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My speaker upgrade journey - and a few questions

So I have been running Linn Majik 140 speakers since 2015.  Started with a Rotel integrated, then Hegel 160 and currently the Hegel 390.  I like the Linn speakers as they have great presence and clarity, but (like most of us) wondered if I could find new speakers that provide a significant upgrade in sound.  Over the last three years I have listened to many, many speakers - Spendor, Vandersteen, Boenicke, Wilson, Sonus Faber, Focal, B&W, Borresen, Klipsch, Golden Ear, etc.  Just for fun I listened to some that are well over six figures.  Most were very good, but I just did not notice enough of an improvement over my current speakers.  I even found a dealer with my Linns on the floor, so I was able to do a direct A/B comparison.  Again, nothing justified an upgrade.  Last year I took a shot on some Tekton Double Impact speakers I had never heard as many on these forums love them.  I cancelled my order after about 2 months and no communication or speakers from Tekton. 

I figured I would never upgrade and perhaps my hearing is just not that good - why don't $100k Wilson speakers sound dramatically better than my $4k Linn speakers??

Until today.  I was sitting with John Rutan at Audio Connection listening to the Vandersteen Quatros and again had the same feeling - nice, but not worth it.  Then John sat me down in front of a pair of ATC SCM40A (the active version) and I was stunned.  These speakers are so much better in almost every way than everything I had heard before!  And since they don't need an external amp, the sale price of my Hegel 390 will just about cover the difference between the active and passive versions.  I hope they sound as good in my home as they do in the store.

Finally, here is my question.  To keep things as simple as possible, I would like to use my Yamaha RX-A6A (AVR) as the preamp for these speakers and connect the speakers via XLR cables to the pre-outs on the AVR.  Both the AVR and speakers have XLR terminals.  This means using the pre-amp section and DAC of the Yamaha.  The DAC in the Yamaha is the ESS SABRE ES9026PRO Ultra.  Would I be compromising these awesome speakers with the Yamaha electronics?  Thanks for your input. 

 

jcs01

Showing 1 response by 1happyman

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
55 posts
 

I have been using Linn Nexus speakers since I bought them new in 89 for $1100. Most if that time as fronts with my Yamaha AVR in 5 channel mode. 

Enter Covid 2019, I brought out my old Technics TT and vinyl and started back down the 2 channel trail. I always liked the Linns and never felt they were the weak link in my system. I decided to try to upgrade and bought some Tekton Lore Be's with all the upgrades. I really like the Tektons but they sound different than the Linns. Not better or worse, just different. I then gave my beloved Linns to my son for his system. About a year ago, I found a set of Linn Nexus locally for $150 in mint condition. I am ecstatic as they are now in my rotation again. 

In my latest 2 channel quest, I am currently using a factory upgraded Audible Illusions 3A with a LSA Warp 1 amp. I put a Gustard R26 DAC in front and am very happy with the sound. I am amazed at how well the Linns scale up with each new upgrade. I added an Eversolo A8 a couple weeks ago and now the Linn's are singing for joy, again easily reflecting the upgrade. 

DON'T GET RID OF THE LINNS!

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