Linn questions for novice.

Linn makes high quality gear. Linn does have a particular sound that they go for--namely playing "tunes" or getting the rhythm and pace right. Linn seems to galvanize people--you either love it or hate it. If you like the way Linn components sound, then by all means go with an all Linn system. Their components are made to work together synergistically, eliminating the need for system matching. My old linn dealer ran this blind comparison on me one time involving 2 interconnects--one an $80 Linn wire and the other a megabuck wire. In an all-Linn system, the cheaper Linn cable was better. The Majik is a good piece (I own one), and I've heard good things about the tuner module for it. You couldn't get an LK85 with getting a preamp to accompany it, meaning you'd have to spend more money than just a Majik by itself. You might want to spring for a current model CD player (the Genki) because digital technology keeps improving, but the Mimic is also a good player--likely better than new $500-600 players, although I haven't actually compared. As for the speakers, Tukans are minimonitors that are very fast, articulate and revealing but have limited bass. The Keilidhs are floorstanders--less articulate but they go lower, probably better for large scale music. One thing that's desirable about Linn systems is that they have upgrade paths. For example, you could get a Majik, then add an LK85 to biamp the speakers, then get a standalone preamp, then get a second LK85 to place the speakers in active mode. Good luck.

The above responses are sound and have good points. I do not hold strictly to the "all Linn" philosophy (party line). That aside, your choices are limited by your budget and your ears. For a CD only system, the Genki run directly into an LK85 would be quite a bit better than a Mimik/ Majik combo. I personally don't recommend the Mimik at all. It is revealing and musical, but it has a "hardness" to the sound that is completely absent in the Genki, which is the player that lured me back to CDs! Do you need a phono stage? What is the size of your listening room? The Tukans of course, do not have the bass response of the Keilidhs, but they are more neutral sounding with a higher quality midbass driver, whereas the Keilidh is a bit less bass articulate, but with a lower bass response. So, to sum up, my recommendation would be to buy a Genki, no question about it. The amp, be it LK85 or Majik, definitely audition and consider your priorities, budget and upgrade plans. As for the speakers, consider your room and listening preferences. Listen to music you are NOT familiar with through Linn equipment. This is a great test as to whether you truly enjoy the presentation - your bias towards familiar music it taken away. Well best of luck in your search. -John

Had a Majik/Mimik driving a pair of ProAc Tablette 50 Signature in my studies for a while. Work real well, very musical for the price of it.

ElDragon: it seems like you're the Linn man around here :) I read some reviews on audioreview.com and I think I best stick with the Tukans. If I go for the Majik, Mimik/Genki and Tucan combo it's tough to go wrong. If I could find a Genki for $1100 I'd probably buy it. But buying a Mimik for a low price would enable me to sell it later on and upgrading to a Genki. I read somewhere that the Tukans were updated in just the last couple of years or so. Does anyone know what year that was, and what to look for when shopping? Also, what's the difference between the Majik and Majik-I? Does the Kudos tuner module come with most of them? How expensive is it used? The speakers would unfortunatly go in the great room, which is together with the kitchen and is approx. 26'x 29. I know I won't get the best sound in such a large room, but it'll be a lot better than the non-fi I currently own. I'm getting excited! I feel like I'm on a hunt. I remember hearing the Mimik/Majik/Tucan combo 4 years ago, and I'll never forget it. True to Linn's philosophy - once you've heard ours, theirs will sound like noise.

Hi, Morty i am not particulari "Linn man", but at the time i was on the "look-out" just like you, and Linn was only company, that offered the best possible sound, for the money i was willing (able)to spend. And also, i was able to personaly audition the product. I am not aware of any upgrades, that Tukan went through. Also, Kudos tuner, doesn't come with the Majik, and you can find it for about $600(used). It is good tuner, but pricey.I am using vintage tube "Fisher" found on e-bay for less than 200 bucks. Regarding CD player, as i said you can find Karik II for 1K, and if you are to upgrade, just add NUmerik d/a converter, for around 800 bucks, and you would have digital front-end as good as any! I am VERY pleased with Karik(alone)and that is the player i am going to keep, as long as CD's exist. I would like to suggest, for you to find "silver" jumpers (jumpers, they are on the back of the Majik conecting amp with pre-amp, and factory ones are thick copper) The sound with the silver-ones, is much cleaner, transparent....I also have relatively large room, 20 x 15 which is also quite "brite" (wood-floor), which i treated with some heavy curtains, persian rug, bookshelves etc...and i have no problem. One more thing, when and if you get Tukan's make sure that you fill those stands with lead shot (to the top)I tipped mine, few weeks after i bought them, and made dent in one of them what made them "un-fit" for re-sale. Once again, good luck and contact me if you will.