Linn or T+A

@lldd 

thanks for sharing your observations. As I noted before, I would like to audition the T+A SD3100 against the Linn Klimax DSM/3 but have no way of doing so - so you’re findings are very interesting to me.

Question: the Klimax DSM is an integrated streamer and DAC. Did you also use the streaming client built into the T+A unit or did you source it with something else? And, were you using T+A music app or using Roon on both units?

Best,

mgrif104

@lldd 

thanks much for the additional info and insight. The T+A dealer I’m working with said something similar about their app. But he also suggested that the streaming client built into the T+A, while very good, is still slightly bettered by a top end outboard streamer. So, if I go the route of adding an SD3100 HV, I might end up also getting a separate source - and use their native app (whether it be Aurender, Auralic, Innuos or other. 

FWIW - I’ve also gotten feedback from multiple people that the streaming client is the weak link in Linn systems. Apparently the organik DAC is quite good but held back by the streamer. I know of several owners of the new DSM/3 which are using Aurender’s W20SE or N30SA. 

Best,

You pose an interesting question - one I share.  I own T+A gear and am just now upgrading to the reference HV integrated amp. I had their R series integrated and it was very good. But, I needed (wanted) a bit more.  I’ve heard their reference DAC and it’s very good, too. Better than what I have, but the Auralic stack I have (3 box: streamer, processor and DAC) is very good as well and I’m finding I need to spend $$$$ to better it. Which I may do as I’m again looking at the Klimax DSM/3 organic. Unfortunately, i don’t have room in my cabinet for another T+A HV box (they’re big and heavy). My impression (my view only) is that T+A’s HV amplifiers (preamp and amp) are world class and as good as anything out there and are better than Linn in this area and that on the digital side of things they’re roughly equal (i.e. excellent) but Linn’s UI is better.  Impressions only. I’d love to compare them side by side. Sadly, I know of no reasonable way to do this.