Linn Klimax DSM
Next generation Klimax DSM is the best yet, applying decades of audio innovation and digital technology learnings. With its extreme engineering and breathtaking sound, Klimax DSM is the closest you’ll get to streaming audio perfection.
Designed from the ground up, Klimax DSM is housed in an exquisite precision-machined new enclosure, providing vital acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury.
On the inside, the beating heart is the ground-breaking home-grown LinnOrganik DAC, enabling our most natural sound ever.
KEY FEATURES
- Features Organik DAC, enabling our most natural sound ever
- Available in two variants: Audio for music source connection; AV with the addition of HDMI connectivity for movie sources
- Streams virtually any digital source over a standard network
- Supports formats up to 24-bit 384kHz with the addition of DSD256
- Integrates seamlessly with Tidal & Qobuz lossless streaming
- Plays Internet radio via TuneIn & Calm Radio
- Analogue, digital and wireless connectivity for performance and convenience
- HDMI 2.0 connections (4K compatible) including eARC for Smart TV connection — AV variant only
- New lowest distortion ADC gets the most from connected analogue sources
- Exakt Links for connection of Klimax LP12, Urika II, Exaktbox or integrated Exakt speakers
- Distortion-free digital volume control
- Surround Sound Processing available with upgrade — AV variant only
- Space Optimisation built-in (requires configuration by Linn Specialist)
SPECIFICATIONS
Network music player and integrated pre-amplifier with inputs for additional digital and analogue sources
Inputs
- Toslink x1
- SPDIF x2 (one configurable as an output)
- Balanced XLR x1
- RCA Phono x2 pairs
- USB Type B x1
- HDMI (AV variant only) x4
- HDMI ARC / eARC (AV variant only) x1 (via HDMI output)
Outputs
- Balanced XLR x1 pair
- RCA Phono x1 pair
- HDMI (AV variant only) x1
Audio Formats FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, DSD (64/128/256), MP3, WMA (except lossless), AIFF, AAC, OGG
Resolution Up to 24-bit 384 kHz
Integrated Services Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Roon, TuneIn, Calm Radio
HDMI Spec (AV variant only) HDMI 2.0 — Supports: 4k resolution @ 60 Hz 4;4;4 HDCP 2;2; HDR; ARC; eARC; CEC
Ethernet x1
Optical Ethernet x1 (SFP socket)
Exakt Link x2WiFi Yes (802.11ac)
Bluetooth Yes (4.2)
Construction Machined from solid aluminium
Finish Silver or Black anodised
Width 350 mm
Height 126 mm
Depth 350 mm
Weight 16.4 kg
Organik DAC
The new all-Linn DAC is the culmination of five decades of audio innovation and over three decades of digital technology expertise. It’s a momentous achievement for Linn.
Organik DAC is the first ever, all-Linn, digital to analogue converter. Every component has been selected, designed and laid out by a Linn engineer and populated on a Linn circuit board, in Linns factory.This cutting-edge design combines our multi-layer PCB design capability with significant investment into the latest Surface Mount machinery.
Linn’s decades of experience in both digital and analogue design has informed the selection of components and design of the circuitry. This is coupled with Linn’s experience of optimising circuit board layout for exceptional audio performance, specialising in high speed digital electronics – a skill set that has been essential for the creation of Organik.
Finally, Linn has refined circuit board population techniques for the production of the highest level of audio equipment and can surface mount the smallest of components to the tightest tolerances.
With Organik DAC, Linn handles every element of every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process using a combination of FPGA processing and a discrete conversion stage, designed to work together in perfect harmony, and precisely controlled and relentlessly optimised for exceptional audio performance.
The powerful FPGA processing stage uses custom-designed algorithms to provide increased upsampling, more precise volume control, and distortion free modulation. Its partnering discrete conversion stage renders the analogue signal with extremely low levels of distortion thanks to a new ultra-low jitter oscillator and carefully designed clock distribution network. These are cleverly combined within a unique double-sided design which reduces signal paths to an absolute minimum. Working together they are relentlessly optimised in every way to expertly perform the digital to analogue conversion.
Organik offers significantly lower noise and distortion, measuring better than anything Linn has previously acheived.Organik DAC achieves the most accurate re-creation of the original music signal, revealing even more of the tiny details that provide a closer emotional connection with the music.
Pricing:
Klimax DSM Audio: £30,000 including VAT
Klimax DSM Audio for all essential digital, analogue and wireless connectivity for music sources
Klimax DSM AV: £30,000 including VAT
Klimax DSM AV with the addition of HDMI connections for movie & gaming sources
Klimax Hub: £15,000 including VAT
Linn Exakt Systems only
Upgrading for Current Klimax Owners:
Klimax DSM and Klimax DS owners:
Trade-in your Klimax DSM or Klimax DS with us and buy a new Klimax DSM with Organik or Klimax Hub for less.
Contact us to discuss our trade-in terms.
Klimax Organik Upgrades.
The following Klimax Organik DAC upgrades are available now to order from us:
Klimax Exaktbox, Klimax 350, Klimax 350 Exakt.
Sound
(Image credit: Linn)
A product such as the Klimax DSM AV positively demands a top-class partnering system. We plug it into our reference set-up of Burmester 088/911 Mk III amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers. We also have Naim’s range-topping ND555/555 PS DR music streamer (£21,000 / $33,000), our current reference, on hand for comparison purposes.
Once the DSM is given a few days to settle it’s pretty obvious that it’s an exceptional product that sets new standards for the streamer category as a whole. We certainly haven’t heard an alternative that betters the Linn’s detail resolution or dynamic expression.
Time and time again we hear new details in recordings that we have been using for years and know well. When we listen to an old favourite like Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa we’re far more aware of the recording venue than ever before, thanks to the clarity with which the Linn resolves the low-level ambience information. Each instrument is placed securely in position within the soundstage and stays sharply focused no matter how demanding the music gets.
We’re astonished by just how convincing the instrumental textures are and the skilful way the Klimax renders subtle changes in dynamic intensity. The leading edge of each note is outlined with care, but the Linn follows through with rich, well-defined harmonics. There’s plenty of muscle when required, but the whole presentation is also infused with breathtaking subtlety too. This is a player that’s as happy to thump out a huge orchestral crescendo as it is to revel in a lonely, solo violin.
We’ve found some of Linn’s previous products to sound a little lean and lacking in natural warmth in the past, but those criticisms don’t apply here. The Klimax DSM sounds neutral and natural, with no obvious deviation throughout the frequency range. It still delivers a crisp and clean sound but here it’s painted with class-leading refinement. There’s no hint of undue harshness – unless it’s in the original signal, that is.
(Image credit: Linn)
We switch to Massive Attack’s Heligoland and the Klimax DSM AV continues to shine. The streamer’s authority in the bass is absolute. We haven’t come across a rival that delivers bass with such grip, depth or power. Even our reference Naim streamer has to step aside here, sounding a little blurred and soft in comparison. In fact, apart from slightly superior rhythmic drive there’s not one other area that we prefer our Naim’s performance. That’s astonishing considering how superior the ND555/555 PS DR sounds to most rivals, though it’s also wise to remember the sizeable price gap between the Linn and the Naim.
We try out the Linn’s digital inputs and are pleased to report that the Organik DAC circuit performs superbly. It’s right up there with the very best number crunchers on the market when it comes to insight and organisation. Importantly, it’s musical too and makes the most of the range of sources we use. Sometimes we find that the USB input on a DAC has a different character to either the coaxial or optical, but that is not the case here. Even wireless connections such as Bluetooth and AirPlay sound good, though understandably, not quite up to the quality levels of the hardwired connections.
The DSM’s analogue input performance is one of the few areas we find less than satisfactory. We have no doubt that Linn has tried hard to make these work well, but we find them lacking the subtlety and expressiveness of the digital inputs. They’re perfectly serviceable, but they don’t show the unit at its considerable best.
The Klimax DSM AV has a volume control built in, so we connect it directly to our Burmester 911 Mk III power amplifier. This works well, improving transparency of the overall sound and even giving us a touch more precision, though we do miss the dimensionality and natural warmth of our Burmester 088 preamp. Connecting the Klimax directly is the way to go if you have anything other than a top-end analogue preamplifier.
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Network music player and integrated pre-amplifier with inputs for additional digital and analogue sources
| Inputs | ||
| Toslink | x1 | |
| SPDIF | x2 (one configurable as an output) | |
| Balanced XLR | x1 | |
| RCA Phono | x2 pairs | |
| USB Type B | x1 | |
| HDMI (AV variant only) | x4 | |
| HDMI ARC / eARC (AV variant only) | x1 (via HDMI output) |
| Outputs | ||
| Balanced XLR | x1 pair | |
| RCA Phono | x1 pair | |
| HDMI (AV variant only) | x1 |
| Specification | |
| Audio Formats | FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, DSD (64/128/256), MP3, WMA (except lossless), AIFF, AAC, OGG |
| Resolution | Up to 24-bit 384 kHz |
| Integrated Services | TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Roon, TuneIn, Calm Radio |
| HDMI Spec (AV variant only) | HDMI 2.0 – Supports: 4k resolution @ 60 Hz 4;4;4 HDCP 2;2; HDR; ARC; eARC; CEC |
| Ethernet | x1 |
| Optical Ethernet | x1 (SFP socket) |
| Exakt Link | x2 |
| WiFi | Yes (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (4.2) |
| Construction | Machined from solid aluminium |
| Finish | Silver or Black anodised |
| Dimensions | |
| Width | 350 mm |
| Height | 126 mm |
| Depth | 350 mm |
| Weight | 16.4 kg |
Build
(Image credit: Linn)
The Klimax DSM’s casework is equally impressive. It’s machined from solid aluminium, with precision cut partitions that separate the analogue, digital and power-supply sections of the circuitry. Doing things this way minimises any unwanted electrical and mechanical interactions that could degrade the performance. This casework is also carefully damped to reduce the impact of external vibrations. The hefty overall mass of 16.4 kg helps in that cause too.
The level of fit and finish is exceptional, just as it should be for the price. The Klimax DSM AV looks every inch the upmarket luxury product it is, and neat design touches such as the diamond-cut pattern on the top panel that echoes the grooves of a vinyl record – alluding to Linn’s enviable history in this area – are lovely. The precision-cut glass volume dial on the top panel looks classy too with its 100 segment indicator lights. This dial feels nice and responsive when turned to change the volume, but its mechanism feels a little vague when we push down on the appropriate edges to navigate the on-board menus or try to pause the music when streaming.
Linn Klimax DSM AV tech specs
(Image credit: Linn)
Bluetooth 4.2
Audio formats FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, DSD (64/128/256), MP3, WMA (except lossless), AIFF, AAC, OGG
Inputs Toslink x1, SPDIF x2, balanced XLR x1, RCA phono x2 pairs, USB Type B x1, HDMI x4 (AV only), eARC x1 (via HDMI output)
Outputs Balanced XLR x1, RCA phono x1, HDMI x1 (AV only)
Resolution Up to 24-bit 384kHz
Integrated services Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Roon, TuneIn, Calm Radio
Dimensions (hwd) 12.6 x 35 x 35 cm
Weight 16.4kg
This Linn comes in two standard finishes – silver or black – and both combine well with the reflective nature of the large front display to allow the unit to blend well into most rooms. The DSM’s display is large enough to read from the other side of our test room and is pleasingly crisp with it. It’s text only though, so you won’t see any cover art. We have to admit, that loss doesn’t bother us much, particularly as the cover art is shown on the dedicated Linn app anyway. This app is pretty slick and over the weeks of our testing proves stable.
As with other recent Linn streaming products you’ll find six assignable switches on the front top edge. Each of these can be easily programmed as a shortcut to a specific music source or input. It’s a neat arrangement that works really well in use.
The Klimax DSM AV has to be configured using the Manage System software, which is accessed through the user’s account through the Linn website. You’ll need a suitable computer that is connected to the same network as the streamer too. We would expect the selling dealer to do the installation, though the software is pretty easy to use. Manage Systems is also the place where you’ll access Linn’s Space Optimisation room correction software.
In some ways Space Optimisation doesn’t feel as sophisticated as mic-driven alternatives, but provided you’re accurate when feeding in your room’s details as well as your speakers and their positioning, you’ll find the software does a pretty good job. It certainly improves the clarity of our set-up and makes the low-end better controlled, though rhythmic drive and dynamic expression suffer a touch in the process. Space Optimisation is certainly worth a try though, and it’s easy to switch off if you don’t like the results.
Next-generation Klimax DSM
The ultimate streamer
Next-generation Klimax DSM is the best yet, applying decades of audio innovation and digital technology learnings. With its extreme engineering and breathtaking sound, Klimax DSM is the closest you’ll get to streaming audio perfection.
Designed from the ground up, Klimax DSM is housed in an exquisite precision-machined new enclosure, providing vital acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury.
On the inside, the beating heart is the groundbreaking home-grown Linn Organik DAC, enabling our most natural sound ever.
Technology
Next-generation Klimax DSM contains features and technology developed by our engineers across years of industry-leading research and development, including the groundbreaking new Organik DAC.
Organik DAC: the beating heart of Klimax DSM
Designed without compromise and manufactured entirely in-house, the home-grown all-Linn Organik DAC combines FPGA processing with a discrete conversion stage, enabling us to precisely control and optimise every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process for the first time.
Your space. The final frontier.
Any music system risks being compromised by the shape of the room it lives in. Until now. Our pioneering Space Optimisation technology removes the unwanted distorting effects of your listening environment to reveal the true sound of the music.
Exakt
Until now, no speaker system has ever been able to synchronise all the elements that make up every note, including all the harmonics. Exakt ensures the perfect time alignment of every part of every note, so now you can enjoy the same sound that was recorded by the artist.
Key features
Klimax System Hub
Engineered to preserve every last musical detail, the Klimax System Hub player gives you access to networked music in the highest quality possible, from Studio Master downloads to streaming services and internet radio. Machined from a solid billet of aluminium, its clamshell design provides the best possible mechanical and electrical isolation for the boards inside, protecting the delicate audio signal. Even your turntable will sound better than ever, connected to one of its nine inputs.
Perfect streaming to your speakers
Featuring Linn’s streaming technology and a range of inputs to connect anything in your living room, every musical performance is perfectly transmitted to the speakers using Linn’s Exakt Link lossless connection.
Klimax System Hub is designed for use in a Linn system with Exakt technology and is the perfect choice for those seeking an all-Linn performance solution from the outset.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Formats FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, MP3, WMA (except lossless), AIFF, AAC, OGGResolution Up to 24-bit 384 kHzIntegrated Services Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Roon, TuneIn, Calm RadioWiFi Yes (802.11ac)Bluetooth Yes (4.2)HDMI Spec HDMI 2.0 — Supports: 4k resolution @ 60 Hz 4;4;4 HDCP 2;2; HDR; ARC; eARC; CECEthernet x 1 (1000BASE-T RJ45)Optical Ethernet x1 (SFP socket)Exakt Link x2Construction Machined from solid aluminium
Features
(Image credit: Linn)
There are three variants of the Klimax DSM. One is intended to be used as a digital source in a two-channel music set-up. It can access music across your home network from a NAS unit or stream using Tidal, Qobuz or Spotify Connect. There’s also Bluetooth (version 4.2) and AirPlay connectivity to add greater flexibility. It can also work as a Roon endpoint.
The AV variant, the one we have on test here, sells at exactly the same price as the music-only version but adds four HDMI 2.0 sockets and a single e-ARC-equipped output to that already extensive features list. Specify the optional surround sound module for an extra £1200 ($1,560/AU$2395) and it can decode all the current movie sound formats bar Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though we wouldn’t be surprised if both of these got added over time.
Unfortunately, if you do want to go down the surround sound route it’s not as straightforward as specifying that dedicated module and connecting via analogue interconnects to any standard multichannel power amplifier.
To get the sound out of the Klimax AV you’ll have to invest heavily into Linn’s ecosystem, using either a complete 7.1 active set-up equipped with the company’s proprietary Exakt digital link or, rather less neatly, employ a combination of the DSM’s stereo analogue outputs and Exakt connections for a hybrid passive/active set up. Either way, we’re talking a fair bit of complexity and huge money.
The System Hub is the final Klimax DSM variant, and that’s designed specifically to work in an all-Linn set-up, connecting to the rest of the system through the Exakt connection. The balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs of the other two models are deleted. Otherwise, the System Hub features the same suite of features, options and connections as the AV version, and surprisingly, costs only half as much.
(Image credit: Linn)
Rather than being a mere streamer, the DSM is more accurately described as a streaming preamplifier. It has the expected digital inputs – USB Type B, optical and a pair of coaxials (in BNC form) – as well as analogue equivalents in Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA (x2) form. Of course let’s not forget about the raft of HDMI connections that comes as standard on our AV variant.
The big technology highlight here is the introduction of the Organik digital-to-analogue circuitry. This is Linn’s first in-house DAC design and has been developed from first principles using the company’s three-decades’ worth of digital experience. Organik combines FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) processing with a discrete conversion stage that allows the engineers to control and optimise every part of the conversion process for the very first time.
The FPGA processing employs bespoke algorithms for things like upsampling and signal modulation while the partnering conversion stage aims to minimise distortion through low jitter and short signal paths. It’s impressive that the company builds and populates these surface-mount circuit boards in-house rather than having them made elsewhere as most rivals do.