What do folks think of Linn amps through the ages? Any strengths or weaknesses that stood out?
Have they narrowed the gap to Naim over the years or moved further away? Or is there a mixed picture?
If you had to live with a Linn amp, what would it be?
No agenda. Just curious…
I ran an all Linn system for many years before returning back to Naim a few years back. My dealer has both Linn and Naim so I have listened to all the modern Linn amps. I can’t say that I have enjoyed any Linn amp since they moved away from Class A/B - they all have this thin, ‘grey’ character that I just don’t like. You won’t be surprised to hear that the amp I used was a Klout which I still think is a brilliant piece of kit. As ever, YMMV and I know lots of people like their more recent Linn amps
Linn Solo 500 x2, bril. But, I would say that!
The Linn Klimax amps of the prior gen are really great. I also think it’s some of the best industrial design in all of hifi. Haven’t heard the latest Solos.
Honestly, they are so sharp, clear and quiet, it feels like several generations ahead of my own Naim amps. That said, I quite like the sound Naim makes, so I’m totally happy with the choice, but if I were to score this purely on quality of engineering and “objective” performance, the Klimax amps are really tough to beat. I could easily live with them.
None for me now I had to write off two systems due to linn not supporting them. 
Indeed Linn not supporting legacy products beyond a short period after production end has always been an issue. They always said their amps don’t need recapping but what they mean is, “we prefer you to buy a new product.”
That said, in terms of sound quality I think they are good and it’s not a question of closing any gap with Naim so much as which flavour do you prefer? They don’t sound similar at all.
I had Linn amps before Naim and always hankered after a Klout but never made it that far. I don’t think Linn or Naim changed sound signatures much on the amps but my tastes moved towards the Naim sound.
Long term, if you need a factory recap, Naim will be lower running cost because you’ll always be able to get it done whereas you will eventually just need a new Linn amp. OTOH, if you are comfortable doing your own recapping, the Linn may not be a problem.
The big DSM/ Klimax500 combo has sounded amazing every time I have heard it, but so it should for the price. And I would still rather have 552/500DR.
Like @Skeptikal, I would also choke about buying new kit at some huge cost and then finding that they start getting terminal before I do. A high probability that I could get them fixed in 2015, 2035 or 2045 would be just behind SQ and usability in my priorities.
If my house burned down and insurance money meant I was out to buy new amps, the first name on my audition list would still be Naim.
I would probably also hear big US stuff like Pass Labs, AR, McIntosh or Krell. I might try Devialet, Moon, Boulder or other non-obvious names too. However, my best guess is that my brand of choice would be same as it was 30 years ago.
Exposure amps? Used to be as good as Naim ones.
That’s a great suggestion. Has anyone heard the 5010 products?
I still have fond memories about the Linn Klout when I owned one. I changed at the time from an aktiv setup with 2 LK100’s to the passive setup with a single Klout and the passive setup was better by a margin! Speakers were Linn Tukan at the time.
I have a bit of mixed feelings about the power out modules for the Selekt these days. Perhaps the combination with my Dynaudio Special Forty is suboptimal, but I really missed the ‘drive’ that e.g. a Uniti Nova had …
Same here, amps, loudspeakers, CD.
And it wasn’t exactly cheap kit, CD12 fx.
Their message was “buy our new kit”
They NEVER get my business again. 
@PerF
Hi
Total rippof I was promised when i bought into their amps at the start that all future upgrades would be like the LP12 all modular and continued support.
Kairn and 2x280 and sparks later all doorstops.
Then the same with the CDP etc.
I’ve got Radikal and the deck they can keep the rest. 
I even dumbed my LP12.
Thats a decision I have been vague about, always loved that deck and the only Linn item I’d consider in future.
Would be with as many non Linn upgrades as possible though, the less Linn the better.
Must admit I have a Silver and Black interconnect lying around, Have they jumped the silly price cables niche now ?.
Don’t think I have a good ear for tone so don’t really notice the grey sound but certainly familiar with that criticism.
The lack of long-term support (compared to Naim and Exposure) is an issue for me too. Once stuff gets to about 20-years old, then I start to wonder about its health. It’s Ok if I only paid 500 quid but something like a Klimax Kontrol will still cost a few thousand today. Some will point out that Solos and Twins are still serviceable after 25 -years but it’s a lottery as to how long anything will stay in production.
I’m still limping along a 20 odd year old first gen Klimax Kontrol.
Sounds fine with NAP 300 DR.
I think its subtlety and transparency pair well with the punch of the 300.
Had a Kairn before that but the big memory battery on the display board melted and destroyed the PCB. Standard way they expire if not looked after.
Never got round to trying Klimax power amps, unlikely now I’ve got the Naim bug.
I think a second hand Kontrol/Klimax Twin would be a nice combo (at the right price).
Yeah, great design. Very clean looking.
I hear the same as you, do different sound signatures that have not shifted much.
I had an LK280 recapped but it lost its magic so won’t bother getting any Linn serviced now.
Only heard some of the US stuff and only at shows. Would be great to hear more. Any idea if those companies offer long term servicing like Naim?
Lejonklou