Sarcasm aside, as with many brands there is a certain synergy that is of course a product of shared engineering. But all Linn is by no means necessary to attain a good-sounding system. Allow yourself to listen to the different combinations and decide for yourself if it is to your liking. You ask specifically about the Kairn. Are you going to listen to CDs specifically? If so, consider running the Genki directly into the LK85 (or some other amp) and forego the pre for the present. If you do desire a full-featured solid-state preamp though, the Kairn is no slouch. I use a partial Linn system and am fairly satisfied. My one caveat I suppose is to be more attuned to CD players with 24/196 technology, as the digital landscape is changing rapidly. Let your ears (and your wallet I guess :-) guide you. Cheers!
"All Linn" ... is it still a good idea ?
My local Linn-dealer suggesting the following system to me:
Genki (cd player), Kairn (pre-amp), Lk 85 (amp), Pair of AV 5140 speakers. My question is how critical is Kairns pre-emp for the entire system? What would you change in this combination? Any experience?
Also, I do like the sound of Martin Logans Request speakers?
Is it an option to substitute Linn AV 5140 by ML request?
Genki (cd player), Kairn (pre-amp), Lk 85 (amp), Pair of AV 5140 speakers. My question is how critical is Kairns pre-emp for the entire system? What would you change in this combination? Any experience?
Also, I do like the sound of Martin Logans Request speakers?
Is it an option to substitute Linn AV 5140 by ML request?