This is version 1.1 of the system. Originally, it was the Majik with a Rega Planet, and DCM TimeFrames. This was good. the TimeFrames are a neat speaker with great imaging and the bass was cool since it was transmission line. The system evolved from there. First I came across a set of Katans with active cards and stands. What a welcome addition because of the clarity and imaging. excellent voices on the Katan. Next was the upgrade of an LK85 and adding the activ cards to it and the Majik (mono cards), and I didn't spend too much time ABing, but just set it up. There is a different, things tighten up. I added the power cables and teh Harmonic Tech, and then the REL sub. At first I didn't like the sub, it dissapointed me because I couldn't get it tight. Even using an SPL meter and moving it around it wasn't tight. The manual recommends not using the spikes, but after exhausting all other options, I tried them and it was perfect! I'm sure it had to do with my room. The sub does double duty with my AV system.
Now I replaced the Planet with the Jolida, and yes tubes are great, so much more warmth in vocals. I was thinking of doing some tube rolling, but haven't tried it yet.
Within the next 2 weeks, I'm doing some major changes! Another LK85 is coming in to run the bass, so it should be more accurate and tight. Then out goes the Majik completely! In its place will be a Audible Illusions L1, so even more tube will be added to this system, which I'm hoping will add more life and heart to the power of the Linns. I've also contemplated switching out the Katans for some Thiels and maybe even some Sonus Faber Concertinos that my friend has! Comments are welcome!
A great player! What a step up from my Original Rega Planet
Linn Majik IL
A great starting base for me into my foray of audio after a great hiatus. It had no problems driving DCM Timeframe TF-600, NHT SuperZero's and finally my Linn Katans. Love the simplicity of the design and the amount of power in it. Upgrading soon!
Linn Linn LK85
this one is running my tweeters in active mode...strength and power.
Linn LK-85
A second unit added to run activ in the the bass unit of the Katan.
Linn Katan
Great speaker! Very detailed! Running active with the Majik handling the bass and the LK85 running the tweeter
REL Acoustics Storm
BASS...a clean as you can get...power!
Harmonic Technology Truthlinks
I have 3 sets, one from the Majik to the LK85, another from the Jolida to the Majik, and finally one between the SACD to the Majik
Linn K-400
The Linn Standard. I have only compared this against Monster Cabling, and THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!
Virtual Dynamics Power 2
Thick and clean! I have four, one for each component. Love their size.
PS Audio P-300
It did clean things up. I have a 4 outlet box made with the help of Virtual Dynamics, that plugs into it. Everythings connnected to it, including my MonsterCable power bar that everything on my AV system is connected to
StandDesign 4 shelf
A great design. one thick center tube down the back that you can tuck everything into if you wanted. sturdy with spikes
Sony SCD-CE775
I use this for 5 disc changing when I have parties. Its fairly good.
Vibrapods Various Sizes
I didn't believe people when then told me about them, but then I came across a great deal and wow, they really do make a difference! Seriously! I have them between all pieces
Extra_action, I do have to listen to some more speakers before I chose to move the Katan's out. We'll see. I'm looking for a more full sound so I may get a floor standing speaker or thinking about a set of DeCapo's or Mani-2's. I have also thought about changing the CD and to an Ikemi as well. I just have to listen to one first and compare the differences. There's always Wadia and Cary to try. As for your REL, what do you have and how do you find it? What's your cross over setting?
System edited: I got my Audible Illusions and the second LK85. What a wonderful sound! A HUGE difference from my Majik and single LK85. The sound is just so life like and its right across the board in terms of music. From pop to rock to opera to jazz its great! I would highly recommend the audible illusions to anyone especially someone with a solid state base. A friend of mine said that a good measure of the quality of a system is how it sounds from another room. In fact this was the first thing that I said to him, that from the kitchen, Diana sounds like she's in my house. I'm not kidding! Fabulous! As for my speakers, I not sure if I'm going to keep them, but they do sound great in this set up. I just can't get enough of the sound. In my previous setup with the Majik, my ear's did get a little sore after about an hour and I always denied that truth because of my faith in Linn gear. Well now with the AI and the extra LK85 I have no listening fatigue. It sounds great!
It makes me sad that you are thinking of giving up the Katans. Swap out the Majik for another LK85 and then decide. I have been running my Katans in aktiv off two LK85s and I honestly believe that at this price point they would be hard if not impossible to beat one of the most underated speakers around especially running aktiv. Yes there are problems with the low end, but like me you have that taken care of that with a REL sub. I think that there is some truth in the Linn philosophy: take care of the front end first. I personally think you should try dumping the Jolida and rather spend your cash on an Ikemi either way I think you have great system. Keep us posted with what you decide as I may be close on your heels. Cheers
Edward, I hope you are enjoying your slightly upgraded system.how do you like the second LK85 in your system after having in your system for a few weeks? Switching from active Linn to other passive monitors is going to be an interesting experiment. I also will have to give up my Missions for some other monitors someday. I am pretty sure that it would make a big difference in my system.
Deven, thanks for the information. do you have the concertinos? what can i expect? i saw a post where someone said that they blew a driver, so that's scary. they go deeper than my katans, so that's a plus and in fact i might be able to audition them in my house.
