,,,,tell me if you agree.

I had the small 202/2c first, but got a great price to change.

Haven't heard the OTT single.....but I enjoy the albums that I have.

 

[marou]

A merry Christmas to all you lucky Linnsters. On a rival forum a poster confidently stated that the Majik, Akurate and Klimax streamers are identical the only difference being the DACs. If this is the case would a better (external) DAC bring greater improvement to my Majik DSM than a new power amp?

 

[CnoEvil]

A merry Christmas to all you lucky Linnsters. On a rival forum a poster confidently stated that the Majik, Akurate and Klimax streamers are identical the only difference being the DACs. If this is the case would a better (external) DAC bring greater improvement to my Majik DSM than a new power amp?

I have messed about with DACs on my DS, including a DCS Debussy and an Audio Note 2.1x Signature, and in every case, I preferred the MDS.

My hunch would be that a power amp (not necessarily Linn), would be the way to go. If you want to improve the source, I think I'd go further up the Linn DS food chain.

 

[marou]

If you're right (and you probably are) which 100 watt + amp would you recommend?

 

[CnoEvil]

If you're right (and you probably are) which 100 watt + amp would you recommend?

What is your budget?

Would you consider Class A / Valves with your Harbeths?

 

[marou]

If you're right (and you probably are) which 100 watt + amp would you recommend?

What is your budget?

Would you consider Class A / Valves with your Harbeths?

Since my hifi is enclosed in a cupboard something cool running is preferable i.e. class D

 

[CnoEvil]

If you're right (and you probably are) which 100 watt + amp would you recommend?

What is your budget?

Would you consider Class A / Valves with your Harbeths?

Since my hifi is enclosed in a cupboard something cool running is preferable i.e. class D

OK, in that case I'd look at Linn or Bel Canto.

 

[peteAllen]

Just about to join the Linn DS club! I will be getting a KDS Renew tomorrow. Also getting a Lenovo Yoga 10 as a controller to run BubbleDS. Can't wait!

 

[CnoEvil]

Just about to join the Linn DS club! I will be getting a KDS Renew tomorrow. Also getting a Lenovo Yoga 10 as a controller to run BubbleDS. Can't wait!

Great stuff......let us know how it goes.

What is the rest of your system?

 

[peteAllen]

Currently my system is (pre-Linn DS):

PS Audio PWT transport / Oppo 93 blu-ray player => Weiss Dac 202 => MBL C51 integrated amp => ProAc Carbon Pro 8 speakers

I'm trying to figure out how I can capture the audio from the Oppo and stream that to the Linn. I have a Focusrite Saffire pro audio interface, that might do the job via spdif. How do you do it?

 

[CnoEvil]

Currently my system is (pre-Linn DS):

PS Audio PWT transport / Oppo 93 blu-ray player => Weiss Dac 202 => MBL C51 integrated amp => ProAc Carbon Pro 8 speakers

I'm trying to figure out how I can capture the audio from the Oppo and stream that to the Linn. I have a Focusrite Saffire pro audio interface, that might do the job via spdif. How do you do it?

I go from NAS->DS->AMS35i......I have found that this is how the Linn DS sounds best. Using a variety of external DACS never sounded as good to me.

 

[peteAllen]

For music, yes, I plan to use a fanless pc running windows server. But for films, I would like to keep using the oppo with my projector. So rather than taking the analogue out and straight into the integrated amp, I want to take digital out and stream it to the linn through the pc, to take advantage of the superior audio. Digital inputs are rare on pcs but the Saffire has a digital input... hopefully that will work, altho it is a bit of a faff.

 

[CnoEvil]

For music, yes, I plan to use a fanless pc running windows server. But for films, I would like to keep using the oppo with my projector. So rather than taking the analogue out and straight into the integrated amp, I want to take digital out and stream it to the linn through the pc, to take advantage of the superior audio. Digital inputs are rare on pcs but the Saffire has a digital input... hopefully that will work, altho it is a bit of a faff.

I don't think the DS has any Digital In; for that you need a DSM......ie. It has no Optical or Digital Coax In, only Ethernet.