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
I have solos with N802's see my system. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1088784502&read&3&4&

My wife loved the look of linn as well so it was an easy sell.

My thoughts are solos are great I would say a chakra twin wouldn't be enough unless you biamped but I feel I need two pairs of solos for my room its 11high by 14 wide by 25 long. So I don't know if I am answering your question or not but with you speakers and Linn only klimax would have enough power. That said they sound amazing. I am surprised that people don't talk about them more.
Deven,

Your system is just fantastic. I would love to end up with something like it but have to test the equipment out. When you were choosing amps did you look at anything else?

Would you describe the Linn Mono's as bright,warm etc....

People probably do not talk much about the mono's because of their price range. If I were to go this route they would definitely be second hand. I have seen them go for around $9000 or so. That said how do you think they compare to mono's from other companies in the 9-10k range?

My wife really likes the compact size but she really doesn't care to much about electronics, she just wants to avoid an entire wall of the stuff....don't blame her.

I to have a large space. 12ft ceilings, 17x32' space where the system is in.

So would you agree that the Mono's would drive the 802D's nicely? How does your system fair in the HT realm? Are you satisfied with its performance?
RED
In home theather and stereo my system works great. THe solos more than hold there own against any amp. That said I still want to biamp the 802's. I am in the process of buying some Mark Levinson 436 monos for the bass on my 802's.
The reason I am going with the 436 for the bass is first they cost about $3000 (used) less than Solos (used. And second I always liked levinson gear as well. It was my second choice next to Linn. SO I feel I can combine them as biamping goes and save some money and make sure my first decision was correct. I will eventully split my system in to a dedicated home theater and 2ch rig. So I can't lose by having more amps than less. I would recommend listening to the solos vs others to help you with your decision.
Deven8,

Your choice of the Levinson's is very nice. Are you not satisfied with the bass production of the Linn's?

Speaking of Linn, have you heard the CD12? If so what do you think of this player compared to your Unidisk 1.1? I was contemplating on whether or not it would be nice to purchase a second hand cd12? At around 9 to 10k I am curious about its performance against other companies such as Ayre (CX-5e), Classe, even Levinson. The problem with all this gear is that many of the dealers do not carry all the product lines together. The Linn dealer which carries the Monos does not carry the 802D's. Just difficult to make a final decision on some of this stuff. Oh well better for the pocket book. :)
red
I lIke the bass from the solos. I just wanted more (from biamping) and thought I try levinson.
As far as classe being made for b&w well the major studios with B&W all have chord gear powering their speakers?? So who knows.
A 1.1 is about 90-95% of a cd12 on cd depends on who you ask on sacd a 1.1 is better than a cd12 on cd. Go to the linn forum and do some searchs there is alot of info there.