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Experience with Linn Select DSM?

Does anyone have direct experience with the Linn Select DSM system w/ Katalyst?  Please see: https://www.linn.co.uk/sources/network-music-players/selekt#selekt-dsm-with-katalyst

I have decent electronics already (NAD M12 Pre/DAC and M22 Amp) being sourced by a Node 2 server going into the DAC via SPDIF.  I’ve been auditioning other servers to upgrade the Node 2 and in the search process, came across this unit from Linn.  It is elegant and functionally very nice.  The appeal is that I could sell my other gear and have one box that does what I need.  But, I’d only be interested in doing this if it was better overall than what I have.  Unfortunately, I have no local dealers.  I’ve heard it in a nice shop in AZ, but that means nothing as it’s not a comparison to what I have.  Of course, the salesman thought it would be a step up from what I have.  Not surprisingly, I’m skeptical of that claim.  But, it is a cool piece.

So, anybody here with direct experience and insights to share?
mgrif104
neillstrickland
2 posts
 
Does anybody find that the integrated amp on the Linn Selekt DSM is a tad bass light? I bought one and paired it with Harbeth Monitor 30's. The detail, soundstage and midrange is superb but it has little to no bottom end. Does anybody find that? 
photomax
169 posts
 
Those are smaller range monitors. Known for accuracy and not for big rock and roll bass. 
Are they mounted on heavy stands? They might sound better quite some distance fron the wall. 
I would take care in finding the best sounding speaker position first. Start with them right against the wall and then move out to ten feet. Then one foot then nine, then two, then eight, etc. Keep repeating while playing  a minute of the same well recorded music. Once you find the best sounding position note that distance. Is that distance inconvenient? Odds are it will be. Move the speakers to a location you can live with but still has decent sound away from the wall. Note that distance. That is your preferred distance. 
You then measure all the dimensions of your room and utilize Lin’s wonderful Space Optimization software. This will take time. The more accurate you are the better. The system will use the optimal , and preferred distance and all your room info to create a filter for you. You should get better sound and you should be able to adjust the bass as well...
neillstrickland
2 posts
 
I've had them for 17 years. I'm a former BBC Sound engineer and we used Harbeth M20's 30's and 40's for monitoring and mixing, so I know they can produce the bass when required. These used to be partnered with a full Naim system and they sang beaitifully. But on moving house, a one box solution was what I wanted. The speakers are on heavy filled Skylan stands and they are away from the wall. I have not set up space optimisation yet but was hoping the system would have vaguely sounded in the ball park before tweaking began. I will give the space optimisation a go and see if that improves things. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Do you have the Selekt yourself? 
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