Upgrading from Linn Classik Music 08

[Magpau]

I currently have a system consisting of a Linn Classik Musik 08 and a pair of Royd RR3:s. As I realize that the Classik is the weak link of my system I'm thinking about replacing it with a separate CD and amplifier, My first choice would be to buy the Roksan Caspian M2 duo which I heard and really liked, but for the time being it's not within my budget, Therefore I'm considering as a first step something in the price range of the Kandy K2 duo or the Audiolab 8200 (CD+A) - both for which I could get a good deal on as display items or a second hand Naim. The question is, would these products be a decent upgrade from the Classik that would help me get better sound qualty out of my Royds while I save enough money to buy the Caspians? Are there any other products I should consider in that price range? I listen to a variety of music including rock, calssical, jazz and opera. Grateful for help and inputs. Regards Magnus

 

[Magpau]

Another option would be to replace the Classik with the Audiolab 8200 CD and the Rega Brio-R, while saving for the Capians. Would that combo be a noticeable improvement over the Classik? Your help and advise would be highly appreciated! Best regards Magnus

 

[marou]

If you're sure the Classik is the weak link, you may want to consider keeping the transport/dac/pre-amp elements and get a Linn LK 140 power amp off eBay.

 

[Magpau]

Thanks for the advise! I'm pretty sure that the Classik is the weak end. After all it's a "oneboxsolution" from 2008, wheli the RR 3:s were probaly the best product Royd ever released, in a quite different price range than the Classik. I have also considered the LK140 option, but then I would still have the same source. But my basic question is: Shouldn't the front end - the transport and DAC - have developped over the last 7 years?

 

[marou]

Thanks for the advise! I'm pretty sure that the Classik is the weak end. After all it's a "oneboxsolution" from 2008, wheli the RR 3:s were probaly the best product Royd ever released, in a quite different price range than the Classik. I have also considered the LK140 option, but then I would still have the same source. But my basic question is: Shouldn't the front end - the transport and DAC - have developped over the last 7 years?

You might think so but it could cost you serious money to find out. If the Lk140 isn't the answer, you'll get your money back reselling.

 

[Magpau]

I see your point. It could be worth a try. Still I would be very interested to hear if someone has an opinion on the quality of the Classik compared to todays separtes.

 

[marou]

I have a Classik in my second system - sounds pretty good to me but I prefer streaming from a NAS. I think the days of CDs and CD players are numbered but not everyone agrees.

 

[Magpau]

I'm not unhappy with the Classik as I intend to keep it as a second system in my bedroom, perhaps with a pair of KEF LS50 - if my girlfriend lets me. (Strange enough she is not very keen on having a Hifi system in the bedroom...) But I do intend to get something better for the living room. As I said my long term plan are the Caspians, but my question remains if the Kandy K2 duo or something similar in price would be a clear improvment over the Classik. And yes, I still want a CD player.