DAC/ Streamer alternative for the summer house

**Kuoppis** · March 17, 2020, 09:49 AM

Today, I got a temporary addition to my system: A Linn Klimax DS/3 with the latest Katalyst platform. At least Alan Sircom was raving about it when it was introduced: https://www.hifiplus.com/articles/li...-music-player/

I have always liked the Linn top range streamers for their solid build quality (weighs 10 kg/ 22 lbs), great engineering and excellent sound. They’re not the latest and greatest related to format support, so still no MQA, but do play everything PCS and DSD in the meantime. And while Linn do have their own apps for it, it’s Roon tested and works like a charm in my system.

Sound is excellent, very detailed, quite organic, good definition in all frequency ranges. From what I remember about the earlier Klimax DS I used to own, the latest Katalyst architecture is definitely an improvement. Yet compared to the Brinkmann the Nyquist sounds more natural and has slightly better detail retrieval. It plays also bit more dramatic and lifelike compared to the Linn. But both are great.

Definitely a nice addition for the summerhouse.

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**Kuoppis** · March 17, 2020, 01:18 PM

After warming up a bit the Klimax is really not that bad. Maybe the player was just a bit cold out-of-the-box.

I’m starting to enjoy what I’m hearing

DAC/ Streamer alternative for the summer house

.

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**Mike** · March 17, 2020, 01:40 PM

Very nice. Always loved the Linn streamers.

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**Kuoppis** · March 18, 2020, 03:05 AM

Sitting there a while now and fully warmed up, the DS/3 has improved quite a bit. Listening to Janos Starker’s Bach Suites is definitely a pleasure. Detailed, full bodied, dynamic.

Love again these small pictures of the actual devices Roon displays in the bottom right corner. Nice detail.

For comparing two different products Roon is really great, as it allows to set up both products as zones, and run them simultaneously in parallel. Then you just need to switch the input channels of your preamp to and forth to compare. Not much lag in-between.

The Nyquist is still a tad more transparent and open, more natural sounding, and offers a better view into the texture of the Cello. That said, the Brinkmann is also set up with a better power cord, Ethernet cable, and better ICs.

A comparison against the Brinkmann does much more highlight how outstanding the Nyquist is, rather than pointing out deficiencies of the Linn.

I conclude, the Linn Klimax DS/3 is a keeper for the summer house. Going to play in concert with the Pass INT-60 and the Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversaries. There is also a Harbeth option in the Space Optimization SW for the Klimax, will have to try that out. It will be great.

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 18, 2020, 06:45 PM

Sorry to say this but I tried a Linn klimax with a reviewer friend and we both thought the innuos Zenith SE at under half the cash produced a better sound both in resolution and good balance. Using a chord DAVE, ATC amp, and PMC Fact 8. Linn are good with resale values but I don’t think they are value for money against Innuos. IMO Spending this much money on a streamer is not worth it. I’d definetely have gone for an innuos statement

Alan Sircom would say that as he is heavily biased to British brands and he probably didn’t make any comparisons. I always do that and make a to b comparison.

**Mike** · March 18, 2020, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

Sorry to say this but I tried a Linn klimax with a reviewer friend and we both thought the innuos Zenith SE at under half the cash produced a better sound both in resolution and good balance. Using a chord DAVE, ATC amp, and PMC Fact 8. Linn are good with resale values but I don’t think they are value for money against Innuos. IMO Spending this much money on a streamer is not worth it. I’d definetely have gone for an innuos statement

Alan Sircom would say that as he is heavily biased to British brands and he probably didn’t make any comparisons. I always do that and make a to b comparison.

Is that even a fair comparison? Linn is an all in one streamer. You’re talking digital transport + DAC. Totally different.

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 18, 2020, 09:51 PM

A chord Dave £8k and the innuos Zenith se £5k is about the same money and it was a considerably better combo. I think this linn is more expensive than both

**Mike** · March 18, 2020, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

A chord Dave £8k and the innuos Zenith se £5k is about the same money and it was a considerably better combo. I think this linn is more expensive than both

And an MSB Discrete with Dual Power base and Roon Renderer module can rival anything in its price range. What’s the point? An all in one is not the same beast as multiple boxes requiring multiple cables, rack space and synergy. Kouppis is likely looking for a single box solution.

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 18, 2020, 10:13 PM

i only go based on doing a to bs which is what my site is about so I try to avoid making comparison with products I don’t test. There are many opinions and products and preferences in HiFi to extrapolate to say one is better than another. I give my opinion then shut up, which I’m now doing. Bw.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

Sorry to say this but I tried a Linn klimax with a reviewer friend and we both thought the innuos Zenith SE at under half the cash produced a better sound both in resolution and good balance. Using a chord DAVE, ATC amp, and PMC Fact 8. Linn are good with resale values but I don’t think they are value for money against Innuos. IMO Spending this much money on a streamer is not worth it. I’d definetely have gone for an innuos statement

Alan Sircom would say that as he is heavily biased to British brands and he probably didn’t make any comparisons. I always do that and make a to b comparison.

Well, appreciate your thoughts. But it’s not just Alan Sircom, it’s basically experienced reviewers from most leading audio magazines in Europe, Asia and the US, if you are able to read more languages than English that is. And I for my part would tend to trust rather the renown, than the self-proclaimed reviewers.

But for my judgment I do not even need reviewers, I listen for myself. I still prefer the Nyquist for my main system, but the Linn is IMHO not far behind. And Linn has actually created the streamer product category in 2007, way before others thought about Ethernet in high-end audio. Compared to the Dave it has a slightly darker sound, it’s a question of preference what you like.

A word of caution: Please don’t tell people with high-end systems you have seriously tested something with gear as diminutive as the PMC Fact 8. You don’t hear half the frequency range in either direction. I would recommend to get the basics in place, before trying to lecture others.

And as Mike says, you are comparing apples and pears.

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**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

A chord Dave £8k and the innuos Zenith se £5k is about the same money and it was a considerably better combo. I think this linn is more expensive than both

DS/3 is €18K+ in Germany.

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**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

And an MSB Discrete with Dual Power base and Roon Renderer module can rival anything in its price range. What’s the point? An all in one is not the same beast as multiple boxes requiring multiple cables, rack space and synergy. Kouppis is likely looking for a single box solution.

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That is a good summary. I don’t actually need a DAC with multiple inputs, but a streamer that works well directly with Tidal & Co. For that Linn is the key contender.

And as I am space constrained, a one-box solution is key. What they have done nicely in the Katalyst platform in addition to the excellent custom-built DAC and FPGA with a precision clock, is miniaturization. They do have separate power supplies for different functions within the same casing.

If looking into a new DAC, it would be a pimped-up MSB Premier, but I’m mentally not there yet to put so much money into a DAC.

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**Jack** · March 19, 2020, 02:04 AM

How would the Lumin X-1 fit in the equation in terms of function and space in the Summer House setting as opposed to the Linn? With the Lumin you get Peter which to me would be a plus.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 02:10 AM

Hi Jack, I have not had the X1 in my system, but based on what I am hearing it might be about the level of DS/3. It supports more formats (MQA), but also requires a separate power supply.

For streaming Linn is still the reference to beat.

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**Jack** · March 19, 2020, 02:21 AM

If your happy with it that's all that matters in the end.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 03:49 AM

One additional benefit of the Linns is the absolutely incredible stability of the platform over the years. You buy once, and keep updating the product when new versions or features arrive.

I had my first Linn Klimax about ten years back, but then thought USB is the way to go and bought a Meitner DAC. Fast forward, Linn was right, and Ethernet is the more stable interface with less interferences (I’m also connecting the Nyquist over Ethernet). Of course, the DS/3 is technically not the same product as the DS/0 was ten years ago, and way improved over the original and the versions in-between. But essentially, the platform is the same.

The nice thing is, while definitely not cheap, it provides a continuous business model for Linn, the dealer, and the user. They do not allow consumers to send in products for an upgrade. The model is sustainable, and network effects apply. Linn maintains its customer base, the dealer is not limited to sell and forget, and the end-customer does not get stranded with an obsolete product every couple of years. I personally like that.

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 19, 2020, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Well, appreciate your thoughts. But it’s not just Alan Sircom, it’s basically experienced reviewers from most leading audio magazines in Europe, Asia and the US, if you are able to read more languages than English that is. And I for my part would tend to trust rather the renown, than the self-proclaimed reviewers.

But for my judgment I do not even need reviewers, I listen for myself. I still prefer the Nyquist for my main system, but the Linn is IMHO not far behind. And Linn has actually created the streamer product category in 2007, way before others thought about Ethernet in high-end audio. Compared to the Dave it has a slightly darker sound, it’s a question of preference what you like.

A word of caution: Please don’t tell people with high-end systems you have seriously tested something with gear as diminutive as the PMC Fact 8. You don’t hear half the frequency range in either direction. I would recommend to get the basics in place, before trying to lecture others.

And as Mike says, you are comparing apples and pears.

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the audio review mags are led by marketing and ad income and they cannot say anything bad of products where those products place ad income. Some manufacturers will request non derogatory agreements meaning other parties can be sued if the say anything derogatory. Speak to these editors privately and they will tell you this themselves. That doesn’t mean I love most audio as I do, which comes across in my reviews, as most HiFi is very competitive. Occasionally some products are not vfm.

also reviewers with skill and knowledge aren’t self proclaimed like me. I take days editing videos and adding content and most people are thanking me for it and I’m building up experience of products. I also understand a lot of the technicality of the products.

it’s not uncommon for a reviewer of these mags to tell another reviewer it’s not as good as X, except to leave the criticism out of the review. I’ve first hand experiences of that many times. In fact some even make the review up.

a review is to take or leave depending on whether you believe the person which is fine as nobody can appease everyone. In my own defence the comments I’m getting is that I’m trustworthy and honest and my website is predicated on that basis. That was the aim as well as credibilty, and other stuff besides like engagement and creative writing. Sometimes it effects commercial realities but I’m prepared to put the review first and see if this approach takes me somewhere with a readership. I’m doing that for readers, and I don’t earn any money out of this site yet. I’ve put it thousands of hours with lots of cost.

it is tough because the hard realities of commercial HiFi are a hidden one to most people who are consumers. I always used to believe the 5 star reviews of what HiFi in the U.K., but if I know what I know now my attitude will be very different.

ps I don’t lecture others, I give my opinion which I’ve done. My opinion is as valid as anyone’s despite the kit and I’m a non snob audiophile. If it offends another person that my view is different to theirs, then I can’t apologise for that.

also I read the review and no mention is made of kit used but you’ve referred to it as a review, so clearly you place emphasis on it . And what of this comment , it should give you a big clue as to what goes on “Because this was a very hush-hush review, with strict embargos and non-disclosure agreements that explained in graphic detail what would happen to my technical area if I even breathed a word about this product before the middle of September,” Also he says he listened in Scotland. Reviewers have to listen at home in the same environment changing one thing at a time.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

the audio review mags are led by marketing and ad income and they cannot say anything bad of products where those products place ad income. Some manufacturers will request non derogatory agreements meaning other parties can be sued if the say anything derogatory. Speak to these editors privately and they will tell you this themselves. That doesn’t mean I love most audio as I do, which comes across in my reviews, as most HiFi is very competitive. Occasionally some products are not vfm.

also reviewers with skill and knowledge aren’t self proclaimed like me. I take days editing videos and adding content and most people are thanking me for it and I’m building up experience of products. I also understand a lot of the technicality of the products.

it’s not uncommon for a reviewer of these mags to tell another reviewer it’s not as good as X, except to leave the criticism out of the review. I’ve first hand experiences of that many times. In fact some even make the review up.

a review is to take or leave depending on whether you believe the person which is fine as nobody can appease everyone. In my own defence the comments I’m getting is that I’m trustworthy and honest and my website is predicated on that basis. That was the aim as well as credibilty, and other stuff besides like engagement and creative writing. Sometimes it effects commercial realities but I’m prepared to put the review first and see if this approach takes me somewhere with a readership. I’m doing that for readers, and I don’t earn any money out of this site yet. I’ve put it thousands of hours with lots of cost.

it is tough because the hard realities of commercial HiFi are a hidden one to most people who are consumers. I always used to believe the 5 star reviews of what HiFi in the U.K., but if I know what I know now my attitude will be very different.

ps I don’t lecture others, I give my opinion which I’ve done. My opinion is as valid as anyone’s despite the kit and I’m a non snob audiophile. If it offends another person that my view is different to theirs, then I can’t apologise for that.

also I read the review and no mention is made of kit used but you’ve referred to it as a review, so clearly you place emphasis on it . And what of this comment , it should give you a big clue as to what goes on “Because this was a very hush-hush review, with strict embargos and non-disclosure agreements that explained in graphic detail what would happen to my technical area if I even breathed a word about this product before the middle of September,” Also he says he listened in Scotland. Reviewers have to listen at home in the same environment changing one thing at a time.

You say you tried some other products. So, why should others be interested?

If you have some substantiated information to share, people might actually care. But just because your moniker says ‘Hifi Reviews’, that does not make you an actual reviewer, competent to comment or entitled to an opinion on any given topic.

You also appear a bit ignorant, not really understanding what you are reading. Alan Sircom saying the review was ‘hush, hush’ was just referring to the fact that the product was new and not fully released yet. Therefore things were still a bit under wraps. Common practice.

May I quote the movie ‘Fish Named Wanda’ for you: “Sokrates was not a Belgian, and the London Underground is not a political movement.”

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**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 09:51 AM

There’s another review from Martin Colloms in Hificritic.

According to him the DS/3 upsamples everything to 768 kHz at 35-bit precision. What has changed since his piece is the added DSD capability.

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 19, 2020, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

You say you tried some other products. So, why should others be interested?

If you have some substantiated information to share, people might actually care. But just because your moniker says ‘Hifi Reviews’, that does not make you an actual reviewer, competent to comment or entitled to an opinion on any given topic.

You also appear a bit ignorant, not really understanding what you are reading. Alan Sircom saying the review was ‘hush, hush’ was just referring to the fact that the product was new and not fully released yet. Therefore things were still a bit under wraps. Common practice.

May I quote the movie ‘Fish Named Wanda’ for you: “Sokrates was not a Belgian, and the London Underground is not a political movement.”

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i geuss they might be interested as ALL opinions matter.

my moniker makes me no more have a valid opinion than you or the next person, all I’m doing is sharing a view. You might not be my target audience, fine.

I know what goes on in the HiFi industry and i was explaining that.

but seeing as you are quoting lots of the reviews it seems to me that you take them at face value. All I’m saying is you should exercise caution with the big mags but I’m a hobbyist reviewer and can be more honest. I think listening yourself as you say, is always the way to do it. Cheers

ps this is the one I did and I can be really honest as you won’t find it in mags https://www.13thnote.net/2020/02/20/...qutest-killer/

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

i geuss they might be interested as ALL opinions matter.

my moniker makes me no more have a valid opinion than you or the next person, all I’m doing is sharing a view. You might not be my target audience, fine.

I know what goes on in the HiFi industry and i was explaining that.

but seeing as you are quoting lots of the reviews it seems to me that you take them at face value. All I’m saying is you should exercise caution. I think listening yourself as you say, is always the way to do it. Cheers

So, if I’m not your target audience, why are you then posting in my thread, about my system? Sorry to say, but a lots of what you say makes very little sense.

And btw, all of us on this forum know what’s going on in the Hifi industry. It’s one of our hobbies.

PS: There’s a high likelihood it’s for a reason that your reviews are not in mags...

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**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 19, 2020, 10:18 AM

you are posting about a product you really like - fine - but I’m injecting an alternate view for the sake of contributing to people who read this.
Some might not know what’s going on at the business level. The reason my reviews aren’t in mags is I’m not a mag based platform. But now you are getting personal where I never have!

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 01:57 PM

A little more detail would have been useful, on why exactly you believe this combo of other products is better.

Just a blanket statement without a comparison is not really helpful.

**13th Note HiFi Reviews** · March 19, 2020, 02:22 PM

[QUOTE=Kuoppis;297311]Yeah, but my thread, and I don’t care about your nonsense.

You’re not half as knowledgeable you think you are, and not really revealing any secrets here. Everyone knows how the industry works. You’re just a bit full of yourself.

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sorry one for ignore me thinks.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 02:32 PM

Finally.

**Kuoppis** · March 19, 2020, 05:35 PM

For what’s it worth, here’s an excerpt from Martin Colloms’ review:

“It was clearly performing well up in the class of £15,000 – £25,000 streamer/DACs. Stereo images were wide and deep, with pin point focus that was especially noticeable in the treble. The whole soundstage had a sparkling clarity, resolution was high and the sound quality was packed with subtle detail. Transients were considered very good: crisp and clear with an upbeat character and a sense of high precision.” ... “Such high performance deserves a HIFICRITIC Audio Excellence rating.”

I think that’s rather high praise from someone who’s reviewed quite a few products.

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**Kuoppis** · March 20, 2020, 03:08 AM

Not seeing any reviews as an absolute, rather as an addition to developing an informed view. Own ears and system are always the most relevant measures.

But after a couple of days with this sleek aluminum box, I’d argue there’s little you can do wrong with the Klimax DS/3 Katalyst, if you don’t need more flexibility with interfaces (for that there’s the DSM version). The stability of this implementation is simply stunning. I now remember why I fell in love with the Linn sound the first time around. Here’s all the British PRaT at hand you can ever dream of.

Here’s Dan Worth’s take from Hifi Pig:
“I’d like to convey my admiration for the way the Linn deals with jazz; I’m not a huge fan at all of the newer funky jazz or any of its other derivatives, I’m more in favour of traditional jazz, Anker Bilk, Frank Sinatra, John Venturi, Earl Hines etc. I remember when my brother-in-law used to have a shop in London and he sold LP12’s and the Klimax DS gave me fond memories of the Sondek setup, the undeniable musicality and bounciness it lent to jazz and the playfulness it conveys still to this day is pretty much unrivalled by any other deck. I don’t know how Linn have managed it but I have searched and searched and I cannot find where inside the DS they have managed to hide the LP12 and it seems that Linn are being very tight lipped about this too!” ... “Build Quality: Absolutely stunning!” .... “Sound Quality: Heart felt, engaging and engrossing, very transparent and insightful.” ... “Pros: Bespoke parts throughout. Incredible attention to detail, physically and sound-wise. Exceptional DAC integration. Genre flexibility. Transparent and engaging. Most of all musical!”

Full review: https://hifipig.com/linn-klimax-ds-k...ated-streamer/

Proof-in-the-pudding (shared by Nikhil), sounds absolutely amazing:

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**Kuoppis** · March 20, 2020, 03:59 AM

Excerpts from German Magazine Audio 11/16 review:

“The DA converter is crucial for the sound of a streamer. Its theoretical resolution is determined by the clock frequency and the number of quantization levels. Linn goes extremely far with the so-called Katalyst DAC Architecture used in the new Klimax. With a clock frequency of 6.144 megahertz, the new Klimax is above the usual frequency for DSD128. And that is already twice as high as the original SACD format. In addition, the new Klimax does not work with the usual one-bit DSD resolution, but with 6-bit, which corresponds to 64 instead of 2 quantization levels.”

“The new thing about the Klimax DS/3 and Klimax DSM is the “Katalyst DAC Architecture”. This digital-to-analog converter architecture consists of several components. First, an upsampler goes to work, which converts the original signal to 768 kHz/ 35 bits. The resulting signal travels with 32-bit accuracy into a modulator, which converts it into a 6-bit signal with a clock frequency of 6.144 megahertz. This signal is converted into an analog signal by 6 one-bit signals and then processed by an extremely low-noise analog output stage for forwarding. A 6-bit DA converter with a clock frequency of 6.144 MHz offers an enormous resolution that is theoretically 32 times higher (5 instead of 1 bit) than the resolution of DSD128 with a 5.6448 MHz clock.”

“The quality of the decoder conceived by Linn-minds is also evident from the fact that no hum component disturbs the good result. "I have never seen such a clean spectrum," amazed laboratory assistant Florian Goisl. Which raises the question to what extent the noise remaining in the test lab measurements and the minimal residual distortion might come from the sinfully expensive audio precision measuring device. One thing is clear: compared to the predecessor, the third generation of the Klimax has made a technical step forward.”

“According to good old high-end criteria, the older DS already offered pretty much everything you could ask for in terms of contour, transparency, space or details. The new one also brings incredible clarity and a matter of course. In this way, it truly pushes its predecessor off the throne. The king is dead, long live the king!”

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**Kuoppis** · March 20, 2020, 04:07 AM

In reference to an earlier post eluding to Chord Dave, the DS/3 has an up-sampler already in-built in the Katalyst architecture. This means that pretty much everything you stream becomes high-res.

To achieve that with the Dave you would need to include the MScaler into the package, which adds to the cost.

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**Kuoppis** · March 28, 2020, 05:31 AM

Just for the fun of it, installed the Linn Klimax into my main system to test it with the better ICs, RJ45 cable, and grounding in my main system.

Considerable positive impact, more open, more transparent, less digital bloat. Even though I could not use the Shunyata Alpha NR power cord, as the device does not allow use of chunky plugs.

I can understand why Linn has such a loyal fanbase.

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**Projectman** · March 28, 2020, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by 13th Note HiFi Reviews

i geuss they might be interested as ALL opinions matter.

my moniker makes me no more have a valid opinion than you or the next person, all I’m doing is sharing a view. You might not be my target audience, fine.

I know what goes on in the HiFi industry and i was explaining that.

but seeing as you are quoting lots of the reviews it seems to me that you take them at face value. All I’m saying is you should exercise caution with the big mags but I’m a hobbyist reviewer and can be more honest. I think listening yourself as you say, is always the way to do it. Cheers

ps this is the one I did and I can be really honest as you won’t find it in mags https://www.13thnote.net/2020/02/20/...qutest-killer/

Because you say you are honest we must take you at your word? Every reviewer has an agenda. You should substitute the word “honest” and use “opinion”. An honest man doesn’t boast.

**bart** · March 28, 2020, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Just for the fun of it, installed the Linn Klimax into my main system to test it with the better ICs, RJ45 cable, and grounding in my main system.

Considerable positive impact, more open, more transparent, less digital bloat. Even though I could not use the Shunyata Alpha NR power cord, as the device does not allow use of chunky plugs.

I can understand why Linn has such a loyal fanbase.

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We are curious!
Please tell us about how the Linn compares to the Nyquist!

**Kuoppis** · March 28, 2020, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by bart

We are curious!
Please tell us about how the Linn compares to the Nyquist!

Bart, I think the Linn Klimax DS/3 is rather good. It has a detailed, yet ballsy sound. Gives classical music a very good definition.

Compared to the Nyquist, I think I described it earlier, the Brinkmann sounds yet a bit more refined and natural. And I feel it has a bit more refinement potential through system tweaks.

But today I also tested the DS/3 with a setup CD, and I could clearly hear 20 Hz warble tones. I.e. the low end is rather solid as well.

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**Kuoppis** · April 18, 2020, 06:11 AM

Lucky discovery today: I used the Linn with a lower spec Shunyata Venom power cord earlier. Reason being, the Klimax’ aluminum cover overlapping the connectors on the backside does not allow for use of the bulky Oyaide/ Furutech type C16 connectors a lots of high end cables nowadays have.

That cable is good, if you you have a tad bright sounding gear which might benefit from a slight mid/ lower bass boost. However, the Linn DS/3 does not need that. Listening to it in my main system, I felt a bit the opposite. It sounded a bit too phat for my liking.

Browsing better cables with smaller connectors on the interweb, I remembered coming across an older La Rosita cable, when searching for guitar parts in the garage (that’s another story, I’m currently having a British luthier modding a ‘52 re-issue Tele into a Micawber - a thing I have been looking for some time). But back to the power cord.

La Rosita is a small French audio boutique, which started making NOS streamers, when those became a fad about ten years ago. I once had one of their products, and kept the La Rosita aftermarket power cord when I sold the streamer. I found it to be very good for the purpose, offering good dynamics, an even top-to-bottom balance, great clarity across the frequency range and an overall neutral sound. This was long before firms like Shunyata and AQ started to make dedicated source cables.

The only thing with the db system v2 Super PowerCord is, it looks like someone had neutered the family iron. Not sure what the guys were thinking, must be some French thing. The box in the middle is an electrical interference absorber.

With this cable all the Linn Klimax DS/3 benefits come to the fore, as it does not require any pushing in one or the other direction. A very good combination indeed.

The Bach Concertos album by Hilary Hahn sounds really excellent. In fact, it sounded so fantastic I listened to the entire album via the Linn, while having a 30K vinyl rig sitting next to it with a brand new cartridge waiting for burn-in. A bit surprising. OK, I ordered the vinyl as well

.

Reading up on the La Rosita cable to refresh my memory, I also discovered that it used to be the go-to cable for a number of Linn enthusiasts a couple years back. No wonder it sounded so good. Lucky me, you really never know what you find lurking in your garage.

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**Elberoth** · April 18, 2020, 06:46 AM

The thing I like most about the Klimax range is the upgradebility. Basicly every time Linn comes with a new model, you can upgrade your existing Klimax to the latest spec simply by replacing the complete PCB.

What is more - and this idea is simply brilliant - Linn gives you a simple black case with PSU to house your old PCB, so after the upgrade you end up with two fully functional players: your new Klimax, with the latest hardware (say DS3) and your old Klimax (say DS2) housed in a plain case which you can use in your second system. The later is called Klimax (DS1, DS2) Renew.

Many people sell those players at a fraction of a cost of the original Kimax. You can get a Linn Klimax DS2 Renew (so basicly a Linn Klimax is a plain black box) for as little as $3000, which is a trully tremendous value.

**Kuoppis** · April 18, 2020, 06:58 AM

Adam, you’re spot on. The upgradeability and longevity of the product is a key benefit. As a matter of fact, I started my Linn journey with a DS/0 Renew a decade ago.

Being able to re-use the innards in a Renew makes the cost of an upgrade hurt less. You can either use it in more places or sell it to recoup some cost.

Of course, the Renew is always a generation behind, and it does not sound exactly as the same generation unit in the shielded 10 Kg aluminum housing. But nevertheless, it is a very good way to get into the world of Linn.

An €18.800,- RRP entry ticket in Europe for a new Klimax DS/3 Katalyst definitely is something to stomach. But knowing you will not be left stranded with an old product in a couple years makes it much more palatable.

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**Kuoppis** · April 26, 2020, 01:12 AM

The only thing about this upgrade path is that Linn have gotten a bit greedy lately.

When I got my DS/3, I also looked into the option of buying a DS/2 and upgrading it. The cost for the upgrade was 5K in Europe, and 3K for this funny little metal casing with a power supply for the Renew.

IMHO 8K gets into the prohibitive range, as there are good DACs you can buy new for that sort of money. I have also heard that Linn have pretty much destroyed their distribution with their tactics.

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