Linn DS players SW update brings DSP functionality!!

[Glareskin]

This is great news! All Klimax, Akurate and Majik models can update the software free of charge and now have what Linn calls: Space Optimisation

After the download of the new Kinsky software on the Mac (or PC) you can update the Davaar firmware on the device.

Then if Kinsky is started you can choose your speaker:

Not all speakers are available but luckily my B&W 802 Diamond are there!

Linn accepts requests for other speakers.


After that I have tried the sound and wow! This is already an improvement that includes a better balance of the sound and a more realistic sound stage. This is much like Devialet's speaker adaptation software. The settings are adapted to the speaker behavior in rooms.

After that you can simply enter your room dimensions and listening position. Include wall, floor ceiling materials and also enter the data what is the absolute best position for the speakers in your room. Most of the times this is not the position where the speakers end up because of practical and esthetically reasons so the software will compensate for this.
And I have to admit that the compensation curve is not so different compared to what I have measured with a special microphone and the Audionet CARMA software 2 years ago. Linn has done an amazing job here!!

This is what I have measured back then with the CARMA:

You can clearly identify a big bump around 26Hz and a smaller one around 60Hz.

I think Linn has done a fantastic job and this is truly additional value for all Linn owners!

 

[MDP]

Wow Hans, I had no idea that Linn was working on something like this. Let us know more about the sound after more time. Is it adjustable ?

 

[Glareskin]

Wow Hans, I had no idea that Linn was working on something like this. Let us know more about the sound after more time. Is it adjustable ?

I know Mark. It came out of the blue for me too. And I am so impressed with how well it works. It is like the stage is now more realistic. Of course the control over the bass is better but that effect I also realized with the DSP correction in the DNP preamp.
I don't know if you have tried the effect in a Devialet demo? That is comparable.
A very good job from Linn. I am very happy to own my great sounding Linn device. Only in the last three Months they offer native streaming of Tidal, affordable upgradeability and now this Space Optimization update. What an improvement....

 

[MDP]

Hans, are you going to get the board upgrade ?

 

[Glareskin]

Hans, are you going to get the board upgrade ?

Probably yes! But my dealer promised to call me when he gets the ADS/2 so we can do an A/B comparison. He is that convinced about the improvement. This will probably take place within the next Month.
I'll keep you posted...

 

[Mike]

Hans, this looks cool. I know Devialet is working on something similar. I must admit, all DSP room eq tools I've used giveth, but also taketh away.

Hans, is Linn still holding tight and fast to their "no DSD" philosophy?

 

[Glareskin]

Hans, this looks cool. I know Devialet is working on something similar. I must admit, all DSP room eq tools I've used giveth, but also taketh away.

Hans, is Linn still holding tight and fast to their "no DSD" philosophy?

Mike, this is not just room eq. The speaker compensation is doing something different. And the effect is really stunning!

Yeah I think they are still anti DSD. No word on that so far..... I don't really miss it yet but it would be cool if they are updating the support at some point in time. I think they are smart enough to have the DS/2 boards prepared for it at least.
We'll never know until they do it. It is like Apple: still no FLAC or other video formats. But hey, they also said they would never have bigger phones. And now they have two and are the #1 in sales. So I don't rule it out for Linn but I think they have a couple of stubborn Scottish engineers in Glasgow.

Some customers tried to convince them but they were sent to the Klingons!

No tribble at all sir!:lol: