New design of Linn Akurate components?

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-21 20:15

Charlie1 wrote:
ThomasOK wrote:In a way it would make a lot of sense for Linn to update the standard Radikal casework to the new Akurate look. It would give them a Radikal in Klimax casework, a Radikal in new Akurate casework and the Lingo 3 in Majik casework.
So I wonder what happens to the Uphorik. Presumably it gets the new casework too. Surely it's more of a Akurate than Majik product?

If the Uphorik case is re-designed to match the newer Akurate series of components, would it be worth the effort to change from the old style :?: And the same question applies to the Radikal case as well 8) .

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-21 21:40

Both Uphorik and Akurate Radikal should be "upgraded" with new casework sometime in future. I bet Linn have such large amount of work to do with producing new Akurates that analogue lovers will have to wait month or two before the reintroduction of phono-stage and power supply in new style.

Second balanced input is for Uphorik, as first could be occupied by new DS. DS has also BNC digital output, but no digital inputs. Power amps looks the same as older Akurate/Charka designs. They can be ordered with XLR or RCA inputs, but not with both.

Next week I'll be burning-in 3x A4200 (two channels spare) to play in Aktiv with 242 floorstanders.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-22 16:52

rock&roll wrote:Both Uphorik and Akurate Radikal should be "upgraded" with new casework sometime in future. I bet Linn have such large amount of work to do with producing new Akurates that analogue lovers will have to wait month or two before the reintroduction of phono-stage and power supply in new style.

Second balanced input is for Uphorik, as first could be occupied by new DS. DS has also BNC digital output, but no digital inputs. Power amps looks the same as older Akurate/Charka designs. They can be ordered with XLR or RCA inputs, but not with both.

Interesting information...for sure 8)

Charlie1 · Post by **Charlie1** » 2010-10-22 19:45

rock&roll wrote:Next week I'll be burning-in 3x A4200 (two channels spare) to play in Aktiv with 242 floorstanders.

Would be great to know what you think. Is this for yourself?

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-22 20:25

Charlie1 wrote:Would be great to know what you think. Is this for yourself?

This will be new demo Akurate system in my shop. Both 242 and 212 fully Aktiv. The best part, that my workplace is two floors down from my apartment, so I listen music on various Linn systems. I've had Aktiv 242s in my personal system, but those will be replaced in the near future by the K350A or K350P. Not decided yet, and both versions are very tempting. Sources: two LP12s & one KDS, plus KK as pre.

Charlie1 · Post by **Charlie1** » 2010-10-22 21:38

rock&roll wrote:This will be new demo Akurate system in my shop. Both 242 and 212 fully Aktiv. The best part, that my workplace is two floors down from my apartment, so I listen music on various Linn systems. I've had Aktiv 242s in my personal system, but those will be replaced in the near future by the K350A or K350P. Not decided yet, and both versions are very tempting. Sources: two LP12s & one KDS, plus KK as pre.

Sounds like a great way to trial what ever you want :)
I know it's off-topic but just briefly, I presume you are more of an Aktiv Akurate 242s man than Solos/242s?

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-22 22:30

I'm a flat earth believer. Source first and Aktiv is the way to go. To me aktiv systems sound better than passive, even when passive system uses better quality amplifiler. Even if the better amplifiler is Klimax, and Aktiv is Akurate or Majik. I've heard passive Komri with two Solos, and Aktiv with two 4200 (and Klimax Tunboxes to add). Passive one was very good, but the Aktiv was in a different league. Everything in music has more sense, better rhythm and creates more enjoyable listening experience.

Back on topic of new Akurates. The another new thing that appeared some time ago, but have it's introduction with new electronics line is new type of Akurate 242 speaker stand/feet. It looks nearly the same, apart from it's shape like Klimax 350 stand. It should be supplied with no extra expense with all new 242 floorstanders. Image below, taken from another website:

edit. wow, after few edits, now images displays properly.

Charlie1 · Post by **Charlie1** » 2010-10-22 22:34

Thanks R&R!

anthony · Post by **anthony** » 2010-10-22 23:11

rock&roll wrote:
Charlie1 wrote:Would be great to know what you think. Is this for yourself?
This will be new demo Akurate system in my shop. Both 242 and 212 fully Aktiv. The best part, that my workplace is two floors down from my apartment, so I listen music on various Linn systems. I've had Aktiv 242s in my personal system, but those will be replaced in the near future by the K350A or K350P. Not decided yet, and both versions are very tempting. Sources: two LP12s & one KDS, plus KK as pre.

I would agree re aktiv Komris, but to me 350P with solos is way ahead of 350A

Music Lover · Post by **Music Lover** » 2010-10-23 08:10

anthony wrote:
rock&roll wrote:I've had Aktiv 242s in my personal system, but those will be replaced in the near future by the K350A or K350P.
I would agree re aktiv Komris, but to me 350P with solos is way ahead of 350A

As you know, I don't like 350A's for many reasons either so I also suggest 350P.

rock&roll, great news regarding the new 242 stands! Finally a sturdy construction.
Can you please compare with 242mkII (old stands) and report back?
Your thoughts regarding 242/new stands vs. 350A and 350P would be great as well.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-25 12:26

It will be interesting to see if anybody conducts a direct comparison between the original Akurate series and the newer design 8) .

Wolfie · Post by **Wolfie** » 2010-10-25 15:24

Tony Tune-age wrote:It will be interesting to see if anybody conducts a direct comparison between the original Akurate series and the newer design 8) .

I'm sure someone will, very soon. And pronounce the earlier versions of each as sounding "broken" in comparison!

Mick

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-25 17:09

Wolfie wrote:
Tony Tune-age wrote:It will be interesting to see if anybody conducts a direct comparison between the original Akurate series and the newer design 8) .
I'm sure someone will, very soon. And pronounce the earlier versions of each as sounding "broken" in comparison!

It's interesting that you make that comment, because I experienced a situation with Linn components and that very statement.

Before purchasing the Linn Linto, I had used the phono section of my Kairn. And before the Kairn, I used an American made phono preamplifier. Anyway, I was told that the Linn Linto would in fact make the phono section of my Kairn sound broke :!:

Needless to say, after purchasing the Linn Linto - I immediately compared the two components. Although the Linto was indeed much better sounding than the Kairn phono section, in no way could I ever consider the Kairn phono section as sounding broke :!: Perhaps each person has their own opinion of what broke means :roll: .

In part, this particular experience has helped me to better judge sonic performance versus cost.

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-25 19:43

Wolfie wrote:
Tony Tune-age wrote:It will be interesting to see if anybody conducts a direct comparison between the original Akurate series and the newer design 8) .
I'm sure someone will, very soon. And pronounce the earlier versions of each as sounding "broken" in comparison!

Mick

There was direct comparison in Glasgow. But all participants were saying that the difference was rather gross than cosmetics, especially new A. Kontrol made a difference. But new DS also sounds better, it's not the Klimax level, but it's in many ways better than the original Sondek CD12. The amps difference could be small, but who knows that for good, if even the casing is making such a difference in Akurate and Klimax Radikal. And some of us know that this difference is not in price, but in sound for surprise.

Wolfie · Post by **Wolfie** » 2010-10-25 21:07

I'm genuinely interested to hear about differences, so long as I can see past all the hyperbole, although I have no interest in upgrading myself. I have an Akurate DS and a Dynamiked analogue Exotik, and I think they're very good, if a fair way from Klimax level.

Mick

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-26 12:31

Wolfie wrote:I'm genuinely interested to hear about differences, so long as I can see past all the hyperbole, although I have no interest in upgrading myself. I have an Akurate DS and a Dynamiked analogue Exotik, and I think they're very good, if a fair way from Klimax level.

It's good that Linn has made improvements to many of their products. With all the Sondek upgrades, Klimax Kontrol improvements and Akurate changes - it's much harder to know when to purchase some of these items. Linn can go several years without many changes, then in what seems like a fairly short time frame, they can have a series of major changes. Perhaps the safest and most logical purchase is to completly upgrade the Sondek long before buying any of the preamplifiers.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-29 12:48

rock&roll wrote:
Wolfie wrote:
Tony Tune-age wrote:It will be interesting to see if anybody conducts a direct comparison between the original Akurate series and the newer design 8) .
I'm sure someone will, very soon. And pronounce the earlier versions of each as sounding "broken" in comparison!

Mick
There was direct comparison in Glasgow. But all participants were saying that the difference was rather gross than cosmetics, especially new A. Kontrol made a difference. But new DS also sounds better, it's not the Klimax level, but it's in many ways better than the original Sondek CD12. The amps difference could be small, but who knows that for good, if even the casing is making such a difference in Akurate and Klimax Radikal. And some of us know that this difference is not in price, but in sound for surprise.

Was there a written evaluation of the new Akurate components released in an audio magazine or some other periodical :?:

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-29 14:38

Tony Tune-age wrote: Was there a written evaluation of the new Akurate components released in an audio magazine or some other periodical :?:

No. There was direct comparison for some European distributors and retailers organized by Linn before the "official launch".

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-29 14:52

rock&roll wrote:
Tony Tune-age wrote: Was there a written evaluation of the new Akurate components released in an audio magazine or some other periodical :?:
No. There was direct comparison for some European distributors and retailers organized by Linn before the "official launch".

Thanks... 8)

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-30 18:18

After hours of hard work, moving boxes, installing new stands and connecting the whole system, finally new Akurate is playing music!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

It looks brilliant in black, however I still prefer silver. Mostly because of it immunity for collecting finger prints or visible dust. Of course I take care of my equipment, but after few days on a shelf, it can collect some dust, that would be nearly always visible. It still burning in but it sounds pretty good, even for "virgin" driver unit in 242s and 212s. There is also smaller black box, under one LP12. New Lejonklou Slipsik 5.1. :)

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-31 14:57

rock&roll wrote:After hours of hard work, moving boxes, installing new stands and connecting the whole system, finally new Akurate is playing music!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

It looks brilliant in black, however I still prefer silver. Mostly because of it immunity for collecting finger prints or visible dust. Of course I take care of my equipment, but after few days on a shelf, it can collect some dust, that would be nearly always visible. It still burning in but it sounds pretty good, even for "virgin" driver unit in 242s and 212s. There is also smaller black box, under one LP12. New Lejonklou Slipsik 5.1. :)

Akurate DS...or Akurate power amplifier?

rock&roll · Post by **rock&roll** » 2010-10-31 15:45

Here's the photo. I'm not any good in taking photos, so forgive me the picture quality.

First level - LP12/Project 9cc/Adikt/SB/Majik PSU and LP12/Akito 3/Klyde/T2/Lingo PSU
Second - Akurate DS & Akurate Kontrol
Third - 2x Akurate 4200
Fourth - 2x Akurate 4200
Fifth - not shown here Lingo 3.
all seated on Quadraspire Sunoko-Vent Twin version.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-10-31 16:26

rock&roll wrote:Here's the photo. I'm not any good in taking photos, so forgive me the picture quality.

First level - LP12/Project 9cc/Adikt/SB/Majik PSU and LP12/Akito 3/Klyde/T2/Lingo PSU
Second - Akurate DS & Akurate Kontrol
Third - 2x Akurate 4200
Fourth - 2x Akurate 4200
Fifth - not shown here Lingo 3.
all seated on Quadraspire Sunoko-Vent Twin version.

I'm still trying to figure out how to post pictures myself. I've taken several pictures with a 12 megapixel digital camera, but need to find a third party site to store my pictures.

Anyway, your picture looks fine, and your Linn system certainly looks great as well :!: Good job... 8)

Music Lover · Post by **Music Lover** » 2010-11-04 10:52

We spent 5 hours with the new DS, Kontrol and 2200 yesterday and compared with old ADS/AK and KDS/KK on A242mkII
First, they look better than on the pics but still not as classy or unique as I like a Linn product to be. (Klimax and LK)

And now to the important side of it, performance.
Both the DS and Kontrol have taken massive jumps compared with the mkI units (both musicality and sound)
The Kontrol is still beaten by the KK by a huge margin in all aspects but ADS is shockingly good!!!! :shock:

It had just 4days burning in and still extremely close to a fully burned in 2010 KDS. And that on ALL aspects; musicality (and sound which was a HUGE surprise). I was somehow prepared that the musical performance could be good given some indications from others but not THIS GOOD. But definitely NOT prepared on the Klimax sound.
How good when fully burned in?
And how good is a KDSmkII going to be when the new technology and knowhow is implemented together with additional Klimax tweaks and enhancements?

Some additional comments;
- For the first time a full Akurate system (ADS/AK/A2200) is good enough for the VERY demanding A242 speakers. Finally!
- We didn’t have time comparing 2200 mkI with mkII so please don’t ask. And nobody cared either to be honest…
- During the last weeks I have seen some new Oak and Walnut speakers. The jury wasn’t out for even a sec. Walnut = ugly close being appalling. Oak = very nice but unfortunately not as good looking as the alternatives on 80s/90s Linn speakers. As a side note, the “Cherry mkII” (darker and with more texture) is a nice improvement.

The only discussion afterwards (long) was when Linn going to release a KDS upgrade!
Truly great things to come I can tell you for sure, given the ADS performance. :mrgreen:
Question is WHEN?

I have been waiting on the Solo upgrades since dynamik was released last year and now I have to look forward to KDS as well. Live is a pain isn’t it

monkeydevil · Post by **monkeydevil** » 2010-11-04 11:20

Thanks for your impressions!

Regarding a possible KDS upgrade (are we getting off topic maybe?). The talk through the years has been that Linn has developed new things in the top-of-the-line range, and then these enhancements has trickled down to the “cheaper” models. CD12 to Ikemi, KDS to ADS etc. So it is a bit odd that they would release an improved Akurate range first. Either they have not implemented these enhancements at all in the Klimax range development, or they have but for various (market?) reasons launch the Akurate updates first. I can’t see the benefit of this though. Wouldn’t it be better to update the Klimax gear first? So no one gets disappointed and so on. Also, they did upgrade the KK, but NOT the KDS recently. So maybe nothing is coming to the KDS? Just some thoughts.