The Linn DS / DSM thread
No you're right, now that I have heard them it's hard to stop thinking about how good they were!
So much lovely clear midrange & yes more bottom end so tight & musical.
The sub solution works, but I can't ever manage to get it to integrate as perfectly as the Scala sounded. Having two will probably improve this but still won't be as good.
Going the sub route may not be that much cheaper, as imo. you would need a sub like the Velodyne DD 15, which not only has the necessary bass quality, but an EQ sophisticated enough for proper integration (complicated to set up).
Then even after all that effort and expense, I'm not sure that the Scala wouldn't still be much superior in terms of an overall cohesive sound.
Fully understand why posters would say other amps will sound better , however only in passive mode. If you have a full Linn system the only way to go is Activ Think how your speakers would sound with a thick towel laid over you drivers when playing music. Then take the towel away that’s how much going active improves the system. Before outlaying on the Linn system I auditioned a lot from other manufactures to make sure the outlay was being spent on the right equipment. Nothing I heard from so called highend manufactures came close as a Linn active system pound for buck.
All AB amps suffer crossover distortion (though I think Linn is a type of Class D), and the removal of it can also be a revelation. This is why well designed, full Class A amps sound so good. If you ever get a chance to hear the MF AMS amps, you'll see (hear) what I mean.
The downside is the amount of power they use to achieve this.
I have heard Linn active systems and would not swop, good and all as they sounded.
No you're right, now that I have heard them it's hard to stop thinking about how good they were!
So much lovely clear midrange & yes more bottom end so tight & musical.
The sub solution works, but I can't ever manage to get it to integrate as perfectly as the Scala sounded. Having two will probably improve this but still won't be as good.
Going the sub route may not be that much cheaper, as imo. you would need a sub like the Velodyne DD 15, which not only has the necessary bass quality, but an EQ sophisticated enough for proper integration (complicated to set up).
Then even after all that effort and expense, I'm not sure that the Scala wouldn't still be much superior in terms of an overall cohesive sound.
DD15!!! You really are trying to blow my budget! ;) I had another JL audio F110 in mind.
Before I bought mine I borrowed a velodyne DD10+ from the dealer for a test. It certainly had plenty of guts & a more sophisticated EQ system than the f110. But the F110 somehow sounded more musical(?) and at 2/3 the price was much better value.
I'm not a huge fan of auto EQ systems, I reckon for both the AV & sub set-up I get better sounding results by ear. The problem is that you dial it in for one track & then it doesn't quite work as well on another track. Different mastering I guess? maybe because the sub is coming from the Primo via RCA & the speakers via XLR.
Anyway I know in my head that it's not ever going to be the same as the Scalas but the money & physical size factors are appealing.
Asthetically theVelodynes are a perfect match for the Diablos, same curved tapering design, almost like they were made to go together.
The second sub would be a welome addition in the HT side of things as well. But then so would the Scalas! Hmmmm, do you think it would be too over the top to have Scalas sitting on subs!
DD15!!! You really are trying to blow my budget! ;) I had another JL audio F110 in mind.
Before I bought mine I borrowed a velodyne DD10+ from the dealer for a test. It certainly had plenty of guts & a more sophisticated EQ system than the f110. But the F110 somehow sounded more musical(?) and at 2/3 the price was much better value.
I'm not a huge fan of auto EQ systems, I reckon for both the AV & sub set-up I get better sounding results by ear. The problem is that you dial it in for one track & then it doesn't quite work as well on another track. Different mastering I guess? maybe because the sub is coming from the Primo via RCA & the speakers via XLR.
Anyway I know in my head that it's not ever going to be the same as the Scalas but the money & physical size factors are appealing.
Asthetically theVelodynes are a perfect match for the Diablos, same curved tapering design, almost like they were made to go together.
The second sub would be a welome addition in the HT side of things as well. But then so would the Scalas! Hmmmm, do you think it would be too over the top to have Scalas sitting on subs!
I'm not familiar with the JL Audio sub....so you may well be right.
OTT isn't in my vocabulary 
.....but you need the Scalas "in situ" before making any decisions. 
DD15!!! You really are trying to blow my budget! ;) I had another JL audio F110 in mind.
Before I bought mine I borrowed a velodyne DD10+ from the dealer for a test. It certainly had plenty of guts & a more sophisticated EQ system than the f110. But the F110 somehow sounded more musical(?) and at 2/3 the price was much better value.
I'm not a huge fan of auto EQ systems, I reckon for both the AV & sub set-up I get better sounding results by ear. The problem is that you dial it in for one track & then it doesn't quite work as well on another track. Different mastering I guess? maybe because the sub is coming from the Primo via RCA & the speakers via XLR.
Anyway I know in my head that it's not ever going to be the same as the Scalas but the money & physical size factors are appealing.
Asthetically theVelodynes are a perfect match for the Diablos, same curved tapering design, almost like they were made to go together.
The second sub would be a welome addition in the HT side of things as well. But then so would the Scalas! Hmmmm, do you think it would be too over the top to have Scalas sitting on subs!
I'm not familiar with the JL Audio sub....so you may well be right.
OTT isn't in my vocabulary .....but you need the Scalas "in situ" before making any decisions.
You don't say..... 
You don't say.....
Pot.....Kettle.....Black!! 
CNO,
Does your DS have the HDMI connection, just wondered what you use it for if it does.
CNO,
Does your DS have the HDMI connection, just wondered what you use it for if it does.
Hi Michael
Mine is the simple DS, where there are no inputs at all.
IIRC The difference between the DSI and the DSM were the addition of HDMI connections (DSM).
The DSM makes sense if you like the sound of the integrated amp.
Another week before the last piece joins the family..... 
Another week before the last piece joins the family.....
I look forward to it, as it will make a pleasant diversion.......... 
Another week before the last piece joins the family.....
I look forward to it, as it will make a pleasant diversion..........
I must say after I swapped cables and changed itnerconnects I am enjoying my turntable so much...
The Majik DSM Sounds pretty good but unforgiving on poor recordings - the installation guy thought majikm109s would be better and offered me a trial. I'm dubious but happy to give them a shot. The Harbeths are perfect in every respect apart from middle register bass which can be a bit thuddy - the 109s may or may not identify the speakers as the source of this problem.
The Majik DSM Sounds pretty good but unforgiving on poor recordings - the installation guy thought majikm109s would be better and offered me a trial. I'm dubious but happy to give them a shot. The Harbeths are perfect in every respect apart from middle register bass which can be a bit thuddy - the 109s may or may not identify the speakers as the source of this problem.
Welcome aboard!
There is often a synergy between Linn components that people prefer, so worth a shot .....I have always found their amps a little cold and uninvolving, but it is very personal.
If you are not using Linn's own cables, it is worth trying ie. Linn Black i/c / K20 s/c
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Fully understand why posters would say other amps will sound better , however only in passive mode. If you have a full Linn system the only way to go is Activ Think how your speakers would sound with a thick towel laid over you drivers when playing music. Then take the towel away that’s how much going active improves the system. Before outlaying on the Linn system I auditioned a lot from other manufactures to make sure the outlay was being spent on the right equipment. Nothing I heard from so called highend manufactures came close as a Linn active system pound for buck.
Michell Orbe Se -TecnoArm -Sumiko Pearwood Celabration 11 Cartridge - Uphorik Phono Stage - Akurate DS - Pre-amp Akurate Kontrol - Power Amps 2 x Akurate 4200 with Activ cards - Aktiv Akurate 212 loudspeakers. Leads Linn Silvers - Speaker Cable Chord Epic