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Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 08:14
by gettingwings
I am replacing my Linn Aktive Keilidhs with a pair of 242s and wanted others views on what power amps to choose.

I currently have ADSM, 4200 and 2200 (all have Dynamic power supply).
To go Aktive on the 242 I'd need another 4200, 10 Aktive cards, and the world's most inconvenient quint wire speaker cable - this feels a little too much effort, so I was considering moving to a simpler passive system with a Klimax Twin or possibly Solos.

I have heard all three setups on different occasions and have been very impressed, but haven't been able to find anywhere to listen to the three side by side. The three options have vastly different price tags so I wanted thoughts from others who have considered something similar.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 09:11
by anthony
gettingwings wrote: 2019-10-05 08:14 I am replacing my Linn Aktive Keilidhs with a pair of 242s and wanted others views on what power amps to choose.

I currently have ADSM, 4200 and 2200 (all have Dynamic power supply).
To go Aktive on the 242 I'd need another 4200, 10 Aktive cards, and the world's most inconvenient quint wire speaker cable - this feels a little too much effort, so I was considering moving to a simpler passive system with a Klimax Twin or possibly Solos.

I have heard all three setups on different occasions and have been very impressed, but haven't been able to find anywhere to listen to the three side by side. The three options have vastly different price tags so I wanted thoughts from others who have considered something similar.
I have used 242s for many years, and prefer passive to using aktiv with the cards in akurate amps. The better way to aktiv would be to use an akurate exakt crossover.
I still rate the passive option highly.
You won't be disappointed with either amp, also consider lejonklou Tundra, but spend less on the amp and upgrade source to katalyst or klimax level.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 12:57
by Spannko
+ 1

EDIT: Thinking a bit more, I’d rather have a Katalyst KDS/Melco/Innuos, with your current amp/s and speakers, in preference to an Akurate DS, with any amps and speakers.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 17:04
by sunbeamgls
If selling your existing amps allows you enough funds for Solos/D, choosing a Twin would be a shame :)

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 18:01
by gettingwings
Sadly I'd need to find several thousand extra to move to Solos - are the Solos really that much better than the Twin?

In the poll it looks like most people are suggesting something else other than the Linn amps. I've never heard a Tundra - quality and cost wise what is the Linn comparator?

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 19:08
by ThomasOK
gettingwings wrote: 2019-10-05 18:01 Sadly I'd need to find several thousand extra to move to Solos - are the Solos really that much better than the Twin?

In the poll it looks like most people are suggesting something else other than the Linn amps. I've never heard a Tundra - quality and cost wise what is the Linn comparator?
In answer to question one, yes.

As unlikely as it may seem, I would say the latest Tundra 2.5 is musically at least in the league of Solos (I haven't done a direct comparison so I have to be a bit vague here). But even the Tundra 1.0 version was more tuneful on some stuff and less tuneful on others in direct comparisons I did in the store at the time. The Tundra Monos are the best amps I have yet heard. Neither Tundra has quite as much useable power as the Solos, although it is closer than the specs would lead you to believe, but for most people on most speakers they have more than enough.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 22:43
by Matteo
ThomasOK wrote: 2019-10-05 19:08 As unlikely as it may seem, I would say the latest Tundra 2.5 is musically at least in the league of Solos (I haven't done a direct comparison so I have to be a bit vague here).
Did you intend the Tundra stereo?

Wow

M.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-05 22:48
by ThomasOK
Yes, the Tundra 2.5 is the official name for the latest version stereo unit. The mono units are named Tundra Mono 2.2.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 10:48
by Ianw
Here’s my ten Cents

I’ve only heard Lejonklou amps driving Linn 109 and it sounded fine within the physical limits of a smallish ‘speaker regarding scale of the music. So, unfortunately, I haven’t experienced these amps driving 242s.

However, I’m using a KDSM/KAT into a pair of Dynamik Solos into 242 Mk2 with improved one piece stands and find the results are excellent to me anyway. So my system is very simple passive affair.

One one occasion I had to temporarily run the 242 on an A2200 and found the sound to be very weedy and untuneful. The amp just wasn’t uo to the job of driving the 242 which seems to be a very demanding load.

I think you will get good results going fully active with Akurate amplification.

Alternatively go for passive Solos if you can but I’m guessing going for passive twin would maybe a bit disappointing?

Just my opinion it I’m sure other members can chime in with their experience of Lejonklou amps on 242?

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 11:25
by Ozzzy189
As someone who’s tried akurate and lejonklou amps with ninkas, and lejonklou amps with 109s, dynaudio audience 42s and various totems I’d implore you to at least try a tundra stereo.it IS far more enjoyable and entertaining than a twin and for most people the extra power of the twin will not equate to a more involving sound. Solos sound out of reach in reality so I’d look at an ads kat and a tundra 2.5.
So yes, you can guess I voted for ‘something else ‘.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 11:25
by Ozzzy189
As someone who’s tried akurate and lejonklou amps with ninkas, and lejonklou amps with 109s, dynaudio audience 42s and various totems I’d implore you to at least try a tundra stereo.it IS far more enjoyable and entertaining than a twin and for most people the extra power of the twin will not equate to a more involving sound. Solos sound out of reach in reality so I’d look at an ads kat and a tundra 2.5.
So yes, you can guess I voted for ‘something else ‘.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 15:43
by Matteo
Ozzzy189 wrote: 2019-10-06 11:25 As someone who’s tried akurate and lejonklou amps with ninkas, and lejonklou amps with 109s, dynaudio audience 42s and various totems I’d implore you to at least try a tundra stereo.it IS far more enjoyable and entertaining than a twin and for most people the extra power of the twin will not equate to a more involving sound. Solos sound out of reach in reality so I’d look at an ads kat and a tundra 2.5.
So yes, you can guess I voted for ‘something else ‘.
I like my AK/1 while I guess that the weak part of my system is the A2200.
I would listen to the Tundra since years, but it seems an hard challenge where I live.

I’m almost ready to buy a 2.5 with a leap of faith, but first I should sell my A2200 at a non-offensive price.

M.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 16:21
by Sound Hound
Hi 'Wings,

Please check your private messages ;- )

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-06 18:43
by macrotech2
Ianw wrote: 2019-10-06 10:48 Just my opinion it I’m sure other members can chime in with their experience of Lejonklou amps on 242?
A Tundra Stereo or Monos has/have no problem driving 242s and sound absolutely superb. Even the original Tundra Monos bettered my Dynamiked Klimax Twin, and they have been improved very significantly since then.

Like ThomasOK, I was a Linn diehard since 1984, but once you hear the natural and effortless music that Lejonklou pre and power amps produce, I don't think you'll go back to Linn's now over-analytical and artificially electronic (in comparison) sound. There's just no comparison for me.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-10-30 19:19
by H2017
gettingwings wrote: 2019-10-05 08:14 I am replacing my Linn Aktive Keilidhs with a pair of 242s and wanted others views on what power amps to choose.

I currently have ADSM, 4200 and 2200 (all have Dynamic power supply).
To go Aktive on the 242 I'd need another 4200, 10 Aktive cards, and the world's most inconvenient quint wire speaker cable - this feels a little too much effort, so I was considering moving to a simpler passive system with a Klimax Twin or possibly Solos.

I have heard all three setups on different occasions and have been very impressed, but haven't been able to find anywhere to listen to the three side by side. The three options have vastly different price tags so I wanted thoughts from others who have considered something similar.

Hi Gettingwings,

I will not tell you my whole story.... but coming down the road with Nexus - Kabel - 242 - 350 (each of them in different setups) I finally ended up with Komri driven by a pair of non-dynamic Solos. Wow what a joy. It is the same on the 242s, running with one pair of Solos - no matter if dynamic or non-dynamic - is a different world. I have the joy to listen to that setup often at a friend of mine.
Later I started to collect Solos, moved to fresh Solos.... in Biamping, Triamping, Quadamping. Each step was a big one. Later Tuneboxes (( I am not convinced of the Exakt - Thing - Sorry )).

To make it short: Once you have two Solos, you will never go back to anything else ;-)

I have never examined the Tundras, so maybe I am doing wrong.

Just go out and listen to some music and wait if you start to smile and whistle ;-) This should be your choice!

Enjoy your music

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-02 20:10
by Ozzzy189
Is it odd that an Akurate amp isn't very good at driving Akurate 242 speakers? I found them plodding, uninvolving, dull and soulless. Some folks don't but, and this is the big but, I didn't think that until I compared the two at home. A tundra really makes a good job of playing lovely music, and I know you won't be disappointed.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-03 18:39
by pidge22
I have 242's mark 3 & for a while they were driven by a Klimax Twin (D) the sound was ok but I thought the bass was bloated & not very tight.
I then purchased a pair of current spec black Solo's in early 2014 and have had them ever since (getting on for six years now)..I sometimes think about changing either the 242's or th Solo's then remind myself how good they sound together.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-03 18:55
by gettingwings
Thanks to everyone for the input on this. I think I have made up my mind to get a pair of second hand solos. The next question is how much better the dynamic version is - any views?

If anyone knows of any for sale, please let me know.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-04 15:31
by Ianw
OK so l am running 242 Mk2 with one piece stands and a pair of Solos.

I ran this with Solos non Dynamik then had the Dynamik upgrade. Note the Dynamik upgrade is no longer available.

The Dynamik just gives more of what was already there before, so Dynamik is better.

However, it’s not a deal breaker Dynamik or no Dynamik, Solos will give you excellent musical results. They are a completely different design to the Twin or Akurate amps. They have a totally effortless air about them whilst being very fast on their feet, just make me relax.

So l am obviously s fan. I have heard Fredrik’s amps on one occasion and they sound excellent too.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-04 16:13
by Charlie1
KCT, Tundra Stereo and Solos all sounded very good with 242s whenever I heard them.

I think the T2.2 sounded more natural than the KCT/D and played the tune better. T2.5 was a nice upgrade and fixed the out of time bass on my M140s (which had plagued all amps prior to that). I'd definitely want the 2.5 with 242s.

I've not directly compared the Stereo (or Monos) to Solos though, which I heard on previous occasions. My suspicion is that I'd pick Solos out of all of them but it's just a hunch.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-04 22:54
by Sound Hound
An interesting Poll result - 63% of folks voting for "Something Else". I wonder what that "Something Else" might be? Being as this is the Lejonklou forum it might be a safe guess that Tundras might figure ?? Speaking of which - some crazy individual has listed a Tundra 2.0 on Ebay.co.uk with a start price of 99p !!?? I know it's a buyers market right now - but this is ridiculous. Before anyone cries "SCAM" I can assure you it isn't - take a look and you'll see why I'm so sure ;- )

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-06 00:10
by ThomasOK
In the past a lot of people used to start eBay listings at .99 (dollars in our case) since eBay was supposed to be an auction site so you would start it low to get a lot of bidding and see how it went. The products would tend to find their natural price and sometimes a bidding frenzy would help the seller. However, over the years eBay decided they wanted to be more like a store and compete with Amazon rather than being an auction site. So they have changed their policies to make it cost prohibitive to put reserves on auctions and have done their best to pit the sellers against each other by requiring manufacturer numbers, etc. so they can make the listings look more like Amazon. Combine that with making the listings free and you have most people starting listings with the minimum they want or even with a ridiculously high number hoping somebody will be stupid enough to buy it. It doesn't cost them anything if it doesn't sell.

So listing it low and letting it be bid on is returning to what eBay was originally designed to be. It just doesn't happen that much anymore. And it's a pity.

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-06 10:25
by Sound Hound
Well... Listing my Tundra as an auction has certainly sparked way more interest - the number of "Watchers" has increased 5 fold and bidding now over £100. Hopefully one of the Watchers will buy for a sensible price, but I'm not holding my breath. Time alone will tell what the true market value for an immaculate Tundra 2.0 (fully upgradable to 2.5) will be ;- )

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-06 12:08
by sittertal
Hello Soundhound

I can‘t find the Tundra on ebay. Can you give me a hint as how to find it?

Re: Linn Klimax Twin or Solos

Posted: 2019-11-06 12:40
by Sound Hound
It's on eBay.co.uk - I've edited my earlier post to reflect this - Thankyou for pointing this out ; -)