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 1 response by wenrhuang

I have just gone through the same process of looking into pruchasing Linn Klimaxes, and had been wondering about if the Chakra Twin had enough drive for my not too efficient--85db sensitivity--Dynaudio C1 speakers. I decided the only way to find out for sure was to buy used and try. And which I did.

Now I had a Klimax Kontrol and a Chakra Twin for about 2 weeks, I found that the Twin seems to drive my Dynaudio with ease. It never got more than mildly warm, the fan never came on, and the control of bass is better than the Gryphon integrated it replaces. Out of the maximun volume of 100, I usually listen at 70 or so, and at 75 or more, its too loud for my 14'x18' room.

The general tone was leaner than the Gryphon at first, but after I changed Linn's original power cord and interconnects to others, the leanness was mostly gone. What I gained over before are more precise sound reproduction, more detail, and more control. I still need to tweak my system a bit, but I am generally very happy with the Linn combo.

On Linn's own web site there is a excerpt of review by a European magazine, and it reveiwed the Chakra Twin with a 802D, and the Twin seemed to do just fine. On a Japanese audio magazine--Stereo Sound--I read, it claims that in Japan, the Twin is reputed to sound better than the solo; and it confirmed it in the review. Of corse, I would think solo should be better than Twin, especially for less efficient speakers, but I think its good for you to know that, when cost of purchase is a concern, the Chakra Twin may do just fine for your application.