2. amps-preamps
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Linn users need your advice on Amps.

I am looking for a good power and pre amp combo for my new B&W 802D's and am looking at many products and have an attraction to the Linn product line.

My question is has anyone matched Linn with B&W. Specifically what do people think of amps such as the Linn Klimax Solo Monoblocks and the Klimax Chakra Twin? I can't afford the Solo's yet but potentially the Chakra Twin. Is this amp powerful enough for my 802D's? I think its rated at 125W into 8ohms.

Also what are peoples experience with the Linn Monoblocks (Klimax Solo's).

I eventually want to create a home theatre system so Linn is an attractive product to look at. I just haven't auditioned their products yet.

My musical interests are mainly alternative,experimental electronic,world,jazz.

Please let me know your thoughts on these products. :)
Thanks!
redspectral

Showing 2 responses by newmanoc

newmanoc
295 posts
 
I think the Klimax Chakra should work just fine, though there is no doubt that the Solos would be ideal. The 802D has good sensitivity (90db I believe), and the Chakra is a very big 125 Watts (i.e., much more capable of driving a tough load than almost all amps of similar power rating). So don't let the number itself scare you.

I share your affinity for Linn amps, especially the new Chakra series - incredibly open and detailed - really more so by far than anything else I have heard. For some they may possibly be just a tad lean, but most of the leanness in Linn gear seems to come from their preamps in my experience. And personally, I feel the speed and detail that you get in exchange is more than a fair trade off.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
Putty's advice is clearly better than mine, having actually heard something similar to the combination in question.

As to your question, however, the Solo's would be far better than anything in the Chakra line, not only because they are 290 Watts into 8 ohms and 500 into 4 ohms, but because they are still the best sounding amp Linn makes. At 20k they had better be. But actually, I have seen these for as low as 8k on the used market.
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