Linn Klimax Solo 500 – New Monoblock Amplifiers from the Scottish Company

Linn presented mono power amplifiers Klimax Solo 500 – the devices use the proprietary Adaptive Bias Control technology and a hybrid cooling matrix for effective heat dissipation. Klimax Solo 500 uses the developments of the top Linn Klimax Solo amplifier. The model operates in class AB with an adaptive quiescent current control system and, at the same time, is designed in a fairly compact case made of milled aluminum.

Adaptive Bias Control is a breakthrough Linn technology, which was first introduced in the 360 ​​Exakt Integrated acoustic systems, then optimized for the Klimax Solo 800 and has now become a key circuit solution for the Klimax Solo 500. It guarantees optimal output characteristics in any conditions and throughout the entire service life of the amplifier - the optimal quiescent current in this system is set automatically and in real time. The current supplied to each of the eight output transistors is continuously measured, the information is digitized and sent to the FPGA processor, which calculates the required current at that moment. The FPGA simultaneously implements a digital feedback loop to adapt and maintain the current at an optimal level.

In this way, the Linn Klimax Solo 500 amplifier continuously measures and adjusts its own output to ensure optimal operation under any conditions: at any temperature, at any volume level and dynamic peaks. Thanks to this, the Klimax Solo 500 demonstrates 85 times lower levels of total harmonic distortion and noise than its predecessor.

In addition, the Linn Klimax Solo 500 power amplifier is equipped with a new heat dissipation system - a hybrid cooling matrix. All internal electronics are mounted directly on a sub-chassis, which is made of well-conducting anodized aluminum and mounted on a thermal plate. The chassis dissipates heat from the electronics located below and is isolated from the amplifier body. The thermal plate has a series of machined fins, designed and optimized using simulation software, forming a labyrinth-like system of channels. Under these conditions, the fins naturally dissipate heat upward and outward through ventilation slots in the top cover of the case. To ensure that the amplifier remains safely cool and ensures optimal performance, efficiency, and component longevity, under heavy loads, the Solo 500 includes active cooling - two internal fans located deep in the case. The fans pump cool air through a network of channels above the thermal plate - the hottest part of the device.

The efficiency of the hybrid cooling system is further supported by a specially optimized Utopik proprietary power supply. Automatically regulated power buses allow the power supply to adapt to the audio signal and supply only the required power, depending on the content and volume

The Linn Klimax Solo 500 is capable of developing 250 W of power when operating on a load with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. For a 4 ohm load, the maximum power doubles to 500 W. At the same time, the amplifier's output impedance at a frequency of 1 kHz is 0.01 ohms, which provides a damping factor of 800 at 8 ohms. The Linn Klimax Solo 500 mono power amplifier is already available in Europe at a recommended retail price of 23,500 euros per unit.