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Linn -- one generation ago

I've been thinking about setting up another system, and I'm considering trying a complete Linn set-up. While the new Majik stuff interests me, financial (and other) realities would sadly preclude that at present. Can anyone recommend a Linn system -- CDP, preamp, amplifier(s), and speakers -- from a generation earlier that might give a boy a pretty good taste of good, but not top-of-the-line, Linn sound. Should I start with a Genki or Ikemi? And a Kairn or some other pre? Or none of those? And I'm completely flummoxed by Linn speaker choices. I'd be looking for all of this stuff used on Audiogon, hoping to have some fun setting up a completely different system without completely breaking the bank. (I heard a Linn system a while ago that got me thinking about this, in case anyone is wondering about the genesis of this.) Currently running Krell pre and McCormack mono amps and B&
W loudspeakers with Rega sources and Cardas wires. I like what I've got and don't intend to get rid of it, but I'm thinking I could also enjoy a system that might tend to be somewhat more musical -- for lack of a better term. Thanks for any help with this. -- Howard
hodu
honest1
586 posts
 
I tried out the Linn Espeks in a home demo, and liked them very much. They can produce huge quantities of bass, and are great fun to listen to - very musical. The key is room placement - they have rear firing woofers, and respond more dramatically to room placement than other speakers I have tried. I ultimately didnt get them because I need to put one close to a corner, and I just got too much of a good thing (bass). But if you're free to move them around the room within reason, check them out!!
jc2000
92 posts
 
The tube amp idea above has merit. A number of years ago, I was considering buying a CD player, and I heard a Linn Mimik CD player, a Linn Majik integrated, and a pair of Linn Sekrit speakers. (At the time, I had an all Linn system, so this was the closest match at the dealer to what I had.) After the demo, I saw a tube amp, and asked about it, and the dealer was kind enough to drop in place of the Majik. Truth be told, the sound with the all Linn system was OK, but the tube amp made a large improvement.

One comment I'll make about buying old Linn equipment is that one should consider issues of long term service. Linn has discontinued support on many older products. The Mimik, for example, was at least partly unsupported the last I heard. In some cases, this may not matter, but if one makes a big investment....

There are also other companies that might be worth looking at. Naim, for example, has a lot of philosophies in common with Linn. Indeed, at one time, there was an informal partnership (Linn LP12 turntable, Linn speakers, and Naim electronics.) Rega also appears to have similiar philosophies.
mount_rose_music's avatar
mount_rose_music
116 posts
 
Having owned Linn for 15 years, and having a classic di in the bedroom and Linn surround in my living room even now, here's what I would do..
Linn Karik/Numeric..i have seen them used as a pair for under 2k, very good pace, very musical, I still have a magic from the old days, and it wasn't close in my opinion.

Linn Kairn... great preamp
LK140s with aktiv modules
Linn Keiledhs... I have actually owned this system, and really really really like it, easy to listen to, transparent, and enough power unless play Tupac for your neighbors.
cheers@
hodu OP
312 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions. I think I'm going to have some fun with this. -- Howard
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I'm aware that my suggestion above is far from a 'pure' Linn system. However I hope it takes advantage of what I see as Linn's two great strengths, as well as keeping to the Linn source-first approach. The two great strengths I mean are their standout source units (sorry, not their lower range) and the way they make it easy to do active bi- and tri-amping.

I'm told that Linn have recently abandoned their support for active configurations. This is too bad IMHO. It makes a system project like the one I describe into a collector's effort, gving it added vintage appeal but also the challenge of maintaining the gear.
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