2. amps-preamps
  3. 1010956628

First upgrade from Linn Classik?

I am wondering what will be the most cost effective upgrade for the performance increase in this system. I have a Linn Classik with a MIT Z-II Power Cord, Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables connecting to Martin Logan Aerius i's. I will probably add 2 HSU HW-10 subs with a Paradigm X30 crossover and 2 Marantz MA-500 Mono's for the subs. I think this will even out the low end of the system.

So my question is, where will I get the biggest bang for the buck? New Amp for the Martin Logans? New CD source? I decided against a Pre-amp since I would then also have to buy amps since ther is no Pre-amp in, only an out.

Thanks.
nloyer

Showing 1 response by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
I'm judging from my experience with my father's Classik. It has just enough power. In a large room and with inefficient speakers, you can easily notice when it starts to run out of breath.

The Classik's CDP is not bad--much better than the NAD L40, which I use myself in a second system.

My advice to my father would be to trade the Classik in on a Genki and buy a new integrated amp with more power. Your situation may be different. My father listens to the radio a lot and for him I would suggest a Magnum Dynalab 208 : a receiver with SimAudio amplification built in.

Linn Products certainly have an upgrade path in mind for Classik owners and it might be worth your while to go to a Linn dealer and find out what that is. However if their idea is a Genki direct-linked to an LK85 amp I wouldn't go for it. Wait till you can afford a preamp too.
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