The Linn DS / DSM thread

[peteAllen]

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear. What I mean is

Oppo blu-ray > coaxial digital out > focusrite saffire digital in > firewire > pc > saffire control software (captures digital in) > songcast > {ethernet} > linn ds

 

[CnoEvil]

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear. What I mean is

Oppo blu-ray > coaxial digital out > focusrite saffire digital in > firewire > pc > saffire control software (captures digital in) > songcast > {ethernet} > linn ds

Sorry Pete, it'll be me, as I'm not at my most comfortable getting my head around things digital.....saying that, I suspect the analogue presentation of the Renew DS should work very well indeed with the clean, fast accurate sound of your amp and musical, organic sounding speakers.

 

[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.

BTW How is it going?

 

[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.

BTW How is it going?

Feck it, Father Jack......how's it sounding? :?

The fact you haven't reported back means that it's either so good you are too busy listening to music; or it's such a disappointment, that you are too scunnered to post!

 

[TB303]

Hello CHaps,

I'm considering getting on teh Linn DS bandwagon,

Possibly with a Majik DS or perhaps a Renew DS if I manage to find one at a good price.

I'm wondering if there's an upgraded version of the DS line due soon? They were last upgraded in 2012 (MDS/1 versions?) is this correct?

I woud'nt like to get somethign that'll become 'old' in a few months.

Thanks,

 

[CnoEvil]

Hello CHaps,

I'm considering getting on teh Linn DS bandwagon,

Possibly with a Majik DS or perhaps a Renew DS if I manage to find one at a good price.

I'm wondering if there's an upgraded version of the DS line due soon? They were last upgraded in 2012 (MDS/1 versions?) is this correct?

I woud'nt like to get somethign that'll become 'old' in a few months.

Thanks,

Hi.

The last "physical" upgrade to the DS itself was the addition of the Dynamik power supply, though there are constant firmware upgrades.

They also introduced the DSM, which allows it to become the hub of an entertainment system.....and in the case of the Sneaky / Majik DSM also includes an amp.

What is the rest of your system?

 

[TB303]

Hello CHaps,

I'm considering getting on teh Linn DS bandwagon,

Possibly with a Majik DS or perhaps a Renew DS if I manage to find one at a good price.

I'm wondering if there's an upgraded version of the DS line due soon? They were last upgraded in 2012 (MDS/1 versions?) is this correct?

I woud'nt like to get somethign that'll become 'old' in a few months.

Thanks,

Hi.

The last "physical" upgrade to the DS itself was the addition of the Dynamik power supply, though there are constant firmware upgrades.

They also introduced the DSM, which allows it to become the hub of an entertainment system.....and in the case of the Sneaky / Majik DSM also includes an amp.

What is the rest of your system?

The rest of the system will be the A Classe Cap2100 integrated and a pair of B&W CM10, I'm thinking of getting the Majik DS, but there's a new CA Stream magic 8 coming out in September (?) for half teh price and I wonder if I shoudl get that and wait for the newer hardware versions of teh DS to coem out and maybe pick up a cheap Akurate or even a renew DS...?

 

[CnoEvil]

The rest of the system will be the A Classe Cap2100 integrated and a pair of B&W CM10, I'm thinking of getting the Majik DS, but there's a new CA Stream magic 8 coming out in September (?) for half teh price and I wonder if I shoudl get that and wait for the newer hardware versions of teh DS to coem out and maybe pick up a cheap Akurate or even a renew DS...?

I like the way you are thinking, though you should also (imo) try some Kef R Series as well.

I have heard a few streamers from Cyrus, Naim and Olive....and prefer the Linn DS, which to my ears, sounds more analogue and involving. I can't comment on CA, but in general, I don't get on with their house sound.

Linn try not to take the, "make your old stuff obsolete every year" approach. They generally make changes retrofitable, and all the recent improvements have come through software updates.....so just go and listen and not worry too much. It's a great choice.

 

[TB303]

Thanks Mate,

I'll give the Kef's a listen.

But still, if the last hardware upgrade was in 2012, we can expect new versions soon no?

Thanks.,

 

[CnoEvil]

But still, if the last hardware upgrade was in 2012, we can expect new versions soon no?

Thanks.,

No idea.....that's one for Linn, and I doubt they will reveal their plans.

 

[CnoEvil]

Upgraded Linn DS announced:

http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=29662

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno do you think it will be new hardware? ie new mother board, wireless, different DAC upscaling engine, different case or is it just a software upgrade? Edit just read you are not sure!

You should try one of these!

The only info I have, I read here: http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=29655

When I find out more or get a listen, I will post it here.

It looks like KDS and ADS are upgradeable, but MDS/MDSM are not.

Generally when Linn say there has been an upgrade in sound, there usually is (to a noticeable degree).

 

[iQ Speakers]

Cno do you think it will be new hardware? ie new mother board, wireless, different DAC upscaling engine, different case or is it just a software upgrade? Edit just read you are not sure!

You should try one of these!

 

[iQ Speakers]

Sorry switch to Chrome to post pics, why is this site and IE not compatible!?

 

[SteveR750]

Cno do you think it will be new hardware? ie new mother board, wireless, different DAC upscaling engine, different case or is it just a software upgrade? Edit just read you are not sure!

You should try one of these!

I like the look of that, hooked up directly to a pair of bridged 851W amps would be a serious force to reckon with, and for not a huge outlay.

 

[Pedro2]

Hi Cno and all other Linn DS users,

Has anyone been able to make use of the new Konfig download feature 'Space'? It appears to add room correction control by allowing you to input your room dimensions matched to your speaker choice. Trouble is, the speaker choice is very limited at the mo although some common non-Linn speakers are included (e.g Kef LS50). No ATC at present which means I cannot test it.

Tried to post links for more information but triggered the spam filter!

Sorry if this information is old news.

 

[mond]

Have you searched the Linn forums, there is usually plenty of information and advice there. If you cannot search as a non member then maybe you could join that forum as well...........they don't bite

(they have been very helpfull with me over the years)

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Cno and all other Linn DS users,

Has anyone been able to make use of the new Konfig download feature 'Space'? It appears to add room correction control by allowing you to input your room dimensions matched to your speaker choice. Trouble is, the speaker choice is very limited at the mo although some common non-Linn speakers are included (e.g Kef LS50). No ATC at present which means I cannot test it.

Tried to post links for more information but triggered the spam filter!

Sorry if this information is old news.

I wasn't aware of this, so thank you for the info.

 

[Paulq]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but am scouring the web for info on the upgraded MDSM. I owned many Linn systems for many years and latterly the first gen MDSM. After much gnashing of teeth and frustration at the whole Linn approach to upgrading I decided to sell up late last year and try a Naim system with the UnitiQute 2 and NAP100.

Sound wise it's great but I have had massive network issues with it and yesterday the UQ2 literally blew something and is as dead as a dodo. The dealers I use in Manchester have, as always, been fantastic and were on to it straight away this morning and Naim have agreed to send a new replacement. From that point of view I can't fault them but after having 20+ years of trouble free Linn experience i am suffering a bout of product confidence and wondering whether I'd be best served cutting my losses and reverting 'back' to the new gen MDSM. High end products simply should not fail after 8 weeks.

Anyone any recent experiences of the new Linn Majik DSM and how it sounds compared to the old? I'd be using it passive as I'll keep my speakers (can't abide Linn speakers - far too klinical and kold - sic). The last setup I had was the MDSM with the pre-Chakra 2100 power amp and I am tempted to go that way again however I believe the new MDSM has plenty enough welly on its own?

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Paul

I think one of the big advantages of the new model is the full Linn "Space Optimisation", which I believe can make quite a difference...but haven't heard it first hand. Go and talk it over with your dealer and have a listen.
I wouldn't be surprised if you enjoy the change back to Linn.

 

[Paulq]

Hi Paul

I think one of the big advantages of the new model is the full Linn "Space Optimisation", which I believe can make quite a difference...but haven't heard it first hand. Go and talk it over with your dealer and have a listen. I wouldn't be surprised if you enjoy the change back to Linn.

Cheers Cno

It's a dilemma to be honest and I am contradicting myself at every turn in the process such is the extent of my indecision. I have been in touch with a few people today and the general consensus is that, whilst the MDSM is indeed a fine product, it only really comes to life when you add in decent power amplification. That was very much the case with the original MDSM I had which I used in conjunction with a non-Dynamik Majik 2100.

My options are that I can ditch the Naim kit which, to be fair, is pretty damn good in its own right, and buy/run a new MDSM on its own as that's pretty much all my budget will allow after the brain fart I had in rushing the Naim purchase anyway - a 2100 at this point would break the bank. As Robert Plant says: 'Nobody's Fault But Mine'.

I just know if I did that it would feel like I'd lost all ends up as I'd be moving the MDSM on next year and losing money again so the plan, at least for the last 10 minutes, is that I'll take the replacement Unitiqute2 and run that for about a year to save up. At that point I'll explore 2 options to begin with, maybe more:

1 - Naim NAC C272/NAP250.

2 - Linn Akurate DSM/Akurate2200.

both of which will cost a lot but I suspect will give me more than an incremental upgrade. It will also finally be good to hear them side by side running the same playlist and in the same room one after the other. I can't lose sight of the fact that the Naim kit I have is already pretty stunning in its own right - it's just very different to Linn but there are several upsides with it too.

So, looks like I am gonna have to eat my Credit Card and do what makes sense to the head if not the heart.

.

If you happen to take a listen to the newest MDSM let me know - would be interested to hear what you think.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Infiniteloop]

Hi Paul

I think one of the big advantages of the new model is the full Linn "Space Optimisation", which I believe can make quite a difference...but haven't heard it first hand. Go and talk it over with your dealer and have a listen. I wouldn't be surprised if you enjoy the change back to Linn.

Cheers Cno

It's a dilemma to be honest and I am contradicting myself at every turn in the process such is the extent of my indecision. I have been in touch with a few people today and the general consensus is that, whilst the MDSM is indeed a fine product, it only really comes to life when you add in decent power amplification. That was very much the case with the original MDSM I had which I used in conjunction with a non-Dynamik Majik 2100.

My options are that I can ditch the Naim kit which, to be fair, is pretty damn good in its own right, and buy/run a new MDSM on its own as that's pretty much all my budget will allow after the brain fart I had in rushing the Naim purchase anyway - a 2100 at this point would break the bank. As Robert Plant says: 'Nobody's Fault But Mine'.

I just know if I did that it would feel like I'd lost all ends up as I'd be moving the MDSM on next year and losing money again so the plan, at least for the last 10 minutes, is that I'll take the replacement Unitiqute2 and run that for about a year to save up. At that point I'll explore 2 options to begin with, maybe more:

1 - Naim NAC C272/NAP250.

2 - Linn Akurate DSM/Akurate2200.

both of which will cost a lot but I suspect will give me more than an incremental upgrade. It will also finally be good to hear them side by side running the same playlist and in the same room one after the other. I can't lose sight of the fact that the Naim kit I have is already pretty stunning in its own right - it's just very different to Linn but there are several upsides with it too.

So, looks like I am gonna have to eat my Credit Card and do what makes sense to the head if not the heart. .

If you happen to take a listen to the newest MDSM let me know - would be interested to hear what you think.

Cheers

Paul

Have you come across Lumin? - Touted as a 'Linn Killer' in some quarters.

 

[Paulq]

Have you come across Lumin? - Touted as a 'Linn Killer' in some quarters.

I can't say I have but they look very nice at least aesthetically. The only option that would potentially work for me would be the M1 but realistically it just doesn't have the inputs I would need. If they develop a seperate amp they may be on to a winner.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[Pedro2]

Hi to all Linn DS folk on here,

As you will all appreciate, Linn streamers do not currently accomodate Spotify as a Spotify Connect option and only support Tidal and Qobuz as they offer better streaming quality. The problem is, however, that many, including myself, find Spotify premium to be a better option in a variety of ways and in particular, their playlist catalogue which is extensive. It's also possible to use Spotify on numerous platforms and last but not least, it's cheaper!

I'm currently trialling Tidal on a 30 day free option but so far, I doubt whether I'll be continuing after the free period turns into $20 per month (sorry but my laptop is refusing to show pound signs at the moment!). I don't want to pay for both and the sound benefits of Tidal together with a slightly less user-friendly experience are not enough to persuade me (and certainly not my better half) to drop Spotify.

So ........ up until now, have been sending Spotify to the Linn using Songcast from either my phone, ipad or laptop. Yesterday, however, an Amazon TV stick arrived and I promptly plugged it in to the back of the Linn. Initial impressions are favourable with 3 hours listening last night and not a single drop out (sometimes common with Songcast). Will try to do a comparison on sound quality over the weekend but first reactions are also favourable.

Apologies to non-Linn users as you will no doubt be wondering why said manufacturer of quality (pricey?) equipment doesn't do the obvious thing and make Spotify available on the streamer. Maybe they will eventually?? Also apologies if you own a Linn streamer without the HDMI inputs as you need these for the stick to connect (so you will need to be a DSM owner).

 

[CnoEvil]

Apologies to non-Linn users as you will no doubt be wondering why said manufacturer of quality (pricey?) equipment doesn't do the obvious thing and make Spotify available on the streamer. Maybe they will eventually?? Also apologies if you own a Linn streamer without the HDMI inputs as you need these for the stick to connect (so you will need to be a DSM owner).?

 

No need to apologise for posting about a Linn DSM on a Linn DSM thread.

Hope you are still enjoying yours as much as ever.