There is a certain contingent here (and elsewhere) that will not believe anything I am about to write and that is OK, you can listen to whatever you want. I have been upgrading DAC’s for a long time. The step up from MSB + "stuff" to PS Audio DirectStream was significant in musicality, accuracy, air, speed, soundstage, vocal timbre, the things you buy good systems to experience. But the step up to a Linn Klimax DSM/3 was even more significant, in a league of its own kind of territory.
You are not going to hear a lot of this unless your system is up to the task. When I put the Linn in my system, I had an Audio Research Ref 75 SE driving well sorted Thiel speakers in a properly prepared room and good cables (Audience AU75 SE mostly). The Linn is direct in to the amp. With this setup, it was quite easy to evaluate the last two steps in the DAC upgrade.
It’s hard to describe what a "reference" sound system sounds like until you hear one. This almost never happens in a dealer showroom, they are set up "good" (sometimes) but not the way in which you can tune your own room.
What do you have to spend to get an analog rig that rivals the Linn Klimax DSM (or similar/better)? I have no idea. My Thorens / Hana set up is nowhere close (PS Audio phono preamp). But I bet Linn can sell you a Sondek setup that will come close (as can other top end manufacturers), but it will be very, very, very spendy. These days I only spin vinyl when I have it and it isn’t available on Qobuz.
