First listen to the Linn Climax ds
Posted by: Claus-Thoegersen on 17 June 2008
Finally I had the chance to listen to the Linn ds system. Actually what I understand is the top current system, Ds Climax Climax Control preamp, and active speakers Climax 350A. I am a littel unsure about the prices, but it is not totally unreasonable to compare it with my current, cd s3, 252, and Active Audiovector SI6 Arrite, using 3 nap 200 to drive the speakers.
Most of the time we listened to the current top cd from Linn compared with the Climax Ds. The DS is double the price as the Cd, and yes it was better, but not as much as I had been told by all the rave reviews about any streaming device, from the cheapest Sonos or the brand Logitech took over to the Linn ds line.
The demo was not optimal because road work was going on outside the shop, but anyway I had expected more from the Climax ds.
I really like the idea of Active speakers with the amplifiers built into the cabinet, but I am not sure I like the way the Linn system plays music. Yes there is a lot of base, and lots and lots of nice details, but where is the drive and the involvement, not in this Linn system., not as I experienced this tonight.
2 comments about my mood, wich for me at least can make a big difference when reviewing hifi components. I had not planned to go to town for tthis event, but I found out very late that it was possible, so even though I was tired I decided to go and have a listen anyway. The local Linn dealer is not my current Naim dealer, so it is about 5 or 6 years since I have talked to them seriousy about buying hifi. Therefore I did not meet other people I know at the event, so I was not socially inclined to like the system. And finally I do not have the money to sell my cd s3 and get a Climax DS, so it is nice to know that even though streaming is the future I do not think Linn currently has the right sound, not the sound I want on my future digital system.
I will go back to the dealer with discs I know so I can hear the Ds again, and then go home and have a listen to my normal system, something that I really look forward to also after this first listen.
Most of the time we listened to the current top cd from Linn compared with the Climax Ds. The DS is double the price as the Cd, and yes it was better, but not as much as I had been told by all the rave reviews about any streaming device, from the cheapest Sonos or the brand Logitech took over to the Linn ds line.
The demo was not optimal because road work was going on outside the shop, but anyway I had expected more from the Climax ds.
I really like the idea of Active speakers with the amplifiers built into the cabinet, but I am not sure I like the way the Linn system plays music. Yes there is a lot of base, and lots and lots of nice details, but where is the drive and the involvement, not in this Linn system., not as I experienced this tonight.
2 comments about my mood, wich for me at least can make a big difference when reviewing hifi components. I had not planned to go to town for tthis event, but I found out very late that it was possible, so even though I was tired I decided to go and have a listen anyway. The local Linn dealer is not my current Naim dealer, so it is about 5 or 6 years since I have talked to them seriousy about buying hifi. Therefore I did not meet other people I know at the event, so I was not socially inclined to like the system. And finally I do not have the money to sell my cd s3 and get a Climax DS, so it is nice to know that even though streaming is the future I do not think Linn currently has the right sound, not the sound I want on my future digital system.
I will go back to the dealer with discs I know so I can hear the Ds again, and then go home and have a listen to my normal system, something that I really look forward to also after this first listen.