monstermoo
24-06-2011, 13:05
When building my current system I set out with the first goal of getting myself a pair of Linn Isobariks - as my parents had some when I was younger and I fondly remembered the sounds they made.
So, after some searching I got myself an early pair which had been converted so they could be used active or passive (I still have them passive at the mo.)
Then I needed an amp and being new to the scene thought to myself, 'well I've heard of Linn products...' and so set out in search of a suitable amp to drive them.
Bought an LK280+spark, then I needed a preamp and a deal came up with an LK1 and LK2-75 package that was too good to refuse. So I now have my briks bi-amped (vertically). No longer use the LK1 and have replaced it with a Caiman.
I'm now looking to purchase another LK2 or such like so I can see for myself what the Linn holy grail of 'aktiv' sounds like.
It seems to be widely agreed that Linn speakers really only sing when active. But, when you look at their new speaker lines there are so many different driver elements that in some cases (as with their 242 speaker) you'd need 10 channels of amplification to make them active. Then there is the 'Aktiv' cards you need to have installed in the amps to ensure it all works in harmony.
Is it just me, or is this way over the top??? Of course it all depends on how deep your pockets are and what you are prepared to spend - but surely there are speakers out there that require a fraction of this amplification yet still sound superb if not better?
Call me a conspiracy theorist, but the whole thing just smacks of very clever marketing to me :scratch:
Don't get me wrong, I like my speakers and have great respect for Linn products but it seems that many 'Linnies' never really seem to be happy because they are always chasing that 'holy grail' only acheivable by a select few.
But then perhaps that's just the world of hi-fi in general.....?:mental:
So, after some searching I got myself an early pair which had been converted so they could be used active or passive (I still have them passive at the mo.)
Then I needed an amp and being new to the scene thought to myself, 'well I've heard of Linn products...' and so set out in search of a suitable amp to drive them.
Bought an LK280+spark, then I needed a preamp and a deal came up with an LK1 and LK2-75 package that was too good to refuse. So I now have my briks bi-amped (vertically). No longer use the LK1 and have replaced it with a Caiman.
I'm now looking to purchase another LK2 or such like so I can see for myself what the Linn holy grail of 'aktiv' sounds like.
It seems to be widely agreed that Linn speakers really only sing when active. But, when you look at their new speaker lines there are so many different driver elements that in some cases (as with their 242 speaker) you'd need 10 channels of amplification to make them active. Then there is the 'Aktiv' cards you need to have installed in the amps to ensure it all works in harmony.
Is it just me, or is this way over the top??? Of course it all depends on how deep your pockets are and what you are prepared to spend - but surely there are speakers out there that require a fraction of this amplification yet still sound superb if not better?
Call me a conspiracy theorist, but the whole thing just smacks of very clever marketing to me :scratch:
Don't get me wrong, I like my speakers and have great respect for Linn products but it seems that many 'Linnies' never really seem to be happy because they are always chasing that 'holy grail' only acheivable by a select few.
But then perhaps that's just the world of hi-fi in general.....?:mental: