Linn Classik cd/tuner/ integrated amplifier


All, anyone have any experience with this unit?  If so, thoughts/feedback?  I am looking at one for a bedroom set-up.......thanks!

johnnotkathi

I don’t have experience with that particular unit but if one thing breaks, you’ll be out of 4 components all at once. CD player, tuner preamp and power amp. The CD player would likely be the first thing to stop working. I would recommend separate components even if you get more compact components. I am assuming that you would like to save space since it is going in a bedroom, as you mentioned, otherwise I can’t imagine why anyone would want to buy an all-in-one unit. 4 new compact modern components would not take much more space than that Linn Classik and you could get them for about the same price and likely better sounding due to their simpler design and 4 separate transformers. 

Thanks and I do not disagree with your points.  I just see one cheap and it is well reviewed.  Like you saw, I am trying to address a real space crunch and still squeeze out some decent sound..

The LINN is a nice sounding and well-built unibox that sounds nothing like a general receiver ( it is a LOT LOT better,l) and is nice space-saver unit compared to the individual components approaching its price strata new.

I test drove it myself new back in 2010-ish(?) and I was tempted to go for it. Then I auditioned the ARCAM SOLO NEO unibox, that was a true contender and no pretender compared to the LINN.

The ARCAM provided 95% of the LINN sonically at a lot less money new .and with a comparatively huge distribution network compared to the LINN, it’s LT use is better IMO.

ARCAM SOLO NEO RELIABILITY

It’s 14 years later and I used it every day since 2010 as either my “B” 2.1 system and now in my “C” TV 2.1+system ….it is flawless and built like a tank in the UK.

if and when ARCAM repairs may be needed (new caps from age-related eventuality….) EZPZ to fix . …no problemo Signor.
- No problems on cd transport or laser ,…anecdotally ,I’ve been told parts area available .

- FM is fine and indestructible.

- Nice internal DAC t GST accepts a USB-A thumb drive for playing digital hi-rez files…NOT in the LINN 

- internet radio is fine…

- DAB tuner is a bit if a stillborn issue here ( a.Europe kinda thing )

TAKEAWAY

At a good pricepoint pre-owned I’d buy the LINN or the ARCAM ,,,whichever brand stirs your drink. Sonically, they may surprise you just how good they sound.

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/arcam/1.html

I owned one for a few years.  For a one box it is decent.  They claim 75 watts, but that is fully.  Split that in half per channel.  You need run bananas only.  My CD tray needed some attention after I shipped it home from a contract doubled boxed inside the original box, so don't jostle it a lot.

For cheap and limited use, it's a go.  Not particularly detailed.  No broad soundstage.  Not overly dynamic.  Great for limited space.  I would run efficient monitors with it.

Best of success on your search.