I listened to Linn’s flagship hi-fi setup and it was absurdly good, frankly

Founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1973, Linn is a producer of premium hi-fi elements. Its first, and most legendary, product was the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable – a deck that has retained recognition amongst adoring audiophiles since its first launch over 50 years in the past. 

At the current Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2024 in Bristol, England, Linn showcased a spread of merchandise, proving it’s not simply the very best turntables it needs to be recognized for. Attendees, together with myself, have been handled to Linn’s better of the very best. 

The setting and Linn’s selection of lighting are to be applauded. The room was dimly lit, with blue lighting in opposition to the backdrop and a central mild casting a shadow of the Sondek LP12-50. The impact gave the system an ethereal really feel and introduced, “You’re about to listen to one thing particular.”

Linn clearly carried its fame as even at 10:15 am, a mere quarter-hour after the present had opened, the room was already full of hi-fi fanatics itching to listen to what critically premium audio seems like.

Just what was on present? The full hi-fi system, which, for enjoyable, I’ll put costs subsequent to, was as follows:

• Linn Sondek LP12 turntable Fiftieth anniversary – from £50,000 (round $63,170 / AU$97,130) 
• Linn 360 Floorstanding loudspeakers (pair) – from £55,000 (round $69,500 / AU$106,900) 
• Linn Next-generation Klimax DSM community music participant – from £35,000 (round $44,220 / AU$68,000) 
• Linn Klimax Solo 800 energy mono-amp (monoblock) x2 – from £37,500 every (round $72,870 / AU$72,870)  
• Total: £215,000 (round $271,770 / AU$417,740)  

So, we’re coping with some severe package right here. After individuals grabbed seats or made do with no matter house they might get behind the room – I discovered house on the left aspect – everybody waited with bated breath. 

A contact of contemporary  

The first observe, streamed by way of the Klimax DSM, was The Weeknd’s Out of Time, which instantly showcased the bass capabilities of the Linn 360 audio system, considered one of the 5 finest audio system I noticed on the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. Although highly effective, the bass was nonetheless tightly managed and by no means overwhelming, giving the twinkling keyboards and The Weeknd’s vocals the house they wanted. 

This was one of many Linn system’s most interesting strengths: stability. Everything was allowed to breathe but in addition labored collectively as a unit. Quite usually on cheaper methods, one facet similar to bass or treble can utterly overpower the combination and alter a tune, however even when the Linn 360s have been pushed to an virtually room-rattling quantity degree, this stability was by no means misplaced.

I finally set off to cowl different methods and audio system on the present however returned later to see what this setup would cook dinner up subsequent. I arrived in time for an additional fashionable digital observe: Sylvan Esso’s Die Young. 

Slow, pulsing synths and chilled vocals emerged, revealing the extremely nuanced capabilities of the 360s, which crammed the room. The synths started booming earlier than the refrain kicked in, and so they carried a a lot darker, heavier tone than those in The Weeknd’s Out of Time. Vocals started to soar and the sustained be aware would’ve been punishing to lesser audio system, however the 360s once more dealt with it brilliantly. 

The high quality of the 2 tracks I’d heard, each fashionable and superbly produced, was excellent, and so they showcased the clear replica of the Klimax DSM, which comes with Linn’s Organik DAC (its first DAC) built-in. 

The unsung hero right here is the Klimax 800 Solo mono energy amplifier, which gave the Linn 360s the additional juice to ship that wonderful bass and synth motion. A modern, but plain-looking black field, every Klimax 800 Solo weighs a whopping 27kg (59 lbs) and outputs a mega 800W of energy (at 4 ohms). 

The flip of analogue

I’d heard what the Klimax DSM might do – now it was the Linn Sondek LP12 50’s flip. A Fiftieth-anniversary version of the legendary LP12, the LP12-50 is proscribed to 250 items worldwide (therefore the upper price ticket than Linn’s flagship Klimax LP12 turntable, which retails for £25,100) and was designed in collaboration with Sir Jony Ive of LoveFrom. 

The most hanging function of the LP12-50 is the beautiful plinth, which was made utilizing Linn’s newest ‘Bedrok’ know-how the place the plinth is machined from a single piece of chunky wooden made by compressing layers of beech to assist with stability. In individual, it was a sight to behold.

Back to the music. The report of selection was by the band Applewood Road, with the observe Applewood Road from the album… Applewood Road. There’s one thing enjoyable a couple of band that goes all out on a reputation, is not there? Plus, I believe it’s a reasonably good title that fits the band completely.

This observe could be very naked bones – a single guitar with a three-part feminine vocal. Plucked guitar blended superbly with the luscious harmonies, showcasing the Linn 360’s wondrous, extensive soundstage.

The harmonies echoed all through the room and we have been surrounded by heat, angelic voices captured by a single microphone in a small studio in Nashville, Tennessee. It suited vinyl to a tee and completely highlighted the LP12-50 and 360 audio system (not forgetting the Klimax 800 Solo monoblocks).

After the comparatively quick observe ended, I snapped out of no matter trance I had been in and once more exited to sprint across the present. During my day there, nonetheless, I all the time made positive to pop my head again into Linn’s room, and no matter was taking part in, be it Bob Marley or Kraftwerk, sounded merely superior. It’s not each day that you simply hear music on this method.

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