Linn Klimax Exakt system

I must admit that I've never heard a Linn Exakt system, but it seems very interesting indeed. In my opinion, Linn is way ahead of Naim when it comes to the development of digital equipment...

Regards,

Michel

I had exposure this system at a Linn Lounge event and wasn't really impressed.  I thought that the mid-range was expressive and detailed, however, there was no PRAT or bass.

In the same event an LP12 was used as a source through the system and that sounded much better, yet the same points about PRAT and bass applied.

The dealer and others said that this was the Linn sound signature.

The event itself was great as it gave us great insight into an artist and his music (Eric Clapton) rather than focusing on kit.

If Naim do events like this, I will definitely be up for it.

Jude

I have to say I found the Linn Exakt system very impressive and musical. In fact it was one of those events that really resounded with me, it was that significant, I felt that the architecture, system and reproduction was a real step forward.

I contemplated selling up, apart from my LP12, and moving across. But then I did not like the idea of being locked into one supplier for the next x years and after all I love the sound and emotion of my current system which I have been building through the decades and to me is wonderful, always brings a smile to my face and I find very engaging as well as playing music in a way I have always wanted from a system, so why change!

But yes I think that Linn is going in a different and exciting 'new' direction to that of Naim and, not that I am a audio engineer, is far advanced In this respect.

You should try a dem to see what you think.....you will be in for a surprise from Linn.

Richard

Hi Richard, how was the SQ compared to the 500 series?

The SQ between the Klimax Exakt and a 500/552 B&W 802 Diamonds system are different but both excellent In my experience.

The difference to me is hard to put down in writing precisely. I would say that the Exakt was more precise and everything positioned nicely in the sound stage as if one is in the recoding studio mixing the 'perfect sound. Whereas the 552/500 is more 'there' and totally engaging as if you are playing with the band or at the same event.

The Exakt could boogie as can the 552/500 so i think it comes down to what you are after in your music replay.

i must add the LP12 through the Exakt, which undergoes, horror of horrors,  ADC then DAC was remarkably good and some have said the best they have ever heard an LP12.

Richard

Went to a linn lounge event the other day. they had them speakers demoing.  all i can say is OMG..  

At the end of an Exakt system I imagine?

Thanks Richard.

My friend was invited at Linn and was very impressed by their factory and high-tech development skills. 

My dealer who sells both Naim and Linn thinks the latter is more future proof and easy to sell without all those boxes.

Well if i did not have a legacy Hi-Fi system and was new to the game with £50k to spend it is almost a no brainner!

Another interesting and significant development at Linn is that they have announced Exakt support for other manufacturer's speakers such as B&W.

Richard

I think that both Linn and Naim make great audio equipment. It might be true that Linn is a bit more advanced as it is about innovation, wouldn't argue that. However what is the most important aspect of any system is the sound signature of the system. And in my experience Linn and Naim do have a totally different signature. And I would argue while you can appreciate both in their way of playing music, anybody would have a certain preference for one of the two. 

Last remark to the subject. If you wouldn't be invested into Naim it could even be a consideration if on second sight are not so into the sound, but most of us are very much invested into Naim.