The Naims and Linn Klimax have very different architectures. The Naims are more traditional (but extremely well-executed) HiFi-boxes with digital add-ons.
The Linn Klimax more like a Linux-based consumer appliance with a very good (and short) audio-path. This makes it easy for Linn to integrate featuree like SO. And both pitch-stability and rythmic drive is excellent with Organik on top of the fine detailed, grain-fee organic sound signature.
So they both have the same musical goals. But are very different products.
Just a question, did you go directly to your 500 from your DSMās or via the pre-amp? I know this can be done but whenever Iāve tried to circumvent the pre-amp, especially a Naim, results have tended to be a bit cold, lifeless and two dimensional. The Naim pre-amp is considered to be a critical part to the whole balance of the system and with out it results can be a bit questionable.
In my case the Klimax DSM and naim 250dr sound better than the Linn Majik amplifier I auditioned it with at the dealer.
In the various reviews of the Klimax it sounds very good with many different brands of amplifiers , with a preamp adding little to the presentation via streaming. If you are just streaming it seems a preamp is not really necessary.
But I have not heard a Klimax into a 500 dr so that may be different
Maybe NC gear is designed for this now with balanced cabling.
So interesting proposition Linn KDSM into 500DR. If you have LP12 the Urika 2 can be used as phono stage direct into KDSM. But you would need Radikal for Linn as well.
NC has open up the market for pairing with the XLR , making naim more user friendly and more exciting exploring other makes combi w great resultsā¦ in actual fact , naim pairs very well w other makes w even with the OCs. I had done that w the OCs before going into NCs
Itās a great move by naim.
Personal thought: Thereās not really much point in attempting to describe what organik (and its package) sounds likeā¦all these descriptions are subjective and difficult to put into words. If you are interested, you need to listen to a burnt in example. It sounds totally different, but thatās my opinion. I have huge smiles when listening. Itānot like a development, itās a revolution.
Agree totally. My system sounds sublime. Itās not been cheap getting there, but a lot less than buying it all new! I have no desire to change anything (except a cartridge upgrade perhaps on the TT) - and it just sounds āwow, thatās lovelyā every time I listen to it.
I tried both. My main goal was to eliminate boxes, cabling, etc. and just simplify things. I connected it directly to the 500 DR with the cabling from my dealer allowing the connection to the Klimax. It sounded good but just not as good. I would say a bit more transparency on some songs. Just felt like the music sat behind the speakers if that makes sense. With the 552 it was probably a bit better. I did this same thing again with a Selekt DSM with dual organik and I actually thought it was better than the Klimax but still not enough to push me over. So I stuck with my Naim gear once again. I always go back to Naim.
I wondered that as well @Dan_M with the NC stuff. I just feel like the 500DR is meant to be with a 552. I donāt have a way to demo a NC amp with a Klimax DSM though.
Hi @IDAK, itās interesting that you had to take time to adjust to that more open sound signature. For me, that was precisely what drew me to Linn/Organik, but then I listen to a lot of classical, plus some jazz and traditional acoustic stuff rather than much heavy rock, for example. Also my active ATC speakers have quite a weighty presentation and, to my ears, balance nicely with the Linn.
I find the NC gear (or at least the 200 series, Iāve heard) has moved a bit in the same direction which may explain why some OC owners find it less congenial. It wasnāt available when I changed my system. Had it been, I might possibly have made a different choice.
I am not particularly worried about box count but I havenāt been enjoying my ND555 for some time and Linn appear to have a trade in offer for Klimax DSM, which could present a low cost opportunity to replace the ND.
If I understand correctly, I could run a Klimax DSM directly into NAP500 and potentially do away with the 552, but removing the 552 is probably a step backwards and therefore better to leave it in?
Is it felt the Klimax DSM might be a viable alternative/contender to ND555/2xPS, through 500 series amplificationā¦Note, not necessarily an āupgradeā but at least a viable alternative if the outlay was minimal?
@Elfer My NAP250dr has never sounded better with the KlimaxDSM as the preamp. However if you were thinking of doing away with the 552 it would best to perhaps have a Klimax home trial for a couple of weeks , with and without the 552. Given the Klimax cost the dealer should be agreeable with that idea.
Good to know too. It would be an easy experiment as I have both dedicated and household spurs next to each each other, and a shielded power block from Sean Jacobs.
