Experience with Linn Select DSM?

Azbird: I’m envious.  I’m sure the Klimax DSM is spectacular! But, it’s outside of my budget.  Would love to hear one side by side the lessor units.  Someday.

I’m thinking your right that I should skip the amplifier section and just go with the streamer/DAC/preamp functions if I do this.  I have a pretty good (and far more powerful) amp that I wouldn’t get any more for than the additional cost of the amp section anyway.  I appreciate the advice.

yyzsantabarbara: thanks for the link to the review.  That was helpful.  It may not be the best measuring unit, but it does seem as if people generally agree the sound is quite good.  That was for the unit above what I’m looking at, but relevant nonetheless.  One constant was that most agreed you pay up for being a Linn owner.  But, it seems the Select DSM might actually be a decent value for me.  

I’m still working out doing this or just upgrading my streamer, but greatly appreciate the input/feedback.

Best,
mgrif

@mgrif104 I posted a question to you on another thread and I see you have answered it already here. I have now heard the Linn Selekt DSM and the NAD M12. I was really impressed by the NAD M12 so much so that the Linn has lowered in my interest. The store I demoed the M12 was also a Linn dealer but did not have the Selekt yet. The lack of analog inputs on the Linn Selekt is a stumbling block.

I was informed that I would not really need DSP my room and the speakers I was interested in so the M12 is now an option.

@mgrif104 I took the plunge into the Selekt DSM Katalyst around the first of the year, so I have about 5 months on it. Do note that this is my first music streamer, and purchased it while auditioning new speakers, last December. It was not something that I thought I needed until I heard it.
So far, I love the sound and function of this piece of equipment. No listening fatigue, and I sit for hours each evening exploring new (and old) music.
I purchased Tidal and Qobuz subscriptions, and use these through the Linn Kazoo app. It's all ridiculously easy. I do wish the Kazoo app had a more Tidal-like interface.  
Well, I don't know if this helps. $7000 is not trivial. I am relieved that my wife has never asked me how much I paid. That would create a moral dilemma that I am not sure I am mature enough to navigate.

It’s an intriguing unit - I think particularly well designed.  As noted earlier, I’m skeptical it’s an upgrade for me all around - I doubt it’s a better amp or preamp.  But, I can easily believe it’s a better streamer than I have, and perhaps a better DAC.  And, the design is beautiful so I’m sure it’s enjoyable to work with. Good to hear it’s also non-fatiguing to listen to.  I’m still waiting to hear from my dealer (200 miles away) if I can do a home demo.  That’s really how I want to try to experience the unit.  Home demos are not something they normally do, but it seems to me it’s the only fair way to evaluate the piece.  With respect to the app, I think I’d do Roon as an overlay.

If I get it, my wife will know what I’ve paid as she pays all the bills...

Cheers,
mgrif

I have a Selekt DSM.  I've upgraded the DAC in it and added a pre-module so have it paired with an Audio Research VT80SE power amp. and my speakers are Wilson Sophia 3's and I'm using Transparent Audio cables to connect it all.

I couldn't be happier with the DSM.  It looks great and is easy to use.  Most importantly it sounds fantastic.  As another poster stated it is non-fatiguing to listen to.  I'd say that it's very musical.   The Wilson's are a large pair of speakers and to get the best sound and imaging they were sticking out in the room a bit more than I liked.  Had my dealer come over and set up the space op.  It's really a trip - I've the speakers back closer to the wall and with the space optimization on you wouldn't know that they were not in their optimal spot in the room.

I did use the power amp in the DSM for some time and while it is a great little amp I am far happier with the addition of the AR VT80SE.  It took a great sounding system and made it even more musical.  The depth and width of the soundstage is even larger now.  

Overall I couldn't be happier with the DSM.  It's very musical and presents a great soundstage.  Love the upgrade options as it allows you to grown the system at your own pace, it is easy to use and the space op is a gem.  I'd debated switching over to dCS but the lack of space op put that on the back burner.