FLAGSHIP LINN KLIMAX DSM STREAMER LAUNCHED

Glasgow based Linn has launched their next-generation Linn Klimax DSM streamer.

The new generation is a complete reimagining of Linn’s flagship streamer, the new Linn Klimax DSM introduces a new custom-designed enclosure that provides acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury.  Crucially, the enclosure cradles the “beating heart of Klimax DSM” and its most critical component, Organik DAC, the first-ever, all-Linn digital to analogue converter.

The new Linn Klimax DSM Streamer

GILAD TIEFENBRUN ON THE LINN KLIMAX DSM

Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn Managing Director, said, ‘New Klimax DSM is the ultimate embodiment of Linn’s passion for music and is as close as you can get to streaming audio perfection. We’ve approached every single element with exacting attention to detail, inside and out, to ensure it’s optimised for performance in every way. Since launching Klimax DS in 2007, Linn has invested substantially in people, skills and manufacturing capability, and we’ve brought that together to create our new flagship streaming product featuring the first home-grown all-Linn DAC. Organik is a momentous achievement for Linn, making next generation Klimax DSM our most natural sounding product ever. Combined with a new level of precision machined casework, and stunning visual and tactile interfaces, it’s the epitome of extreme engineering.’

Top of the Linn Klimax DSM

Underneath the Linn Klimax DSM

LINN ORGANIK DAC

Designed and manufactured entirely in-house, Organik DAC is the culmination of five decades of audio innovation and three decades of digital technology expertise from Linn. It has been developed from first principles and combines FPGA processing with a discrete conversion stage, enabling Linn to precisely control and optimise every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process for the first time.

Linn Organik DAC

The FPGA processing stage uses custom-designed algorithms to provide increased upsampling, more precise volume control, and distortion free modulation. Its partnering discrete conversion stage renders the analogue signal with extremely low levels of distortion thanks to a new ultra-low jitter oscillator and carefully designed clock distribution network. These are combined within a unique double-sided design which reduces signal paths to the minimum.

Linn Klimax DSM inside, DAC and ADC boards

Every component has been selected, designed and laid out by a Linn engineer and populated on a Linn circuit board at the factory in Glasgow. Investment in the latest Surface Mount Manufacturing technology has enabled further refinements to circuit board population techniques, including smaller component placement to tighter tolerances, as well as the use of cutting edge vapour phase ovens to ensure zero oxidisation of the soldered contacts on the boards.

“Until now, we’ve engineered the best possible results from specially selected third-party DAC chips. With our CD12 DAC design in 1997, we pushed the boundaries by specifying a separate upsampling chip before the DAC chip to improve performance. A similar design was used in our original Klimax DS ten years later. The high point reached by Katalyst DAC marked the limit of what we could achieve using a third-party chip, so for next generation Klimax DSM we designed our own DAC from first principles, and Organik was born” Phil Budd, Senior Design Engineer

ADVANCED IN HOUSE MANUFACTURING

Advanced new in-house manufacturing technology has enabled Linn to precision engineer the new casework to exceptionally unforgiving tolerances. Every aspect of the custom-designed enclosure plays a crucial role in preserving the original musical detail.

Linn Klimax DSM dial

Machined from solid, special grade aluminium, the design takes on a fresh new Linn DSM family look while retaining the distinguished and much-loved signature Klimax character.

The sheer mass of the product, weighing in at over 16kg, coupled with internal damping, isolates it from vibration in the room, and precision-cut pockets and partitions separate the analogue, digital and power stages, fully protecting the electronics from any interference within.

The diamond-cut circles on the upper surface echo the grooves of a record, paying homage to Linn’s Sondek LP12. The dial is rendered in high quality materials, from the turned brass bearing celebrating its provenance while creating the smooth handling of the precision-cut glass, to the photo-etched stainless steel surround that encases each of the 100 status lights.

Linn Klimax DSM front

LINN KLIMAX DSM CONNECTIONS

The Linn Klimax DSM with new Organik DAC, including support for up to 24-bit 384khz and DSD256 audio resolution, connects to a wide range of streaming and connected digital, analogue and wireless sound sources. Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Roon, TuneIn, Calm Radio services are integrated.

Connected analogue sources will also enjoy an extra benefit thanks to a brand new higher performance, lower distortion ADC design which has its own circuit board with dedicated power supply, while Exakt Link ports enable direct connection of an LP12 with Urika II.

A USB input enables direct connection to a computer for use as a stand-alone DAC. Built-in wireless connectivity enables the connection of sources via WiFi or Bluetooth. Additionally, the AV variant offers HDMI inputs and again uses Organik DAC to enhance the performance of all connected AV sources. It also provides eARC for Smart TV support.

LINN DSM FAMILY

Next generation Klimax DSM adds to the family line-up of Klimax DSM, Selekt DSM and Majik DSM, to offer three highly distinct offerings with a shared family aesthetic. With its new design, Klimax DSM clearly sits at the very top of the range.

The Linn DSM family

AUDIO AND AV VARIANTS

The two Klimax DSM variants provide choice depending on listening preferences. Klimax DSM (Audio) is for those wishing only to connect music sources. Klimax DSM (AV), with its HDMI connections, works with movie sources as well.

Linn Klimax DSM Audio rear panel

Linn Klimax DSM AV rear panel

Those seeking a complete Linn system, should opt for the new Klimax System Hub. It’s housed in the same new enclosure as next generation Klimax DSM so benefits from improved acoustic isolation. It also includes the new, improved ADC, and in terms of connectivity, offers all the same inputs as Klimax DSM (AV) variant, including the option to upgrade with surround capability.

Linn Klimax System Hub rear panel

LINN KLIMAX DSM PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Linn Klimax DSM is available to order now:

Linn Klimax DSM (Audio)  £30,000

Linn Klimax DSM (AV)       £30,000

Linn Klimax System Hub   £15,000

Linn Klimax DSM Streamer

SUPPORTED TRADE-IN OFFER

Existing Linn customers can trade-in their existing Klimax DS, Klimax DSM or Klimax System hub with supporting trade-in options available from their local Linn Specialist.

Organik DAC for Exaktbox & Klimax 350s

New orders of Klimax 350 speakers and Klimax Exaktbox and will ship with Organik DAC as standard. They are available to order now with shipping taking place from April.

An Organik DAC upgrade is also available for existing Klimax Exaktbox and Klimax 350 owners.

Klimax Exaktbox with Organik DAC  £15,000

Klimax 350 Speakers with Organik DAC  £57,500

Organik DAC Upgrade for Klimax Exaktbox  £5,400

Organik DAC Upgrade for Klimax 350 Speakers  £10,800

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