Linn DS vs Naim

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:
I dismissed the Linn series solely based on the UI. Didnt even hear it, and the local Linn dealer likes a full deposit for an in home demo.

Shame I know to dismiss something you have never even listened to.... but the UI is that bad.

UI? can you explain to a huble soul?
Utility interface

Steinar

User Interface

I have an Akurate DS - it absolutely trounced my old CDX2. Amazingly natural - really sounds "in tune" - timing and interplay between the instruments/vocals is outstanding. And the 24bit and/or 88.2/96 sample rate material is something else. Amps/Speakers are Naim, so I don't think it is a synergistic thing - the DS players are really good.

Yes, the user interface is a bit clunky, but it works. You are buying a DLNA standard device a whole host of controllers will appear over time.

Having used the Squeezebox/Transporter for 4+ years, and having a majority of my music digitized, my opinion is that user interface makes or breaks the user experience.

I have yet to try the Naim interface, I tried the linn interface briefly and it was quite rudimentary. But of course their interface is open and I heard they can even use Squeezecenter now.

quote:

User Interface

Of course....thanks

I must admit UI is decisive, one shall live with it as well.

Audition is needed.

Steinar

Another interesting question is: Has anyone heard the Klimax DS? Can it compare to the HDX+555PS or the show put out by the "New Naim DAC"+555PS?

As for the UI, anything standard is nice... even DLNA. And, for us not liking the option of running M$ Windows, the option of using a leiads on almost anything is a big plus.

Since I bought a Klimax DS after it comprehensively outperformed my 555/555PS, I think its safe to say its better than HDX plus as many power supplies as you can throw at it.

I'd be interested to hear from HDX owners who consider it out-performs a 555.

The UI is a dream, but I actually buy hi-fi for how it sounds, so even if it was poor I would not have hesitated.

All this with standard CD. Those who haven't heard hi-res through a DS have a shock coming.

I've used an Linn LP12 with Naim kit for 30 years so I find talk about an issue with the DS sound and Naim frankly amusing.

We should be grateful they are so compatable and that we're not stuck in some one-make system hell.

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the Digital Streaming requirement for the ripping, storage of music files, networking, some form of device to pick the music to play was just to complex and took up more room than it was worth

That would be one extra totally silent box for ripping and storage and what amounts to an intelligent remote control, right? My Klimax DS system is smaller than a 555/555PS.

Finally, the DS is totally reliable.

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Since I bought a Klimax DS after it comprehensively outperformed my 555/555PS, I think its safe to say its better than HDX plus as many power supplies as you can throw at it.

Although I only heard the Klimax DS vs. a naked HDX, I would not be surprised if this turned out to be the case. It's been a couple of months since I heard the DS, but it has made such an impression on me that I am sometimes tempted to make the 85 mile drive back to Accent on Music in New York just to spend some more time with it.

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Those who haven't heard hi-res through a DS have a shock coming.

I have heard hi-res recordings through it - they are completely stunning, and that's no exaggeration, believe me.

I find a lot of interesting reading here. Seems to me that audition is needed, an exhaustive one.
I think Akurate will be the level for my budget if executed.
Nice to see comments are still added this thread.

Steinar