Conference hips::uk_audioo

    But there is some good news, you now get 40% back of you old Troika
    when used as trade in (=�319 of �798).
    
    Makes it all seem worth while doesn't it ?

    Thanks very much for the warning of the price increase. Yesterday I
    saved myself �79 by putting my name down for a Troika. It'll be
    delivered next week. Of course, if I hadn't rushed out to buy it,
    I would have saved myself �719!
    
    Now on my upgrade wish list:
    
    	Lingo			�496
    	Dirak			�500?
    	Spark			�495
    	Isobarik stand panels	� 89
    	Isobarik crossover	�465
    
    Steve

    � Now on my upgrade wish list:
    
	...
    
    �	Isobarik stand panels	� 89
    �	Isobarik crossover	�465
    
    ???
    
    Forgive my ignorance but what are you doing to you 'briks ?
    
    Are you adding an external x-over to a (currently internal) DMS pair or
    going from PMS to DMS ?
    
    If its the former then is your x-over currently accessible by a panel
    in the back of the speaker or does it require ripping apart ?
    
    Do you know what the sound difference between and old (internal) and new
    (external) crossover is ?
    
    I ask because I want to make my 'briks active and want to know how much
    work is involved.
    
    		Rik

    The Dirak (High current PSU for LK-1) will cost �395-00 and you get an
    extra �50-00 back for your old transformer giving a cost of �345-00.

    It will be available in the UK before the new year ... now, how do I
    convince the wife into buying me one for Christmas ?

Re .3
    
I have a pair of ex-dem Isobariks with inbuilt crossover which I
bought two years ago (they were roughly a year old when I got them).
I *think* that the crossover is mounted behind a panel in the back
although I can't really remember.

About the same time as I bought them, Linn brought an Isobarik
upgrade consisting of a new crossover which is on a pcb about a
foot square, designed to sit on the stand below the speakers, and
a stand panel kit consisting of three (or four?) black cloth-covered
wooden (or medite?) panels which box in the stand.

At the time I was told that the new crossover, which enables the
speakers to be tri-wired, improved the sound significantly and
tightened up the bass to the extent that the panels were necessary
to prevent the stands resonating.

I have not yet heard the new crossovers, however, I have heard the
Lingo and like most people was gob-smacked. What really surprised 
me was when I was chatting to my tame dealer at Farnborough Hifi
yesterday. After handing over my flexible friend to pay for the
Troika I asked whether I should get the Lingo or the crossover
next, expecting the answer 'Lingo'. He was stumped and said that
although the two things improve the sound in different ways, the
magnitude of the difference is about the same. He's going to
consider the matter carefully and advise me when he installs my
Troika.

Of course, going by Linns philosophy I should have got the Lingo
before the Troika, but the Lingo wasn't going up in price so I
plumped for the Troika.

BTW, referring to a note somewhere else in this conference, the
serial number of my Isobariks is 6186, and that of my LK1 is
107476, bought December 1988.

If there are people with LK1's which have a serial number lower
than mine, you may not be aware that there was a modification made
to LK1's just before I bought mine...

Steve.
    

Anyone heard the LK1/Darrik yet ? After spending some considerable time demming
the LK1/LK280/SPARK against Naim 72/HICAP/140 and Exposure XI/XII/Super VIII,
the LK1 could certainly use the assistance to smooth out it's delivery some...

No doubt a fine amp btw, the way it handled some tracks was clearly superior
to the other amps, but I found it inconsistent in resolving low level detail
and in presenting vocals IMHO.

.6 >> Anyone heard the LK1/Darrik yet ? After spending some considerable
.6 >> time demming the LK1/LK280/SPARK against Naim 72/HICAP/140 and Exposure
.6 >> XI/XII/Super VIII...

Where did you do the dem?
Steve

    Everyone .... Chris Brooks Audio (Since July), F'brough Hi-Fi and
    Absolute Sound and Video - The question you should be asking is who has
    go A Darrik (and how do you spell one).
    
    	Rik
    
    PS Why no listen to ION ?

It's definitely spelt 'dirak'


I think

    So now we know how to spell `dirak', what is one.

Freeeoooow. I had the Troika fitted yesterday and it's wonderful: inky
blackness etc. :-)

Steve.

    re...    <<< Note 222.11 by SPAWN::BRIGHT "Out standing in his field" >>>
                     -< Crank it up and rip the knob off >-


>>Freeeoooow. I had the Troika fitted yesterday and it's wonderful: inky
>>blackness etc. :-)

>>Steve.

    
    If you think it's good now, wait a few months..... :-)
    
    Dave

Something I meant to mention a while back: you can trade in your old
Linn stylus/cartridge and get 40% of its value off *any* Linn product.
This is not restricted to trading in Troikas.

Can I trade in a 1 year old Linn K5 for a brand new K9 and get 40% off what I 
reckon is about �80, ie a saving of �32 (more than the K5 is worth)??!

Alex.

>> Can I trade in a 1 year old Linn K5 for a brand new K9 and get 40% off what I 
>> reckon is about �80, ie a saving of �32 (more than the K5 is worth)??!

No. If you trade in your K5 for a K9, you'll get 40% of the current value
of a K5 off the price of a K9. I don't know the current prices, but s'pose
they're �50 for a K5 and �80 for a K9: You'll end up paying �60 for the
K9 on trade-in.

Steve.


PS. Merry Christmas to all noters.

Steve,

I went down to Reading Hi-Fi and mentioned the magic word "trade in" - I think 
they thought I was talking Martian.

So where do I go where they will understand this foreign tongue?


Alex.

PS. I guess I didn't actually speak to the organ grinder at Reading Hi-Fi so the
guy might have been mis-informed??

    Well just like any other foreign language SPEAK LOUD AND SLOW and they
    will understand. If not then give Linn Products a ring they are usually
    very helpful (But remember today is a public holiday in Scotland)
    That number again ... (041) 644 5111
    
    Good old Naim Audio (Remember them ?) have (had?) a scheme where you
    could trade your old amp in for the price you payed less the VAT.
    
    Speeking of Naim amps did you know that you can have those wonderfully
    masculine extruded aluminium cases brought up to current ``green''
    spec ? You didn't ? Well why bother - I liken the old cases any how.
    
    	Happy New Year
    
    		Rik.
    
    	PS What did you get for Christmas ?

Re .16 Trade-ins.

The bit about Linn stylus trade-ins I put in was from info given to me
by John, the organ-grinder at Farnborough Hifi. I *think* he mentioned
this was a new policy from Linn. Of course he could have been wrong,
but he definitely said I could have had 40% of the price of my old K18
discounted if I'd chosen to trade it in.

Steve

    Rather than start yet another Linn topic, I decided to put this in
    here....
    
    Having read comments in this notesfile and in the hifi press about the
    Lingo, and being a hardened Linnie, I felt I really ought to hear one
    of these things. I'd heard a Lingoed Linn in a triamped Isobarik system
    (hex-amped really, as the LK280s had been SPARKed), but it was doing so
    many things different to my system that it was hard to figure the
    difference. Also, as it was a Linn evening at a dealer's, I decided it
    was best not to push it and ask for a comparison; anyway, the single
    malt and the music was working so well, why spoil a good thing by
    asking stupid questions?
    
    A few weeks later I returned with my Linn for an A-B dem, sat back and
    waited for the predicted "Aha!" and "Wow!" experiences. Nothing; zilch;
    except frustration, especially from the dealer. No differences to speak
    of. I left him scratching his head, I bought some records and went home
    feeling *very* smug - I do my own Linn adjustments.
    
    A few days later he called me at home. The dildo who did the conversion
    hadn't removed the spring and bearing from the bottom of the motor, and
    would I like to come over to York for another dem? After this dem I left 
    my Linn behind to be converted, having paid out my �496 on the basis of
    just a 15 minute dem; we never got around to comparing the Lingoed Linn
    to mine. I brought mine back home a week ago Saturday and it still
    hasn't stopped surprising and pleasing me. 
    
    I have no doubts that the Lingo is worthwhile, but the difference
    against a standard Linn is dependent on many other things apart from
    the quality of the conversion, especially the revision of the
    unconverted Linn. But even though mine had the latest armboard, spring
    bushes, feet and a new Valhalla board, the difference was still of
    gob-smacking magnitude.
    
    I thought that maybe at last I can start saving for some new speakers,
    but most likely I will need a new Troika before I get that far - the
    Lingo will make me wear the cartridge out sooner!
    
    Dave

    On the subject of this topic's title, Linn are absorbing the VAT
    increase from 15% to 17�% until May.
    
    Dave

    Dave,
    	What speakers are you looking at ? I thought you had Kabers and
    'briks were too big for your room.
    
    	Rik

    I use 1985 vintage Kan 1's, the NON-biwireable variety! I keep lusting
    after a pair of Kabers because I kid myself I need more bass and a
    smoother top/mid, allied to the Kan's superb musicality. Then I try one
    of Linn's front end options and realise I don't need any Kabers after
    all, which is just as well because I have usually just spent a packet!
    First transition was Ittok-to-Ekos, then Asaka-to-Troika, and now
    Valhalla-to-Lingo. 
    
    Since I already have a Spark I guess the next step would be a Dirak; I
    nearly flashed the plastic for one when I bought the Lingo, but
    apparently Linn are out of stock and I was told they may be bringing
    something else out that may interest me more, which really baited my
    curiosity. When I find out what the "something else" is, I'll post a
    note in here.
    
    Dave

    Ah - early Kan's.
    
    	I have a pair of these on ``permanent'' loan to my brother. They
    really are an excellent speaker. It is possible to make them active -
    then they really sing. Both Naim and Ion (But not Linn) make suitable
    crossovers which will work with 280's. The conversion to active is
    simple.
    
    	Rik

Details please ?

    The "something else" is a new preamp called the Kairn. Only Linn would
    name a product after a pile of stones....
    
    I have had the opportunity to see/listen to one of these things. On the
    phone, I was told that all the boys at the Sound Org. in York were
    saving their pennies to replace their LK1s; Hamish, the boss man,
    already has a buyer for his, so if the people who sell it think it's
    good enough to pay for, that's a good start. So I couldn't wait to for
    an audition, even though I couldn't afford the 1200 notes - or 900
    after an LK1 trade-in - to buy one for a while.
    
    When I arrived at the shop a Kairn was set with an LK280/Spark, driving
    Isobariks. Sources were a Micromega Solo CD player (I was sharing the
    dem with a CD+bariks user) and an LP12/Ekos/Troika/Lingo. Frankly I was
    underwhelmed by the sound differences, as were the other people in the
    room. To facilitate a quick A/B/C dem an LK1 and an LK1+Dirak were
    stacked on top of the Kairn, both
    powered up, so perhaps this had a deleterous effect on the sound. It
    didn't sound bad, just not 900 notes better than an LK1. Hamish was
    puzzled, as he wouldn't commit himself to buying something for his own
    use if it didn't represent a substantial upgrade. I was offered a home
    loan for the future, but having just forked out for a Lingo it will be
    the distant rather than near future.
    
    Apart from the sound quality, there are other interesting aspects of
    the Kairn which indicate Linn's thinking on where hifi is going...
    
    1. It has three line level outputs for feeding up to three power amps
    or other loads.
    
    2. it has an output laballed "Matrix", for which Linn has yet to
    develop the hardware. Rumour has it that this is surround-sound or
    multi-room equipment. The remote already has facilities for this.
    
    3. The remote has controls for manipulating any CD player that uses the
    standard Philips chipset.
    
    4. Apart from a few basic controls, everything is managed from the
    remote.
    
    5. XLR connectors have been discarded in favour of gold plated RCA
    phonos.
    
    There are also rumours that a hi end CD player may be coming out of a
    certain factory in Salisbury, and maybe even from a factory in Glasgow.
    
    Remember you read it first in here!
    
    Dave

    Hum,
    
    	Confused-of-Camberley (Well Fleet but it doesn't sound as good).
    
    Dave,
    	This wouldn't be the first time that initial supplies (Possibly
    hand-made prototypes) of new Linn kit didn't live up to expectations.
    The first time a heard the Lingo I was underwelmed. Good - yes but not
    _that_ good. But Chris Brooks Audio have got one in and he seems to be
    _very_ impressed by it - Chris isn't know for going off at the deep
    end. He says its better that the top pre-amps from Naim and Ion.
    Obviouly you need to listed yourself but Chris does tend to get thing
    ``right'' for my ear.
    
    Some more info.
    
    	Looks like a Kremlin ie LK-280 sized + drop down flap revealing
    control panel.
    
    	The microprocesser etc are only active when the remote / front
    panel is used - switch of after 20 seconds (A'la Naim 52).
    
    	Power supply is based on the Darik - but internal.
    
    		Rik
    
    This is all part of Linn's plot to stop me getting a CD. Whenever I
    save enough money for a player they go and improve / replace a
    compenent I have _got-to-have_ Ekos, Lingo, Kairn ...
    
    If Linn are making a CD - and the Remote does tend to show this - the I
    will be the last kid on the block to have a CD player :-)
    
    PS The Karin probably sounded bad 'coz of the CD player in the room :=)

    re last....
    "PS The Karin probably sounded bad 'coz of the CD player in the room
    :=)"
                                                              
    ....or the even numbers of limbs on the people in the room.
    
    Actually, the Micromega didn't disgrace itself soundwise, even in the
    Linn system - but then it shouldn't for �1500. It was tuneful and the
    timing was good, although it exaggerated sibilants/consonant sounds
    more than I like; it sounded almost as good as a Rega with a Linn Basik
    cartridge fitted. There's progress for you.
    
    Further to the rumours on the Linn CD player, the shop told me
    (confirming our phone conversation of Thursday, Rik) that Linn are not
    far off getting the DAC side of the Numerik onto a few monolithic
    chips.
    
    Dave
    

RE: .27;

Perhaps it should be "flustered of fleet"

Personally, I think Linn are trying to stop me getting an LP12!

Every time, I think I'll upgrade my REGA, they keep announcing upgrades that
make a listenable LP12 (Surely noone will endure an LP12 without a LinnGO!)
more expensive!

Mark.

OK all you Linnies out there...

What have Linn been up to over the last 3 months. I hear rumours about new
baseboards for the LP12, a CD player, a new pre-amp etc. etc...

Can someone give me a bit of detail about these products ?

    The baseboard(s) for the LP-12, Trampolinn, (Get it :-) is for LP-12
    which for one reason or another (Mainly wife in my case) are not placed
    on Turntable-tables but instead reside on heavy sideboards, cost
    �80'ish out in September.
    
    The CD player (CD-5) is a pre-pre-production two bit (The transport and
    the electronics�) CD player. There is some debate as the whether it
    will see the light of day. If it does it will be ``expensive'' and will
    sound ``About as good as a Linn Basik'' its based on the experience
    gained from the Numeric A/D + D/A studio kit. If it comes out it will
    be ealy next year.
    
    The pre-amp is the Kairn - simply the best pre-amp yet. �1300. See my
    notes elseware.
    
    The tuner is the Kremlim > �1000. Full remote (Same remote as Karin and
    CD-5)
    
    The interesting beast to me is the yet-unnamed loudspeaker. This is the
    Isobarik replacement - but based on Kaber technology, price unknown.
    This is rumered to sound better passive than active 'briks - wow.
    It may even be smaller than the back breaking monoliths ...
    
    ... anyone want a LK-1 and pair of Walnut 'briks ...
    
    	Rik
    
    �Linn's joke not mine.

OK Rik, I denote you the officil Linn Kairn tester for this conference.

I'd be very interested to hear your impressions of this product...

    I spoke to one of the techies at Linn a few weeks ago, talking
    interconnect lengths and so on. We got around to the Kairn, and I
    explained I'd heard one at a music evening and yes, it was better than the
    LK1, but not staggering as some had said, conceding it may have been
    the room, the system different to mine, odd choice of music, etc. The
    guy at Linn said that was likely, and that I should try one at home; he
    also said I shouldn't do that if I couldn't afford to buy it, as once
    I'd heard in my own system I wouldn't want to take it back!
    
    I since heard that early models need a different mains filter;
    apparently a coil inside the filter case was causing some problems. The
    shop I use are sending their's back for a rework, tho' it sounded
    pretty good to me last Saturday, driving triamped Isobariks. New models
    will be made after Linn's summer hols (next 3 weeks), so I'll maybe
    have another dem. A good case for selling some shares, perhaps?
    
    Going back to interconnects, Linn reckon that if you use their phono
    cable (now available off the reel), length isn't an issue; the LK1 they
    have in reception actually drives 3 LK280s, 2 of which are over 70
    metres away inside the factory. I made up some 8 metre interconnects so
    I could use 5 metre speaker cables instead of 13 metres, and the
    difference was worth the effort; I expected the balance to be warmer,
    with the extra capacitance of the longer cable, but if anything the
    system is clearer (not brighter), with a greater sense of hearing to
    the bottom of the recording but no loss of tunefulness. I expect the
    shorter speaker cables are having as much effect here. Also while the
    system was dismantled (we've had the decorators in) I rolled back the
    carpet where the Linn stands and cut out the foam underlay, replacing
    it with a 2'x2' board, glued 'n' screwed to the floor. I suppose all
    these things add up.
    
    Dave
    
    

    Well, I haven't got a Kairn yet, but it's next on the shopping list.

    As for my impressions, well, I've always liked the ``sound'' of Linn
    electronics (prior to that I had Naim 32/160, before that a Quad). What
    struck me most about the Kairn was that I couldn't ``hear'' it doing
    anything to the music - it sounded ``like a piece of wire with a gain''.
    Not harsh, not forward, not layed-back - it just took on whatever mood
    the record was. I spent (quite) a few hours listening to the Karin, but
    most of the time I was just listening to the music.
    
    The nearest to it I've heard is the big Naim two box pre-amp (NAC42 ?)
    but the Kairn didn't have the ``You've just got to hear this'' that the
    Naim had.
    
    	All in all I'm very impressed and will be looking forward to buying
    one - probably towards the end of this year.
    
    	Rik
    
    PS How much is an (old) LK-1 worth �150, �200 ? (Serious question)
                     

    re .last...
    "PS How much is an (old) LK-1 worth �150, �200 ? (Serious question)"
    
    About �300-350, depending on condition/age. I thought there would be
    little demand, but with the LK100 and LK150 shortly available, plus an
    LK1, pre/power combo from Linn can be had for under �800 if the LK1 is
    a used model. Which also means you can have a Kairn for under a
    grand....
    
    Before anyone asks, the LK100 is the Intek's power amp on its own in an
    Intek box, same power rating (obviously) as the Intek; the LK150 is a
    new power amp, same size physically as the 280, but less power.
    
    Dave

    Can I have some opinions from the panel?
    
    Currently a pair of Linn Kabers will set you back about �1200, a Kairn
    preamp about �1300. An LK1 will p-x against a Kairn for about �350, and
    a pair of 1985-vintage Kan I's will p-x against a pair of Kabers for
    about �300. This means either Kabers or a Kairn can be had for about
    �900.
    
    Given this system: LP12/Lingo/Ekos/Troika, LK1/LK280/SPARK, Kan I's,
    and �900 from sale of DEC shares burning a hole in your pocket, would
    you upgrade the speakers or the preamp (leaving aside for now that
    there are other things worth doing with 900 quid)?
    
    The system-heirarchy argument says the preamp should be upgraded first, 
    but those Kabers did sound nice last time I heard them, even with an LK1 
    on the front........
    
    I plan to audition the options, and make up my own mind, but what would 
    you other Linn users do?
    
    Dave

    
    Well Dave, I'm not a Linn user, so can I answer ? :-> I got this
    information out of a conversation I had on a different topic a couple
    of months ago.
    
    The Sound Gallery in High Wycombe reckon that Kabers sound completely
    horrible when driven with an LK1 - "like a cheap transistor radio" was
    the quote. However, they said that they sounded really good with a
    Kairn !
    
    Trevor

	go for the speakers - you can *see* them as well as hear
	them. and if they sound awful, sell some more shares...

Sorry Dave, the Kairn hasn't made it out here yet. I have however listened to a
pair of Kabers in a setup like yours. Liked the sound and the concept - big,
detailed sound from a "small" box.

Will they let you demo at home ?

Have you heard the Kairn with a sparked 280 ?

    This months gramaphone carried a quote from Ivor Teflonb*m that they
    could only build a reasonable CD player for #50,000 a shot.
    
    Bet that's got meridian and naim quaking in their boots !

    I think that Gramaphone (shouldn't they change their name to CD-Player ?)
    have take Ivor T. out of context. The quote is at least a year out of
    date based on the _cost_ price of �25,000'ish for the Numerik D/A A/D
    converter + markups + Ivor T. exagerating as always.
    
    Taking to my tame Linn bod just back from the holidays yesterday the
    CD-5 could be out by 1992Q2 and even cost _less_ than the Naim thing.
    Also the converter _should_ be usable with other peoples transport
    (Unlike Naim). Mind you that is for a CD player as good as the Linn
    Basik TT, a reasonable CD player may well cost �50,000 :-)

I had my first good listen to Linn Kan IIs on the weekend. My usual hifi shop
was discounting a pair 30%. I've been unhappy with my speakers (Mission 764's)
for some time (wobbly bass, lack of integrity) and so listened to these with
interest because of what I'd heard about them. Interest was hightened because I
could esentially swap the 764's for the Kans without having to find additional
monies.

Hooked them up to an LP12/Lingo/Akito/K18 and Naim 62/140.

Overall I was impressed. The speakers were *very* musical and had well, 
integrity. Bass wasn't great but improved when the speakers were hard up against 
the wall. Very *fast* speakers which helped their musicallity.

I'm going to take them home for a week and give them a good audition. Not sure
whether to upgrade to the Kans while I figure out the ultimate speaker and find
the money (I quite like the Ruark Talisman), or skip the Kans altogether. I have
a suspicion that the Kans might fit the listening environment (polished wood
floors, concrete/plaster walls) quite well without being too lively.

Anyone else heard these speakers (prefereably with Linn front-end) ?
 

    I have been using Kans for the last 5 years or so. I concur with your
    comments about the sound, but you will find as your system gets better
    the Kans get better with it. Do not expect to use the Kans as a
    standby till something better comes along; each improvement you make in
    front of the Kans, especially to your Linn, will get you so enamored
    with the sound you will find yourself dissatisfied with anything else
    at anything less than three times the money - the trick with Kans is
    knowing when to stop improving what you feed them with. I have known
    people go as far as changing their 140 to a 250 to two 135s,
    before they found it worth changing their Kans. Of course you only need
    to upgrade once with a Linn amp (LK280 then add a Spark), but then I'm
    biassed.
    
    I've just had a loan of the latest Kabers for three days; although they
    were better in terms of bass, detail, treble smoothness, etc., they
    didn't make me want to listen to the end of a side on my problem albums
    any more than the Kans did. Until I put a Kairn in the system, that is.
    However boringly predictable it may seem, the Kairn worked wonders,
    even when I put the Kans back on; like Uncle Ivor says, you just hear
    more tunes.
    
    Dave

Hooked the Kans up last night to my system. (LP12/Lingo/Ekos/OC9,
Naim 72/140/HICAP). Overall impressions remain of a very *fast* musical 
speaker. Much brighter than I'm used to, but I love the speed and crispness
of the Kans response to transient notes and their attack on the leading edge 
of notes. Concerned that they may become a little fatiguing after a while
though...

Thanks Dave. I've had a look at Kabers and have seen the new bits that Linn have
issued for them. Are they as bright as your Kans ?

    I used Kan I's until I got the 'briks.
    
    In terms of musicality the Kan -> Isobarik upgrade made the least
    difference to my system. (Ittok -> Ekos, Asak-T -> Troika, Lingo etc)
    
    In terms of ``presence'' ... well thats another story.
    
    Re ``brightness'' I had a lot of people comment on how bright my Kans
    were but all agreed that you just get ``use'' to the sound and it is
    definatly _not_ a problem in log therm listening.
    
    	Rik

    re .44....
    
    Kans have their faults, (mainly due to their size and their
    idiosynchratic response curve), but a fatiguing sound, especially
    with a Linn on the front isn't one of them.
    
    If properly installed Kans sound fatiguing in the long term when
    normally you like what they do, you should look for the cause somewhere
    else. You may cure it by replacing the Kans, but you will lose some of
    the good things they do, and the good things are fundamental to
    appreciating the music. Just my experience/opinion, fwiw.
    
    Dave

    Has anybody heard the KREMLIN ? I wonder if it's in the same leage as
    the NAT 01.
    
    Patrick

    I had a listen to the new Linn cartidge, the Arkiv, yesterday. Very
    nice. It's very smooth and open, and tracks very well, too - even on
    the inner grooves of my Mitsuko Uchida Mozart sonatas, which she not
    only plays with vigour and virtuosity, but also, as I now know, with
    charm and humour too. The Arkiv is based - so I hear - on a modified
    Lyra Clavis generator, in a body that Linn has yet to release - the
    version I heard was "naked" and looked very vulnerable. The generator
    is mounted on a T-bar milled from a solid chunk of the same alloy as
    the Ekos headshell. It is a three-hole fixing, a la Troika, but the
    holes are tapped. As it is possible to remove the paint from an Ekos
    headshell using a bastard file without scratching the alloy, it is
    unlikely the hole threads will strip before the bolts give out.
    Cartidges with this degree of smoothness that I have heard before tend
    to favour classical music, but this beast didn't seem to care, coping
    with rock, jazz, folk and classical with equal aplomb. Looks like my
    new speakers will be put on the back burner *yet again*. The Arkiv will
    cost around �900, less exchange; for Troika owners that means a bottom
    line of around �600. Such is Linn's confidence in the Arkiv that the 
    Troika is being discontinued.
    
    I listened through an active Keltik system, and it's the first time
    I've heard Keltiks sound this good. Although they have been revised,
    Linn have been training their dealers on how to install them and the
    Kabers, i.e. correct positioning, not right back to the wall which is
    the default with other Linn speakers.
    
    There are some other Linn products in the pipeline. A modified Karik CD
    transport will be available soon at about a grand; it will take a
    mini-Numerik DAC as an internal plug-in module, allowing upgrades later,
    giving Linn a single box CD player and advantage over Naim as the Naim
    one-boxer isn't upgradeable. Also here soon will be a line-level only
    version of the Kairn, called the Kairn Pro, for those without a
    turntable; it should sell for �989 or thereabouts. Whilst being told
    this, I caught sight of a reference in the dealer update to something
    called a Ceilidh, but I don't know waht that will be.
    
    Further to the Martin Colloms disaster review of the Kairn/LK100: it
    turns out that MC tested the LK100 by driving Wilson Watts/Puppies and,
    as good as the Wilson speakers are, the amps that can drive those properly
    can be counted on the fingers of one hand; I believe MC normally uses
    Krells or similar to drive these monsters. He then assessed the Kairn
    by driving his standard power amps, which also sounded rough. It looks 
    like he has a very optimally balanced system configuration, and
    substituting one or both of the Linn boxes threw the whole lot out of
    balance. However that begs the question as to why a reviewer of Martin
    Colloms' stature, who should realise this and use a system less on knife
    edge to assess sound quality, didn't do so or at least declare it in
    the review; the answer may be that MC has been, and is, working as a
    consultant with Naim Audio. Although Linn were happy that MC should
    measure the equipment (he has a superb lab), they asked if HFN/RR let
    someone else do the sound quality review, since MC could hardly be
    expected to be objective as he was working for a competitor. The editor 
    of HFN/RR agreed, but the review went ahead anyway without a
    declaration of interest by MC or HFN/RR. Draw your own conclusions.
    
    MC is now on the staff of HiFi World. I shall be reading carefully, but
    if similar things crop up there I won't be renewing my subscription.
    
    Dave  

    I don't know what a Ceilidh is but I caught reference to a replacement
    to the Asaka called the ... Klyde.
    
    	Rik
    
    PS I finally brought a Kairn - this thing is amasing. With the old LK-1
    played LOUD you could hear thing getting a bit ``distressed''. With the
    Karin playing VERY LOUD INDEED there was no sign of any distress at
    all - then my LK-2 closed down !
    
    The Kairn is also wonderfull very quiet - you don't loose any of the
    detail - I love it.

    Ah yes, the Kairn is good. I was so chuffed with mine I felt moved to
    write to Ivor about it. I got a personal reply, too. My feelings
    haven't changed at all, in fact my regard for it grows.
    
    I may like a pair of Keltiks, but a house with rooms big enough for them 
    to work in would have to come first!
    
    Dave

    Come on then, Rik. Fess up what you know about the new "cheap" Kabers.
    
    Dave

    I know very little except :
    
    	o Based on Kaber/Keltic technology.
    	o Cheaper than Kaber (But Linn aren't saying how much). I'd guess
    at mid way between Kan and Kaber.
    	o I expect they'll be available in an active form and a LK-100
    active version to sound better that Isobariks with a Klout (Linns
    words NOT mine)

    I've been auditioning a Trampolin on my LP12 (which is mounted on a
    wall bracket into a 8" thick plaster/concrete wall). Can't make up my
    mind about this new item, while it seems to be opening up the bass a
    little (however with my speakers it's hard to tell), but I'm losing
    something detail I think.
    
    Anyone out there had any experience with the Trampolin ?

    re .53....
    "Anyone out there had any experience with the Trampolin ?"
    
    Yes. It's very good. It makes the Linn more independent of where you
    place it, but does lots of things with the sound, too. Yes, it opens
    the bass up, and also normalizes the slightly "fat" upper bass that used
    to characterise the Linn sound. It also makes dynamic shading more
    appropriate, quiet sounds remain more obvious when the big noises come
    in, the midrange is more open and the top end smoother. 
    
    If you don't hear those things on a "Tramped" LP12/Lingo/Ekos set up, 
    maybe it wasn't installed correctly, or the Linn needs tweeking, or there 
    is something amiss elsewhere in the system. I saw your earlier note
    about speakers elsewhere; almost any speaker on the planet will improve
    on the Missions and this is likely where the problem is; check out the new
    Kans before you spend loadsamoney on big boxes - other than that, I
    second Rik's recommendations therein.
    
    The new Linn speakers are the "Ceilidh", pronounced "Cayly", which from
    my time in Scotland I recall as being Gaelic for a right old knees-up
    party. They're based on Index drive units in a Kaber configuration, and
    apparently are intended to replace the Nexus.
    
    The Linn integrated CD player is out, but I haven't heard it yet. I've
    been told that it compares to the two-box player like an Valhalla LP12
    does to a Lingoed version.
    
    Dave

    One more to this string.....
    
    I heard Linn's new integral active crossover boards, designed to fit in the
    LK100 and KLOUT power amps, on Friday. Each card is about 2" by 4" and
    gets its power from the power amp. Construction is surface-mount, with
    most of the works inside two large chips, complete with a heat sink
    with a static-handling caution printed on it.
    
    Gain adjustment is via DIP switches which enable/disable each
    gain-select line electronically, so the switch contacts aren't in the
    signal path. Set up is carried out in an open-top box into which all
    cards fit and get their power. Once the levels are optimised for the
    customer's listening room, the cards are then transferred into the
    respective power amps.
    
    I listened to both LP and CD, in an triamped Kaber system and a
    biamped Keilidh system, in both cases using LK100 amps. The 
    results were stunning. The sound was more tuneful and more clear, as would 
    be expected by going active, along with all the details hanging
    together more appropriately. The known shortcomings of either source
    (enter your favourite prejudice here....) were not inaudible but
    rendered irrelevant by the excellence of what the systems were doing
    well. The LP source was a full-Monty LP12, and the CD player was a
    Meridian something-or-other and a Linn Karik/Numerik. Both of these
    systems, including the Keilidh system, set new standards that render
    the old Isobarik triamped (or even hexamped) systems irrelevant, in
    terms of sound, convenience, and domestic-acceptance factors.
    
    And then there's the prices. The cards work out at around �250 per stereo
    pair, so (leaving aside power amp costs) a Keilidh user pays �500, and
    Kaber and Keltik users pay �750. (The Keltik bass card has a special
    roll-off to avoid users rearranging their masonry.) This means that a
    Keilidh user with one LK100 can go active for under a grand. The cards can
    be transferred from LK100s to KLOUTs, so upgrading is very flexible.
    
    LK280/SPARK users like me can't take advantage of the new cards,
    though. Apart from the lack of space, the LK280 amplifiers don't have
    the required interface circuits. 
    
    So it looks like my next step is to trade-in my LK280/SPARK for three
    LK100s. After the Cirkus, that is......
    
    Dave

    
    You could build active Linn systems before though, couldn't you ? Did
    they used to have some kind of external active crossover, � la NAXO ?
    Maybe you'd do better to get hold of a couple of LK280s (perhaps going
    cheap now ?) and the external box ? Or perhaps money is no object...
    
    Trevor

    re .56....
    
    You are right, but the Kaber Aktiv crossover was about a grand, a new
    LK280/SPARK is �1300 each, or LK280 on its own at about �600 but not as
    good as an LK100 at �450. Plus the LK100s can have their inputs
    daisy-chained so only one line-level interconnect is needed; to avoid
    feeding multiple cables into single XCR conectors (messy), multiple
    LK280s need multiple interconnects and mine are 10 metres long. 
    Then there's all the mains cables, seven (including crossover) instead
    of three.....
    
    Used LK280/SPARKs still cost around �600-700 each. Add �100 for the extra 
    line level interconnects I'd need and �1000 plus for the Kaber Aktiv, and 
    you'd be looking at �2500 or thereabouts. But three LK100s cost about 
    �1400, less about �400 part-ex for the LK280/SPARK, plus �750 for the new 
    cards, and the cost of going active is down to about �1750. And I could
    maybe get more for the 280/SPARK if I sell it myself.
    
    So it isn't a case of money being no object, far from it. I wish it
    was....
    
    Dave

    Just spoke to my tame Linn dealer, he has just replace th Aktiv box on
    his Keltik with these card - it looks like Linn have moved the goal
    posts.
    
    	Rik Waiting-to-hear-the-new-Numerik-D/A-chipset.

    I was amused and not entirely surprised to read that THOSE Linn adds
    that have been appearing in the HiFi press have come in for stick.
    
    the ones that go something like
    
    "Shes fantastic, intelligent , witty, fun
    
    she would'nt go out with me as she said I was a sad, anally retentive
    HiFi bore.
    
    Shes going out with some other guy.
    he does'nt have a Linn HiFi but he does have a life"
    
    or something like that ;-)

    There is another (big) Linn price rise on the horizon (Jan 1st)
    
    Rik

    Just as well I picked up my Numerik and Kudos last week :-)
    
    Do you know what's affected? 
    
    Dave
    

    Mainly the electrical items.
    
    Rik

    Rik,
    
    You were right about the price increases - and they're not small.
                                          
    			increase  	new price
    Kaber speakers, 	400.00 		1800.00
    kaber activ cards	 40.00		 790.00
    Karik CD 		300.00		1800.00
    Numerik 		300.00		1400.00
    LP12		200.00		1000.00
    LK100		 75.00		 650.00
    Kudos		 10.00		 775.00
    Klout		  5.00		2000.00
    
    So, if you're looking into getting some Linn gear, buy before Jan 1st.
    
    Dave
    
    	

    Oh dear, it's silly season at Linn.
    
    Effective 10-NOV-1996:
    
    Klout  	2000.00	  2400.00
    Keltik      4400.00   6000.00
    Kaber       1800.00   2000.00 (black)
    			  2150.00 (walnut)
    Keilidh                850.00
    Karik       1750.00   1850.00
    Numerik     1400.00   1500.00
                                  
    There may be more, by then the valium started working and everything seemed
    sooooo distant.
    
    Dave.