Linn buys a vowel (as in: clue)

Posted by: Bob Edwards on 02 February 2002

Hi all--

Visited my friendly local dealer today. Thought I would take Andrew's suggestion to try some of the new Linn gear. So I did.

Started out with the new Espek speaker, which replaces the 5140. I never cared much for the 5140, greatly preferring the Kaber (and told Ivor exactly that on a factory visit--he actually did not disagree), which I still think is a terrific flat earth speaker. The Espek, at least in the context in which I heard it, is an entirely different beast. It can actually play music, two ports notwithstanding. I heard them with a CD5/FC2/102/Hicap/PSC/180/Naca5, and the speakers worked very well. They timed, played tunes, were dynamic, had a good description of instrumental color, and most of all, were fun to listen to.

Briefly tried the Ninkas in the same system. I heard them a while back driven by CDS2/52/500 and they were fantastic--involving, musical, even, colorful. While the sheer performance level was lower with the lower level Naim system, the Ninka still sounded great--I would think a worthy competitor in the $1500 US price range.

Also tried a Genki/Ikemi comparison, through Kolektor/LK140, and was not as impressed. The Kolektor sounds like a modest advance on the Wakonda, although the Wakonda never impressed me. The LK140, on the other hand, is actually quite good. I would say it was a major advance on the LK100, but that would only insult the LK140. When compared directly to the Naim system on the Espeks, the Naim system was considerably ahead in the involvement stakes, even when the Ikemi was the source for both. The Linn gear was more laid back, without sounding restrained--it seems to simply give a slightly farther back perspective. In absolute terms the 102/PSC/Hi/180 was quite a bit better, although it is quite a bit more expensive. Perhaps the 112/150 would be a more appropo comparison; although I think both were available the store was running the 102 system instead.

Finally, I compared the Genki, Ikemi and CD5/FC2. In a surprise to no one on this forum, I thought the CD5/FC2 combo the best, followed by the Ikemi, then the Genki. The Genki, frankly, was a disappointment--I was hoping for more based on Andrew's comments. It sounded OK, but I thought the CD5 by itself outclassed it severely, making it sound as if the Genki had OD'd on Valium.

So it is good to hear Linn stuff actually able to play music again, even if it is not my preferred cup of joe.

Andrew--thanks for giving me a reason to try Linn again! (Even though I'll be sticking with Naim.)

Cheers,

Bob

Posted on: 02 February 2002 by redeye

Yup

I always thought the Ikemi sounded like a 3.5 without a flatcap. Bit thick, bit dark and off the pace timing wise
Wonder how the CD12 stacks up against a CDS? Now thats a demo I'd like to attend.

Linn should ditch their "lifestyle" aspirations and concentrate on bringing in some transparency and vitality to the sound of their gear. Who on this forum would even touch the current Linn crop.
Briks, Kans and the TT are obviously the thinking of a different company.
Mind you, I guess Ivor is getting richer by the day and feels totally at peace with the universe.

Pity

Posted on: 03 February 2002 by J.N.

of a 'back-to-basiks' amplifier about to be released called 'Karzi'.

Shit hot, apparently.

Posted on: 03 February 2002 by Justin

I can only imagine. . .

Posted on: 03 February 2002 by Mark Dunn

Let's hope the designers didn't have a Vindaloo before completing it.

Best Regards,
Mark (mildy intoxicated) Dunnq

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by SaturnSF

I appreciate seeing the occaisional thread devoted to Linn. I know a few posters have said words to the effect of if you want to talk about Linn go over to the Linn forum, but it's obvious many of us own/have owned/plan to own/are interested in Linn gear, and discussing how it performs particularly with regard to being paired with Naim gear is very pertinent IMHO.

While some of their recent gear does seem to be chasing a "lifestyle" market that disappoints those of us that remember what made Linn great in the first place (myself included) it is good to hear positive comments about the Espek and the Ikemi (who names these things?)... perhaps they haven't lost the plot after all.

Finally, I will never let go of my Kabers or LP-12... together with my Naim amps I hear real music!

Sean

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by ejl

Bob,

"friendly local dealer" -- would this be Rick at Audio Alternative, by chance?

If so, have you also heard his Naim/Revel set-up in the other room and (if so), what did you think?

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by Bob Edwards

EJ--

I did in fact listen to the Naim/Revel setup for the few minutes I could stand it. I did not like the Revels--they were hard sounding, not very tuneful, and had what I thought were rather obvious timing problems. Did not do a direct comparo with NBLs, but having heard NBLs in the same room in the same system fairly extensively the NBLs annihilate the Revels and were FAR preferable to me.

I think Rick sees them as a love it/hate it type of speaker--I would definitely be in the latter camp. Usual disclaimers apply--my opinion only, YMMV, etc etc. However, I'd take the Espeks/Kabers/Ninkas etc in an instant over the Revels. The Revels do image/soundstage brilliantly---anyone who thinks the big Naim systems can't image/soundstage should hear the combo.

Cheers,

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by Andrew Randle

Bob,

It's nice to hear from you on this one.

Interesting to hear your impression of the Genki. Laid back? Certainly there's no nasties to the sound, and it is very controlled - in that it doesn't "overshoot" or "trip over". To me it doesn't drag its heels either. It is true that the leading edges are not as sharp as the Naim and there isn't quite so much detail as a CDX, but temporally everything seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Something to think about... is timing and transient speed the same thing?

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Currently in the "Linn Binn"

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by Mike in CO

I heard the same setup at Rick's a few months back, and it wasn't to my tastes at all. I even listened to my LP12 (after a tune up), and that was still not what I expected or liked. Too much detail, not enough tune or toe-tapping. Some may prefer it, but I didn't.

Actually it surprised me, Rick ususally sets up systems in the big room that consistently knock my socks off.

Posted on: 04 February 2002 by ejl

Bob and Mike in CO,

Thanks for your impressions. I haven't heard the Revels at Rick's, although I heard them at a Linn dealer in Austin. With Linn in front I was impressed. I was beginning to hope they might be Isobarik replacements down the road since they seemed to have some of the same elements, such as a deep bottom end and broad soundstage, but with a stronger mid. Now I'm thinking I'd better listen to them with Naim in front before I get my hopes up. Maybe at AA when I next visit Fort Collins.

Posted on: 05 February 2002 by Bob Edwards

Andrew--

Does the email address in your profile work?

Bob