Стримеры — Linn Klimax DSM

The Klimax DSM is the network music player of the Klimax range from Linn of Glasgow, Scotland, in the third generation introduced in March 2021. It joins network playback, D/A conversion and a volume-controlled preamplifier in a single case, and it is the first Linn source built around a converter designed and made entirely in-house, called Organik. The price was quoted at GBP 30,000 at launch. Linn offers it as a Music variant without HDMI, an AV variant with HDMI connections for film sound, and a Hub variant that feeds only Exakt digital outputs.

Key specs that matter

PCM files are played at word depths of 16 to 24 bits and sample rates up to 384 kHz, and DSD is accepted up to DSD256 as DSF or DFF files. Supported formats also include FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG and WMA. The rear panel carries two RCA line inputs and one XLR line input at 50 kohm, one Toslink and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, a USB Type B port working in Audio Class 2 mode, and two Exakt Link inputs and two outputs. The RCA output delivers 2 V rms at 150 ohm and the XLR output 4 V rms at 300 ohm, both at 0 dBFS with volume set to 80. Network access runs through gigabit Ethernet on RJ45 or an optical SFP port, plus dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The case measures 350 mm wide, 350 mm deep and 126 mm high and weighs 16.4 kg, and energy use is given as 50 to 70 W.

Engineering and use context

Organik pairs an FPGA processor with a discrete conversion stage in which 16 separate switches per channel turn the digital stream into an analogue signal. Linn states that the circuit works in the time domain, so it does not depend on the closely matched resistor values an R2R ladder converter needs. Every signal path leaving the FPGA is laid out to the same length, a femto clock with very low jitter times the conversion, and each switch has its own local power supply. Distortion is quoted 20 dB below the earlier Katalyst converter. The Utopik power supply uses valley switching, power factor correction and precisely regulated rails. The case is machined from solid aluminium in silver or black anodised finish, with a 1600 x 480 TFT display and programmable stainless steel buttons on top.

Pairing

Because the player includes volume control and balanced outputs, it can drive a stereo power amplifier or active speakers directly without a separate preamplifier. The Exakt Links connect it to a Klimax LP12, a Urika II phono stage, an Exaktbox or speakers with built-in Exakt electronics. Streaming covers TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, TuneIn and Calm Radio, and the unit is Roon Ready.

Alternatives

The Linn Akurate DSM is a lower priced network music player built on the Katalyst converter architecture with an AK4497 chip.