Had the pleasure to test a Klimax DSM for some time.
To make it short: Rossini gives me colour, depth and body on every note. Of course that‘s the impression I got in my set up…
What I liked about the Linn is the design (one box), the display and the ability to connect almost everything to it. Linn SW works like a charm.
So if you prefer a much „smoother“ music presentation and a „darker“ backround (some sort of drinking natural/still water vs sparkilng water) then Linn could be on you short list.
it’s a very neat solution, with great build quality and is very flexible.
The sound for me is quite a lot softer than the dCS, with some real plus points around that, and some negatives.
I think if you’ve lived with dCS levels of detail and drive it’s hard to say goodbye to that, but I can similarly imagine people who have a Linn KDS miss the smoothness and overall listenability of the Linn, perhaps finding the dCS a bit “full on”
Having come from Naim - and owning a Linn LP12 - it was natural for me to try the Linn in addition to the dCS. I did like it, but felt just a little cozy to me, without the bass I knew was there when listening to the same tracks on dCS or Naim 555. My Accuphase Amps provide the slight warmth of sound that I like, and it felt that with the Linn the sound became a bit too SmooothFM for my tastes. It’s a great solution though - in the right system - and I love the interface and display, the software and the build quality.
…but I’m here because I chose dCS for the sound - I do wish it had a better display though! (Hoping there is a future generation trickledown from Varese of its wonderful display)
Naim full stack (ended with ND555 and tons of black boxes), Linn full Klimax stack, McIntosh, MSB, Playback Designs …and many more, and finally now Nagra and dCS.
Imho the LP12 is the best source Linn ever build, and frankly one of the best sources out there. Linn couldn’t match the SQ of LP12 in their other products…. I had almost full stack LP12 and I sold it (vinyl took too much space, damn’)
Without hearing your set up I’m 100% sure that dCS brings more fun vs Klimax
(I honestly don’t miss it - it was “of its time” and aspects began to really annoy me - especially the buzzing power supplies - and I think I have MUCH better sound now)
Same story here. I attended the Stateside introduction of the original Klimax DS in 2007 when Ivor came over. In 2011 I abandoned my CD555 for a KDS/1 and it lasted with me in my 500 system until 2020. At that time I treated myself to the newly released Bartok HA to use with my headphone setups. The Bartok was performing at 90% of the capabilities of the Klimax DS for a little more than half the price. That gave me confidence to try a Rossini+Clock in the 500 system and I never looked back. Fast forward to the fall of 2023 and DarTZeel replaced Naim……and in 2024 Vivaldi stack replaced Rossini.
I still have the KDS however now it has been upgraded to Organik and Utopik. It still is a great slim line box solution……but my dCS is superior
Always lusted after DarTZeel - I have a funny feeling it’d be right up my alley. Never even heard it - and not sure I’ll get the chance, as they seem to have been in a state of flux for almost a year now. I may be out of date, but it didn’t sound promising for a golden (and red) future sadly. I know Fremer loves it too.
Yes - I’ve heard the same. Would be a sad day if it is th end, so many great innovations….and I think that’s partly his challenge, I’ve seen pieces where he has bemoaned the stealing of his ideas by low cost manufacturers, with him powerless to stop it.
I understand your feeling, the Klimax DSM really has that fluid and posed side that pleases many. Personally, I remain more sensitive to the energy and the relief of the Rossini, it speaks to me more.
