As the Katalyst Klimax DS can now be found at your local Linn dealer, I wondered if anyone had the time yet to listen to the new DS and compare it with the previous generations. How does it compare musically?

Paolo and I have made a comparison between KDS\2 and KDS katalyst.

I have to say the difference between the two machines is HUGE, especially in terms of musicality and simple pleasure of listening the music.

We have created a small playlist alternating between the two versions of the KDS. We heard before the KDS/2 and after the KDS/3 and the KDS/2 again.

The first impression is on the sound of new KDS, very different, more open and clear. There are much more detail, we ear and feel a lot of things never heard before... But it is not an analytical and aseptic presentation, it is a continuous and enveloping stream that literally pulls you into the music. It 's almost impossible not to listen to a song until the end ...

Such is the degree of involvement and enjoyment. The relationship between the different musical layers are much clearer and you can feel this effortless.
Going back to kds2 is a kind of shock, a shift from pleasure to confusion. But this is not the fault of KDS\2 but by the goodness of the new katalyst!

Regards
Nicola

I agree with all that Nicolav posted. I had a dem of the Katalyst KDSM against the current KDSM on saturday. Better all round. My KDS update has now been ordered.

Mick

A very enthusiastic review in HIFI+ this month

Thanks, just had a look at that article:
http://bit.ly/2cWNi4p
Funny writing style ;)

Has someone compared KDS/3 to Klimax LP12?

Matt

matthias wrote:Has someone compared KDS/3 to Klimax LP12?

Matt

This would be interesting but difficult unless one knows how the recordings are made in a great deal of detail.

If one uses the same album by an artist and the master tape is analogue - then a vinyl pressing should have an advantage. If the kds/ 3 is more musical then it should win. But how do we know the vinyl pressing/ process is not at fault?

If the master tape is 24 bit digital and the vinyl is still more musical - then perhaps the lp12 is the winner.

But maybe the process of transfering of data from the digital master tape to cd/ 24 bit download, materially affects the musicality, as in different Ethernet cables, NAS drives , ripping software etc etc; and it is this which is letting the digital side down?


Me - I just enjoy the music in either format and have given up comparing, as I don't know whether it is the quality of the recording, format or the playback system that is responsible for anything other than a supremely enjoyable listening experience.


The decision for me will be whether i go for KDS/3 or upgrade my Majik lp12 to Radikal and kore/keel for a similar investment.

Or perhaps add a Lejonklou Boazu to the sneaky / komponent 110s in the bedroom!

I received my upgraded DS yesterday and fully agree with everything that has already been said here. The difference between the KDS/2 and the KDS/3 (the Katalyst Klimax DS) is truly enormous!

Very interesting round table discussion about the close collaboration between Linn and AKM:

http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/featu ... id=link972

Matt