The Linn DS / DSM thread

Guys, read all the posts first 

I was asking advice for an advanced configuration, a nice to have option. The set-up was literally plug and pluy...nothing simpler than that exists...

Absolutely correct.

At a basic level, it's even easier to use than a CDP.

At a more complicated level, it's just giving "icing on the cake", which is fun for those who enjoy the technical / flexible side of things. Most of the work is in the set-up, and then you forget about it....and that's what the Linn dealer  (or the likes of Ripcaster / Linn Forum) is there for ie. It's as simple, or as complicated as you wish to make it.

In the meantime I have found Linn Silver for 150 euro in Italy...I might take the plunge and go ahead before committing in buying the Siltech 550i for the Akurate also . At least I would like to compare them...

Actually the setup was completely straightforward for me and didn't have to use my hi-tech skills

I just plugged all cables and followed the instructions in order to download the right software. The Konfig software recognised the Akurate straight away...and the Akurate found my library in a moment....

True I had my NAS set-up already for the SBT

In the meantime I am being taken away by the quality of this digital source...seriously impressed. When amp gets warmer it really improves the sound. It is very close to the vinyl indeed...still missing that sparkle of thrill only vinly can give... 

I haven't heard the Siltechs with the DS, but my hunch would be to get the Silvers, as you should be able to sell them again with little loss, if necessary.

My only thought is whether you want to go balanced (if that's an option).

Let me know how you get on with Clearer Audio, if you decide to go down that route.

Regarding this whole cable area, it is worth trying out good value "solid" products (like Linn Silver / Copper-Line), because if they work in certain areas, can save a fortune.

As you have heard, it's generally quite easy to hear where the expensive ones are worth using...but it involves a lot of trial and error.

Hi Alex,

what I meant with the NAS exactly as Pgoody said. It should have the option in the NAS set-up to spin down to stand-bye after a period of in-activity. Then spin back up as soon as something tries to access it over the network. You're obviously more tech savy than I am, should be pretty staright forward if the function os there. I have a QNAP drive, the dealer that I bought the DS from recommended it as the best one for use with Linn.

I downloaded Chorus onto my Mac, they give you a free trial run. It was OK but nothing special. If I want play music while at my computer itunes is better, free & what I know. They want you to pay for the iPad version so it definitley wasn't worth it IMO, mayube slightly better than Kinsky in some ways but not $50 worth.

Are the cables that you are demoing balanced or RCA? I wouldn't bother with RCA, you are most definitley not getting the most out of the Akurate unless you are using balanced connections.

It's funny I've been looking after a friends house, very simliar set-up tomine. Massive vinyl collection. The sound has such a solidity to it. But the crackles & pops? & having to get up & change sides every 10 minutes? Makes me feel nostalgic but not motivated to go down that road.

I think Vinyl "can" be like fast cars, and is something that needs to be got out of your system (terrible pun!).....I now have both out of mine.

Like having an old Aston MArtin in the garage. Happy to take it out for a spin on Sunday morning, but wouldn't want to drive it around every day.

Thanks for clarification on the ChorusDS, as I thought not worth. I know there is a disk spin down option but I like to keep my NAS off at night...

regarding the vinyl this is exactly as you said...it is like an old Aston Martin which cannot be used every day...but whenever is used it gives you plenty of emotions. balanced is impossible for me as the Jadis does not have any XLR connectors...

I'm just not going to start collecting vinyl at this point in my life. My friend has a wall of records, and I mean a big wall! You need a ladder to get up to the top section. But he's obviously been collecting since a young age and has stuck at it.

What I would like to know is if/when you rip your vinyl how does it compare when played through the DS? Does it retain that vinyl sound? Can you have your cake & eat it too?

Pity about the lack of unbalanced, I didn't realise the Jadis was missing that.

I would recommend checking out Audioquest leads if you have an opportunity, not cheap but worth it. If you didn't like the silver Sky leads then the copper Colorado's would possibly be a good option.

Found this over on the Linn forum: http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=20217

Interesting if you stream to your DS from your PC, using iTunes via Songcast. Post #6 outlines the push/pull differences in feeding your DS music files. 

If you use iTunes via Songcast you are pushing which means that your PC's sound card is doing the work rather than the superior DS processor. Add to this that apparently Songcast itself introduces an inferior clocking process (post#9)?

So the trick is to have iTunes & Kinsky desktop open side by side. Then drag whatever you want to listen to from iTunes into the Kinsky player. This should mean that you are allowing the Linn to pull which means better sound. Haven't done any side by side comparisons yet & I doubt with lossy files it would make much/any difference. Don't go there with the 16bit / 24bit thing!

Just a quick survey...which I/C and power cords are you using with your DS?

For now I am using my old Clearaudio Smart Wire I had on the phono before the Siltech. Haven't tried the Linn Black supplied yet.

As P/C using an inexepensive one the dealer where I bought the Akurate suggested...it is a Neodio PC 0 at 50 euro. 

Just wondering as I feel the Akurate is capable of more than is delivering now...

Thanks!!!

- I am using Cardas Golden Cross I/C.....which could be a little too warm for your system.

- So far, I have found that a P/C makes little difference to my DS, so I will be interested to know if you find the same....it may be down to the Dynamik power supply

- I have used a Linn Silver with the DS, which works very well, given its cost.

- The big difference I got, was with the BR (original) pads under the chassis of the DS.

- The I/Cs you should try are the Cardas Clear Light;  TQ Ultra Black / Graphite;  Vertere Pulse B;   Atlas Mavros

- The P/Cs you should try are Cardas Clear / Clear Beyond;  TQ Blue (sources) / Black (amp);  Atlas Eos (rating depending on application)

- The idea is to never spend more than you need, in order to get an improvement. Sometimes a £150 P/C gives 90% of the performance of a £500 one, on certain pieces of kit....and the same can sometimes be said of other cables. 

- You may find that your kit "works" better with certain brands than others.....every system and situation is different. eg. In the Blind test I linked to in another cable thread, found that Siltech cables reacted so badly with one of the test systems that it badly skewed the results.

Interesting...why you didn't stick with the Silver? Found that the Cardas was making substantial difference over the Silver?