I had a unique opportunity last month to spend a fair bit of time listening to a friends active Magik 140s with DS source (6100 and Magik I amplification).
This is the first time I have really sat down in a home environment and relaxed and just listened to some tunes for an extended period if time on the newer linn gear.
First impressions, sounded fast, good timing and detail - I enjoyed it for the most part. Now this was all brand new kit and given he was a good friend of mine and knows (and has heard my system) inevitable I recommended Linn gear, which he duly auditioned and purchased.
What I found really interesting was returning home to my own system, the difference in style of presentation was very significant. Even playing same Flac recordings on my much more modest Digital source (PC xonar sound card sp/dif out to 5103 DAC) through active Keltiks powered by 4 lk100s.
I really enjoyed listening to my system again much more than I thought I would - even after listening to the latest linn incarnation. What surprised me the most was how natural my system sounds with a warmer laid back signature - still with the great timing and instrument separation.
Overall it surprised me that my 17 year old kit can still compete with the new kids on the block and what truly amazing VFM this older Linn stuff is.
My friend is very happy with his current setup as rightly he should, I would too if it was my first serious piece of hifi, but for me its just confirmed that I would really have to spend a lot more to achieve a level of performance upgrade from what I currently have. So I say Kudos to Linn of old for building equipment that to my ears stands the test of time Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
This is the first time I have really sat down in a home environment and relaxed and just listened to some tunes for an extended period if time on the newer linn gear.
First impressions, sounded fast, good timing and detail - I enjoyed it for the most part. Now this was all brand new kit and given he was a good friend of mine and knows (and has heard my system) inevitable I recommended Linn gear, which he duly auditioned and purchased.
What I found really interesting was returning home to my own system, the difference in style of presentation was very significant. Even playing same Flac recordings on my much more modest Digital source (PC xonar sound card sp/dif out to 5103 DAC) through active Keltiks powered by 4 lk100s.
I really enjoyed listening to my system again much more than I thought I would - even after listening to the latest linn incarnation. What surprised me the most was how natural my system sounds with a warmer laid back signature - still with the great timing and instrument separation.
Overall it surprised me that my 17 year old kit can still compete with the new kids on the block and what truly amazing VFM this older Linn stuff is.
My friend is very happy with his current setup as rightly he should, I would too if it was my first serious piece of hifi, but for me its just confirmed that I would really have to spend a lot more to achieve a level of performance upgrade from what I currently have. So I say Kudos to Linn of old for building equipment that to my ears stands the test of time Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
